by J. P. Comeau
She deserves better anyway.
Shrugging, I closed the door. As much as I wanted to see her again, I couldn't. I mean, she was funny, kind. An absolute blast to be around. But, I didn’t know if I could lose someone again. I didn’t know if I could plunge headfirst into something with someone so amazing, only to risk them slipping from my grasp permanently.
The last time almost broke me.
And I knew I’d never live through something else like it.
Come on, man. Focus. It’s a new day.
I set the plate of food on the kitchen counter near the percolating coffee. For all of the new appliances in my place, there was nothing like a good, old fashioned coffee pot. I picked up a slice of cheese as I watched the dark brew pour into the glass structure. I nibbled on a cracker as I reached for a mug in the cabinet in front of me. The cabinet squeaked, making me wince. And I made a mental note to take a look at it later that evening.
Once I was done working.
When are you ever done working?
I pushed the voice out of my head. I didn’t need it’s bullshit right now. What I needed was to focus on something else--anything else--other than that glorious woman from last night. After the coffee finished up, I poured myself a big mug and took everything to the kitchen table. With the plate in front of me and my coffee steaming at my side, I went in search of my laptop. I was trying to be ready to sink my teeth into yet another day.
But, I couldn’t focus on my work.
Workout. I need a nice, good workout.
I abandoned everything at the table and made my way through the living room to my left. While walking down a small hallway, my bare feet falling against the cool marble flooring. I threw the door open at the end of the hall, and walked into the sunroom on the far end of my house. As I closed the door behind me, I stripped myself out of yesterday’s suit, before heading over to the closet in the corner.
I changed into some running clothes and slipped on some sneakers. The treadmill was calling my name, and I figured a good sweat would strip me of her scent. That damn perfume followed me everywhere. It got beneath my nose and drew me all the way into her bed last night. I had to erase it. I had to get it to go away. I had to focus on something else--anything else--before I did something stupid.
Like going back over to her house.
“Come on, Zane. Focus,” I murmured.
I started out with a soft warm-up before cranking up the speed. With my phone hooked up to the treadmill’s charger, I set it off to the side. Just in case anyone called, I slipped my Bluetooth in my ear and focused my eyes out the windows.
Clocking everything I had to do with my backyard.
The weeds need to be pulled. And that grass needs mowing. The tomatoes look pretty nice, too. And I need to pick some blackberries for Brenden’s water.
I made a mental list as my heart rate picked up. As sweat dripped down the nape of my neck. My legs fell numb with the repetitive motion, and I settled into a nice rhythm. Everything synced up. I felt my old self slowly creeping out of the hazy mire from last night.
Then, my Bluetooth rang in my ear. I pressed the button to pick it up. “This is Zane.”
Brenden chuckled. “At it again on the treadmill?”
“Every morning, if I can stand it,” I said, panting for air.
“Well, you don't need to do much talking anyway. Though, I do want to know where the hell you disappeared to last night.”
“You sound hungover.”
“Because I am. We did a hell of a lot of drinking last night.”
I shook my head. “Amendment. You did a hell of a lot of drinking last night.”
Brenden snickered. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. So, where in the world did you disappear to? One second, you’re talking to Karina, and the next, you’re gone. What gives?”
Karina! That’s her name! “You know what I was dealing with in terms of Mr. Walsh.”
“Is that who was bugging you on your phone last night? Dude, why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve helped.”
I lifted a brow. “Because you were too busy macking on Kelly. What happened? The girlfriend didn’t want to join you?”
“What girlfriend?”
I rolled my eyes. “Anyway. I was dealing with that shitshow. But, I finally caught him in his own web.”
“Wait. You closed the deal?”
I panted harder. “And got him for breach of contract. Turns out, Mrs. Daily wasn’t even aware he and I were negotiating.”
“What!?”
“Yep. So, Mr. Walsh is out in order to save face in the realty world, and we’re working directly with Mrs. Daily on this.”
“Please tell me you’re getting that man new paperwork to sign.”
“Our lawyer’s already on it.”
Brenden chuckled. “Well, you were a busy fucking bee last night.”
“Yep.”
“You know that shit’s going to scare women away, though. No one likes a man who can’t have fun.”
I shrugged. “Maybe step up and do a bit of work yourself.”
“Hey. I resent that, you know. I’m the one that travels and finds all this shit in the first place.”
“Yep. And your traveling is a perfect excuse to take your girlfriends with you in the process.”
“Just because I know how to enjoy my life doesn’t mean--.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. But that’s what happened last night. A lot of shit, but it all worked out in the end.”
“Glad to hear it. I was getting tired of that man’s emails.”
I huffed. “Wait, he was emailing you, too?”
“I’m pretty sure Mr. Walsh was emailing everyone. Even my secretary was growing resentful of the guy.” Branden laughed.
“No shit.”
“Uh-huh. He’s a mess, and I’m glad to almost be done with him. Oh! Also. Don’t forget about tonight.”
I ticked the speed up a notch. “What’s tonight again?”
“Have mer--seriously? Kelly’s birthday dinner?”
