The Better Man

by Len Webster

  Savannah knew what he meant.

  They needed a break.

  Because of her, he had to find a new job. The finance sector was all about trust, and she knew it would take Will some time to convince future employers to trust him with their clients. It wasn’t Will’s fault, but that wasn’t how Walter would spin it. He always blamed others instead of himself.

  “We need to call this quits while we’re ahead, huh?” The crack in her voice boomed as she brushed under her eyes, feeling vulnerable tears fall free.

  She heard him swallow hard. “Yeah, sweetheart. Just for a bit. I need to figure out my life.”

  She nodded to herself. “I know you do. I’m sorry you got fired. I’m so sorry to put you and Emerson through all this. It’s my fault. You both had uncomplicated lives before I ruined them. I’m so sorry, Will. I wish I could take—”

  “Don’t finish that sentence,” he begged. “I don’t regret anything, Savannah. Not when it comes to you. I just don’t think I’m gonna be good company as I try to figure everything out. I don’t expect you to wait. If you …”

  “There’s no one else, Will,” she assured, knowing she had to give him the time and space he needed. “Someday, you and I will get it right. Someday, we’ll fall into the right constellation, and our lives will line up.”

  It felt like a goodbye. It sounded like it. Her heart ached with the belief of it.

  “Someday, sweetheart,” Will whispered; longing and regret layered his voice, hurting her and confirming to Savannah that now was not the right time to tell him.

  Someday, William Lawrence would know just how much she loved him.

  Thirty-one

  Savannah

  “Savannah, can I see you in my office?” Monty asked on the phone.

  Savannah glanced up to find her boss waving her over through the glass window. “Sure thing,” she said before she set the phone back on the hook. Standing up, she closed the client report she had drawn up and then patted the hem of her black skirt. Once she felt her skirt was in place, she headed toward her boss’s office.

  It had been four weeks since Will last called. Four long weeks. It was Thursday, and summer had finally arrived. Will texted often, but she knew a call would be too hard for them. His job search was still ongoing. Emerson, his former partner, was apparently struggling just as much as Will, and that only added to Savannah’s guilt. She didn’t know how she could help them. She was the reason they were unemployed and knowing that kept her up at night. Will sounded optimistic in his messages, but she knew he was careful with every word he chose. She knew he wouldn’t be able to hide his fear if he called.

  A month.

  A month without hearing his voice.

  Savannah was giving him what he needed, but when she had her bad days at work and all she wanted to do was hear his voice, she had to settle for his words instead. The someday they both promised felt like it was fading with every day that passed them. Will’s text messages also dwindled, and sometimes, he went days without texting her. She wasn’t his girlfriend, but she did tell him that he was her best friend … and being his best friend meant knowing what was best for him. Savannah wasn’t it. She believed that as the days continued to separate them.

  Will Lawrence didn’t deserve his life to be in the chaos she had created for him and Emerson. If never knowing him intimately meant he still had his career, Savannah would have never gotten this close to Will.

  She would have never kissed him.

  She would have never asked him to touch her.

  She would have never fallen in love with him.

  She would have never let herself believe for a single second that she deserved the better man.

  “Ah, Savannah,” Monty said once Savannah reached her open office. “Come inside and close the door behind you.”

  Savannah nodded as she stepped inside and closed the door. Then she walked over to the chair in front of Monty’s desk and sat down. For the past month, she had spent every free moment with Monty, assisting with her current client. Yesterday, the client asked for Savannah’s opinion, and she had given it to him, only to realize that her opinion did not matter. And as she sat in front of Monty’s squinting gaze, she knew she would be called out for her opinion.

  “So …” Savannah said, hating the awkward silence between her and her boss.

  “Yesterday,” Monty said as she leaned forward, her arms resting on the desk. “Let’s talk about it.”

  Savannah’s shoulders fell. “I’m sorry, Monty. You must be so mad at me for speaking out of line. Y’all worked so hard on that marketing plan, and I had to open my big mouth.”

