The One That Slipped Away

by LaShawn Vasser

  The One That Slipped Away

  By

  LaShawn Vasser

  THE ONE THAT SLIPPED AWAY © 2016 LaShawn Vasser

  All Rights Reserved

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead are entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved.

  *EXPLICIT ADULT CONTENT*

  WARNING

  This novel is considered romantic fiction with erotic elements or erotica. This is for mature audiences only. This book contains adult profane language, mild violence, and strong sexual content.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Dedications & Acknowledgments

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Epilogue

  THANK YOU

  Other Books by LaShawn Vasser

  Dedications & Acknowledgments

  There are so many individuals who have helped me along the way, and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience, encouragement, and advice. My beta readers and editor – you make this such a grand experience! Words cannot express. You guys keep me laughing and inspired on this journey – Thank you. Lastly, I’d like to send a special thanks to my Mr. for loving me so deeply and giving me such great inspiration. You’ve always told me I could fly, and I believed you. You hold me down always, and I can never thank you enough.

  Prologue

  The letter. It was his last hope. Harrison could only stare as he held it.

  His hands shook slightly while his heart pounded in his ears. After clearing his throat to remove the thickness of emotion, all Harrison could do was thank God he was alone with his feelings.

  The air rushed from his lungs as if he’d been kicked in the gut. Harrison looked at the envelope, and reality finally started to settle in. It shouldn’t have been a surprise. He’d known all along that this was a long shot. Standing motionless, Harrison couldn’t seem to look away from the piece of paper now clutched between his fingers.

  The document was more than just a bunch of words strung together; it was a heartfelt declaration. The mail carrier had no idea when he delivered it that the flimsy piece of paper meant so much and would forever change his life. It would determine how he was going to go on living it.

  Briefly, Harrison closed his eyes and breathed deeply in an attempt to catch his bearings. His future, every hope and dream had been dependent upon this letter’s success. Unfortunately, it all went up in smoke the moment he saw the glaring red stamp on the envelope . . . Return to Sender.

  Two months—that’s how long it took to write the perfect letter and only seconds to reduce his heart to ash and rubble. Harrison agonized over getting every word just right. As he wrote it, he wondered if simplicity was the best way to get his point across, simply stating, I’m sorry. That seemed terribly . . . inadequate.

  I made a mistake. I wish I wouldn’t have let you go. It was all my fault. We can work it out. I love you and always will. His statements couldn’t remotely convey how he really felt. Insufficient or not, it was all in the letter.

  The hollowness that swirled within Harrison could be dropped squarely at his own feet. That was the saddest and most painful part of everything. He did this to himself—he’d messed up.

  Harrison didn’t just screw up as in forgetting to wish someone a happy birthday., He’d made a colossal mistake. He’d known it immediately, but never more than when his girlfriend packed her things and walked out of his life.

  In a last ditch effort to get her to listen, Harrison poured his heart out in the letter. She hadn’t even opened it. Not only had he not succeeded but he’d failed and failed miserably.

  It was too late to play the whole what if game. Still, Harrison gave himself a moment to wonder. Perhaps if he hadn’t wasted so much time before swallowing his pride and acknowledging how wrong he’d been, then maybe he would have had a shot at getting her back. His chest tightened as he thought about all the things he would have done differently. Someone once wrote a song called “When A Woman’s Fed Up.” Part of the lyrics included a phrase there ain’t nothing you can do about it. No truer words had ever been spoken.

  This was it. All Harrison could do now was to try to pick up the pieces of his life and move on. She was the love of his life and would forever be in his heart as the one that slipped away.

  Chapter 1

  Six Years Later

  For as far back as TaMia Jamison could remember, dinner at her parents, even on a Tuesday night, was always an elaborate affair. The white linen on the dining-room table with its place settings more extravagant than a five-star restaurant and food that could have been prepared by its master chef washed down with the best red wine she’d ever drank was commonplace. Still, it didn’t prevent TaMia from looking at her parents and wondering if she’d been adopted. TaMia could never understand what made her parents tick. Their perspectives on life couldn’t be more different.

  Dr. Avery Jamison was more animated than usual as she attempted to prove her point; one of the many philosophical debates on the plight of Black America. As usual, TaMia couldn’t disagree more but decided to sit this one out. She already hated these conversations because she was typically the odd woman out, but tonight, having to deal with her mom, dad, and Michael being on the same side, would require more energy than she had.

  Avery Jamison sipped from her expensive glass of wine. “All this marching and protesting is ridiculous and won’t accomplish anything. If our community would put down the guns, stop killing each other, and focus on their education, we might be able to make real progress. I swear I think some of them want to be poor and live in the ghetto.”

