by Alison Mello
Copyright © 2019 Rise Up by Alison Mello
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, establishments, or organizations, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Rise Up by Alison Mello is intended for 18+ older, and for mature audiences only.
Editing and Formatting by Masque of the Red Pen
Copyright © 2019 Rise Up by Alison Mello
DEDICATION
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
TWENTY-TWO
TWENTY-THREE
TWENTY-FOUR
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX
TWENTY-SEVEN
TWENTY-EIGHT
EPILOGUE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book is dedicated to all the sports moms out there who run like crazy to get their kids where they need to be. All the moms who work hard to make sure their kids have their uniforms clean for games and are ready to be the cheerleader on the sidelines.
It’s also dedicated to all the step parents out there who step up to the plate no matter what is thrown at them. Supporting their step children and being there for them when they’re needed.
There’s nothing like a cold beer after a long day of work, homework, and cleaning up from dinner. Ethan has just gone to bed, and now it’s time for me to chill and unwind with some basketball. My team is doing amazing this year, and Ethan and I are hopeful they’ll make it to the playoffs.
I kick up my feet and turn on the TV to the game, but just as I’m getting comfortable my phone rings. I silently pray it isn’t a client freaking out over something stupid. I’m a financial advisor. I have been for years. We have offices all over the country. I was traveling for a while to help the other offices get set up and situated, but when I realized what was happening with my ex, Laney, I spoke to my partner about working strictly from our home office. I knew Laney was messing with Ethan’s head, but I didn’t realize how bad it was until my father-in-law called me. You know the woman is toxic when her own father doesn’t agree with her behavior.
Much to my surprise, it’s Laney calling. We haven’t heard from her since she up and left about six months ago. She decided her career was more important than her family.
“Well, well, look who finally decided to call. You do realize you already missed your son’s birthday?”
She huffs into the phone. “I know that, but that’s not why I’m calling.”
“Good, because he’s in bed, and I’m not waking him.” I take a pull from my beer. “What do you want?” I practically growl, angry that she’s even bothering at this point.
“Now that I’m settled, I’d like to fly Ethan to New York for Christmas break.”
I shake my head despite the fact that she can’t see me. “What makes you think he’ll want to go?”
“You’re his father. Tell him that is the plan, and you make him get on that plane.”
I literally burst into laughter. “First, your son is thirteen-years-old, and I’m not forcing him to do anything. Second, what makes you think I don’t want to have my son for Christmas. And finally, he’ll have basketball.”
“I see nothing funny about this. I haven’t seen my son in six months, and I want to spend some time with him.” I can’t believe this woman.
“Then you shouldn’t have moved to New York. You want to see him, fly here.” I’m trying so hard not to scream at this point, but I’m getting angry, and it takes a lot to get me angry.
“I can’t. I have a case load.” She slams her fist down so hard the sound rings through the phone. Life has always been about what Laney wants. Her father swears to me he didn’t raise her that way, but as she got older she always thought she could get whatever she wanted.
I let out a sigh. “I will consider mentioning it to him, but I will not force him. You missed his birthday, for Christ sake. Do you have any idea how upset he was that you didn’t send him so much as a card? You’re his mother, damn it!”
This time she sighs. “I know. I was working a large case, and I was so focused that I lost track of time. The case was important for my career and really made a name for me up here.”
“Well, I hope you’re happy. You once again put your career before your family and broke your son’s heart. Have a good night, Laney.”
I cut the call without waiting for a response. I want to leave her with that thought. Life stopped being about her and her stupid career the moment we had Ethan. It’s about time she realizes that’s not how life works.
As I take a pull from my beer, the phone vibrates one more time. This time when I look, a smile fills my face. It’s Amber, my assistant.
“Hey, Amber, what’s up?”
She coughs. “Hi, Vincent. Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to let you know that I won’t be in tomorrow. I’m really sick.”
“You sound awful. Do you need anything?”
“No. I’ll be fine. I just need to get some rest.”
“Are you sure? I can come over and make you feel all better.” My assistant and I have been flirting for quite some time now. Neither of us will admit to what’s happening between us for professional reasons, but I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this strictly professional. We’ve come so close to kissing in my office on multiple occasions, and we’re constantly sneaking faint touches.
She chuckles. “I appreciate the offer, boss”—she stresses the last word, reminding me once again that a boundary exists—“but I’ll pass. I should only be out tomorrow.”
“Okay, if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. Have a good night, Vincent.”
“You too, Amber.”
I wish I had more to say to keep her talking. I love the sound of her voice, but I guess I’ll have to settle for the game keeping me entertained tonight.