  Monty’s stern expression faded with her laughter. “Savannah, you were right. We weren’t targeting the right segments. Our client wanted to expand, and we missed small but crucial consumer segments—especially with social media and influencers. I’m not mad. I’m impressed.”

  “You are?”

  “I’ve watched you for the past two months, Savannah. You’ve grown. You express your opinions. You’ve always worked hard to please us, but you’ve held back because you haven’t discovered who you are as a marketer. You followed what you thought you had to be and not who you needed to be. Yesterday, you did that. You finally became your own. I’m promoting you.”

  Savannah’s eyes widened as her jaw fell. “What?”

  Monty smiled. “You deserve it. You’ve worked hard. You not only proved yourself to me but also to the bosses upstairs. You’re no longer a junior marketer. How does that feel?”

  How does it feel?

  Savannah was relieved.

  Elated.

  A promotion meant a pay rise.

  She would finally be making more money than her junior salary.

  “I’m honored. Thank you, Monty.” In all honesty, she wanted to cry. Scream at the top of her lungs and thank Baby Jesus. She would be able to pay her student loan repayments without having to struggle as hard as she had. She still wasn’t going to be making ridiculous money but enough to be able to breathe easier.

  Her boss brushed her straight hair back. “Good. Because on Saturday, we’ll be celebrating …” Monty’s grin was large. “In Boston.”

  “What?”

  “I’m picking you to come to the Shannon Awards in Massachusetts with me. I thought you deserved the trip. Though, I should warn you, it’s going to be boring, and you will have to be professional.”

  Savannah nodded. “Of course, Monty.”

  “Good.” Then Savannah got up from the chair and made her way toward the door. “Savannah?”

  She glanced over her shoulder to find Monty picking up some files. “But remember to have fun. You never know, you might meet someone in Boston.”

  Savannah wanted to correct her boss. Tell her that she had already met and loved someone who she had no relationship with. Savannah could only hope for one. But she couldn’t tell her boss that. Instead, Savannah nodded, grasped the door handle, and pulled the door open. She stepped onto the office space and smiled to herself.

  She had done it.

  She finally got her long awaited promotion.

  Reaching into her jacket pocket, she pulled out her phone to text Will the good news.

  Savannah: I finally got the promotion!

  Savannah looked at the message. She was so proud of herself, and she knew Will would be, too. But she didn’t need to shove her current success at work in his face as he tried to find a firm to hire him. It almost felt unfair that she was promoted, and he had been fired. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth and an ache in her chest.

  So Savannah deleted the message and tucked her phone back in her jacket pocket.

  It wasn’t the right time to tell Will.

  But she wondered if there would ever be a right time.

  Savannah had watched her boss win the Shannon Award for her impact on the industry. She was in awe as Monty thanked the company, her team, her husband, and even Savannah. Her final message was empower
ing. She told the women in the ballroom that they could stand on that stage if they believed in themselves and not let anyone discourage them from becoming the boss they always envisioned themselves to be.

  Monty hadn’t just inspired those who attended the award ceremony; she also inspired Savannah, who sat and clapped with everyone. When Monty returned to their table, she sank into her seat, and said, “Let’s do some shots. That was crazy!”

  Savannah had laughed as they went to the bar. She hadn’t been up for shots and stuck with a glass of white wine. She could have unwound like Monty and everyone else, but she still represented the company. Savannah didn’t want to jeopardize the promotion she had just received two days ago. The paperwork had yet to be finalized, so she was cautious of every move, spoken word, and breath she made.

  So Savannah stood by and watched her boss and a couple of their co-workers slam down their shots and then head to the dance floor. It wasn’t just marketers she had met. Savannah had met different professionals at the business industry awards. Several men had asked if they could buy her a drink, but she had politely declined. Though, it seemed as if she didn’t hurt any of their feelings as they moved on to the next woman. There were so many people at the awards, she was sure she was not as memorable as they believed her to be.

  Suddenly, she felt her hand being pulled, and she turned to find Monty with her award in her hand. “Come on, Savannah. At least dance with your boss!”

