Utterly.
Totally.
It was all a lie.
All of it bullshit, and that bullshit had been perpetuated by Janice.
He knew what hatred was. Some days, he hated his mother. He hated her avarice, her greed. He hated that she saw him as some kind of piggy bank, and still believed she had rights over how he lived his life. He despised the men she’d brought into her life throughout his childhood, men that had belittled him for being a bastard, for being unwanted…
But this kind of hatred was soul deep.
He knew, at that moment, he’d destroy the Garrett family if Janice and Frank went ahead with their threats.
He’d annihilate them, and he’d hit them where they hurt the most—their bank balance.
He’d tear them into shreds and do so gladly because they deserved it.
They’d made Jamie into the monster he was with their lack of care, and with their own hideous personalities. They’d formed him into what he was. And Josh wasn’t taking away the man’s nature. He knew parents could only take so much of the blame, but for Janice to have known and to have enabled her son?
That was low.
Really fucking low.
“Why did you warn them about the Sanderson-Montecor deal?”
The question was softly uttered, but there wasn’t accusation buried within the words. No, just curiosity. If anything, her tone revealed how swiftly she’d calmed down, and after what had just happened—Samantha had just been fucking spat at—she should still be raging. That she wasn’t told Josh exactly what Samantha was accustomed to dealing with.
Sickeningly, she was used to abuse. Accustomed to being treated that way.
For a second, Josh felt his world shake because tears pricked at his eyes.
How could he have been so wrong about everything?
“That’s how I work,” he said, hating how husky his tone was. “I give a first warning and if they don’t heed that warning, it’s their mistake.” Curious as to how she’d respond to that, he peered up at her. Seeing she was frowning, he asked, “That surprises you?”
“It doesn’t fit with what I’ve always thought about you.”
His nostrils flared—that surprisingly hurt.
Not even, fuck hurt. It cut. To the bone.
His voice grew more gravely, “You’ve never had that good a view of me because of how I’ve treated you. I can’t blame you. I’ve treated you like shit too.”
She winced, but brightened up a little as she said, “You’re more than making up for it now. I-I don’t really know what I expected when I came to you, Josh. Whatever it was, it isn’t this.”
He nodded. “It’s the least I can do.” A shuddery breath escaped him. “I can’t make up for what happened to you and Erin, Samantha. I can’t make up for what he did…” At that moment, Josh couldn’t even name Jamie. “And I sure as hell can’t make up for the way I’ve spoken to you all these years, but I can make the future brighter.”
“I know, and you are. Thank you. I never thought you’d have my back like this and it looks like I’ll need it.”
“I don’t think you will. Janice is delusional. I don’t even know what she thought she was doing back there.” He shook his head, still bewildered by her reactions—she’d been like a crazy person. “I can’t believe she spat at you. Who even does that?”
She plucked at her blouse. “This was my favorite blouse too. I’ll never be able to wear it without thinking of what just happened.” Samantha didn’t sound angry, more like resigned and glum.
Her reactions once again reiterated how accustomed she was to being abused. It also told him that Jamie truly had been speaking bullshit about Samantha’s so-called expensive tastes. That shirt was nice but it wasn’t expensive. The gauzy cream linen skimmed over her curves and cupped her breasts in a way that spoke of casual elegance, but he’d been around enough women to know good clothes and this was definitely something you’d find in a nearby mall and not a designer studio.
Jamie had told him Samantha nearly broke them every damn month with her need for new clothes and new jewels. Yet, here she was, admitting that that was her favorite blouse…
“I’ll buy you another.”
She scowled at him, for the first time looking peeved. “You don’t have to do that.”
No, he guessed not but he wanted to make this better and didn’t have a clue how to go about doing that.
Clearing his throat, he murmured, “No. But the offer’s there if you want.”
She blinked at him, and in her eyes, there was such a strange light that he had to shutter his gaze and peer down at the floor to avoid it. That look stirred something in him, something he didn’t want to admit to.
