I walk to the spot where Sage and I talked after our first meeting together. The one where I hugged her for the first time in eight years.
So much has changed in such a short amount of time.
One might say we’re dating. We’re definitely fucking.
Making love.
I work my jaw back and forth—love.
I almost told her I loved her.
It felt comfortable talking with her on the phone about our day. Even though a major fucking shit storm floats above us.
I wanted to tell her I love her. It felt natural, even, yet… in the middle of these crazy few weeks, right before we’re about to launch?
So quickly after we started dating? We haven’t even discussed what we’re doing.
Do I love her?
No matter the answer, I’m glad I didn’t say it, especially over the phone. Plus, we’re not ready for any declarations of love.
Not yet.
Chapter Twenty-Three
SAGE
“How did this happen?” Westin paces the conference room at CJJ the day after Tank McAllister’s interview went live. “I mean, they singled Aiden out like they had a vendetta against him. How did they even know about his background? We’ve been so meticulous about keeping it under wraps, and even when we do discuss it publicly, we have a carefully constructed narrative to control the situation. Now, this?”
Aiden’s square jaw hardens. He hasn’t said much since he and Westin arrived for our meeting.
Taylor shakes her head. “I wish I knew. We keep our files locked. Our computers are password protected. The only ones here who have access to client information, including Aiden’s background, are Sage and me.”
Aiden’s eyes flicker up to mine, and even though there’s obvious anger there from the dilemma, there’s a softness there too the longer we stare at each other.
I fight my urge to reach across the table and squeeze his hand. To comfort him.
I hate this for him.
It physically pains me to know someone out there attacked him and his credibility after all he’s worked for and accomplished.
In a way, I know what it’s like.
With Dave, after we split, he spread nasty rumors all around town. That we were divorcing because I’d been unfaithful. That I was mentally unstable.
Most didn’t believe him. They were loyal to me, but his lies certainly didn’t help my business and its reputation.
To be wrongfully attacked like that is disheartening, to say the least.
“Sage and I have been working on scheduling a meeting with McAllister. We’ve been drafting social media posts and mailers, and I’m making calls to move some of your interviews up. The sooner we get you out there, talking to people and reassuring them, the better.”
Westin slumps into a seat as Aiden turns to us.
“What about Jared?” Aiden suggests. “He has a computer science degree. We can push him into the spotlight, and I’ll fade to the background. I work best in private, anyway.”
“Whoa, whoa.” Westin angles his body toward Aiden, resting his hand on the armrest of his chair. “You’re the brains behind all this. I’m not going to let them drag you through the mud. We’ll find another—”
“Listen, if it’s best for the company right now, it’s what we should do.” Aiden sighs.
“It might be a good idea to shift focus to Jock Stock’s strong suits,” Taylor offers, cringing as she says it.
I start to speak up but sit back quietly instead as they continue. It’s moments like these when I wish I had more authority in matters. More control. And not only because it’s Aiden, but because I’m confident in my ideas.
Taylor’s been a great mentor to bring me up to speed on how this world in New York City works, but my job duties don’t involve taking the lead. I practically have to bite my tongue to keep myself in line.
“I’m not suggesting we cut Aiden out entirely, but for now, at least until we can meet with McAllister and his people, it would be helpful to emphasize the other members of your team and restore faith in the company. Besides, you are a team at Jock Stock. Working together so well is what makes you unstoppable.” She eyes them both. “This is what I’m thinking, but at the end of the day, it’s your call.”
“We’ll do it.” Aiden doesn’t hesitate.
“But only for the first few interviews.” Westin leans forward, then looks over his shoulder at Aiden. “I’m not going to pretend Aiden isn’t my business partner and lead engineer, but I’ll try to steer the conversation toward Jared and his qualifications. For a short while. We’ll see how it goes.”
“And I’ll keep trying McAllister’s agent. We’ll keep you posted.”
We go over a couple minor items for the remainder of this emergency meeting. At one point, it feels like we’re running their political campaign and updating them on their poll numbers—which I imagine is similar, in many ways.
At the end, I stand alongside Taylor and shake their hands, trying not to linger on Aiden’s.
He doesn’t try to sneak a meeting this time. He’s too upset. It’s obvious in the defeated way he slumps his shoulders as he follows Westin outside.
If we ever do get a face-to-face with McAllister, I will seriously consider kicking his ass—he’d deserve it.
When I exit the conference room and head toward my desk, Piper’s there.
“Can I help you find something?” I ask, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice.
She holds up a pack of bright pink Post-It Notes, which coincidentally match her top. “I ran out.” She shuts my top drawer with her hip.
I cross my arms. “Take those, but you don’t have to sneak them out of my desk. I don’t mind—”
“You were busy, so I helped myself.” She winks, then nods toward the conference room. “You all sure looked tense in there. Hope everything’s okay.”
“It will be.” I square my shoulders.
She hums as she struts away, leaving me confused.
