“You’re still moping,” Laura says. She comes out of Simone’s room, carrying her.
My injured hand and droopy attitude haven’t helped them much, but I feel less lonely because I’m with them. Somehow, Simone has cheered me up from my foul mood. She smiles when I talk to her and loves that I sing to her. I promised to teach her how to play the piano once she’s settled in Denver. Or at least we can learn how to play the xylophone I gifted her together.
“Hand over the infant,” I demand. “I need cuddles.”
“Have we discussed her name?” Laura cocks her perfect auburn eyebrow and gives me one of those mean green glares that remind me of Ramen.
“We might have said a few words about Simone, blah, blah, Joy,” I stop and glare back at her. “I’m still not sure how to feel about her stealing my middle name.”
I pretend to be hurt, but actually, it’s an honor that they named her after me. But I have to give her a hard time. That’s the only way I can handle all the hurt my weak heart is trying to work through.
Laura huffs and yells, “Al, she’s getting weird again.”
Alistair comes out of the kitchen giving her an apologetic smile. “You have to understand, love, Emmeline has never dealt with heartbreak.”
Then, like a grown-up trying to mediate between children he turns his attention to me.
“Em, sweetheart, I love you, but stop trying to annoy Laura. She’s too stressed out.”
He runs both hands through his blonde hair.
“This is worse than college,” he declares. “I forgot that you two can’t be in the same room when you’re anxious, stressed, or on a deadline. I don’t know how you survived living together for six years.”
We had ice cream, music, and wine to get us through the stressful moments. But now, their fridge is empty, we have to be quiet, and Laura can’t drink. Everything is peachy.
“I still can’t believe you’ve never been through a break-up,” Laura argues. “I was seven the first time I had one.”
“Never. Ever,” I repeat. “I was a heartbreak-virgin.”
“That’s not a real term,” she complains. “You had sex before, didn’t you?”
I nod. “At sixteen with Paul Matthews. Hottest guy in music camp.”
“He was a counselor,” Alistair protests.
“Did he break your heart?” Laura asks.
“He was only seventeen,” I add to Al’s version. “And no, he didn’t break my heart because I knew it was just a fling and would be over by the end of the week.”
“How is that possible?” She gives Simone to me carefully, so I don’t hurt my arm, or hurt her with the cast. “You’ve gone out with guys before, right?”
I look at Alistair who has known me since elementary school.
“Amy would call dibs on every guy Emmeline ever liked. Em would just move on with her life. Remember what happened with Brian Walker?” he asks Laura. “It had been happening ever since we were in elementary school. The same scenario repeated until college when they went their separate ways,” he says as he tapes another box.
“You witnessed my non-existent love life during college. I had a few hookups because I’m human, but that was it. Now, you’re up to date,” I conclude the story.
“It was bound to happen,” Al adds. “Em never learned how to have a relationship.”
He pulls my cap and asks, “What happened? I thought you were doing better?”
“Jackson said relationships aren’t worth it,” I pull Simone closer to me. “Which is fine, but that fantasy of trying to get the two of them together and have a threesome is gone.”
“That’s it, I’m shutting down Amy’s account. If you want to talk to him, introduce yourself as…yourself,” he says exasperatedly. “Are you visiting your parents?”
“Call your therapist,” Laura says from the kitchen.
“I’ll think about it. There’s still a lot to do. You should let me pay for the plane tickets. This little one would be more comfortable in first class than a cross country road trip.”
“And how will our cars get to Colorado?” Alistair frowns.
“Leave everything to me,” I say.
I grin. I’ve finally worn him down.
Thank you, Laura mouths.
“Bring me my laptop, big guy,” I request. “We can make things happen. You just man the keyboard and do as I say.”
* * *
Sunday, June 12th, 1:03 p.m.
My parents sold the penthouse and moved to a brownstone in Beacon Hill. According to the real state website, their new place is valued at two million dollars and has three bedrooms. Instead of dropping by their house, I called, but I only got their voice mail.
“Mom, Dad, it’s Emmeline. I’m in town and would like to see you if that’s possible,” I say after the message and leave my phone number.
“What happened?” Laura asks.
I shrug. “They’re not there or they’re screening their calls. Either way, I’m sure they’re going to ignore me.”
This week I’ve told Laura all the secrets I’ve kept since I met her. How demanding it became being Emmeline Lancaster and how detached I grew from people—afraid of rejection. If I didn’t let people in, they would leave me. The only reason why Alistair and I remained friends is because we met when I was almost six. Laura and I just clicked. We had that magical connection that you don’t let escape because it is unique.
Alistair took Simone to the park. We’re packing the last boxes. More like I’m watching her finishing the last boxes. The movers come tomorrow to pick up everything. We’re dropping off the cars tonight and flying out on Tuesday morning.
“So, things with Spearman are never going to work, but tell me about this Jack?”
