“After I finish the book. I’m close.”
“Before Thanksgiving?”
“Probably after, but not by much.”
I snap my fingers. “Well, get to work so I can read it.”
He laughs and we end up on the living room floor, using the coffee table as our desks again.
I dig in my purse and eye Allison’s journal, which I haven’t touched in a week. I don’t want to bother Dash with my worries for Allison right now and I text Neil: Anything on the investigation?
No, he says. I’m good at my job and I haven’t found her. That’s not good for her.
No, I think. It’s not. I pull up Allison’s number and type: Where are you, Allison?
No one replies.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Thanksgiving turns into a memorable day. Dash and I wake up in bed together, drink coffee together, and end up in the shower together. We stand there holding each other with the water running over us and I don’t miss the way he holds me a little tighter than usual. Both of his parents and his brother are gone. There’s no way the holiday doesn’t bring back memories of times when they were all a family. I’m worried about him today so I, too, hold him a little bit tighter than normal.
Once Bella arrives at the house, we head to my parents’ place where Dash eases up a bit and is much more himself. Of course, my mother and stepfather greet us all with hugs and the house smells of divine temptations. Bella and my mother hit it off, and the three of us chat in the kitchen while finishing up the meal. Dash and my stepfather put up the tree and run the lights. We all stuff our faces, decorate the tree, and then watch Bella’s father’s race. I watch Dash, wondering if the father connection will rattle him, but he’s wildly into the race, cheering, absorbed in the moment.
After her father wins said race, the group of us dig into the variety of desserts, of which, there are many. Bella finishes off a slice of coconut pie—my mother’s coconut pie is to die for—and declares it, “The best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
Dash agrees.
It’s a good day, I think again, and Bella confirms as much as we leave my parents’ house. “It was so nice to have a family holiday. Thank you for inviting me.”
“Agreed,” Dash chimes in. “A much-needed family holiday. The timing was appreciated.”
My mother hugs him and I hear her whisper, “I hope there will be many more to follow.” She eases back and says, “And I can’t wait for your tree decorating party Saturday night.”
We drop Bella off at her place and when Dash and I are alone, he says, “I needed that. More than you know.” His voice is rough with emotion and he squeezes my hand.
I lean over and kiss his cheek. He captures my head and kisses me properly. “I want to spend every holiday with you. You know that, right?”
“Good,” I whisper, emotions welling inside me. “Because I want to spend them with you as well.”
When I settle back in my seat, I think about that word “forever”, and decide that after all we have lived through together, it’s easy to see that forever isn’t always as long as we hope. It’s critical we embrace every day we have in the life we are granted. And I plan to do so with Dash.
It’s a long time later and Dash is working on his book while I look through the Christmas decorations Dash has dragged out of the closet for me, and I decide they’re beautiful. One ornament, a snowflake star made of glass has me sucking in a breath. Dash sits down next to me and says, “You like it?”
“I do,” I say. “It reminds me of an ornament my father gave me years ago. He didn’t always send gifts, but when he did, I was a mix of angry and happy I can’t really explain.”
“I have a pretty good idea.”
“Yes, I suppose you do. I want him to call me back and I don’t know why.”
“The same reason I wanted my father to call me. Our parents are a part of us.”
“Yes. I know. You’re right.” I glance at the star and then back at him. “They say you can wish upon a star and have a wish granted.”
“Isn’t that a shooting star?”
“My mother always told me to pick a star, any star, and wish. What would Bella wish for?”
“Something for someone else. She’s generous that way.”
“Very true. And what would you wish for?”
“I already have my wish, Allie. You’re here.”
I warm with these words, with the feeling of being with that person my soul has always known was out there but somehow, I’d stopped believing. Until that necklace had arrived with my name on it—with her name on it. I shove aside the moment and touch Dash’s cheek. “And I already have my wish. I’m here.”
“Then I’d call us very lucky,” he murmurs, stroking my hair behind my ear.