I furrowed my brow. “Not ringing a bell.”
“Well, tough. Because I put that shit on your schedule months ago. Her birthday dinner is tonight at her favorite place. I’ll text you the details. You already RSVP’d--.”
I was panting hard. “Why do I… get the feeling… you did that… for me?”
“Because I did. But that’s beside the point. It’s a Saturday night. You won’t be in the office. Get over yourself.” Brenden gave zero shits about my consent.
“I really need a secretary so I can route all your calls through her.”
He chuckled. “Or him.”
“I’m never having another male secretary. He was an asshole.”
He barked with laughter. “Well, don’t discount them altogether.”
“Says the guy who only hires busty blondes as his secretaries.” I kicked the speed up a half of a notch.
“Hey, you have your preferences, and so do I. So, you’ll be at the birthday dinner tonight?”
“Doesn’t sound like I have much of a choice.”
“Great. I’ll shoot you the details. Don’t be late,” Brenden told me.
My Bluetooth beeped. “I got another call coming in. See you tonight?”
“Get all the work out now. Because you're not working at this party.”
I rolled my eyes. “Bye, Brenden.”
Then, I clicked the button in my ear as I slowed down the treadmill for my cool down. “This is Zane.”
“The hell are you doing? Running?” My father’s voice rang loudly in my ear, and I paused.
I actually stopped moving and stumbled to get off the treadmill. I put my hands on my knees and panted as the machinery wound down. Then I watched sweat drip to the cushioned floor beneath me as a long, lengthy pause sounded in my ear.
Before Mom picked up the other line. “Zane? You there?”
Clearing my throat, I answered. “Hey, Mom. Sorry. You guys caught me just getting off the treadmill.”<
br />
“Knew it sounded like you were running.” Dad grunted.
“You always were a gym rat. Even back in high school,” Mom teased.
“What can I say? It helps relieve stress.”
Dad cleared his throat. “Well, I, for one, am proud of you for finding an outlet. A man who works for a living needs an outlet for stress. Luckily for me, I have your mother.”
Mom giggled as I shook my head. “Thanks for that, Dad.”
“Anytime.”
“So! How are things? Did you ever get that car you were looking at?” Mom asked with a cheery voice.
Dad laughed. “Sweetheart, your son doesn’t want to talk about what he’s purchased this week.”
“Well, I want to know what he’s purchased. Oh! Did you get another suit? You always buy the best suits. I keep telling your father he should take fashion pointers from you.”
“I like my blazers just fine, thanks.”
Slowly standing up, I replied, “Nothing wrong with a good blazer. Brenden wears them all the time.”
Mom scoffed. “Yes, but with those dreadful khaki pants. We taught him to dress better than that.”
“She’s got a point there, son.”
I chuckled. “So, why the phone call? Everything all right?”
“Do we need an excuse to call our son?” Dad asked.
Mom shushed him, and I knew something was on her mind.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
Mom sighed. “Well, we just--.”
Dad finally took the reins. “Your mother’s hurt that you haven’t called in a while to talk with us.”
“I’m not the only one who’s been mentioning it, Craig.”
“I hear you, Jenny. But I also understand. The man’s got a business to run.”
“At the expense of his family?” Mom meekly asked.
“I had to make those sacrifices, too. It comes with being a successful business owner.” My father and mother were having their own conversation.
“Well, there are a few things I would’ve changed to get more time with you, had you ever listened to me.” My mother's voice was back to defiant.
I cracked my neck. “I’m sorry for not calling as much. Dad’s right, though. Work has been insane, and Brenden is slowly beginning to procrastinate on finishing his projects. So, a lot is landing on my shoulders right now.”
Dad’s voice grew serious. “You need to address that sooner rather than later. I know what it’s like to have someone who doesn’t give a flying--.”
“Craig,” Mom hissed.
Dad edited himself. “--care about me. That’s how I ended up in business myself. I let my former business partner walk all over me, and when I finally stood up for myself, I realized things would never change. At least you and Brenden have a friendship as well as being brothers to fall back on.”
I cleared my throat. “I know, Dad.”
“Talk to him, son. And as soon as you can.”
I sniffled hard. “I hear you. I will.”
Mom interjected. “And tell Brenden we said ‘hello,’ all right? We haven’t spoken to him in a while, either.”
I ran my hand through my sweaty hair. “I definitely will.”
Dad chuckled. “That’s the sound of a man trying to get us off the phone because he’s got work to do. I’m proud of you, son. Only a true man knows that he has to step up more than five days a week in order to get shit done.”
“Craig!”
“Jenny, the boy is how old now? It’s fine.”
I grinned. “Love you guys. I’ll call you soon. I promise.”
Mom giggled. “You better.”
“You take care,” Dad said.
“You, too, Dad.”
As we all hung up the phone, only one thing from that conversation stood out in my mind.
The fact that my father understood me.
A fact I didn’t like one damn bit.
9
Karina
I gawked up at the ceiling as I entered the restaurant. It was the first birthday I’d be spending with Kelly in years, so I certainly wasn’t missing it for anything. And when she informed me we were all going to Le Cirque, I knew I’d have to brace myself for a serious dinner ticket. I mean, Kelly’s father was stupid rich. And I knew he’d be throwing her a massive party at whatever this place was.
But nothing prepared me for the decadence of the venue.
“Ma’am? May I help you?”
I heard the woman’s voice, but I couldn't speak. The rainbow-colored fabrics bubbling along the ceiling reminded me of the inside of a circus tent. Reds and yellows and blues, sparkling in the light of the crystal chandelier that held it all together. The chairs were plush, and a vibrant red color. They were striped with pale yellow, and begging for me to sit down. Silken white table cloths covered the rich mahogany tables. And the smells emanating from the kitchen swirled beneath my nose, enticing me with its scent of steak and basil and honey. My mouth began watering. I looked over and saw a bar stretching the length of the side of the building. Top-shelf liquors were on display with matching rainbow-colored lights to illuminate them. I found myself speechless at how beautiful the place was.
And I knew I’d never be able to afford my bill for the night.
“Ma’am?”
I blinked. “Sorry. Yes. Um, I’m with the birthday party being thrown here tonight?”
“Wonderful,” she said, grinning. “Then, I won’t have to turn you away.”
“I’m sorry. Turn me away?” I asked, confused.
The woman gestured ahead. “No, you’re in the right place. I’ll show you where everyone is.”
I followed the woman through the restaurant, and it finally dawned on me why it seemed so empty. Her father had rented the entire place for Kelly’s birthday party. The idea made me grin. That was just like Kelly and Roxy’s dad. He spoiled them senseless, and they drank up every second of it. And with Roxy only being a year younger than Kelly, their father didn’t even get the luxury of recycling ideas based on age.
It was always something original with that family.
And they always seemed to outdo themselves.
“Karina!” Kelly squealed from across the room, and Roxy came rushing for me.
She held her arms out, and I wrapped myself around her, hugging her as tightly as I could. Her birthday dress was nothing more than an elongated tube top. I wasn’t sure how in the world she was keeping her ass from falling out of the bottom. But it didn’t matter.
The only thing that mattered was her night.
“Oh, how is it possible to miss you when I only saw you last night?” I asked.
She pulled away, smiling. “You have a lot of explaining to do regarding last night.”
“Later.” I felt the heat rising in my cheeks.
Roxy slow-clapped. “I knew it. I knew you left with him.”
“Not here. Not now. Later, okay?” I shook my head.
I peered between the two girls and saw a sprawling table. It looked to sit at least forty different people, and of course, Kelly’s place was at the head of the table. With a crown on her head and a sash over her chest, she linked her arm with mine, leading me to a chair as my eyes locked with his.
With Zane’s.
Who was sitting right there at the table.
“All right. Here’s your seat, beautiful.”
Of course, my seat would be right next to his.
“Zane,” I said softly.
He nodded but didn’t say anything.
“All right! I’m going to leave you two to it. And later on? Story time,” Kelly said.
Then, she and Roxy ventured back down to the end of the table. Leaving me alone. With Zane.
The man I abandoned earlier that morning.
I swallowed hard as I pulled out my chair. I drew in a deep breath, finding the courage within me to sit next to the man I had so fervently disappeared on. My back stiffened as I sat down. A man came around and filled my wine glass wit
h what smelled like a decadent red wine. Probably to go with the bread and olives and cheese that adorned the table. I thanked him for the drink, then reached for my glass.
Zane’s voice filled my ear. “You look wonderful tonight.”
I brought my wine glass to my lips to give myself a reason not to respond.
I couldn't get back into it. I couldn't just start talking to him. Not after what I did. Not after what happened. I didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to rehash any of it at such a lovely birthday party. But, everyone seemed congregated at the head of the table where Kelly was.
Leaving the two of us alone.
In the middle of the table.
“So, we can’t even say hello?” he asked.
I cleared my throat. “Not here, no.”
“So, what? I’m just supposed to sit here and not acknowledge you?”
“We can be cordial, sure.” I kept my eyes ahead, smoothing my napkin in my lap.
“Well, that’s what I tried to be. Until you used your wine as an excuse not to say hello.”
My lip twitched. “I just love being called out.”
He nodded. “Then, maybe you’ll enjoy it when I ask you why you never came back to your place this morning.”
I bit down on the inside of my cheek to keep from firing back. I didn’t want to fight with the man. Not there. Not then. Not, well, ever. I took another long pull from my wine glass before I reached for a piece of cheese, distracting myself as much as I could. But Zane was wearing that cologne. And even out of the corner of my eye, I saw how handsome he looked.
Damn it, the man could wear a suit.
“I mean, I usually enjoy a bed to myself, but it could have at least come with breakfast.”
I bit back a giggle. “I’ll remember that for next time.”
“Oh, so there’s a next time, huh? I’ll make sure to drive my own car. Just in case.”
I lifted a brow, keeping my voice low enough that the people around us couldn't hear. “You have your own car? I thought you had people chauffeur you around all the time.”