It’s a beautiful, crisp, Friday morning and I’m in a great mood … that is until my phone rings. I note the caller ID and contemplate ignoring it, but I know she won’t give up. Christmas is only a few weeks away, and Laney hasn’t stopped pestering me. I’ve just dropped Ethan off at school, so I guess now’s as good a time as any to get this out of the way. “What’s up, Laney?” My ex is the biggest, snobbiest bitch on earth. I’m not sure what I ever saw in this woman, but I’m glad we’re no longer married.
“Well hello to you too, Vincent.”
“I’m almost at work. What do you want?”
“The same thing I’ve wanted for the last three phone calls. I want to fly my son to New York for Christmas vacation. Have you spoken with him?” I want to laugh at her, but I refrain. I knew damn well what Ethan’s response was going
to be.
“I did, and you won’t like what he had to say.” He actually told me she can screw herself. As much as I wanted to laugh, I had to tell him it wasn’t nice.
“You realize I’m a lawyer and can fight you for visitation.”
“You realize you up and abandoned us for your ivory tower legal career. I don’t give a shit what you do, but I’m not forcing him, and he doesn’t want to see you. He is bitter and angry, and I can’t say I blame him.” I roll my eyes at no one but myself. The nerve of this woman. She decided West Virginia couldn’t provide her with a big enough career, so she up and left without even discussing it with us. Now she demands my son go visit her or she’ll take me to court. She’s insane.
“It’s not my fault you two didn’t want to move,” she barks out.
“Listen, I filed for divorce, and that’s when you decided to jump ship. I’m not arguing this with you. I have a meeting this morning that I need to prepare for. You’re not paying me child support, and you haven’t spoken to your son since you left. You go ahead and file for visitation, and I’ll see you in court.”
“Why are you being such a dick?” she snaps at me.
“Because you have some really big lady balls calling and threatening me after what you did.
“How dare…”
I cut her off. “Goodbye, Laney.” I cut the call as I climb out of the car.
I’m grateful that we have no plans for the weekend except to sit at home and relax. The weather hasn’t been too bad yet, so I told Ethan that we could even play a little basketball on the hoop I set up for him on his birthday. The birthday his mother failed to call him on. I need to inform my lawyer and give Ethan a heads up as to what’s going down just to be safe. He and I are very open about anything to do with his mother and her insanity.
I exhale a deep breath as the elevator approaches my floor. I’ve been working with Amber for the last three years. We developed a great friendship. When I first learned about the crap Laney was pulling with Ethan, I was angry and didn’t take very good care of myself. Amber was so good to me. She made me smile, made sure I ate, and that’s when I really started to notice her. At first, I thought my attraction to her was a rebound, but as we started talking more and more, I realized I’ve had a crush on her all along. I was just blind to it in the beginning because of everything that was going on with Laney. Although we were married, Laney and I didn’t have much of a relationship the last year or so we were together. I really tried to save it for Ethan’s sake, but it was no use.
Amber and I have managed to keep a strictly professional relationship. I adore her and would love to see us turn into something more, but I would have to transfer her to one of the other advisors. I can’t sleep with my secretary. Well, I could, and I will, but I need to maintain a level of professionalism. Seeing how my partner’s secretary just gave her two weeks’ notice, now’s the time to act.
“Good morning, Amber,” I greet her with a huge smile as I do every morning, but today she’s sitting at her desk with her back to me. Her smile and typical cheerful response is nowhere to be found. “Amber, what’s wrong?” I ask, placing my briefcase on the floor. When she turns to me revealing her red-rimmed eyes, my jaw drops, and I see red. I actually can’t believe how angry I am inside. She is such a sweet woman. Who on earth would hurt her? “Amber, what’s wrong? Why are you so upset?” I fight the urge to scoop her up into my arms.
“It’s nothing, sir.” I roll my eyes. I hate when she calls me sir. We’ve been friends for far too long, but she does that from time to time to keep her level of professionalism up. “I’m sorry. I’ll be fine.” She stumbles on her words.
“Amber, please, this is me you’re talking to. Step into my office, and let’s chat.” I move toward my office door, but she tries to stop me.
“But, sir, you have a meeting scheduled in twenty minutes, and I need to get you prepared for it.”
I look back holding the door to my office open while I wait for her to step through. She’s staring at me nervously. “Amber.”
“I promise. I’m fine. I’ll go clean myself up and be right back with everything you need for your meeting.” She continues fighting me.
With my arm still holding the door open I say, “Amber, you’re not in trouble, and I can’t believe for a second you’re concerned about my meeting. You’re clearly upset, and I’m worried about you. Please step into my office.” I practically beg her. It really bothers me that she doesn’t realize that I care. I’m not mad at her. I’m mad that someone has hurt her.