Not yet, at any rate.
“Do you think Frank will listen?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. It depends if Janice tells him at all.”
“She’s spiteful enough not to, that’s for damn sure. Even if she’s the one who’ll suffer in the end,” Samantha agreed.
“Exactly. I’m weighing up telling Frank privately; I can hardly pass out a warning if the intended recipient doesn’t receive it. And I wasn’t bullshitting, he’d need to act fast.” Resting back on his heels, and pressing his back to the wall, he scratched at his chin as he pondered what to do next. “I want Frank to know.”
“You want him in your debt.”
“Yes. But more than that, I want him to know I’m aware of the situation and that you have my backing.
“Janice can wear the pants with her husband’s money, but it’s damn different when you approach a businessman and tell him his bank balance is under threat. If I have to destroy them, I will, Samantha. If it means protecting Erin, I’ll do it.”
Her eyes widened. “You don’t have to do that.”
His mouth firmed. “I do.”
“They’re Erin’s family. I don’t want to hurt them,” she murmured softly.
“They’re more than willing to hurt you. And they’re more than willing to do something that directly harms Erin. They’re not being so kind, Samantha. Treat others how you wished to be treated yourself? Well, not now, and not with a custody battle.” When she flinched, her mouth quivering… he said gruffly, “Don’t do that.” He’d read her hesitation and was surprisingly irked by it.
“Don’t do what?”
“Don’t hesitate with me. You don’t have to be frightened of me.” He wanted to tell her she never had to be frightened ever again but he couldn’t make such a promise. Not only because it was an irrational one to make, but also because a singular person could never protect someone entirely. Even when you, metaphorically, wrapped someone up in cotton wool, you couldn’t protect them totally.
“I’m not frightened.”
Her mulish tone had him smiling—not much. His lips just twitched but it was something after the total meltdown he’d just had. Blowing out a breath, he murmured, “I know you’re not. But that doesn’t mean you’re not used to having your opinions either belittled or ignored. Say what you want to me. I prefer honesty to BS.”
“You can’t always blurt out the first thing that’s on the tip of your tongue.”
“No, maybe not always,” he conceded. “But sometimes, sure you can. This situation is one I’m piggybacking in on. It’s about you and Erin, and what’s best for the both of you. If anyone has a say, it’s you.”
She processed that, then surprised him by stepping carefully his way. He didn’t look up, just saw her leather ballet pumps approach his peripheral vision, then she too leaned against the wall and slowly slid down. Unlike him, she didn’t rest on her heels, she spread her legs out before her. “You’re right. It is my right to have a prerogative.”
“Good,” he told her, pleased they’d cleared that up.
“I don’t want you to hurt them.”
“I won’t. Not physically. Not even emotionally,” he countered. “They can’t be hurt there. Not really. They’re too pig-skinned. But hit them in
the bank balance? That sure as hell will get them moving.”
She turned her head to the side. “I-I know you’re right.”
“But?”
“I just don’t want to cause anyone any unwilling pain.”
“I understand that, and I think it’s very noble of you, but let me reiterate, there’s nothing noble about the fistfight Janice is willing to drag us all into. And look at how she just behaved. Aside from abominably, it’s damn proof that the woman had bare-knuckle fighters in her bloodlines.”
He caught her smile, and ducked his head to avoid it once more. Yet again, he couldn’t face the cacophony of emotions she was making him feel.
“Can’t we just threaten them but not act on it?”
“It depends. I’ve made the first move.”
“But like you said, Janice might not even tell Frank.”
“Maybe not. Do you want me to contact him?” This time he did meet her gaze, wanting her to see just how serious he was about this matter. At this moment in time, nothing held more importance to him.
She bit her lip. “You’re leaving it in my hands?” At his nod, she turned her head away and stared at the elevator floor.
He followed her gaze, looked at the sleek silver, that was matched either side by exquisite watercolors that depicted Central Park at sunrise. The entire vestibule screamed exactly how prime this real estate was. Some people’s apartments weren’t this fancy, and it was only the walkway to the four homes on this level.
As Samantha fell silent, he scooped out his legs, mimicking her posture too. With his feet in front of him, he eyed his hand-tooled leather shoes, and wondered what exactly had happened to his life where, on a Friday at five in the afternoon, he wasn’t at the office, arranging deals and meetings to get ahead of the weekend, and was instead having a crisis of the emotional variety.
He couldn’t say he didn’t prefer the latter. He’d have been lying if he’d said he appreciated this shit, but if it meant helping Erin, he’d make the sacrifice. Because of the man Josh had once upon a time considered a brother, he and Samantha were in this state. But he’d make sure they both were protected.
If it was the last thing he did.
After a few moments pondering, she murmured, “Tell him. But warn him that you’ll bring out the big guns if he threatens Erin’s custody.” She peeped up at him through thick dark lashes. “Is there some kind of contract that can be drawn up? Something legal? Something that will stop them from being able to petition in the future?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’ll get one of my lawyers on the job. See what can be done, okay?”
Her smile was as warm as the colors of sunset on the watercolors decorating the vestibule. “Thank you, Josh. For everything.”
“It’s no problem.” He reached into his jacket and dragged out his cell phone. Shooting off a quick text to his attorney, requesting that, if he himself couldn’t advise, for him to find him the best attorney in the state for these kinds of family law matters. Then, when that was done and he received an instant response stating the affirmative and that Justin was on the case, he rolled through his contacts for Frank’s cell.
As he connected the call, Samantha squeaked, “You’re going to call him now?”
Despite himself, he grinned. When Frank answered, he said, “Hey Frank.”
“Joshua. Great to hear from you, kid. It’s been a long time.” From his tone, Josh discerned that Janice hadn’t called Frank.
Or he hadn’t answered.
To be honest, Josh wasn’t sure which option was correct. He could well imagine Janice not calling Frank even though it was spiting herself and nobody else. But by the same route, he could equally imagine Frank ignoring his wife’s call, thinking to speak with her later—after all, it was nearly six in the evening. He’d be home for dinner soon.
“Yeah, it has. Things have been busy,” Josh admitted. “I should have called sooner, checked in with you.”
“You’re a good kid,” Frank said softly. “We’re having good and bad days.”
Even though they hadn’t been close, Frank and Janice had reacted poorly to their son’s death. In fact, the level of their grief had surprised him. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking that it was more about regrets about what might have been, as well as the sadness at the loss of Jamie’s potential.
“I can believe it. And the same goes here.”
“Yeah. You two were like brothers. Peas in a pod back when you were kids. We were surprised when that didn’t change as you grew up. If anything, you got stronger.” Frank let out a chuckle. “I’m glad he had you.”
There was definite regret there. But there was no point in regretting shit. Frank’s lamenting didn’t make up for Jamie’s childhood.
The funny thing was, people reckoned the rich had it easy. But money didn’t mean shit. A family who gave a damn about their kids enriched their children’s lives more than wealthy and uncaring parents could for their child. Sure, there were plenty more advantages and opportunities, and that wasn’t fair, but emotionally? Josh would have preferred to have a parent who gave a shit about him than one who could afford the fees at his swanky school.
“Yeah. Me too.”
The words stuck in his craw. They were the truth, but what he’d learned recently about Jamie made it hard for him to swallow. The grief was still there like a festering wound. It bled every now and then, would scab over, and then he’d pick at it when he wanted to watch a Red Sox game or the Patriots were playing. The shit he’d once done with Jamie were sore nerves he never liked to prod.
But now?
The way the wound was festering wasn’t healthy.
Mixed in with his grief was outrage and disgust.
Never a healthy blend.
He let out a sigh. “I have to speak with you on a personal matter, Frank.”
