“Mr. Cartel. Your resume is remarkable. You’ve been able to maintain a rather impressive grade-point average while playing baseball and volunteering.”
“Erik, please excuse us,” Mr. Fernandez says, his narrowed eyes never straying from mine.
“Of course.” Erik looks startled, but he knows not to question the almighty Fernandez. He may be out looking for a job, too.
When the door closes behind Erik, Mr. Fernandez speaks. “Studying to be an architect, huh?”
“Yes.”
“And you think you can work in this city?” He leans in closer. “My city?”
I don’t say a word. There isn’t any point. If I have any chance to save Olivia, I need not to lose my temper today.
“Hmm, not so cocky anymore, huh?”
My blood boils, but I remain stoic—a stone statue. The man can smell fear, and I’m sure I reek. I just need to get through this interview without goading him further. My presence alone is enough of a spark.
“Let’s cut to the chase. You damn well know you’ll never work here. This entire interview is a huge waste of time. There’s no way your project will ever win. Why don’t we save our time and cut this interview short?”
Lexie pops to mind. She still believes she has a shot at this. We’ve been keeping our contact limited to class until I broke down and sent her a morning text a couple of days ago. I didn’t think she was going to reply until she sent one today. Her teasing lets me know she very much thinks she’s in the running. I can’t have everything we’ve worked for evaporate because of me. Lexie put so much sweat equity into this project. She deserves to win this.
“It’s no surprise you hate me and won’t hire me, but please don’t dismiss the project. My partner worked hard at this, and she deserves a chance.”
He leans forward. “You’re worried about your partner not getting a fair shot?”
My back molars grind against each other. With a steady tone, I say, “Lexie has put in countless hours. We both have. But I don’t want your hatred for me to interfere with her chances. She deserves a fair shot. Dismiss me all you want, but please don’t punish her for my past sins.”
The pounding in my chest is so loud as Mr. Fernandez studies me, I swear the people in the next room can hear. After a painstakingly long moment, the man murmurs, “Hmm.”
What does he mean by that? Hmm isn’t a sentence.
“We’re through here.”
And just like he has wanted to do since he first laid eyes on me, I’ve been dismissed.
Chapter Thirty
Lexie
Current Day
Garret: Fun Fact. We’re kicking ass today, regardless of which project wins.
“Thanks so much for being here.” I give Cara’s arm a squeeze, grateful my friend showed up to support me. My gaze ping-pongs around the crowded auditorium, looking for one person. He hasn’t shown up yet.
“I wouldn’t miss it. Besides, I’m a good luck charm. I was there to support Shannon when she made a finalist.”
“Hopefully, your streak continues.” I really want to win. If not so much for the money—I’ll pay down the debt eventually—but I want the job. After getting my denial to Cessna U, I’ve given a lot of thought to my future and decided I don’t want to go to grad school. I don’t want to leave L.A., if I’m honest. My resume is polished, and I’ve turned in some to various firms around the city. I’ve told no one of my plans. My mother will be crushed. She had hoped I’d go on to earn my master’s degree, but burn out is a real thing. What I want to do with the rest of my life only requires a bachelor’s degree. Any higher-level puts added responsibility I don’t want.
Plus, it would be nice to not be dependent on either parent.
“Did I tell you Dad’s wedding is off?”
Cara jerked her head toward me. “What? Why?”
I pin her with a look. “Why do think?”
“No! He didn’t.”
I love that she knows me so well that I don’t have to say anything. But maybe that’s sad that my dad is so predictable. “Yep, Jillian walked in on him and the maid.”
“God, don’t tell me she was younger than Jillian.”
I laugh a deep belly laugh, and it feels good to finally let go. “No, she’s in her thirties. But it didn’t go over well.”
“Wow. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, there’s nothing to be sorry about. Maybe I’ll win this thing so I won’t have to depend on his wallet anymore.” I wouldn’t write him completely out of my life, but the obligation wouldn’t be there.
