BRUCE DECISION FOR JANE

CHAPTER TWELVE

Andrew and Daniel, Bruce's two closest friends, exchanged a knowing glance. They had been listening in on the conversation, and they knew that the fallout from this incident would have far-reaching consequences. Not only would it affect Bruce's relationship with Jane, but it could also jeopardize the business contract he had with her father.

"What are you going to do about the contract?" Andrew asked, his voice heavy with concern.

"I don't know," Bruce replied, his shoulders sagging. "I'm going to have to talk to Mr. Williams and see what he wants to do. I don't want to risk my contract with him"

"I know this is a tough situation, but you have to consider all the angles," Daniel said, his tone pragmatic. "If you lose the contract, it could have serious repercussions for your business. On the other hand, if you keep the contract and try to maintain a relationship with Jane, it could cause her even more pain. There's no easy answer here."

"I know," Bruce said, his head in his hands. "I feel like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. I don't want to hurt Jane, but I also don't want to jeopardize my business. I don't know what to do"

"I don't think she's the right person for me to settle down with. She's not what I'm looking for in a long-term partner."

Andrew and Daniel both knew that this was a delicate topic, but they also knew that it needed to be addressed. "What is it about Jane that makes you feel that way?" Daniel asked.

"It's not that there's anything wrong with her," Bruce explained

"One of the things that bothers me about Jane is her immaturity," Bruce said, choosing his words carefully. "She's four years younger than me, and sometimes it shows. She can be impulsive and a bit self-centered, and I don't think she's ready for the kind of commitment I'm looking for. I know I sound like a jerk, but it's the truth."

"It's not that you sound like a jerk," Daniel said, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "It's just that you're being honest about your feelings. There's nothing wrong with that." He explained

"That's another issue I have with Jane," Bruce said, his voice tinged with frustration. "She's manipulative, and she's not above using underhanded tactics to get what she wants. I've seen her lie and cheat to get ahead, and I don't want to be a part of that. It's not the kind of person I want to be with, and it's not the kind of person I want to become."

Andrew and Daniel listened intently, taking in every word Bruce said. They knew he was conflicted, and they wanted to help him work through his feelings.

"I appreciate you guys listening to me," Bruce said, giving his friends a grateful smile. "I know this is a difficult situation, and I'm not sure what the right answer is. But it helps to talk it out."

"We're here for you, no matter what," Andrew said, giving Bruce a pat on the back. "You're a good person, and you're going to make the right decision. You'll figure this out, I know you will."

With that, the three friends sat in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts.