Tied to the CEO

"And it feels like I am just too close to love you

There's nothing I can really say

I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more

Got to be true to myself

And it feels like I am just too close to love you

So I'll be on my way."

Alex Clare - Too Close

Prologue: Never Say Never

John

Albany, September 22, 2007

Miranda was having a huge back-to-school party at my dad's house in Albany, she always threw this party at this time of year, and for the first time in almost eight years, I would be there. I hadn't told my father or my cousin about my return, I wanted to give Minnie a big surprise.

I was driving my beloved Lotus Elise, the car was a gem, a true classic. Cars like this have always been my passion. I had inherited this taste for old cars from my mother, she loved old cars. A memory invades my head. It was a summer day, and my mom and I were playing in the backyard of the house in Albany, the same house I'm going to now. We were so distracted that we didn't even see my father arrive, he had bought her a red Mustang Fastback. I remember the cry of joy she gave, as well as the look of happiness she gave my father. They were a great couple until my mom left and my dad closed himself off from everything, even me.

I push away the old memories and focus on the rest of the way. Minnie would no doubt be happy to see me, the party would be in full swing when I arrived and I would enjoy it with one of my cousin's friends. When I park in one of the spaces that the house has, I hear laughter and muffled music. I get out of the car and grab my travel bag from the luggage rack. Before going to the door, I take a good look around, everything is the same as it was years ago, I smile and walk to the door. I decide to knock instead of going straight in. I wait a few minutes until a woman answers.

She has a beautiful and genuine smile, her face is sparkling and her eyes, which have a peculiar shade of green, mirror happiness. The woman is plump and has long, bright red hair.

“Hey! Did you come to the party? “ She asks staring at me. I nod my head and she smiles broadly. “ Well, we have drinks in the kitchen, French fries, pizza and chicken nuggets in the living room, come in and enjoy!

" What is your name? “ I end up asking when she turns her back on me, even though she is too fat, her body gives me ideas.

“Damn it, you're not from college. “She says turning around. The woman studies my face before recognizing it. “ You are John, Jebe's son and Miranda's cousin! Welcome! I'm Marilyn.

“So you know me? “ I ask giving a half smile. I already had my victim of the night in my sights.

“No, your cousin told me you were coming. “ She looks at me carefully, analyzes my face and I see that her eyes go down my body.

“Ella! Ella! Run, Jared is going to throw himself naked in the pool! “Out of nowhere, a blonde girl appears. “ You can't miss this, let's go! “ Marilyn or Ella turns to go, but I step forward and take her arm.

“So you're not Marilyn?