by Ali Vali
“The pain isn’t going away, but there are certain things I need to move forward with.” She sat on the coffee table across from him and pressed her fingers together between her knees.
“Whatever you want, you know I’m here for you. We’ve been together for ten years and you mean more to me than an employee. What do you need?”
“I want to talk to Tucker Delacroix, and I need you to set it up for me.”
“I’ll be happy to do that, and I’ve been waiting for you to ask.” He leaned forward and put his hands over hers. He sighed before he went on, not really making eye contact. “Tucker will be a big part of Grady’s life, I’m sure of it.”
“I may sound like an idiot, Willow certainly thinks I am, but I loved him for him. The money, and everything else”—she motioned around the room—“didn’t matter.”
“I know that, honey.”
“It’s time for Grady to know his family, and I think we can help each other.” She was tired of crying but she couldn’t stop, and the tears weren’t all for Jim Bob. Her health was getting worse, and she wouldn’t have cared if it wasn’t for Grady. Before it would’ve been Willow who would’ve worried her, but her sister could take care of herself and didn’t need her any longer. Grady was another matter entirely.
“Do you mind if we do it at the office? You’re the most honest person I know, but Tucker’s going to get her world rocked and you might need backup.”
“Thanks, Jefferson. After what happened to Jim Bob, it made me worry about Grady, and what his future holds if…” She shrugged, unable to get the words out.
Jefferson inhaled deeply and shook his finger at her. “Nothing is going to happen to you. Losing the loud guy was enough, but you I couldn’t handle. You’re needed, Monique, so start taking better care of yourself.”
“I love you too in a big brother kind of way, but he taught me not to put the important stuff off. Grady is the most important person in my life, and I want him to have family to rely on.”
“Okay then, I’ll go and try to get Tucker to the office tomorrow.”
“Thanks, boss. I know you’ll do your best to make it happen.”
She leaned against the door and closed her eyes when Jefferson left. This house held so many good memories, but she still had a hard time looking at the stool where they’d had their last conversation. “Okay, my love, spend the night visiting your sister’s dreams and convincing her to listen to me.”
* * *
“Syd, really, I’m okay.” Tucker didn’t get up from the table since Syd had popped her with a towel the last time she’d tried it, and for such a small woman, she delivered a mean blow. Twice a week since the funeral her assistant came over and cooked her dinner, then stayed so they could watch a movie. “I can do dishes.”
“So can the dishwasher, and if you load it, not only will you do it wrong, but you can’t stare at my ass when you think I’m not going to notice.” Syd always wore something that really showed off her backside in spectacular fashion when she came over.
“It’s hard to miss in those jeans, and you don’t have to worry. That pot roast has made me lethargic enough that I’d never catch you even if I tried to chase you.” Since Jim Bob had died, Syd had been terrific, and a true friend. These visits really cut into her morbid thinking time, and she appreciated Syd for trying so hard. “I never knew there was a way to load the dishwasher. The manual didn’t mention there was a wrong way to do it. And you’re an awesome cook.”
“It’s not something I do often for just myself.” Syd finished and held her hand out. “And I bet your entire salary last year you don’t know where the manual is, much less read it. For your information it’s common knowledge that there is a wrong and right way to do it, so you’ll just have to trust me.”
“I do trust you, since you’ve mentioned the dishwasher thing over and over again. I’ll try and find the manual so I can eventually help you.”
“Not now. Come on, I got your favorite.”
She put the DVD in the player and glanced at the box. “Roman Holiday is my favorite? Since when?”
“Since I cooked you dinner and wore the tightest jeans I own. If you want a hot fudge sundae in an hour, I suggest you agree that this is your favorite.” Syd took her shoes off and smiled sweetly.
The night wasn’t about anything sexual, and it was nice to have company. Quiet had never been a problem until that was all her life had become. Her brother’s loss had left an all-encompassing silence that was driving her batty. Syd had been the only one who’d realized it, and she was a sweetheart for trying to do something about it.
“I’ve never seen it, but for hot fudge and those pants, I’ll watch anything you want.” Her cell rang before Syd could give her any more of a hard time. “Hey, Jeff, you’re working late again?”
“I’m almost done with everything, and the estate attorney turned in his final paperwork this afternoon. Everything should be finalized by this week.”
“Great, all the trusts are done as well?” She’d had a few run-ins with Bubba, who then threatened her with Ivy and Tara showing up on her doorstep, so she wanted this business settled, giving everyone the opportunity to move on. With any luck that also meant they’d be moving out of state, or perhaps to Europe if she was lucky.
“All they need are your signature, but I was calling about something else.”
“Let’s hear it. I’m getting ready to watch my favorite movie.”
Syd looped her arm through hers and rested her head on her shoulder.
“If you can, come by the office tomorrow. I need to talk to you about some business.”
“I’ve got two meetings first thing, but I can move them, so if nine’s okay, I’ll see you then.”
“That’d be great.”
“Problems?” Syd asked as the movie started.
“Jeff wants to meet tomorrow, which hopefully means the leases we were going after have come through. If they did, we’ll have a deepwater tract that will take five hundred years to develop.”
