Forever, Alabama

by Susan Sands

Ben raised his brows in question. “What news?”

  Chase made an irritated noise. “Of course they didn’t give you a heads-up. Could we step into your office for a minute? You’ll want to buzz right in and not make eye contact with anyone. I’ll do my best to clear the way.”

  He trusted Chase to look out for his best interests. And nothing was worse than being the uninformed, so he followed Chase with his cell phone to his ear and eyes cast toward the floor. He heard George call his name, but simply held up a hand as if he couldn’t be interrupted at the moment. When he and Chase shut the door to his office, Ben turned the lock. “So, what’s up?” he asked.

  “You’re not going to like it, and I hate that they left you in the dark until now,” Chase said.

  “Out with it.”

  “Steve and Lisa Stark are joining the firm.”

  “What? How did this happen without my knowledge?” Ben shook his head to clear it.

  The news stunned him.

  “Senior partner decisions. Clearly they went above your head. His daddy and Mr. Babin have been golfing buddies since college.” Chase shrugged dramatically.

  His contract stated that the two senior partners could hire associates without his assent. So, they’d gone behind his back knowing he might take issue with the new hires. Sneaky and underhanded, but not beyond their rights.

  Ben ran a hand through his hair. “Well, damn.”

  “I can’t believe they would do this,” Chase said, obviously defensive on Ben’s behalf.

  “They do what they want and ask forgiveness later. It’s business.”

  “Are you okay? I don’t mean to overstep, but everyone knows the insult those two dealt you when they got together.”

  Ben shrugged. “I’m fine. I knew they were back in town. I suppose they have to work someplace. It’s bound to be a bit awkward around here for awhile, but I can’t hold a grudge forever. Plus, it’s not like I still have a thing for Lisa anymore. I’m seeing Sabine O’Connor now, so there shouldn’t be too much talk.”

  Chase grinned hugely. “I’m so glad you’ve found someone who’s your equal. She’s fantastic. I watched her give testimony during trial, and was so impressed. Good for you, Boss. Well, I guess we should let them break the news to you.” Chase unlocked the door.

  “I do appreciate you looking out for my best interests, Chase.”

  “Well, I know you’d do the same for me. And we staffers keep our eyes and ears open, you know.” Chase opened his eyes wide as if to accentuate his point.

  There was a brisk knock on the door just before Mr. Babin opened it, not waiting for a reply. “Good, you’re off the phone. I need a minute, son.”

  “I’ll just be outside if y’all need anything,” Chase excused himself.

  “Thanks, Chase,” Ben said.

  “That boy’s a little light in the loafers, don’t you think?” Mr. Babin said.

  “He’s gay, if that’s what you mean. And he’s the most efficient assistant I’ve ever worked with.” It wouldn’t do to punctuate to the senior law partner how ill-advised his obvious prejudice was toward Chase’s sexual preference. That might have to be a hard lesson Mr. Babin learned on his own someday.

  “Anyway, I need to tell you that George and I are bringing in two seasoned attorneys to the firm.”

  “I’ve heard.”

  Mr. Babin’s relief was obvious, judging by the heavy sigh and loosening of his shoulders. “Well, son, that’s good. We were a little worried about your reaction to the hires.”

  “I realize it’s allowable to exclude me from some things, but this was offensive. If you believed I’d have a real problem with Lisa and Steve, why would you jeopardize office relationships by going behind my back? Why not have an adult conversation with me before it was a done deal?” Ben asked.

  Mr. Babin’s face became ruddy and he coughed, clearly he hadn’t expected Ben to question his ethics or his character. Likely, he believed Ben would throw a mild temper tantrum similar to something Jeff might have done. That, he could have dealt with like a superior. This seemed to throw him off.

  “Well, I guess we didn’t go about this in quite the right way, now did we? You are, after all, a partner here. I apologize for the disrespect, Ben. Your work here has been exemplary and an asset to the firm. I’m truly sorry if we offended you.”

