FIFTY-ONE

FIFTY-ONE
RYDER

A knock at the door snaps me out of it, and I groan because I already know who it is.

“I’ve got those financial reports for you, Mr. Vane,” Renee singsongs, practically bouncing into the room with a stack of files under her arm.

At first, I thought her new look was just coincidence…same haircut, same stores, whatever. But no, it’s more than that.

She’s full-on mimicking Eve, right down to the way she pitches her voice higher, tries to laugh the same, even copies her damn smile. It’s not flattering. It’s disturbing.

“I told you to email them,” I mutter. “You’re killing trees for no reason.”

“Too sensitive for that,” she says smoothly, dropping the papers and circling behind my desk, leaning on the edge like she owns the place. “Thought I should hand them off personally. You know, for security.”

“Appreciate it, Ms. Thatch. You can go.”

“How was the investor call?” she presses.

“Fine.”

“Oh, I know that answer. It went south, didn’t it?”

“I’ve still got things to handle,” I reply, stiff as a board. “That’s enough, Renee.”

“Are you sure? Post-production’s a beast. I don’t mind helping out, taking some weight off your shoulders.”

“No. Leave.”

She giggles, aiming for Eve’s laugh but landing somewhere closer to nails on glass. Then she sidles up closer, her thigh brushing against my hand. “Don’t be like that, Ryder. Nobody likes being alone.”

“I do.”

“I don’t buy it.”

And then she crosses the line.

Renee climbs onto my lap, straddling me, arms wound tight around my neck. My hands shoot to her hips to shove her back, but that only fuels her twisted idea that this is some kind of green light.

“Oh, Ryder,” she breathes, clinging tighter. “I can’t stand seeing you like this.”

“Get the fuck off me, Renee.”

“I know Eve’s got you messed up, but maybe I can fix that.”

“What the hell are you even saying? I said get the fuck off!”

“Don’t you see? I’ve been trying to get your attention forever. Eve never stood a chance in this world. Too fragile. But me? I can handle it.”

She leans in, aiming for my mouth, but I’m done. I shove her hard, not caring when she crashes onto the floor with a sharp cry.

“You think you can replace her?” I snarl. “Here’s the truth, Renee….you’ll never be her. You’ll never even come close.”

Tears streak her cheeks, lip trembling as she stares up at me. “I’ve been loyal to you for years, Ryder!” she sobs. “Every late night, every damn day and you’ve never once looked my way!”

“A normal person would take that as a pretty obvious sign I’m not fucking interested.”

She’s on her knees, clutching at my hands like she’s begging for her life. “Ryder, please. I’ve given you everything. All I’ve ever wanted is for you to see me. I love you….i’ve loved you for so long. Just tell me you feel something too.”

I yank my hands free, glaring down at her. “Get off the floor, Renee. You look pathetic.”

She stumbles up, eyes red and wet. “Ryder, please…”

“Clear out your desk. I’ll give you a referral so you can find work elsewhere.”

Her lips tremble. “You’re… you’re letting me go?”

“What you just pulled was completely inappropriate. It’s best for both of us if you walk out now. Don’t let me catch you on set again after today.”

“This isn’t how it’s supposed to go,” she cries. “You’re supposed to love me back.”

“You need professional help, Renee. Leave now, or I’ll have security take care of it.”

She unravels right in front of me, pulling at her own hair, sobbing so hard she’s gasping for air. She looks like she’s about to collapse.

“No, no, no,” she whispers frantically. “Please, Ryder… just one chance. I’ll be whatever you need. Do you want me to act more like her? What does she have that I don’t? I’m just as smart. I’m just as beautiful. Just tell me, and I’ll do it. Please don’t throw me away.”

That’s it. This isn’t just sad…it’s dangerous. I don’t feel sympathy anymore. Feeding this delusion will only make things spiral further.

I press the intercom button hard. “Security, I need Renee Thatch removed from the building.”

She clings to me, nails digging into my shoulders. “Ryder, don’t! Please, I love you. Why can’t you see that?”

The guards rush in and drag her out, thrashing and screaming. “This isn’t over! I’ll make sure we end up together, Ryder. You’ll see!”

I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a long sigh. Maybe I really am cursed.