“There you are.” Garret’s deep voice slides over my skin, and I have to stop from melting against him. But his body is right there. And regardless of wanting to admit it, I miss his touch.
“I wondered if you were going to be a no show.” I don’t turn around. I keep my focus on the gentlemen in front. I recognize a couple from my interview. Erik, the younger version of Mr. Magoo, sits next to Mr. Fernandez, the owner and CEO. Erik had told me before starting the interview that Mr. Fernandez would be joining us. He acted as if it came as a shock to him. I asked if that was standard protocol. Surely, a man of Mr. Fernandez’s status wouldn’t sit in for a lower-level assistant interview. Erik more than confirmed my suspicions. But he said there was one other person he seemed interested in. I took that as good news and wondered if the second person was the man standing behind my backside.
Sandalwood mixed with musk wafts through the air. Garret’s making it difficult to maintain distance. But I need to keep my heart as far away from him as possible.
“I couldn’t miss seeing my partner win.”
“I don’t know.”
“You have a great chance. Your building is the strongest design out of all of them.”
“Thanks, but I had help.”
“Most of it was your idea.”
That’s when I finally turn to look at him. The longing in his eyes knocks me down a few notches, and at that moment, I know I miss my bestie. Three months of barely talking to each other have taken their toll. We’ve gotten back to our morning texting routine, but it’s not enough. I once promised I’d take him any way I could, and then the first chance at testing my faith, I abandoned him. Okay, he may have pushed me away, but I let him. I didn’t fight. Hell, I haven’t yet confronted him about knowing his big secret. My voice softens as I stare into those strikingly beautiful brown eyes. “We’re a team. No matter what.”
He takes a few deep breaths as if my words knocked the air out of him. The room goes silent. At least in my head. All I can focus on is Garret.
“I’ve fucking missed you.” His voice, low and raspy, skates over my skin. It takes all of my strength to not reach out to him. But he needs to let me in, or nothing will change between us.
“I’ve missed you, too.” We hold each other’s gaze for a beat. There’s so much to say, yet neither of us budge. I force myself to break away. “Next Saturday is the dedication ceremony for the Habitat house. Did you still want to go?”
He grimaces. “I can’t. I have a game. What time are they doing it?”
“Two. I didn’t even think to look at the baseball schedule, I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay, but I was hoping to see that.”
“Maybe next time.” We both know there won’t be a next time. He’ll be playing ball until we graduate. Then, we’ll go our separate ways. I palm my stomach. I wasn’t ready for the slice of pain that thought generated.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just thirsty.” I clamp my mouth shut before I word vomit more stupidity. What does holding your stomach have to do with being thirsty?
“I’ll grab you something.” Garret turns toward Cara, who I forgot even existed. I make such a good friend. “Did you want a drink?”
“Sure. That’d be great.”
Cara tilts her head, chewing her thumbnail as we watch his backside worm its way through the crowd. “Holy shit, I thought I was going to melt from the heat emitting off the
two of you.”
“Oh, stop.”
She pins me with a look. “I’m serious, Lexie. That boy is in love with you. We talk about the way Noah eyes Shannon, but what I just witnessed was every bit as strong. You need to get to the bottom of whatever his hang-up is.”
“Yeah. That may not be so easy.”
“And when have you ever turned down a challenge?” She continues when I don’t respond. “The Lexie I know and love goes after what she wants. You’re pinning that boy down and getting to the bottom of this. It’s ridiculous you’re not together.”
I started the school year with a determination to make Garret mine. I’ve never half-assed a job before in my life. I’m not about to start now. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Here you go, ladies.” Garret hands over our drinks. I grab the cup, brushing my fingers against his. The tension that’s been between us for the past few months dissipates, replaced by a yearning need. His face grows serious.
“Okay, the time has arrived to announce the winner of the Dennison, Irvin, Craig, & King Scholarship.”