  Michael Collier leaned forward at the table and nodded in agreement. “Exactly, Dr. Avery. That’s what I’ve been trying to get Mia to understand. Black people have got to have more pride in themselves. If they could do that, and stop blaming the white man for everything, our community would be much further ahead.”

  Mia couldn’t help but think her mother had been living in an ivory tower for way too long, but she honestly had no idea what was Michael’s excuse.

  “Listen to him.” Her mother put her elbows up on the table, clasped her fingers together, and fixed her gaze on Mia. “This young man is absolutely right. Brilliant and enlightened minds like his are a godsend. One day he’s going to change the world. Thank goodness some
one at Smith and Stern had the common sense to make Michael Collier III a junior partner at their law firm.”

  It was that moment that Dr. Ellis Jamison joined the conversation. “Here, here!” He lifted his glass of wine in salute to Michael’s accomplishment. “Congratulations, son. You’re moving up the ranks pretty quickly, and before you know it, you’ll make partner. That’s how we’ll change the direction of things. Black men and women being in positions of power.”

  Michael turned to Mia and gently placed his hand on top of hers. She shivered as he ran his thumb over her knuckles and stared into her eyes. “Thank you, sir. Hopefully, you’re right. I’ve just been given the opportunity to work with a major client. Mia and I will be meeting them tomorrow night at the Angel Network’s annual charity event. If I’m successful, that would definitely put me on the fast track to Partner.”

  Mia smiled. “I’m sure you’ll more than wow them and do all of us proud.”

  Dr. Ellis glanced proudly at his wife then back to Michael and Mia. “We’re already proud, but do you know what would make us even prouder?”

  Everyone turned their attention to Mia’s father. She asked, “What daddy?” Then picked up her glass of wine to take a sip.

  “I’m glad you asked. My mind will rest easy once we start planning your wedding.”

  Mia almost choked. Her eyes widened. “Dad. Please. Don’t start.”

  “The boy asked us for your hand in marriage eons ago. We gave him our blessing, so I don’t know what the problem is.”

  Michael nodded in agreement. “Believe me; I’ve been trying to put a ring on Mia’s finger for at least a year. A big five-carat ring that she won’t wear.” He leaned over and kissed Mia on the cheek. “Hopefully, I’m starting to wear her down.”

  Avery shook her head slightly. “My daughter does seem to want to do things the hard way. But, in the end, she usually realizes her parents were right.”

  Mia pressed her lips together in a firm line. She’d made one mistake, years ago, and her parents would never let her live it down, especially her mother. “Mom, please.”

  “What? A mother can’t want what’s best for her child?”

  Mia pushed her chair back and stood. “Of course. I think I’d like a cup of coffee. I’m going to go into the kitchen and get some. Would anyone else like a cup?”

  Avery Jamison threw her napkin on the table and stood too. “That’s a great idea. I’ll join you.”

  Great. The one person Mia needed to get away from, if only for a minute, decided to follow her into the kitchen. Being alone with Avery Jamison might be worse than staying put.

  *****

  Mia went to the cabinet and started pulling down coffee cups while her mother retrieved the coffee from the other cabinet. “TaMia Jamison. What is wrong with you?”

  This conversation was what Mia had hoped to avoid but could never seem to. She sighed and mumbled. “I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

  Her mother filled the coffee maker with her favorite blend of Colombian roast then turned to stare at the back of her only child. “Is that sass? You know I won’t tolerate being disrespected in my own house, especially when I’m only trying to help you.”

  Mia didn’t turn around, but she could feel her mother’s eyes burning a hole into her back. She responded. “I’m sorry if it came out that way. I’m just a little tired.”

  Her mother barreled on. “That boy isn’t going to keep chasing you forever.”

  “Mom, I don’t really want to talk about Michael.”

  Avery continued to speak like Mia hadn’t said anything. “Where do you think you’re going to find another man like him? Someone willing to . . .”

  Her mother had thrown down the gauntlet. There was no avoiding this conversation. Mia turned. She was unable to hide the pain in her eyes. “To what, Mom? Willing to marry someone like me?” Her chest tightened. “I think I’m a pretty good catch. I graduated magna cum laude from college and received my Master’s Degree at the same time, then earned my doctorate from Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship in spite of everything. I have a career that allows me to take care of all of my responsibilities and then some. I would think that would make me a pretty good candidate to be anyone’s wife if that was what I wanted.”

  “Is that what you want? To be anyone’s wife? Michael is accomplished and ambitious. He’s going places. You don’t find many men like him.”

  Mia’s eyes narrowed. “Men like him, or black men like him?”