  “You did. But it’s your right to hire whomever you choose. I will make the best of it, but I believe I’ve been here long enough and put enough on the plus column in the books that we should remove the codicils in the contract so that we’re equal partners in all aspects. I don’t like surprises or things going on behind my back that affect me directly.”

  The man nodded gravely. “I’ll speak with George, and I’m sure he’ll agree that it’s past time.” Mr. Babin stood and shook Ben’s hand. “Please call me Stan.”

  That was a first.

  “Steve and Lisa’s offices will be at the other end of the suites, so you shouldn’t run into them more than necessary. But they will be moving their things in today, just so you know.”

  “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

  “You’re a good man, Ben.”

  “Thanks, Stan.” The older man nodded and shut the door behind him.

  Well, this was not how he’d planned for his day to begin. Clearly, life was about to change significantly around here. Before he had a chance to ponder that thought any further, another knock sounded.

  “Come in.”

  “Ben?”

  Her voice had haunted him for years. Now, while it only gave a slight twinge, it still impacted him, he had to admit. Since the evening at the bar, Ben had been anticipating the moment they’d actually have to interact again.

  “Hi, Lisa.”

  She was lovely, of course, and so familiar. Her straight blonde hair and near-translucent pale skin remained the same. Her figure was still thin, though slightly curvier since bearing Steve two children. A boy and a girl, if he wasn’t mistaken.

  “I guess you’ve heard, huh?” Her smile was tentative, as is she wasn’t certain of his reception.

  “I did. Congratulations to you both, and welcome to the firm. You came to work at the best place in town.” He stood and came around the desk, hand outstretched, ready to shake hers.

  Lisa took it. She smiled fully now. “I know this has to suck for you. I mean, we’re back in town and now working at your firm. Years have passed since we—uh—hurt you. Neither of us took what we did to you lightly, Ben. We moved away to try and make things a little less painful for you.” Lisa did appear pained.

  “Besides being run out of town?” He shook his head and chuckled just a bit. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist a jab. Yes, I was hurt and angry with both of you for a long time. But you have a family, and you should be near your families while you raise your kids. I’m okay; don’t worry.”

  “Thanks, Ben. Facing you was what we were dreading most. I hope we can figure out a way to work together without things being awkward.” She looked around. “Nice office.”

  “Please let me know if you need anything. Chase, my assistant, is brilliant, and can do or find anything you’re looking for before you even realize you want it.” He realized he meant every word, and that was a relief.

  Someone tapped on the semi-opened door, then pushed it opened. Steve. Sure, why not? “Ben. It’s so great to see you.”

  “Steve. It’s been a long time. I was telling Lisa that I hope you’ll both come to me if you need anything while you’re making the adjustment.”

  Steve shook Ben’s hand and then unexpectedly pulled him in for a man-hug. “I’ve missed you, man. It’s been too long. I hope we can go out and have a beer soon.”

  “Uh, sure.” Ben really hadn’t expected such a punch in the gut at Steve’s sudden show of emotion.

  “I would really love for us to get together with you and Sabine—isn’t that her name? She is lovely,” Lisa said.

  “Yes. Sabine is great, and I’m a very lucky man.
I’ll check with her and get back to you on a time. She’s a clinical therapist and stays pretty booked up.”

  “Wow, that’s an impressive line of work. It takes a special person to deal with such raw emotions and honesty every day.”

  “As opposed to a good dose of dishonesty that we get hit with by our clients and on pretty much a daily basis,” Steve said.

  They all gave a little laugh at the sad truth of that.

  “Well, we’d better get back to our move-in. Great to see you again, buddy. I hope we can all bury the past and look forward to good times ahead,” Steve said, then waved and left the office.

  Lisa smiled at him again and said, “I really do hope we can move forward as friends. It will be nice to have that again. We’ve both missed you.”

  Ben understood her feelings. He missed them both too. “Me too, Lisa.”

  A warm emotion settled inside his chest. Could that be peace? This unresolved issue between himself, and Lisa and Steve all these years had burdened his soul. Now, he felt lighter and calmer.

  He wanted to share this with Sabine. Knowing she’d likely be with a patient, he texted her. Hey there. Just found out that Lisa and Steve joined my firm. They just left my office. Believe it or not, all is well. Would love to see you ASAP.

  He had no way of knowing when she would get free to respond, but he continued checking his phone throughout the day. Ben completed a difficult deposition in the conference room with a construction site manager and his personal attorney, who advised against his answering nearly every one of Ben’s questions, on the grounds they might incriminate the company who employed him. Ben represented the prospective homeowner who was injured during a final walk-through of their new home when a poorly installed wrought iron light fixture fell on her head, causing massive trauma, both physical and emotional. Both wanted to settle out of court, but it wasn’t looking good.

  Management had placed the man in a crappy position to defend such terrible safety practices, based on what Ben had learned so far, from some of his coworkers.

  No doubt the liability was squarely on the company, but since the company had let their insurance lapse, some of the owners had been named personally in the suit. It wasn’t sitting well with corporate.

  Ben stopped by the offices where he’d been told Steve and Lisa were working out of to see how things were going, but the lights were off. Their desks were set up and they looked to be about halfway moved in, based on the boxes scattered about and the lack of pictures hung on the walls. Ben stepped inside to survey things and caught sight of a family photo on what he assumed was Steve’s desk. The four of them were laughing together on the beach, dressed in white linen and denim. They were tanned, and obviously happy. Ben wanted that. Not with Lisa, but he wanted what they had together. A family.

  Ben left the office with a strong desire to see Sabine. He didn’t want to examine why that was, exactly, but she was utmost on his mind. He’d not heard back from her since the earlier text he’d sent, so he decided to swing by her office and offer to take her to dinner. Or not. He really needed to see her. She might not be on a “really need to see him” basis, but he was there with her.

  When he arrived, he noticed her car still in the tiny parking area beside her office. Ben pulled off to the side, just out of sight from the front door, rolled down his window, and cut the engine. He wouldn’t want to be accused of stalking, but he did want to see when she came out the door. There was one other car, a large black sedan. Must be her last patient. He had paperwork to do, as always, endless paperwork. Ben kept an eye peeled as he worked through the transcripts of the brief he was currently editing.

  After about five minutes, a sudden movement caught his eye. From where he sat, he doubted Sabine would even notice him. So, when the dark-haired, extremely tall, and somewhat brawny guy backed out the door ahead of Sabine, clearly shouting at her, while she poked him in the chest, Ben didn’t hesitate. By the time Ben cleared the front of his pick-up, the asshole climbed in the black sedan and squealed tires out of the parking lot, flipping Ben off as his back bumper scraped the curb.

  “Are you alright? Who the hell was that?” Ben’s emotions were all over the place.

  Sabine seemed angry, more than scared. “Come inside.” She motioned him to enter her office.

  He did, noticing the comfortable atmosphere. But right now, he wanted to know if she was in danger. “Please tell me what’s going on.”

  “Sit.” She pointed to the sofa.

  She sat across from him on a matching chair. She appeared conflicted. “I need to tell you something—something I should have shared before we slept together. Please understand that I’ve been trying to find a good time to have this conversation.”

  A confession. Well, shit.

  “I’m married. And, I’m not who you think I am.”

  “Married?” She might as well have hit him in the head with a two-by-four. “Was that your meathead husband who just spun out of here?”

  “No. That was my brother.”

  “Nice guy.” Ben’s head was about to pop off. “You’re married, as in, I have a loving husband and I’m sneaking around behind his back, married, or I’m getting a divorced married?” Ben wanted to know.

  “It’s more complicated than that.” She stood and paced. “My husband is a Louisiana state senator, and I changed my name to move here with my mother and get away from him.”

  Ben frowned. “I’m assuming there’s more.”

  “My father is Jean-Claude Prudhomme.” She stared at him, as if to let that sink in a moment.