I shiver with his tender touch. “Then maybe we should wish for someone else,” I challenge.
“I wish for Bella to find someone special. Now, your turn.”
“I’m stingy with my wishes for other people,” I declare. “I want Queen Compton and my mother to beat cancer forever. I too want Bella to find someone special as well. And—”
“And?” Dash prods.
My mind goes to the woman who inadvertently brought me to Dash, who changed my life. “I wish for Allison to come home safely.”
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Dash calls Bella on Sunday night and accepts one of the TV and film offers he finally feels right about. An hour later, another studio wants to fly into Nashville for one last plea for Dash’s rights. He agrees and a meeting is set for Tuesday night.
Monday comes first though, and that morning, Dash is eager to get our life back to normal. For us, that means I leave Dash at home working, deep into the final chapters of his book that I cannot wait to read. I stop by Tyler’s office, but neither he nor his secretary are in right now. As the day ticks by, there is no sign of Tyler.
Tuesday morning, repeat. I leave Dash at home, sprinting to the finish line of his book, perhaps today. It’s late afternoon when I manage a break from the chaos and stop by Tyler’s office, but not only is he still not in, apparently his secretary is on vacation.
Once I’m back in my office, I just go for it and punch his number on my cellphone.
“Yes, Ms. Wright?” he answers on the first ring.
“Are you okay?”
He appears in my doorway. “Why would I not be okay?”
I set my phone down. “I haven’t seen you. I haven’t heard from you. Even your secretary is gone.”
“I didn’t know I was required to check-in with you.”
“You’re very arrogant, you know that?”
His lips curve. “Most women call that hard to get to know. It’s mysterious and interesting.”
My lips curve. I think he’s joking. Then again, this is Tyler. Maybe he’s serious. “I’m not most women.”
“Yes, I’m exceedingly aware of that fact. How is Dash?”
“Good. Why don’t you ask him yourself?” I say, and do so with the mindset of healing old wounds. Death has a way of showing you how easily “the end” can appear in life, how easily regret is created, and opportunities are missed. It’s time to mend fences for everyone’s good.
“I did,” he surprises me by saying. “This morning when I stopped by your apartment,” he adds. “I just thought you might offer a clearer picture of his mindset.”
I blink in shock. “You went to see him today? Really? How did that go?”
“He invited me to the meeting with the studio. I know one of the main players quite well.”
“That’s good, right?”
“Yes, Allie. I do believe it is.”
I hesitate, but I have to change the subject. I have asked the question he probably dreads from me. “Anything from Allison?”
His expression tightens. “Nothing. And I tried.” He shuts down the topic, sideswipes me with a rapid topic change, or rather, command. “Send me an update on the auction.”
“Already in your
inbox.”
He nods and disappears into the hallway. I stand up and shut my door before returning to my desk and dialing Dash. “Hey, baby,” he answers.
“Hey. Anything I might want to know?”
“Tyler works fast,” he says with a laugh. “He already told you.”
“I might have encouraged him to make peace with you. You two were friends, Dash. And I really don’t think—”
“We made peace, baby, the best we’re going to without some time.”
“You invited him to the meeting?”
“Yes. I think he’s an asset and so does Bella. And for the record, I still think he’d fuck you if he got the chance, but the only way he gets that chance is if you let him and I know you won’t. Now, I am about three chapters from done and haven’t showered.”
“Go finish. Dash, I love you.”
“Show me tonight when we pop champagne and celebrate one of these deals.” He softens his voice. “And I love you, too, baby.”
We disconnect and I’m feeling hopeful about everything and everyone but Allison. I don’t know what to do to help. Maybe there’s nothing I can do, but isn’t that what Dash said about him and his father? And that ended badly. I have to do something. I stand up and look around the office. This was her office. I found that plane ticket and never even brought that up to Neil. I quickly dig for it, shoot a photo, and text it to Neil. He replies with a phone call.