I study my desk for anything that might be out of place, but everything seems to be exactly as I left it. I click my computer open and log in—nothing out of the ordinary there.
Besides, even if she wanted to go through my computer, she wouldn’t be able to since it’s password protected.
Why would she snoop through my things, anyway?
My investigation is cut short when Taylor comes back from the restroom. “I’m heading out to meet with Joe and our wedding band. I’ll be as fast as possible since we have a lot of work to do.”
“Of course. What can I do while you’re gone?”
“Make some talking points to highlight Jared’s role in Jock Stock. Anything relevant, and we can go over them when I come back.” Taylor disappears into her office and returns a few seconds later, black purse in hand. “You’re doing great, Sage. Keep it up.”
I nod and watch her back as she walks away, very aware of how lucky I am.
From what she’s told me, I already have more tasks than she did when she was Catherine’s assistant, which should make me glad. After all, I’ve only been here for a little over two months. No one is promoted after such a short time.
I knew when I moved to the city that I would have to start somewhere and work my way up.
I only need to be patient and keep working hard, starting with Aiden and the guys.
“For you.” I hand Taylor the smoothie I got for her when she texted that she was on her way back.
“Oh my God, thank you.” Her shoulders sag as we both enter her office.
“How was the meeting with the band?”
“Longer than expected.” She throws her purse into her chair and places her hands on her hips, sighing. “It went well, but they had to listen to Joe and me argue for fifteen minutes about the last dance song. Which was great.” She rolls her eyes sarcastically.
“That’s so sweet,” I gush.
“That we argued?”
I wave my hands. “No, no. That y
ou’re doing the last dance song. The idea is very romantic.”
“You didn’t do one at yours?”
“Dave wasn’t exactly all about the romance.” Her face falls, and I wave my hands again, inwardly scolding myself for putting my foot in my mouth. “He was. At first, anyway. Flowers, date nights, wooing. But we grew apart. We never seemed to be on the same page. Then I… um…” I clear my throat. “Anyway, you know the rest.”
“Wow, I’m sorry, but it sounds like it was the right move to separate.” She rounds her desk and squeezes my hand. “Plus, I’d be lost without you.”
“You and me both.” I smile. “On another note, I have more ideas for the Jock Stock issue.”
“For Hurricane McAllister?”
“Is that what we’re calling it?” I raise my eyebrows as she sips her smoothie.
“Yes, and you have to call it that too,” Taylor jokes, then sobers. “How are the guys doing?”
It’s only been a day since Tank McAllister publicly bashed Jock Stock, but it feels like it’s been a week. In the single day, Taylor and I have worked nonstop to put together press releases and social media blasts to counteract the blow to Jock Stock’s reputation and legitimacy.
The most obvious response is for us to talk with Tank himself and state our case, but we’ve had trouble getting through to his agent. I don’t doubt Taylor’s resilience for a second, though.
“They’re getting heat from investors. The potential board members they’ve been vetting are also shaken, but the guys have faith in us. Last night, Aiden—” I stop myself, and her eyebrows shoot up. “I mean… last night, Aiden messaged me…” I clear my throat to shake the high-pitched squeak from it. “They’re as fine as can be. It hasn’t slowed them down. They’ve had their work cut out for them with the recent football draft. Every now and then, he tries to explain exactly what he does, but it usually goes over my head.” I laugh as the phone rings behind me.
I rush to answer it—our new client confirming a meeting.
After we end the call, I remain frozen, my back stiff.
I almost outed myself to my boss. I haven’t told her Aiden and I have been sleeping together. That I talked to him last night, in his bed, while we were naked.
That I see him naked often.
She had many theories and suspicions after the disastrous dinner a few weeks ago, but Aiden kept his word and apologized for his behavior, which Taylor accepted. She also said she understood how sometimes personal lives interfere with business, and she’s glad it was only her and not an interview broadcast for many people.
Which is what she warned us both against on separate occasions, but we reassured her we wouldn’t have another incident. And we haven’t.
We’ve remained cordial and professional during every interaction since then.
I’m happy to say she and I have moved on from it.
But now, there’s the new issue of seeing Aiden outside work.
I know I should tell her that he and I have moved on too, to a more agreeable situation, but I don’t know what Aiden and I are doing or where we’re going—if we’re going anywhere.
We’ve been enjoying the present. We don’t talk about the past much anymore, but we don’t talk about the future, either.
Telling Taylor about us will only mean we have to make the hard decisions about us and risk our business relationship and careers.
So, for now, I’ll keep quiet.
By the time the sun starts setting, my eyelids are heavy, and my feet even more so. I rub under one eye and yawn as Piper walks by.
“Oh no, don’t tell me you’re already tired, honey.” She lifts one thick eyebrow. “You’re not going to last long in that case, fancy degree and experience or not.”
“Good thing I have plenty of energy left in me.” I nod to my coffee on the corner of my desk.
“Try to drink this one instead of wearing it.” She snickers, then continues to her office.