  Savannah laughed. “I can’t dance in these heels.”

  Monty glanced down at Savannah’s feet and nodded. “You look hot!” Then she raised her finger. “Don’t take that as sexual harassment, please. I’m just giving you a compliment as a friend. And as a friend …”

  “Yes, Monty?”

  Her boss set her prestigious award down on the bar and then grasped Savannah’s hand. “Call him. For God’s sake, Savannah, call him.”

  She winced. She knew her boss was tipsy, but she couldn’t believe she would suggest such a thing. “Monty, I’m not calling Walter. You have no idea what he’s done. I refuse to talk to him.”

  Monty shook her head ferociously. “No. Not that douchebag. The one you text all the time. I know you love him.”

  “Monty …”

  “Look, Savannah …” She was now serious. Her smile a tight line. “I was recognized tonight by the industry, but my husband is the only one who will always support me. He might not get what I do, but he’s there for every tear and triumph. I go home to him, and I forget how stressful my job is. I find my inner peace again. You need that, too.”

  Savannah attempted a smile. “Right now isn’t the best time for us.”

  “And why is that?”

  “I cost him and his partner their jobs because of Walter, and well … I got a promotion. It’s kind of unfair,” she admitted, guilt tightening her throat.

  “The right man will be proud of your accomplishments and will be happy for you. You should not be ashamed of your success. The kind of man you need is one who supports you,” Monty enlightened. “Not a selfish NBA player who only realized he loved you when he was about to lose you. From the sounds of it, this mystery man is worthy of you. If not, I am a Shannon Award winner. I’ll go after him.”

  Savannah laughed. “Thank you, Monty. Go dance. I’ll call him now and tell him.”

  Her boss nodded and picked up her award. “We’ll meet you on the dance floor!”

  As she watched her boss return to the dance floor, Savannah opened her clutch that dangled on her shoulder and pulled out her phone. Her nerves got to her as her hands shook. It had been a month since she last spoke to Will on the phone. She had no idea if he even wanted to talk to her. The fear that he resented her and regretted what they had always simmered in her chest. The blame for ending his and Emerson’s careers at Coates and Jackson never went away. In fact, in the past month, it festered and latched onto her heavy heart, wanting relief.

  Three weeks ago, Savannah’s anger almost got the better of her, and she had come close to answering Walter’s calls just so she could confront him. But she had promised Will she wouldn’t retaliate, and she didn’t want Walter trying to force his way back into her life. Though she walked away, he still couldn’t let her go, no matter how many calls and texts she had ignored from him.

  Unlocking her phone, she heard a familiar voice say, “Savannah?”

  She turned, and her jaw dropped. Relief and caution mixed in her veins, but she didn’t care. She would apologize. Profusely. Until her face was blue. “Emerson. Oh, my God. You’re here. Emerson, I’m so—”

  To Savannah’s shock, Emerson Calvert slapped her hard across the cheek. It stung, and it was loud as if it echoed through the ballroom.

  “You deserve that!” Emerson stated.

  Savannah raised her hand to her cheek and nodded, to Emerson’s surprise. “I do,” she agreed.

  Because she did. She not only ruined Will’s career, but she also ruined Emerson’s potential promotion. Something that had just happened to Savannah. It seemed unfair—it was unfair—and Savannah wished she could change it all.

  “You do?” Emerson had dressed up for the award ceremony in a long green silk dress compared to Savannah’s short silver sparkly piece.

  She nodded. “The reason you’re unemployed is because of me.”

  Emerson blinked at Savannah. Bewilderment glimmered in her green eyes. “Wow,” she breathed. “Now I feel terrible for slapping you.”

  “I didn’t mean for you or Will to get hurt.” To her surprise, tears appeared with her guilt. “I’m so sorry, Emerson. I don’t know many in the finance industry, but I did meet some tonight. I asked them if they were interested in new advisors, and some were. I have their numbers—” Savannah reached into her clutch and pulled out the business cards she had collected tonight for Will and Emerson. She stepped forward and handed them to her. “Could you make sure Will gets these, too?”

