#Boss (The Empire Series Book 3) (6 page)

"We never hated you, Vivie,” June interrupted, and her voice dimmed as the pause grew painfully long. “We were scared and needed our sister. When you didn't come back..."

"I know, Junie. I know. I'm so sorry."

"I'm sorry too, Vivie. I was so angry for so long. Hell, I'm still angry."

"Why don't I come out there for a while, make up for lost time? That is, if you still want me as your sister." Vivienne was crossing her fingers and toes June wouldn't deny her the opportunity to make amends.

After a lengthy pause, "Yeah. We can do that if you want."

"I love you, June-bug. We will talk soon, okay?"

"Okay, Vivie. Bye."

As she hung up the phone, Vivienne broke down into a flood of tears. Luca held her in his arms as she unleashed years’ worth of heartache and pain. Everything from her troubled childhood, to struggling to get to where she was today to even this very incident… Every emotion came crashing down on her like an avalanche. Luckily, she had someone to catch her as she fell, someone who would never let anything happen to her again.

V
ivienne rested
her head comfortably against Luca's chest as the tears began to fade away. Raising her head to look Luca in the eyes, he brushed away her damp cheeks.

"Do I need to point out the elephant in the room right now?"Vivienne sighed.

"What's that?"

"The fact that you're only here temporarily, and I'm a horrible mess."

"You may be a mess, but you’re my beautiful mess, sweetheart. You are my beauty, and I am just your beast."

"You could never be a beast. You are far too handsome," she giggled.

"Well, what do
you
want to do?" he questioned her with a soft smile.

"I want to run away, to be perfectly honest."

"Okay, then, let's do it."

"How? I have a magazine to run. I have people who depend on me, Luca." She looked at him with desperation.

"What about June? You said you would go see her. Why not now?"

"I..."

"Don't you dare say you can't, because that's a lie. If I've learned anything these last couple of weeks here at Empire, you have an incredible staff. They are self-starters, motivators and dependable. I think you will be fine."

"What do I say? How do I tell them?" she questioned.

"You produce an award winning magazine and you are worried of what to write? he joked, as he placed a simple kiss to her lips.

W
ho taught
you how to love? Perhaps your first romance? Maybe even your grandparents? Perhaps it was the one person who was supposed to love you unconditionally – a parent? But, what happens when that love is never present or even reciprocated? Never spoken. Not even uttered. Then what?

Q
uite often
, we label those lacking the emotional capacity to love as crippled. An individual unworthy, who suffers from debilitating circumstances. The unfixable, if you will. But, is that really the case?

A
s the Editor in Chief
, I feel I need to be the voice of reason: a guinea pig of sorts. Our publication was built on the morals and values of integrity. What sort of journalist and role model would I be if I didn't abide by these standards myself?

I
'm taking
a risk by writing this, but some would say I am one of these people. My career is, and will always be, my number one priority in life. That’s how it was, at least, until I met a very special gentleman who was determined to change this. Most men would have tossed me aside and labeled me as emotionally damaged, but not this guy.

S
ee
, I grew up in a difficult household as a child with three younger siblings. My understanding of what love was included begging for the affection from the one person who should have loved me unconditionally – my father. It is because of this that I pushed everyone away for so long, locking the word "love" in a vault and throwing the key away.

I
tried so desperately
to gain his affection that I secluded the people
I
was supposed to love unconditionally – my siblings. Just like I needed the attention from my father, they needed me as an older sister; to protect them, to watch over them, and to comfort them.

I
t is often said
that things happen for a reason. In certain circumstances, I would be the first to argue this point. A lifetime of cynicism can harden one's heart especially when those reasons are unforgivable. Do you forgive those that hurt you, or do you pull your big girl panties up and march on? I often asked myself that question.

A
t times
, we let our own goals and aspirations dictate our actions, not just in our own lives, but in the lives of others. I wish I could say I learned what love was from my siblings, or even a significant other, but clouds covered my vision and tainted what I associate love with. What I should have been doing was channeling that love to my siblings. Instead, I shipped them off to their aunt’s, hoping this would solve our problems.

N
o one will ever forget
the way you made them feel, whether its love or pain. Some emotions are so strong; the best way to forget the pain is to forgive. But, what if you can't forgive? Not all relationships are perfect. No one can promise you a life of roses and daisies. You will endure countless obstacles, struggles, heartache and regret. What I failed to do was stick to those individuals through thick and thin.

F
or a long time
, I felt broken and unlovable; undeserving of the love and affection of anyone. Why put myself through the agonizing ache I felt as a child, and I know my siblings feel toward me? Mending bridges and broken hearts begin with dropping your baggage. All of your baggage of the past does not define who you were truly meant to be.