“Good work,” he says when I answer. “I’ll find out who else was on that flight. Have you searched the office well?”
“I—no, actually.”
“Search when you get time. Or I can if you want to get me in after hours.”
“I’ll do a search right now. I’ll let you know.”
I start digging around, in files, on the bookshelf, and then finally in the credenza that I skimmed and saw nothing helpful. This time though, I find one hanging folder that is way in the back and blank. I grab it, and to my shock, find another journal. My heart leaps into my throat. I roll to the desk and open to page one:
This is nothing I thought I’d ever have to write, but I can’t talk to anyone about this. When I met him, I was heartbroken, in love with a man who had rejected me. Why I allowed myself to be seduced even slightly by this particular man, I do not know. It was wrong in every way and I knew it. He was married. I was never going to let it go too far. Ever. And I didn’t. I didn’t. I couldn’t. But I did allow a flirtation, I know. I just—I needed to feel something other than pain. It felt good to have his interest. So when he asked me to drinks, I said yes. I know. I’m a horrible person. God, why did I go? Why? It hurts me to know I could hurt someone else, and as I said, he’s married. Then things spiraled. They went badly. So very badly. I don’t even know where to start. I can’t seem to write it down. And I don’t know how I keep going on.
My heart leaps. I’m terrified for Allison with what reads like someone suicidal.
I shoot a copy of the text and send it to Neil with a message: Another journal. I’ll copy it for you and scan it to email.
That doesn’t sound good, he replies. Send it. I’m waiting on a contact to get me the flight info.
An idea hits me and I type: Should I send a company email and ask if anyone knows how to reach her?
Not until I have the flight information and read that journal, he replies.
I’m worried, I text.
As am I, he confirms.
There’s a knock on my door and I shut the journal and pull it to my lap. “Yes? Come in.”
The door opens and to my shock, Jack is my visitor. “I have a very big client who just got into town. He wants to talk to you about a high-end family heirloom he wants to auction off. Can you join us for drinks?”
“When?”
“About thirty minutes.”
“I—ah—yes. Of course.”
“Good,” he says, his intelligent eyes registering his approval. “See you soon.” He disappears out into the hallway.
With no time for the copier, I start shooting photos of the entries, and upload them to a Dropbox folder. Once that is done, I send the link to Neil by text with a message that reads: Meeting. I have to go. This was the best I can do and I’ve read nothing but a paragraph.
Next, I text Dash: Good Luck.
He replies with: Thanks, baby. See you soon.
I text Bella the same: Good luck. Knock ‘em dead.
Thanks, sweetie, she answers. Love you.
And I love her. I swear she’s the sister I never had. One day I’ll convince Dash to tell her everything about his brother. Once he’s dared to tell us both everything, he’ll know we both love him unconditionally, and he’ll be closer to healing.
Setting that thought aside, for now, I quickly gather my things and walk to Katie’s office, to find her behind her desk working. “I’m going to drinks with Jack and some client. Do you need anything?”
“I’m good. Wow, you’ve really filled Allison’s shoes now. I told you she was up and coming here. She got Jack’s attention as well.”
“Yes, well, it’s not well-timed, but it sounds like the client wants to work with Riptide and that will make my real boss in New York a happy man.”
“Good luck,” she says. “Text me and tell me about it.”
“I will.” I hurry down the hallway and find Jack at the elevator waiting on me.
“Ready?” he asks as the elevator door opens.
“I am,” I say, and I step onto the car with Jack following.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Once we’re in the elevator, Jack gives me a rather intimate inspection. “You look professional and pretty, Allie. I’m sure you’ll get our client’s attention.”
Feeling awkward about the compliment I quickly reply in a professional tone, “I’m hoping it’s the services Hawk Legal in partnership with Riptide can offer that gets their attention.”
“Oh, we will,” he says. “I have a feeling we’re headed toward a beautiful partnership.” The doors open at the lobby. “And it’s okay to enjoy the compliment. It’s human to enjoy being found pretty.”