Everyone’s focus turns to the professor at the podium. Garret reluctantly looks forward, and I take a sip, trying to regroup. The heat on the back of my neck gives away my lack of composure, but as I concentrate on the speaker’s words, I can’t help but think Cara’s right. Garret does look at me differently. I need to scrape away a few layers to expose why we can’t be together.
The professor goes through his congratulatory spiel thanking the new sponsors for carrying on the tradition. And then, he finally announces, “And the winner is…”
Garret tenses beside me. I hold my breath as the professor opens the envelope Erik had handed him—the envelope that could determine my future.
“Garret Cartel.”
He startles. The room breaks into applause. My chest squeezes, but I quickly push aside my disappointment. Because I can’t be too disappointed. My bestie just won an award he has worked hard for.
“This can’t be right,” Garret mumbles.
His gaze locks with Mr. Fernandez. I swear Garret’s jaw tenses, and the slightest smirk crosses Mr. Fernandez’s face. Garret pulls away and leans down to me. “I’ll make this right.” The noise level raises as people start dispersing. Garret makes his way to the front. Erik is the first one to shake his hand. Garret’s polite, but his face is stern when he sees Mr. Fernandez. I notice the lack of a handshake. Whatever history they have can’t be good. I’m so confused.
“What the hell do you think that’s about?” Cara asks, eyeing the same shitshow I’m witnessing.
“I don’t know.” I’m a little baffled. Garret should be soaring right now. He wanted this opportunity just as badly as I did. But from where I stand, Garret’s anything but pleased. It looks as if he’s arguing with the CEO. That makes no sense. No sense at all.
Most of the people leave by the time Garret makes it back to me. “Hey, I need you up to the front.”
I glance over at Cara, who offers a shrug. She’s just as confused as me. I follow Garret to the podium where the professor and Mr. Fernandez stand.
“Ms. Jenkins.” Mr. Fernandez reaches to shake my hand. “It seems like this may be your lucky day.”
I can feel the confusion skate across my face. I glance at Garret, who stands stoic, not giving anything away and then back to the suit. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”
“It seems this young gentleman has declined the offer to work at Fernandez & Sons. Normally, we’d set up other interviews, but I sat in on yours. The job is yours if you’re willing to accept it.”
I’m stunned into silence. Why would Garret turn this down? And holy shit. The job is mine? I glance back at Garret. This time he nods, his way of telling me to take the job offer.
“Don’t tell me you want to turn it down, too? I’m not sure I can take two rejections in one day.”
“I would love to work for Fernandez & Sons, sir.” I shake his hand. “Thank you for the opportunity. I can’t wait to graduate and get started.”
“The building was rather impressive. I look forward to seeing more ideas from you.”
When I turn back to Garret, he’s gone, which leaves me more confused. After Saturday’s game, he better be prepared because I’m getting to the bottom of everything.
Chapter Thirty-One
Garret
Current Day
Lexie: Fun Fact. The longest major league game by innings lasted 26 innings. At least our showdown didn’t last that long. Good luck with your game.
“I hate telling you this right before your game, but Mrs. Scott canceled on us. She’s not feeling well. Is it possible to come home as soon as you’re done?” Mom’s apologetic voice rings in my ear. I can tell this wasn’t easy for her to ask. Although, I don’t know why. They’ve bent over backward for me ever since Olivia was born. They have every right to ask me to watch my daughter so they can go out with old friends who are in town.
“The only other way would be for us to drop her off at school,” Mom continues.
“No, I can’t risk it.” Not when I’m so close to finishing. I’m already on Livia’s dad’s radar. That sneaky bastard is up to something. I just need to figure out what.
“Yeah. I wished by now things would’ve gotten easier for you. Livvy’s old enough to watch her daddy play. She’d make it through a few innings anyway.”