“He held back too much, and he only shared a part of who he was with me, and I could feel that. Yes, I left before he did, but I was never all in because he was so distant.”
“You were afraid of him,” she concludes. “You saw a great thing and thought you didn’t deserve it. What happened to Amy wasn’t your fault.”
I touch my wrist and say, “It’s not about whose fault it was, but I still feel guilty because she’s never going to celebrate her twenty-first birthday, or any other birthday for that matter. We won’t ever have a second chance. We were best friends at some point. It was us against the world until she decided I was her enemy. But I still loved her and gave her everything she wanted.”
Laura hugs me. “I get it. You’re like a sister to me, and all I want is to see you happy. But you have to live for yourself.”
“I will give me just a few more days to wallow.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Jack
Friday, June 17th, 8:31 a.m.
JSpear84: Thank you for helping us find a new assistant. I think she’s a great addition to the team.
AWalk90: I thought so too, as long as you don’t scare her.
JSpear84: Will she be sending me questionnaires or playlists?
AWalk90: No, that was just me. Just so you know, I don’t do that for every client I have, just the ones who need it.
JSpear84: You put me through therapy, Assistant therapy.
AWalk90: Rehabilitation. Everyone says you’re a changed man—more like a changed ogre.
JSpear84: I might miss you.
AWalk90: Do you want to know a secret?
JSpear84: Will you have to kill me if you tell me?
AWalk90: Not really, I just was going to say that I enjoyed working for you. You were a nice challenge. You were different, and I liked that
JSpear84: I will miss my awards.
AWalk90: If you work hard, I might give you something for Christmas like a “I didn’t make it to Scrooge levels of stingy this year”, award.
JSpear84: Is it crazy to say that I’m going to miss you? You’ve become one of my closest friends.
AWalk90: Well you know how to contact me. I’ll make sure that Al doesn’t disconnect your credentials.
&
nbsp; JSpear84: Is that possible? Will this be another favor for me because I’m special?
AWalk90: Maybe because you’re one of our best clients.
* * *
Friday, June 17th, 8:38 a.m.
“Mr. Spearman,” Carla says outside the office. “Alistair Dalton is here. You asked to see him when he was finished with human resources.”
I shut down the VAES app and wave my hand so she can let him in.
A man, almost as tall as me with blond, unruly hair enters the room. He’s wearing khakis and a button-down shirt. I’ve seen pictures of him before, but he looks different. Maybe it’s the stress of having to meet his new boss.
“Mr. Spearman,” he says as he enters my office. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I say shaking his hand. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about you.”
He frowns and steps backward.
“Your references had nothing but great things to say about you. We’re excited to have you on board.”
He relaxes and says, “Thank you, sir. I feel like I won the lottery. With a newborn, everything changing so fast, this really came at the best time.”
“I can only imagine,” I comment. I want to bring Em to the conversation, and ask how she’s doing, if her hand is healing and her head is okay. “If you need anything let me know. I know how it is to be away from your family and friends.”
He nods. “It’s difficult. But our best friend lives here. It’s like having family close by.”
“Which reminds me, I noticed you disclosed in your application that you have a second job that you can’t leave,” I add.
“Yes, I hope you don’t mind. I created a server where a company can communicate internally and with their clients. I support it and the website.”
Do it smoothly, Jackson, just mentions VAES and see what happens.
“Those servers are helpful. I had a virtual assistant for a few months, and that’s how Amy and I communicated.”
His jaw tenses, he bobs his head but doesn’t say anything. “Sir, if that’s everything, I’m heading back home. My first day is Monday, and I want to make sure everything is in order at home.”
“Welcome,” I say defeated. How do I get Em back?
* * *
From J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Monday
Monday, June 20th, 8:13 a.m.
Good morning, my friend! I hope you’re having a nice Monday even without making my playlist. Did they give you a new assignment? Starting my week without your quotes doesn’t feel right. What’s the quote of the day? Be the boss of your own boat? I found one: Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.
It’s not the same without you. Waiting for your next move, friend.
J. Spearman
* * *
Mail Delivery Notification
To: J. Spearman
Re: Monday
Monday, June 20th, 8:15 a.m.
The email account you tried to reach does not exist. Please try double-checking the recipient’s email address for typos or unnecessary spaces.
* * *
From J. Spearman
To: VAES customer service
Subject: Account deactivated
Monday, June 20th, 8:49 a.m.
Earlier today, I tried to connect to my chat account and it no longer recognizes my email. I emailed Amy Walker, and her address came back as nonexistent. Please advise as to how I can get in touch with her.
Regards,
Jackson Spearman
* * *
From VAES customer service
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Re: Account deactivated
Monday, June 20th, 8:50 a.m.
Thank you for contacting us. This is an automated message. We have received your email, and someone will respond within twenty-four hours. If you need immediate assistance, please call our customer service number. We are available 24/7.
Best Regards,
Customer Service.