My awkwardness expands but I manage a pleasant, “Thank you,” because I don’t know what else to say, and since I want off this topic, I quickly step forward. Once we’re in the garage elevator, I ask, “Who’s the client we’re meeting?”
“A big music producer named Nelson Miles. He’s behind most of the top names in country music. The ones on our list, at least, and those are the ones that count.” He winks.
That wink does not feel the way it does when Dash winks at me. It feels uncomfortable and I’m thankful the door opens. Jack holds the door for me since it has the rapid shut mechanism. I exit and he motions to a black Mercedes. He’s a gentleman and opens my door for me, but I swear he looks at my legs as I slide them into the passenger area. I’m really regretting riding with him.
The car smells new and seems to have about every extra that can possibly be made. The seats are black leather, the heater warm, and the music playing a holiday tune. Once he joins me, he cranks the car, and pulls us outside the parking garage. The sun is beginning to set along Nashville’s downtown skyline, and while I focus on it, Jack glances over at me. “I hear you decided to stay on with Riptide instead of Hawk Legal,” he says, and suddenly I feel like I’m in a trap designed to change my mind.
“It’s the best of both worlds.”
“What do they do for you that we cannot?”
“I made some close connections there. Mrs. Compton, the founder of Riptide, is like a second mother.”
“Do they pay you well?”
“Yes,” I say. “Very well.”
“Bonuses?”
“Yes,” I confirm.
“How much will you get for this sale tonight if you close it?”
“A generous amount,” I reply simply.
“What if I match it and add ten percent?”
“Your son already generously made that offer.”
“My son isn’t me.
”
No, I think. He’s not. Jack has an easy confidence. Tyler’s is more arrogant and reserved, but it’s also more wounded, more human than I once thought. “No. But he’s someone I’ve gotten to know well.”
“How well?”
“Well enough to know he’ll do right by me.”
“As will I,” he promises, glancing at the gas tank. “And we need gas.” He turns into the gas station and pulls to the pump. “Give me a moment.”
Feeling anxious, I try to occupy my mind, pulling up the photos I took for Neil and starting to read a random image toward the front of the journal. He complimented me, made me feel beautiful. Made me feel that it was okay to need to feel beautiful. Don’t we all need to feel beautiful? After being rejected, I was vulnerable, seeking validation. I think I was weak. I know I was weak. Had I just backed away from this, it never would have gone where it went.
Did she actually let things get beyond flirtation? I got the impression she didn’t, but now, I don’t know. Was this an actual affair, I wonder? Or maybe she led him on a bit because he made her feel wanted? I just can’t tell from the entries.
My gaze catches on a phone number scribbled in the lower corner of the page and I can’t help myself, I dial it. At the same time, Jack’s phone sitting just under the radio rings. Instinctively, I glance over it and go cold. It’s my number. Jack was the man Allison was seeing. I’m cold and hot all over, my head spinning. My hand is trembling. I have no idea why, but I know I cannot let Jack know. I grab his phone to erase the call but of course, it’s locked. I’m out of time. I don’t know what to do. The door starts to open and I shove his phone under his seat, in the hopes he’ll believe he dropped it. At least I bought myself time. We’re three minutes from the meeting spot. Three minutes until I’m with him and other people. I’ll figure out how to explain the call later.
And I’m not going to ride home with Jack.
CHAPTER FIFTY
Jack joins me again in a whiff of spicy, almost pungent cologne I haven’t noticed until now. He smiles in my direction and cranks the engine. I can’t muster a returned smile. In fact, I’m certain he can hear my heart racing, but if he does, he doesn’t react. He also doesn’t notice his missing phone. Once we arrive at the bar, I don’t wait for him to open my door. I get out and meet him at the trunk. “When we’re done here, let’s hang back a moment and talk through your future with Hawk Legal.”
When I Say Yes Page 16