She closes her eyes and nods, giving in to my request. I watch as she slowly walks through my office door in her stilettos, knee-length pencil skirt, and button-down shirt. I know it’s not very professional to look at my secretary the way I do, especially under these circumstances, but I can’t help it. She’s stunning, and the best part about her is she doesn’t know it. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been with a woman, and she’s no ordinary woman.
“What can I do for you?” she asks, holding her notepad and pen with her head held high. She’s strong and independent but not in the same manner as Laney. Amber cares about people.
“You can take a seat and tell me what’s going on.”
She exhales a slow, steady breath, no doubt buying time as she chooses her words. The wheels in her head are spinning as she contemplates what to say. “As you know, my husband left me about four years ago.”
“Yes.”
“What I didn’t tell you is that it was because I couldn’t give him a child. He told me I was broken and no good to him if I couldn’t provide him with children to carry on his family's name.” What the actual fuck? Who the hell says that to a woman they’re supposed to love? “About two years ago he remarried. I was upset and started dating men who weren’t really good for me, but I was depressed and trying to fill a void.” I never in a million years would have pictured her for someone who was battling depression. I mentally kick myself for not picking up on this sooner.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
She gives me a tight smile. “That’s because I didn’t want anyone to know. I became really good at hiding it.” I nod, patiently waiting for more. “Well, I started to realize that I was getting myself into trouble with some of the men I was bringing into my house. Some of them were not good people. So I started counseling and got help. I eventually realized that I deserved better.”
Damn fucking skippy you do. “Okay, so what happened?” I encourage.
“When I got home from work yesterday, I discovered my apartment had been broken into.” She shakes her head. “They took very random stuff, like my couch. The TV is gone, but that’s not what has me so upset. Those items can be replaced.” She sniffles. “The worst was he took my mother’s diamond ring. It meant a lot to me. I only wore it on special occasions.” She dabs her eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Amber. I can’t believe someone would treat a beautiful woman like you that way.”
She blushes and bows her head. “It’s my fault. I’m a fool. I wanted so badly to feel loved and cared for that I didn’t pay attention to who I was letting in.” She uses a tissue to dab her tears away. It breaks me to see her so upset. “Anyway, I called the police, but because there was no forced entry and no fingerprints, there wasn’t a whole lot they could do.”
“I wish you would have talked to me about what you were going through. I would have tried to help you.”
She looks into my eyes. “You were going through so much with Laney. I didn’t want to add to it.”
“That makes it that much worse. You were there for me. I was leaning on you and not there for you in return.” I massage my forehead with the tips of my fingers. “Do you know who it was?”
“I think so. A while back I had given one of them a key to my apartment. He was down on his luck and begged me to let him stay with me. He must have made a copy before returning the key.”
“Bastard.”
She nods. “I called
him this morning to beg him for my ring back. He laughed at me. He said I needed to prove he took it, and there was no way I could do that.” She closes her eyes and lets out sob. She takes a deep breath and sniffles. “Just when I thought I was ready and willing to move on and try to find a nice man to date, this happens.”
The thought of this woman spending years alone because she can’t trust nearly breaks me. “I haven’t been a good friend. I should have been paying closer attention to the signs, and for that I’m sorry.”
“You have no need to apologize.”
“Oh, but I do. You were there for me when Laney pulled her stunts, and I should have been there for you.”
“You’ve been going through so much with your family. There’s no way you could’ve known or understood what I was going through.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. We’re friends, and I should have seen and helped you through like you did me.” I look into her tearful green eyes. “Let me make it up to you. This weekend we will scour the local pawn shops to find your mother’s ring.” She dabs her eyes with a tissue from my desk. “If we find it, we can probably have him arrested for the theft.”
She shakes her head. “I just want to move on from this awful experience. I just want to find the ring, maybe get a new couch and TV, and change my locks so this never happens again.”
“Let Ethan and I help you. When we’re done, I’ll come over and change your locks for you.”
She jumps up from her seat. “Sir, that is very kind of you, but I can’t do that.”
“First, stop calling me sir. I have never asked for you to call me that, and you know I don’t like it.” Her cheeks blush, and she bows her head. “Second, why not?”
“Well, you’re my boss. I can’t afford to get fired because I’m hanging with my boss outside of work.”
I stand from my seat and approach her, getting incredibly close. “Let me ask you something…” I pause a moment. “And I want you to answer me honestly. Is me being your boss the only thing that’s stopping you? Because I thought we had a connection when you were helping me through my Laney ordeal. At first, I thought maybe it was just all that I was dealing with, but now… I know I was wrong.” She nods with a weak smile. “Would it help if I promise not to fire you? I can put it in writing.”
