Over the next week or so, I haven't seen much of Alsie. I do know that night she stayed over at Charles's house but then moved in with her best friend. Charles and Alsie are both right in a sense when it comes to how I'm handling my emotions and the past. I just can't seem to let go and move on from what Selena did. I've never taken any relationship seriously after that and didn't want to because at the end of it I was the one getting hurt.

"Someone looks like crap yet again." Kenza walks into my office, carrying folders. "Still torn up over Alsie or are you realizing just how unhealthy Charlotte and the Seven Frat Brothers really are?" She takes a seat across from my desk.

"How did you and Vincent do it?" It's no need to beat around the bush with Kenza, she may be shy but she's no bullshitter.

"You mean to draw the line in what I saw as a problem waiting to happen?" she raises an eyebrow at me. I nod my head. "I went to college with you all and even then I knew the little relationship you guys were creating with Charles was wrong. When Vincent started to court me I told him, I don't mind him and Charles having a friendship but lines need to be drawn if he wants to be with me. Then I had a conversation with him and Charles together about it. I didn't want any of our words being misconstrued by playing telephone. So we hashed it all out. Charles was very understanding and to this day she still is."

I do remember Vincent not coming around for some time while he was dating Kenza.

"Selena and Charles had a similar conversation too. At the time Charles was pregnant so no one saw much of her. If she wasn't with Chase or the kids, she was hanging with Skyla and Autumn whenever they came to visit."

"Do you still think our friendship with Charles is unhealthy? From the outside looking in." I'm curious.

"Yes and no. The other guys have drawn the line with Charles, but you not so much. Charles also hasn't been helping either and I told her that many times when we talk. She is babying you because she feels at fault for what happened to you and Selena. We all know Charles loves to help and still creates a bigger mess while doing so." Kenza makes a wild gesture with her arms. Making sure I knew just how big of a mess.

She leans forward in her chair. "I'll let you in on a little secret I learned from eavesdropping on other guys. Vincent has playdates with Charles and the kids, twice a month. That's how they maintain their friendship. Everett and Charles get pizza with the girls after Destiny and Denise's games. Austin and Miguel go jogging with Charles in the morning before heading to work. Not every day but whenever she is free. Every first Wednesday of the month Tristan and Charles go to that baking class in town. I mean Tristan only goes to hit on women but it works out." She shakes her head smiling.

I didn't know the guys did little things like this. Why has no one told me this before?

"Darren you have to find a way to draw the line with yourself. I mean you eat at Charles' house almost every night. I get she likes to cook big meals but damn not almost every night you should go over there."

"They never complained—"

"Of course, she won't complain because she feels like she is to blame and Chase bless his heart. He doesn't want Charles to feel bad so he goes along with it. Man, you sure can be dense and oblivious at times." She shakes her head.

"I think it's already too late for me to draw the line. Alsie moved out already and—"

She slams the folders on my desk, and her eyes widen. "Darren, you have to be kidding me? It's too late to draw the line? No, it's not. You know what, I'm starting to think you're the problem--you don't want to move on. So with that being said, here are the files on the Henderson-Michaleson merger. Also, Vincent would like you to help choose which two photographs would look best in the LA Hotel. Once you choose your favorite two, can you send Caroline to take the file to Austin's floor so he can choose?" She stands up. "But seriously, get it together Darren--you aren't getting any younger and you have a child on the way." Kenza leaves out the room, making sure to slam the door too.

My phone pings.

Drinks after work?

Down.

Same, but I'm still stuck in Norway.

I cant--Kenza has a spin class this evening.

Tell her to take the boys, I bet they would love to go spinning.

I don't have a death wish.

I could go for a drink, I swear the management at the warehouses' are morons.

D, you coming out for drinks?

Yeah, I'm down. If anyone needs a drink it's me.

If anyone needs to get their shit together it's you too.

I second that.

Me three! Kenza was on the phone the entire drive here this morning. Pissed.

I had to stop Tameka from coming upstairs to strangle you, Darren.

...

I get it! Heading to Alsie's office now.

I stand up slipping the phone into my blazer's pocket. I stand up at the same time my door opens. It's Alsie. Well, I guess she saved me the trouble of hunting her down in the building. I know she has been avoiding me at work. There is no way I went from seeing her all the time to seeing her far and few.

"Hey I was just about to come to see you," I tell her. "Come in, have a seat."

"The Henderson-Michaelson merger. Do you have the files? Kenza was supposed to drop them off at my office, but she said she accidentally, left them in here." She's all business right now and it's irritating me just a little. "Can I have them?"

"Can you have a seat so we can talk?"

"If it's not about work...nope. I will be available after six." She looks at me with no emotion.

"Alsie." Seriously?

"That's my name. Can I have the files?" She looks to the desk and back at me. I hand her the files and walk out of the office. I know childish of me, but her behavior is starting to tick me off just a bit. I want to blame it all on the pregnancy hormones at this point.

"Caroline," I walk up on her desk and she damn near chokes on the twizzles hanging out her mouth. "Clear my schedule for the rest of the day and tomorrow."

"Going somewhere?"

"Nowhere of any importance," I tell her, but she knows me better than I would like her to.

"Letting off some steam? Remember don't do something you will regret." She pokes out her lips.

"Whatever." I wave her off, making my way to the elevator.

Change of plans. I can't make it tonight.

Pussy.

More like pussy whipped. Did you make up with Alsie? I hear pregnant sex is amazing.

Who told you that? It's definitely not.

Daniel in security. His wife is with child now and he said they go crazy.

lol, I'm going to see Judy.

Dude you're crazy.

Good luck with that.

Judy?! You're better off having pregnant sex.

I would have to agree with T on this one. Are you going to come to work tomorrow then?

Hell no.

Then have fun. It's going to be your funeral.