Can't Let You Go

Chapter 44

"Of course, sir."

"Also, I asked for tag rankings. I don't see those here. I want to see where they stand with relevant tags and what their top five most successful tags have been over the lifetime."

"Yes, sir. I apologize for leaving that out."

"And let us know when you've received Ms. Smith's additional data."

"It shouldn't take me long. I can send it directly to each of you." Ashton finally speaks.

"That won't be necessary. Cheryl is your point of contact, she knows the company protocols for documenting correspondence related to contracts."

"Does anyone have any other questions?" Carter asks the group.

Uncle Robert and Carter start speaking with Emily. I look at the time and rise.

"Sorry, if you'll excuse me, I'm late for my next appointment."

"Wait, Liam." Ashton catches me before I open the door.

"I didn't like how you were talking to Emily before." He speaks low enough that the others can't hear, but his tone is defensive.

"I didn't talk to her."

"I didn't like how you were blatantly ignoring her and talking about her as though she weren't in the room. You said we could be cordial, but if you've still got some grudge against me because of Honey's feelings for me, it's not fair to take it out on Emily."

I notice that he's used the present tense regarding Tally. Is his ego that big or does he think so

little of her that he imagines she still harbors feelings for someone who hurt her so badly six years ago?

"I was simply asking our in-house social media expert for her thoughts. I'm sorry if you were offended. I don't appreciate--"

There was a knock at the door. Since I was standing so close to it, I opened it. Kyle was on the other side.

"Excuse me, Mr. Bennet, but if you're done here, your next appointment was due to start ten minutes ago and your guest has been waiting in your office."

"Thank you, Kyle. I'll be there momentarily."

As Kyle observes who else is in the room, his eyes go wide with curiosity as he's leaving. I turn back to Ashton to say goodbye and see another wide-eyed face.

"Not Hazen? Liam Hazen. But Bennet? Will Bennet?" Ashton's face turns red and hardens.

Many employees, like Cheryl, mistakenly assume I'm a Hazen and I thought I'd dodged this bullet during the introductions. I would prefer Ashton to think the same, not because it is easier for Emily, but because I don't want Tally to know mine and Emily's past. I have to save this situation, even if it means coming off as defending Emily.

"Yes, well it was too awkward to bring it up at that fundraiser. Tally and I never spoke the names of our exes to each other. Emily and I thought it would be better for both of you, save you both some pain, if we continued not speaking about it."

Ashton scoffs.

"I never imagined you both would show up here."

"Well, now I see why Emily pushed back so hard when I wanted to attend this meeting like a manager is supposed to do."

"Don't blame her, she didn't want to cause what you're feeling right now. And I don't want that for Tally either. If you feel any guilt for hurting her in the past, you'll spare her from this unnecessary pain now."