  Emerson took the cards from Savannah and glanced down at them. She sifted through the cards as her jaw dropped. “These are some of the best firms on the East Coast.”

  Savannah nodded as she pointed at the card of her favorite CEO she had met. “That’s Everett Mercer’s number. He’s the owner of G&MC in New York. Funnily enough, my best friend’s dad works in the Boston office. Mr. Mercer’s really passionate about accounting and finance. I did some research before tonight, and G&MC would fit you and Will perfectly.”

  “You researched companies for us?”

  “Of course. When I found out I was coming to Boston with my boss, she told me that I’d meet some important people. So I researched some of the best firms and found out who their CEOs were so I could introduce myself and—”

  “Savannah,” Emerson cut her off, her eyes shone with tears. “You did all that for us?”

  She pressed her lips into a smile. “I took so much from you both. You both had amazing careers, and my getting involved with Will ruined that. Maybe it’s a good thing that he hasn’t called.”

  “Take that back!” Emerson said, roughly.

  Savannah winced. “Emerson …”

  “I appreciate you getting these business cards for us, but I got a job. That’s why I’m here.” Emerson went through the business cards in her hand and then held up a card. “Mercer hired me a few weeks ago.”

  It couldn’t be helped. Savannah burst into tears. Tears of joy, happiness, and relief. Without a single thought, Savannah closed the distance and wrapped her arms around Emerson. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. Then, after a moment of embrace, she pulled back to find Emerson with her own tears streaming down her face. “I’m so happy Mr. Mercer hired you. But I’m still so sorry, Emerson.”

  Will’s ex-partner smiled as she pulled back and wiped her tears away. “Don’t be sorry. I shouldn’t have slapped you. I saw the smile on your face, and I thought you didn’t care about Will. That you were enjoying life while he’s been struggling since we both left Coates and Jackson.”

  “Emerson,
not caring about Will is so far from the truth. I …” She paused, not wanting to tell Emerson before Will.

  “Do you?” Emerson asked, eyes wide and filled with hope. She knew Savannah meant love. It was clear on her face.

  Savannah nodded. “I do, but I don’t know how to tell him.” She attempted a smile, but it fell short. “I don’t think I deserve him, Emerson. Not after what I’ve put him through.”

  “Savannah, what you deserve is entirely up to you. But you should know, you deserve Will. I’ve been his friend for years, and I saw how you looked at him. I’ve never seen another woman look at him the way you do. What happened with Walter wasn’t your fault. You tried. No one can ever blame you for trying. But the important thing is you chose someone who makes you happy. You chose Will.”

  Letting out a sigh of relief at Emerson’s approval, Savannah brushed her hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Emerson. I appreciate that.”

  Emerson grinned. “Which is why I should tell you something.”

  Savannah blinked at her. “Okay?”

  “Will’s in Boston,” Emerson revealed.

  He’s here …

  “He is?”

  Emerson nodded. “His train was canceled, and the next one was delayed, so that’s why he missed the awards. You should surprise him at the hotel.”

  I can see him.

  I can tell him.

  Savannah grasped the chain of her clutch tightly. But her excitement to finally see Will died in her chest, suffocated by her anxiety and her fears. “Does …” She sighed, summoning the courage to ask. “Does he want to see me? We haven’t spoken in a month.”

  Emerson rolled her eyes. “What a stupid question. He’s staying here at the Four Seasons. Room 1503.”

  “1503,” she repeated. “Thanks, Emerson.”

  “No problem,” she said before Savannah left her and went to the dance floor.

  Savannah couldn’t believe they were staying at the same hotel just floors apart. If it were Savannah paying, there was no way she could afford the Four Seasons. Whenever she was in Boston, she stayed at her best friend’s house in Cambridge. Since today’s trip was for a work event, her company paid for her hotel room and flights. As Savannah pushed through the dance floor, her heart raced at the thought of seeing him. It ached at the thought of telling him.