They sat in the dark for an hour before Syd declared a dessert intermission, and seeing her in the kitchen made her think of Willow. That was something she’d tried purposely not to do, and she’d been busy enough to have kept that promise to herself for hours at a time, but like a determined termite, Willow had burrowed deep. Even after their little run-in she couldn’t bring herself to call Willow a bitch, but instead had settled on calling her that woman, and that woman hadn’t called since the day Willow had lost her mind.
That crazy meltdown should’ve been memorable and something to laugh at during parties, but Jim Bob’s sudden death had taken a dominant portion of her existence. She was grateful for the message Willow left about Bubba’s wheeling and dealing and was on firm legal standing to kill the project. That was the last she’d heard from Willow, so apparently that chapter was closed.
“What are you going to do about Bubba?” Syd handed her a bowl and sat close to her again.
“He comes in every day but he doesn’t do anything. I think he’s acting as a spy for the greedy trio, but two attorneys have contacted Jeff about the family’s claim on the company. Once they get the paperwork they don’t call back.” She laughed at Bubba’s clumsy attempts to try to find anything that would give them the control they wanted. “If Jeff and the other guys he hired are done, Bubba can spend all his time planning his wedding as well as his dating life.”
“Are you sure there’s going to be a wedding?”
“I got an invitation to an engagement party at some douche bar on Bourbon, so I’m sure Trixie’s still in the picture.”
Syd fed her a spoonful of ice cream and smiled. “He made a pass at me yesterday, and told me if I was smart I’d give in. He said you couldn’t protect me forever.”
She moved to sit up. “What? I’m going to teach that kid a lesson.”
“No you’re not, and you’re not going anywhere.” Syd grabbed her shirt and pulled her back. “I love that you’re ang
ry on my behalf, but I can take care of myself. Besides, I told him if I was going to lose my mind and sleep with one of the Delacroix, it was going to be you.”
“I’m sure that went over like watery gumbo.”
“He didn’t seem pleased, but one of the reasons I came to work for you is you’re a sexy beast. I just don’t mention it often so it won’t go to your head.” Syd moved her hand to cup her cheek. “All you need to remember is to live your life and find happiness. It’s what Jim Bob would’ve wanted for you. You need to stop feeling guilty for what you have because you deserve it.”
“You’re a good friend, Syd.” She leaned into the touch, enjoying the warmth of Syd’s hand. Intellectually she knew what Syd was saying was true. She did feel guilty about ending up with everything, but in her heart she also knew neither Bubba nor Tara really wanted the company. They were only interested in the profit side and the life it afforded them.
“That’s true, I’m the best.” Syd made her laugh and that was something she missed as much as her brother. Up to now laughter had been a bigger part of her life than all these damned tears, but it was like she couldn’t stop. Grief was a vicious animal that lurked around blind corners and devoured every bit of her joy when she least expected it.
“Come on, honey,” Syd said, putting her arms around her. “Don’t cry or I’ll be forced to sleep with you, then you’ll always wonder if it was pity sex. Then you’ll never find anyone better in bed, and I’d hate to ruin sex for the rest of your life with only a little taste of perfection.”
“You’re not right in the head. You know that, right?”
“But you love me anyway.” Syd kissed her cheek. “Even though this is your favorite movie, let’s get you to bed. Tomorrow everything will be better.”
“You think so?” Everyone kept telling her that all she needed was time and the pain would become a memory, but that didn’t seem possible in her very present reality. “I pray you’re right.”
“I am, and you should give me a raise for all my good advice.”
“If I do that, can we discuss the pity sex?” She followed Syd to the bedroom.
“See, from that crude remark I can tell you’re getting better.”
Tucker watched as Syd took her pants off and revealed—swallow your tongue—black panties. Sleeping beside a gorgeous woman, even if she was just a friend, wasn’t such a bad thing. “I agree with you. I’m getting better and better by the second.”
* * *
The early flight and favorable tailwinds put Willow in New Orleans earlier than she expected, and if she rushed, she’d catch Monique before she left for work. Even when she’d left for college she’d never gone two months without seeing Monique, and she really missed her and Grady.
“Thanks,” she said to the taxi driver. Her car was there since she’d left it in Monique’s driveway, but so was her sister’s, so she’d made it. “Hey.” Monique smiled and hugged her when she opened the door, and the reception made the ball of tension in her gut unravel. Their interactions had been so coldly out of character that she’d been worried that was going to be their new normal.
“Hey.” Monique kissed her cheek and moved so she could come in. “You’re early but it’s a good surprise.”
“I missed you guys so much.” Grady was in his carrier already, which meant they didn’t have a lot of time left. “I couldn’t wait until this afternoon.”
“I’ll try and get off early and we can catch up.” Monique placed all her stuff next to Grady and stopped to put her heels on.
“Let me call you before you do that. I have to go in and give Mann a progress report, and I doubt he’ll be happy with it. That might keep me later than I planned.”
“We’ll be here. We missed you too.” Monique kissed her cheek again, and she helped her load the car.
