Worth the fight

Chapter 15

Elle

Regina buzzes in to tell me William is on the phone. It’s the first time I’ve heard from him since I told him I couldn’t see him anymore. When I told him I wanted to remain friends, it wasn’t just a line. Our friendship is important to me, and I’m glad he called, although I hadn’t expected to hear from him so soon.

“Hi.”

“Hey.” A second too long goes by that makes me feel like this might be an awkward conversation.

“I wanted to let you know that your letter was a success.” William’s tone is more business than friendship.

Momentarily, I’m not following the conversation. Then I realize what he must be referring to. “They’re going to let Nico out of the contract?”

“Yes, they seem to agree with you that it’s in their best interest to walk away rather than entertain a public lawsuit regarding their ethics.” My letter was a bit more underhanded than I normally would like. A thinly disguised, veiled threat to remind them we didn’t even have to be successful in a lawsuit over their ethics. The damage to their reputation would come through public persona, just from trying the case in a public forum.

“That’s great news. Have you told Nico yet?” My voice comes out a little more excited than I had intended it to.

“No. I called you first. If you want to call him and give him the good news, that’s okay with me.”

Briefly, I feel badly about wanting to be the one who tells Nico the good news. But another part of me wants to be the one that pleases him. William tells me he will fax over the termination paperwork for my review and I agree to look at it as soon as it comes over since they want a response quickly.

After we hang up, I realize just how clinical our conversation was and I feel badly that our friendship may not make it.