* * *
From VAES customer service
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Re: Account deactivated
Tuesday June 21st, 8:19 a.m.
Mr. Spearman,
Thank you for contacting VAES customer service. If you would like to hire a virtual assistant, we suggest you fill out an application. I looked into your email and our records don’t show an employee named Amy Walker. Our Human Resources department confirmed our findings.
If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Regards,
Linda Seagal
VAES customer service representative.
* * *
From J. Spearman
To: E. Lancaster
Subject: Account deactivated
Tuesday, June 21st, 8:21 a.m.
I demand you reactivate my chat account on the VAES system immediately.
Jackson Spearman
* * *
From E. Lancaster
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Account activation
Tuesday, June 21st, 10:49 a.m.
Would you like to hire an assistant? I’m attaching an application so you can tell us how to better meet your needs.
Laura Dalton
Assistant to Emmeline Lancaster CEO
* * *
What the fuck? Laura Dalton is answering her messages. Since when does Emmeline have her assistant responding in her place. She knows I’m Jack, doesn’t she?
I search through my emails and find the couple of exchanges I had with Emmeline. She answered them, personally. At least, I hope she did. Reading the last email, I decide to call Alistair into my office.
“Sir?”
“Alistair, are you familiar with VAES?” I ask, tapping my pen on the desk. “I assume Laura Dalton is your wife, is she not?”
“Excuse me?” he asks, his face guarded.
“She just answered an email on behalf of Emmeline Lancaster,” I admit, pointing at the monitor. “I’m trying to figure out what happened to Amy Walker’s account.”
He chuckles and shakes his head.
“I can’t get in touch with either one of them,” I continue. “Since you take care of the VAES system, I thought, you might have a few answers for me.”
He shoves his hands in his pockets letting out a loud breath.
“No offense sir, but why would you want to reach either one of them?”
I lean back on my chair, cross my arms and look at him. “Why wouldn’t I?” I challenge him. “She pushed her way into my life. ‘It takes twenty-one days to create a habit,’ she said. After ninety days, having her around is a lifestyle. We have a routine. I want her back, but she disappeared without notice.”
The rest of what’s happening to me remains silent. He doesn’t need to know that I’m having trouble breathing without her.
He crosses his arms and observes me. “Which one are you asking for?”
I chuckle. “Emmeline had me fooled for a while. I’m guessing they were nothing alike, were they?”
He scratches his beard and says, “I was five and new in town. My parents divorced, and my mom brought us to her country where I didn’t know anyone. I barely talked, but Em took me under her wing and made sure I found my footing. She’s always taking care of everyone. This time, she has to take care of herself.”
“Where is she?”
He glares. “She’s out of town. Her team is pretty efficient so no one will miss her. Laura’s the only one who knows how to get in touch with her, but she won’t contact her unless it’s a real emergency.”
The last sentence sounds like a warning. I don’t read much into it. So far there’s no indication that she has me figured out or that she hates me.
“When is she coming back?”
“We don’t know. Tomorrow, next year… she didn’t say. But she won’t be away for too long.” He gives me a sharp nod. “If that’s all, I’l
l heading back to work.”
“Thank you,” I say.
* * *
From J. Spearman
To: E. Lancaster
Subject: Account deactivated
Tuesday, June 21st, 12:07 p.m.
I don’t want an application. I want to talk to her. Please, tell her to contact me. She knows how to reach me.
Jackson Spearman.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
From J. Spearman
To: E. Lancaster
Subject: Are you back?
Tuesday, August 30th, 8:07 a.m.
It’s been almost three months since the assignment with VAES ended. You not only deactivated my account but cut me out of your life. At least tell me you’re okay.
Jackson Spearman
* * *
From: E. Lancaster
To: J. Spearman
Subject: She is not available
Tuesday, August 30th, 11:26 a.m.
Mr. Spearman,
I understand you are trying to reach Ms. Lancaster. As I told you yesterday, as well as over the last couple of months, she is out of town and unreachable. I’ll make sure to pass along all seventy-two messages that you’ve sent to her, once she’s back at work.
Regards,
Laura Dalton
Assistant to Emmeline Lancaster CEO
* * *
From: E. Lancaster
To: J. Spearman
Subject: 78 emails?
Thursday, September 1st, 7:41 a.m.
I’m going to need some time to go through all your correspondence. What’s the emergency, Jackson?
Emmeline Lancaster
* * *
From J. Spearman
To: E. Lancaster
Subject: Lost, missed you
Thursday, September 1st, 7:43 a.m.
Dear Friend,
Where have you been all this time? I can’t believe that you just deactivated our account and left town. Some notice of your plans would’ve been helpful. I think your assistant hates me. Honestly, I was hoping she’d give me your phone number.
I feel lost.
It’s been a long time since we last spoke. One minute we were playing Words with Friends and the next I couldn’t login to my account and your ‘Amy’ email was deactivated.
Maybe Later Page 21