The other man must have sensed the change in his tone. “What’s going on, Josh?”
He let out a sigh. “Look, you’re not going to be happy about this, and I’ve already spoken with Janice—her reaction couldn’t have been worse.”
“She called a few minutes before you did. But I thought I’d be seeing her soon,” Frank murmured, cementing Josh’s earlier thought. Still, it came as no real surprise. When it came down to hurting their money, it was always likely Janice would act predictably.
“These past couple of months, Samantha and I have been helping each other, you know? It’s been hard, Frank. Real hard. We’re the only ones who could understand what the other was going through. We knew Jamie not as a son, but as the man he was.” He cleared his throat, and though the lie was meant to soft soap Frank, it really was hard to maintain the fiction. “We grew closer and the time came for me to man up and admit my feelings… I proposed and she said yes.”
There was silence then the other man cleared his throat. “Janice always thought you two were having an affair.” There was no anger in his tone, but then, there wouldn’t be, Josh thought. A man like Frank didn’t think adultery was that bad… Josh knew of two women he’d had affairs with, and highly doubted Janice didn’t know of them either.
“We weren’t. Not before Jamie died. After, we just grew close.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because of what happened with Erin the other week. I wanted a long engagement. Wanted to keep it between us while making sure Samantha knew my feelings were strong. I didn’t want to upset anyone, namely you and Janice, but then she threatened Erin’s custody and I can’t have that, Frank. You have to understand that.”
“I don’t like what Samantha’s been teaching Erin, Josh. I don’t like it one bit. Making out Jamie was some kind of—”
When he broke off, Josh murmured, “He was, Frank. He did beat her, and Janice knew.”
The silence was deafening now, and Frank whispered, “You’re lying.”
“No. I’m not. I’m not saying this to hurt you, I’d rather say nothing at all. But Janice has just set a preced
ent. According to her, she’s going to raise hell to take Erin away from Samantha and I won’t stand for that. Not after what she had to endure at Jamie’s hands…”
Frank let out a deep sigh. “I can imagine how badly that conversation went, and can imagine what she had to say.”
“Yeah. Well, imagining is worse than the reality. She spat at Samantha, Frank. Spat at her.”
“Wow.”
“Exactly. Look, the threats she made, I don’t like them. Not one bit. A woman scorned, and all that… I know she’s more likely to act foolishly on her feelings while I know you’re more likely to keep a calm head. If she intends to throw all your might at this, then I intend to do the same.”
And both of them knew just how much might Josh had over Frank.
Billions.
Rather than simply millions.
“I understand.”
The words were cool. And Josh knew Frank wasn’t happy but he was, unlike Janice, level-headed.
“I also wanted to talk about the Sanderson-Montecor deal.”
The off-topic olive branch had Frank stuttering, “The Sanderson deal? What about it?”
“I warned Janice about it. The SEC are closing in. Insider trading. If you act now, you should be able to pull out.”
For the first time, Frank sounded pissed off—go figure, Josh thought sadly. “Fuck! You’re shitting me?”
“No. I had word this morning, and I’ve also heard how heavily you invested in the deal. I wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Thanks, Josh. I appreciate that. I sunk a lot of money into that deal too. Dammit.” Then, Frank seemed to realize what he’d said. “Shit. You just warned me, didn’t you?”
Josh’s smile was tight. “You could say that.”
“Gosh,” he said, heaving out a sigh. “Never thought I’d see the day when I was on the receiving end of a patented Joshua Lewis warning.”
“Well, I don’t want this to escalate. We’ve always been friendly, Frank, and through Jamie, we’ve known each other a long time. I have no desire to do you or Janice any harm.”
“But you will if it means protecting Samantha and Erin.” Frank’s tone was musing. “Maybe that’s exactly what Erin needs in his life.” He went quiet, then asked, “Josh, is it true? Really? No bullshit.”
Believing Her: An Enemies to Lovers Fake Fiancé Romance Page 8