This was probably going to be the best five minutes of her day, but there was no reason to delay the sucky part any longer.
Still, it was two hours later when she reached the office. Her car was completely dead when she’d tried to crank it, and no amount of cursing it out had made it start. After the roadside service figured out it wasn’t the battery, she had no choice but to call a cab.
There was a pile of mail on her desk, and Margo handed her all the messages from Junior that she’d taken that morning.
“He’s called eleven times?”
“He has, and I don’t know if he’s madder that you weren’t in the office, or that you’re back here at all. Did you leave without saying good-bye?” Margo seemed ready to take notes. “And you didn’t tell me you’re engaged. Congratulations.”
“What?” She slammed the messages down and glared as Margo smiled.
“I’m kidding about the last part, but Junior does come off as a little gaga over you.”
“Mr. Grabby Hands has been a treat to work with, and he has his father’s awesome personality.” She tossed all the advertisements and ten of Junior’s messages away since one would suffice. “Let me see what he wants, and I’ll head up to see Mann.”
“Have fun.”
The phone only rang once before Junior answered and immediately went on the attack. “Where the fuck are you? You missed the staff meeting and the dumb shit you sent in your place doesn’t know crap.”
“He knows all he needs to, and I’m back at work. My replacement will be there for the next month or two, so you might not want to call him dumb shit, or you might run into some problems. If you do, you can make it up to him over dinner.” Why did the world have to be populated by so many stupid people, and why did she have to be such a magnet for every single one? She was a good person, wasn’t she?
“Get back here. In case you forgot, you’re the project manager.”
“I’ll see you when I need to come back and not sooner. If you have any questions before then, give my coworker a call.”
“You promised me dinner, and I thought you could cook so we could have some alone time.”
Was this guy kidding? Was she being punished for all the sins she’d committed since first grade? “Bye.” She hung up and texted her coworker with a warning about the bad case of cranky Junior was going to have because she was gone. “See you in an hour or so,” she said to Margo.
Mann was on the phone when she arrived, and she noticed the project plans taped on a whiteboard. He’d put her in charge, but he seemed to be following her progress very carefully. The sight of the whole thing instead of the small pieces she was concentrating on made her feel a bit guilty for not finding a way to get Tucker to talk to her, but she must be okay with the project since they were still proceeding. She couldn’t fathom how she was okay with all this.
“Willow, good to see you, and great job so far. Big Earl says you and Junior are way ahead of schedule, and we might have the skeleton on its way to the site in a month.” Mann slapped his hands and then rubbed them together vigorously. “It’s important we get that done and demonstrate a kind of possession of the lease.”
She thought about that, and it didn’t sound quite right. Taking possession of a lease was something you actually did—not demonstrated doing. It was like walking—you simply did it, you didn’t show someone you could unless it was a DUI police check and you had no choice. “We’re on schedule, but Junior Peters has made quite a few changes to our design, and they were signed off by his father.”
“I signed off as well, but I do appreciate your thoroughness. There’s going to be a bonus in this for you. All you need to do is keep us on schedule and call me with any problems.” Mann leaned so far back in his chair she hoped he fell on his head and knocked himself into thinking rationally.
“But I have called you and nothing’s changed. I think some of these changes aren’t—”
“You haven’t talked to anyone from Delacroix, have you?”
“No, but—”
“Good, keep it that way.” The chair gave a little and Willow almost laughed at his dramatic startled reaction.
“But if
they’re paying for part of the construction and are sharing the output with us, shouldn’t there be a representative at the site? I haven’t seen one yet.”
Mann shook his head and his index fingers for emphasis. “Do your job, Willow, and stay in your lane. I’d hate to knock you back to a cubicle doing scut work.”
Patronizing bastard. “I am doing my job, sir, and I’m also doing what you asked of me when you assigned me this project. You told me to not deviate from the contract, and that’s all I’ve reported. All I need is some backup so I can keep that part of the deal.” She wasn’t going to lead a revolution against the old boys’ club. It was hard to fight for women in the workplace when you were living out of your car.
“Keep me in the loop, and there’s a few things we need you to keep an eye on.” He put his head down as a clear sign of dismissal. “I sent you a list this morning.”
She went back to her office and found the email with a schedule to visit six of their rigs that were due pipeline checks that required an engineer. This was something for a first-year engineer who was trying to learn the ropes, not someone like her. It was like Mann either wanted her in Texas dodging Junior’s attempts at romance, or offshore and out of the office. Each check would take ten days.
“What the hell are you up to?” She printed the schedule and called Margo in so they could put together an itinerary.
“Are you suddenly allergic to the office?” Margo had her own copy of Mann’s marching orders and didn’t seem any happier than she was with it.
“I think I’ve pissed off the big man upstairs and this is my punishment. I haven’t come this far to be intimidated. Can you set up my travel? If I’ve got two months ahead of me on the road, I’ll need to get going tomorrow, and if I’m lucky, I’ll have some time to speak with Monique and Grady before I ship out again.”
“She must be missing you.”
“The feeling is mutual, but duty calls.” She flipped through the rest of her messages as she thought of how much she could cram into the meeting with her team.