I peer down at the brown stain on my blouse from when she accidentally ran into me earlier and adjust my cardigan to cover it up.
I flip her off behind her back because that’s how mature she makes me feel.
“God, she’s the kind of person I want to trip when she’s walking. It’d be so easy to casually stick my foot out. Like this”—Taylor raises her red heel an inch off the floor—“that’s all it would take.”
I cover my laugh with my hand. “She’s the worst.”
“You know what’s awesome, though?” She waggles her eyebrows. “My bachelorette party is in three weeks. We’re having it way before the wedding, so we don’t have to worry about anyone being hung over the day of.”
“Planning a wild weekend, then?”
“Catherine is planning something fun, for sure, but she will only tell me it’s in Vegas. Guess we’ll see about the rest.” Her eyes dance with excitement.
“Actually, Naomi mentioned a friend of hers is a dancer for Naked Heat.” My cheeks redden. “It’s a, uh… male revue show.”
“Sounds interesting.” She grins.
“I’ll ask her for more information.”
She checks her watch, backing into her office. “You should head home. It’s getting late.”
“Are you sure you don’t need anything?”
She waves me off. “No. Go. Enjoy your night.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
By the time I finish up, log out of my computer, and gather my things, the sun has completely set. I head toward the subway, stretching my neck from side to side, winding down from the stress of the week.
I also keep my purse clutched to my side and glance around me, aware of the people scurrying about. I’m still getting acclimated to the city. To walking alone. To getting on the subway and taking the train at night. I’ve heard so many horror stories of New York, and they were almost enough to keep me from coming here.
But so far, I haven’t felt unsafe.
My life here has started to feel natural and satisfying. Like I’ve finally settled into my new routine in the city. Thanks to Aiden, Naomi, and Taylor, I’ve found a real home here.
As I board the subway and find an empty seat, my phone vibrates with an incoming message.
Then another.
And another.
And a fourth.
“What the hell?” I mutter, then apologize to the woman holding her baby next to me.
As I read my messages, my stomach sinks.
Dave: You’re in New York????
Dave: Of course, you went running to fucking Aiden. After everything I’ve done for you.
Dave: I knew you and him always had a thing on the side. You fucking cheater.
Dave: I can’t believe this is the thanks I get. I wish I’d never taken you back. I would’ve been happier without your fucking drama.
What the… How did he find out?
My short breaths are labored.
How did he know Aiden lives here?
Has Dave been keeping tabs on him since he found out my secret?
I bite my lip, trying to keep the string of curse words to myself, to avoid unleashing them on the mother next to me and the rest of the passengers.
Instead of answering Dave, I call Aiden.
“Hey,” he answers, and I relax into my seat.
“How’s it going? Tired yet?”
“Only every day for the last five years.” He chuckles, and I wish I could reach out to him.
To kiss him.
To feel him against me.
“It’s all worth it.”
“That’s what we keep telling ourselves. Except for Jared. He’s still pissy he hasn’t found an apartment close by yet. None of the ones he likes are available for months, so he’s been camping out in the office like a squatter.”
“I heard that,” Jared’s voice is muffled in the background.
“Why do you insist on sleeping here? Are you afraid Vanessa will find you at your place?” Aiden teases.
“She probably
would. She’s a fucking witch, I’m telling you.”
I laugh along with them. “Sounds like you guys are having too much fun.”
“Have to pass the time somehow. Until I see you again.”
“You make me want to puke,” Jared’s voice sounds again.
After a pause, there’s a thud, then more silence.
“Sorry about that. Had to kick some sense into him.”
“Don’t kill your number two,” I joke.
“I think about it at times.”
“I’m almost at my stop. Just wanted to hear your voice.”
“You okay?” His humor is replaced with a concern that warms my chest.
“More than okay. See you tomorrow?”
“Or sooner. Not sure how I’ll last until tomorrow afternoon.”
“How about I send you more”—I drop my voice to a whisper—“pictures?”
He groans. “Yes, please.”
After we say our goodbyes, I hang up and head toward the train station, thinking of nothing but Aiden.
No Dave.
So what if he figured out I’m in New York? It’s not like he could really find me here. I never even told my mom my address.
I have nothing to worry about, except what I’ll wear on my date with Aiden tomorrow.
The thought of seeing him is enough to settle my nerves, and that’s all I need right now.
Chapter Twenty-Four
AIDEN
“After you.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jersey curtseys like she’s boarding the Titanic instead of the ferry.
I like this playful side of her, reminding me that even though we’re adults now with careers, we can still joke and have fun. Which I definitely need, given how brutal this last week was.
Once we’re on board, I try to sit, but she pulls on my arm to keep walking. “What’re you doing? We can’t sit.”
“Why not?”
She throws a mischievous grin over her shoulder as she leads me outside. We emerge onto the deck, where three other people stand, admiring the view of Manhattan.
Unbreakable: A Salvation Society Novel Page 17