  “Hell, both. I won’t apologize for wanting my daughter to marry someone who understands her struggle, comes from a good family and has the right credentials.”

  Mia found that statement ironic. “Does it even matter what I want? You’ve never even asked me if I love Michael.”

  “You and I both know your choices in men haven’t been stellar. For once in your life, you should listen to me. Maybe if you did, you wouldn’t make such a mess of things.”

  Mia wanted to scream. She couldn’t understand how her life could be considered a mess? What more did she have to do to live up to the Jamison legacy? Instead of unloading her frustrations on her mother, she poured the coffee into the cups, put them on the tray, and walked out of the kitchen.

  Chapter 2

  Michael and Mia arrived at the Angel Network’s charity event. Before they exited the car, he placed his hand on Mia’s exposed shoulder. His voice was low, husky. “Did I mention that you look stunning?”

  He loved the way her smooth skin felt underneath his fingertips. Later, he’d convince her to let him remove the strapless gown that fit her hourglass figure like a glove.

  Mia recognized the look in his eyes. Unsure if her own would give her away, she focused her attention elsewhere. She kicked out her leg exposing a thigh-high split. Her voice was playful. “This old thing? You’re too kind.”

  Unintentionally, Mia’s actions only made his piercing gaze more intense. The yellow-print gown complimented her toffee colored skin making her appear to almost glow.

  Michael couldn’t have chosen a better dress or look for Mia, and her makeup was flawless. There was no doubt she would be the most beautiful woman in the room. He was counting on it.

  Tonight, she wore her usually untamable curls relaxed and swept up into an updo with a few tendrils falling down the sides like a waterfall.

  Michael knew, by having Mia on his arm, they made an extraordinary looking pair. They matched each other in every way even down to their skin tone.

  She was the type of woman someone with his ambition needed. Mia would make the perfect wife and mother. Granted, there was that one little thing, but he could deal with that; being a Jamison more than made up for it.

  Mia smiled at his compliment and dusted imaginary lint from his shoulders. “You don’t look half bad yourself, Mr. Collier.”

  Michael knew he looked good in his custom-tailored tuxedo. He’d gotten a fresh tapered-fade and had gone to the spa earlier for a massage and chemical peel. Michael kept his six-foot-two-inch frame in tip-top physical condition and expected Mia to do the same once they were married. He was so adamant about it that he would make sure it went into their marriage contract. He felt there should be stiff penalties for not maintaining their physical appearances once they were married.

  Michael let the dividing window down to tell the driver they were ready to go into the venue. Moments later, he and Mia entered the historical museum with him proudly guiding her through the crowd to locate the Smith and Stern table.

  *****

  Mia was thankful her parents chose books when she was younger over the beauty pageant circuit, thank god. She was exhausted from all of the smiling, and her feet were killing her. However, this was the life of a man on a mission, a life she wasn’t sure she wanted.

  They returned to their table after mingling with the other guests for a while. Michael’s boss, Jeremy Smith, sat to her right. Mia had met him on several occasions, and he seemed to be a good guy. He and his wife had been married
for over twenty years unlike his partner, Phillip Stern. He’d remarried a few years ago to a woman young enough to be his daughter. Of course, the woman started out as his administrative assistant. It was so ridiculously cliché and invoked a bitter taste in her mouth. Still, it wasn’t her business.

  Mr. Smith turned to her. “Mia, how’s it going over there working for Julianne Morgan at Morgan and Associates?”

  Mia grinned. “Quite well, sir. Thank you for asking.”

  “I was hoping you would have said the opposite. I’d love to steal you away. Smith and Stern could use a mind like yours in our Finance department.”

  Michael put his arm around the back of Mia’s chair. “Her days are numbered there. Once we set a date for the wedding, nothing will be more important than building our family.”

  Mia’s head jerked back. Michael didn’t even have the decency to look at her horrified expression. She wasn’t sure how quickly her face recovered from the shock.

  The entire table turned toward them, but it was Jeremy who said what everyone was thinking. “You two finally got engaged? It’s about damn time, Collier. You’d be a fool to let this one slip away.”

  Mia was livid. She did her best to mask it, but as soon as they had a moment alone, she was going to let Michael have it. As pissed as she was, Mia wouldn’t embarrass him in front of his co-workers.

  “Good evening.” All the attention shifted from Michael and Mia to the gentleman who had just approached their table to say hello.

  The blood drained from Mia’s face. She couldn’t see who was standing behind her but recognized the deep dulcet tone of his voice immediately. She didn’t need to turn around.

  The men at the table stood to greet him. “Ethan!” Jeremy beamed. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to show.”

  Mia couldn’t breathe. She suddenly felt hot all over.