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headache. “I’ve been thinking…a lot about this fiasco.”
    I held my breath.
    “I really don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be the face of this company. You brought me shame once. You’ll do it again.”
    Knives stabbed each lung and I couldn’t breathe. It was a death threat, a promise to ruin everything I worked for. I believed in this company and knew it could change the world. I was the person needed to commandeer this ship into prosperity. How could he take that away? “Sir, I’m more than qualified—”
    “It’s not about your qualifications. You do a great job—behind the scenes. I need someone that represents strength. You haven’t even had a boyfriend in over a year. You just work all the time. When the American people look at you, they don’t see a strong leader. They see a weak one who can’t even keep the loyalty of a man. How will you keep the loyalty of a million people?”
    His words were cutting me right where it hurt. But I kept my voice steady. “My personal life has nothing to do with my work ethic. And what happened between John and I wasn’t my fault. He was the lying sleazebag, not me.”
    “Image is everything, Aspen. When will you realize that?” His voice was cold. “Unless you regain my trust and your image, I can’t give you the company when I retire. You can keep your position indefinitely but I won’t trust the company in your hands. I’m sorry. I wish things were different.”
    I didn’t believe that for one second. I wanted to argue and scream. I wanted to knock his desk over then push it out the window. My hands balled into fists and I restrained myself from exploding with profanities and threats. I took a deep breath and stilled those emotions, understanding that arguing would get me nowhere.
    “You’re dismissed, Aspen.” He took another puff of his cigar then turned back to his computer.
    I stayed there for a moment, thinking of all the things I wanted to say to my father, my worst critic. But every feeling and emotion was irrelevant. I could scream at the top of my lungs but he would never hear me. I’d suspected it for a long time but never accepted it as truth—until now.
    My father didn’t care about me—at all.
    ***
    “I’m so sorry I’m late.” I arrived at the restaurant late because I cried when I got home then fell asleep. I didn’t even have time to shower so I just threw on whatever I could find. I washed my face but I had a feeling nothing could dissolve my tearstains.
    “It’s totally fine.” Harper held up her drink. “Some old guy bought me a Mai Tai. So, I was entertained.”
    I forced a chuckle. “Who says you can’t have a good time alone.”
    “Who said anything about alone?” She shook her glass at me. “This was my best friend until you showed up. And we had a great time.”
    “I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” I teased.
    “I can juggle both of you.” She put her drink down then gave me all her attention. “Thank you for the flowers. They were beautiful—like always.”
    “I hope they jump-started your day.”
    “They totally did,” she said. “They’re sitting on my kitchen table right now. I may not have a man, but I have a girl who loves me more than any man ever could.”
    “I’ll drink to that.” I held up an invisible glass then clanked it against hers. “Speaking of love…” I grabbed the small bag beside me then handed it to her. “Happy Birthday.”
    “You shouldn’t have,” she said. “You already got me flowers.”
    “Shut up,” I said with a laugh. “Don’t act like you don’t want it.”
    “You’re right,” she said mischievously. She pulled out the tissue paper then found a picture frame. “Awe, this is when we saw David Letterman.”
    “It’s a good picture,” I said. “You look incredible.”
    She eyed the picture and smiled. “My tan looks amazing.”
    I laughed then tapped the bag. “There’s something else.”
    She grabbed another picture frame but it