  It did. Images of a media circus and nationally televised trial, comparable in media coverage only to what he could remember as a kid of the O. J. Simpson or Menendez brothers’ trials. But it had been a couple years ago, and Prudhomme had been convicted as a pariah of the worst kind for the consequences of his actions in law circles. Sabine was Theresa Prudhomme Habersham, which also meant she was married to Senator Richard Habersham.

  “Holy shit, Sabine. How have you kept that a secret?” He was stunned.

  “It hasn’t been easy. And I’ve contacted Richard about a divorce. I’ve just heard back from him. And my father’s parole hearing is soon. So, yes, I’ve lied, and I’ve kept secrets. I’m a total fraud.”

  “I believed you were the real deal,” Ben whispered, mostly to himself.

  Sabine turned to face him, but her eyes were downcast. “I should have told you. I kept looking for the right time.”

  “I came over here because I felt an overwhelming urge to see you—be with you. The you I thought you were. Now, I’m not sure who you are.”

  “Ben—” She reached a hand toward him, but he held his up in defense of her plea.

  He stood and walked out the door. He had to think.

  Chapter Eleven

  Ben drove to his mother’s house, almost without thinking. He didn’t call first, though now that she was married, maybe he should have.

  When he knocked on the door, Howard opened it, took one look at him, and called out to Maureen Laroux, “Honey, Ben’s here and he looks like somebody kicked his puppy.

  “Son, did somebody kick your puppy? ’Cause I know people who can take care of people, if you know what I mean.” He winked, then ushered him inside.

  “Howard, one of these days, we’re going to hold your feet to the fire and get the truth of what you did all those years for the government,” Ben said, as he followed Howard to the kitchen.

  “Well, there’s the problem with that whole tell ya/kill ya thing, and your mother would have my hide if I harmed a hair on one of her kiddos, if you know what I mean, son.”

  “Honey, is everything alright?” Mom floated into the kitchen, or it seemed so, anyway. She nearly floated everywhere these days since she’d married Howard last year.

  “I’m okay. I just felt like stopping by,” Ben said.

  “Why, Ben Laroux, you’re a terrible liar. Should I call your sisters? What is it, darlin’?”


  “Oh, God, no. Don’t sound the alarm.”

  “Then you’d best come clean, son. Or, you know she will,” Howard suggested. “I’ll be happy to step outside and let you and your mother have some privacy.”

  Ben sighed. “No, it’s alright, Howard. You’re the only male ally I have in this godforsaken place. Maybe you can help me understand what the hell is going on.”

  “Oh, dear. What’s happened? I heard Lisa was back in town. I really thought you were over her,” Mom said.

  “Lisa? This isn’t about Lisa. It’s Sabine, Mom. But she’s not really Sabine. She’s got a different name, and she lied about her father being dead. I just came from her office, where she confessed all her secrets.”

  “Sabine’s not Sabine? Well, that’s surprising. So, she lied to you, and apparently lots of other people in our family and this town. That—could be a real problem for all of us who trust her. Hmmm.” His mother went over to the kitchen sink and filled up the teakettle.

  Ben stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Mom?”

  “I’m thinking. We need tea.” She calmly lit the burner and pulled out several teabags and moved to the refrigerator and retrieved a lemon. Ben stared at her.

  “It’s her thinking process when she’s trying to figure something out.” Howard motioned with his hand toward Mom’s doings.

  Ben nodded. “I remember. She used to bake when we got in trouble while she decided what to do with us. We knew how bad it was going to be by how high the baked goods were stacked.”

  “I’m going to need a shot of good Kentucky bourbon in mine, dear,” Howard said.

  Mom nodded, but it was obvious her thoughts were on the problem at hand. “Yes, of course. So, Sabine, whom our family members have entrusted their deepest emotional turmoil, tenderest of heart issues, and most difficult problems to solve, has revealed that she’s not who she seems?”

  Ben nodded, but was now thinking about some of the family issues that Sabine played such an integral part in helping solve. She’d been a godsend to his new niece, Samantha, whose deceased mother had been mentally unstable and borderline abusive, and Sabine had helped Grey and his sister, Cammie move forward beyond their very deep and seemingly impossible past issues to find a happy future together.