P
eople who support you
, care for you and accept you, are the individuals who will love you the most. These people can look past your mistakes, and move forward with their lives and yours. It has taken me a while to forgive myself for the mistakes of my past, and perhaps I'm not one hundred percent there yet, but at least I know I have an incredible support system to back me up. Just because I'm starting to forgive myself, doesn't mean others have forgiven me.

T
he fact
of the matter is – love is scary. Finding someone to reciprocate your love, regardless of your flaws, is a love worth taking a risk for. Allowing yourself to open up in the most vulnerable way is terrifying. Once more, returning that love whether it is with a relationship or family member is integral in repairing that hole that's buried its way into your heart.

S
ometimes
, in your haste to repair hearts, you fail to see the one person in your life who wants to help you throughout the process. Love can happen in the most unexpected places. It doesn't care what your job title is, how damaged you truly are, or even the baggage you carry. Love happens when you least expect it. Don't deny yourself those pleasures for your own insecurities.

W
ith all of this said
, I will be taking a leave of absence. I, Vivienne Harper, Editor in Chief of Empire magazine fell in love with my boss. Like I said, you don't always pick and choose who and when you fall in love with someone, but, if its right in front of your eyes, don't let it go no matter how damaged people say you are. There is always hope even in the eyes of the most shattered of hearts. #BOSS #EMPIRE

Grabbing ahold of the magazine, Ariel rushed into Sam's office where she and Quinn were going over next month’s ideas.

“Vivienne’s office, now!”

The girls trailed Ariel as she made a beeline for Viv’s office. Without warning, the girls busted through the door.

"Why didn't you say anything about taking a leave of absence?" Ariel questioned, as she stood in Vivienne's office with Sam, Quinn and Luca.

    "Because I wasn't one hundred percent sure until just recently," she replied, as she looked longingly at Luca.

    The girls eyed the clear connection between the Vivienne and Luca. The two had really formed a strong bond over the last couple weeks, the kind of bond that must have really been hard for Vivienne to find.

    "So, what? Are we just supposed to fend for ourselves?" Sam argued bluntly.

    "No, Sam. This wasn't a snap decision. I took quite some time to make sure all of the puzzle pieces were in place."

    "I still don't hear a resolution. Should I go ahead and pack up my desk if we are going under?" Sam asked, worried.

    "There will be no packing of desks," Viv announced.

    "The suspense is killing me," Quinn spoke up.

    "I'm making Ariel acting Editor in Chief until I decide I want to come back," she grinned.

    "Me? Why me?  Ariel spoke in utter shock.

    "You have a great head on your shoulders, you get the business, and you're one of the very few people I trust in my life."

    “But, what about my job? I'm not sure I can do both at the same time, Viv," Ariel sounded concerned.

    "Well, I guess I should officially hire Quinn, then." She smiled, looking at Quinn who seemed a little distracted, yet surprised.

    "Are you okay?" Sam asked.

    "Yeah, yeah," she slid her cell in her back pocket. "Are you sure about this?"

    "Without a doubt in my mind. You've proven yourself over and over. I curse myself every day for not officially hiring you earlier, but I didn't want to put you in some fluff job."

    "Hey! We had those fluff jobs at one point," Sam and Ariel fired back.

    "Yeah, and look at you ladies now. You. Are. Welcome."

    "Wait, do I get another intern?" Sam sulked.

    "Perhaps, but, for right now, we need to get Quinn one. If you hear of anyone, let me know.

Vivienne couldn't help but notice Quinn looked distracted, distraught even. Perhaps if she wanted to speak, she would. She hoped it didn't have anything to do with the new position, though. She may be overwhelmed right now. It was a lot to take in.

Vivienne and Luca grasped hands as they walked toward the door.

“Good luck, ladies.”

"
A
re we totally screwed
?" Ariel asked Sam and Quinn, as they watched Vivienne leave with Luca.

"I don't know, but it looks like we're about to find out," Sam replied.

"I've never seen her that happy," Quinn chimed in.

"Trust me. No one has," Ariel joked.

"Magical dick, I get it," Quinn grinned.

"Sometimes, it's just that good," Sam nudge the girls.

"I'm sure Declan would love to hear you talking about his dick like that," Ariel chuckled.

"He would, actually. Inflates his ego which leads to incredible sex," she squealed with laughter.

"Speaking of cock, how are things going with Big Mike?" Ariel asked, turning her attention toward Quinn.

Quinn seamed flustered as she tucked her phone away again.

"Quinn?" Sam questioned looking worried.

"Yeah, yeah, he's incredible. Hey, would you guys mind if I head out? I have to...take care of something."

"Do what you need to do, girl," Ariel and Sam encouraged.

"Thanks, babes. I'll check in a little later."

Grabbing her things, Quinn was out the door quicker than lightening. Something was definitely wrong, but Ariel and Sam had zero clues about what would make her bolt that quickly.

"I hope she's going to be okay," Sam whispered to Ariel as they watched her leave.