I've talked Finn up for weeks. Now I have to tell my two closest friends how I've been played by a not-secret-to-anyone-but-us billionaire. I'm so stupid. The ride here was mostly quiet — no more than directions passed to our driver. It gave me too much time to reflect on my relationship over the last few weeks.There were so many times when Finn gave me a hint about his real life, either on purpose or unintentionally. I'll never know. So many chances for me to question him, but I never did. Baseball suites? The expensive necklace? Why didn't I at least ask him about his new apartment? I never received an answer to my questions about what he did at RDA. Now I can see how every answer was vague. Best friend or not — what regular employee would have access to a company car and driver as much as Finn did? I assumed at every corner. I was a stupid schoolgirl, too taken and acting like I had my first crush to notice the discrepancies around me. I fell right into the fake little world Finn

Marissa nods in agreement then keeps going with her advice. "I understand how you're feeling. I even understand why you're upset. I just think you'll get over it eventually, but by then it might be too late. The whole pride thing, like Amanda said." She grabs the end of my cart to stop my forward movement and waits until I meet her eyes."I'd hate for you to lose Finn over this. And not because of the money, but because he makes you happy. You can let your anger fester and ruin a good thing, a relationship that brought you more joy than I've seen from you in years. Or you can find it in yourself to move on and get over it. Trust me, Sweetie, there are much worse things a man can do to you than lie about having a few dollars in the bank."Marissa's reminder of her own failed relationship brings tears to my eyes. How stupid can my entire situation be compared to what she's had to deal with in the last few weeks? Once again I wish I had hit Cody with that glass.I move to the jean j

Six o'clock ticks past on the large wood-framed clock in the lobby of my building. The sound mixes with the scuffle of my tennis shoes on the tile floor as I walk to the stairwell. The muscles in my legs scream on each step up. Walking everywhere this week has taken a toll. My whole body needs a weekend at home to recuperate.With no need to rush out of work early to avoid a certain black Escalade, I stayed later to make up hours. Yet, even after reminding myself plenty of times not to expect Jake to be waiting outside for me, I couldn't stop the letdown I experienced when he wasn't there. I knew better. With the lack of flowers, lunch time delivery, and that cold, to-the-point text, Finn and I are officially over. He's done with me. Whether it was trying to get me back or an attempt at expunging his guilt, he's over it now. The small speck of hope I'd been holding on to flew down the street as I started toward home.I no longer need to avoid Finn at our place... um, my place so I'

James continues to sing. The "if we let this moment end so soon," lyrics hit me hard as I apply them to our situation and what Finn must have been going through the last week.He cuts in before my tears can form. "And for the record, since we're getting it all out there. I don't have a few billion in the bank. After I officially formed the company, invested in this building, and shared with our early investors, including Trey — there wouldn't be a company without him — I have a little over a billion. Give or take a few dollars."I scoff at his answer. "Of course, that changes everything. You're so poor," I respond flippantly and then feel bad. He's being serious and I'm throwing the situation back in his face rather than allowing him to explain."I'm serious. I didn't set out to make money. I just had the right game at the right time. You have to understand I'll never get another payout of those magnitudes. It will never happen again. Unless I decide to take the company public on

The female character hangs beside him. The painting's technique is the same, but her frame, while in the same color and material, has elaborate swirls etched into the wood. On this set I have to agree with Aspen. I like them as well."You should buy them and hang them in your new place," she coaxes. "They're only five thousand a piece." Her fingers reach out and tap on the small place card beneath the pictures with their name and price. Her comment might sound flippant to those around, but the way her eyes widened as she read the dollar amount displays her true emotions at the outrageous fee.I stifle the laugh at her tight disbelieving expression. "Ten thousand dollars? No wonder these are starving artists."Aspen doesn't answer, but she gives me her double eyebrow raise with one eye open much wider than the other look. Her attempt at a raised brow. It's horrible, just horrible. I love it."Okay, I'll buy them both, but we have to put the female at your house." If it wasn't fr