A pang of sadness pinches my chest. I would love knowing my daughter was in the stands watching me. She won’t ever get the chance to watch me play competitively. The entire situation sucks.
“I know, Mom. I wish for that, too.”
“Cartel, I better not be seeing you on your phone.” Coach Callahan’s voice carries across the locker room.
“Shit, I have to go.” Coach doesn’t like us to have our cell phones out during practices or games. I understand. It makes total sense. I wouldn’t have answered if it was anyone but Mom.
“Language, dear. Good luck with your game.”
I place my phone back on the top shelf in my locker and grab my glove. Braxton’s beside me, cramming his duffle bag inside his locker.
“Shannon still doing okay?”
“Yeah, she’s fine. I won’t be leaving today.” He gives me a wink.
Tensions ran a little tight after that heart scare, but everything is back to normal now. If only I can say the same for my life. “I’m glad she’s doing good.”
“I thought you’d like to know some scouts from Arizona are here today.”
“Yeah?” As much as I try to pawn it off as not caring, the uptick in my pulse can’t be stopped.
“I hear they’re scoping out the infield. Specifically, third base and shortstop positions.”
I shut my locker door and place the baseball cap on my head. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
Braxton’s trying to help. He wants me to consider the majors and not throw away my opportunity. But I need a job. One that doesn’t take me away from my parents. But with Livia’s dad finding out I’m studying to be an architect, I may have to move away from L.A. His threat carries weight. I wouldn’t put it past him to use his connections and block every opportunity thrown my way.
“Cara told me you turned down the D.I.C.K. award.” He eyes me as if I’m a specimen under his microscope. Damn, biology major. I hate being analyzed.
“You and I both know Lexie deserved that job offer more than me.”
“Yeah, but it never stopped you from wanting it.”
“What’s your point?”
“I don’t know, but it looks to me like you may want something else.”
I cross my arms over my chest and stare at him. He shakes his head when I don’t say a word.
“Fine, but you need to ask yourself what would make you happy. Answering that question is the only thing that got me through last year’s draft.”
He walks away, leaving me to my thoughts. He thinks I gave up the job because I want to play ball. He’s right in the sense I want to
play baseball. But that’s not why I pissed away my future. Mr. Fernandez staged the contest so I’d win. But why? I could’ve turned down the job offer and chose to go to Cessna U grad school. I would’ve been a shoo-in. Hell, I’ve already been accepted. The extra money would’ve come in handy toward my debt. But it wasn’t me who deserved recognition. Lexie worked her ass off while I had ball practice and simple parenting to attend to. She earned the award. They knew it, too. Liv’s dad pulled the necessary strings to make me win. He did it to get back at me. I should’ve known his assholism had no limits. I just need to figure out why.
I step to the dugout and look across the field. All negative thoughts disappear as the roar of the crowd rings through the park. The sun rays beat down upon the pristine field. My gaze slides to the scout seats behind home plate. Sure enough, men in suits sit in a group. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. I’m ready to play ball.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Lexie
Current Day
Garret: Fun Fact. Doing good for others means doing good for yourself. I saw this on the internet. Thought of you. Have fun today at the dedication ceremony.
Watching the new homeowners receive keys to their brand-new home never gets old. It pains me that Garret couldn’t be there, but I did the next best thing and recorded the homeowners’ reactions. Garret may not have been able to attend, but he’ll still be able to appreciate the sentiment. He worked hard on the house and deserves the gratification from seeing their excitement. It’s the best part of the entire gig. Plus, there’s cake. Who doesn’t like cake? I was able to snag a piece for him.
But I’m delayed. Mom forgot her supper again, and that left me no time to meet him at the game. But I know where he’s heading. And that’s why my GPS has Garret’s address locked in. Getting his address was like prying teeth, but Cara finally got Braxton to cave. Garret won’t like me showing up at his home, but it’s time he confesses that he has a daughter.
Full Count (Cessna U Wildcats Book 3) Page 16
