I forwarded two documents I’d been typing up to the printer before saving each one. Just as I was about to retrieve them, my office line rang.
“Hunter Desmond’s office, how may I help you?”
“Violet?”
I glanced at the caller ID to make sure my suspicion was correct. “Yes. How are you, Mrs. Desmond?”
“I’m lovely, thank you so much for asking. Is Hunter available?”
“Actually, he is in an important meeting with Mr. Beakman right now.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Would you like me to have him call you when they finish?”
“Yes, that would be wonderful. With the holiday coming up in a few days, I’ve been completely scatterbrained.”
“I can only imagine. From what Mr. Desmond tells me, you put out quite the spread for Thanksgiving every year.”
“I try, but getting all my children there is another story entirely,” she replied. “Have you heard Hunter mention anything about his plans for this weekend?”
“Truthfully, I haven’t. But he’s been extremely busy the past few weeks. Word has gotten out about how talented he is and Mr. Beakman has been adding to his client load.”
“I’m so happy for him. He really wanted to turn things around and have a fresh start here in Boston.”
“I think he’s accomplished that goal,” I stated. “And you should also know that he thinks the world of you. He and Alex both do actually.”
“You are so sweet! Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? Hunter told me that you aren’t really close with your family.”
“My friend is flying in from out of town and we’re going to cook together. It’s been a while since she’s been able to visit, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
“That’s wonderful. Well, if the two of you decide you’d rather not cook, I would love to have you for dinner at the manor. It’s only going to be family, but we always have plenty of food, and I know everyone would like to meet you.”
“That is so kind of you.”
“Don’t worry about having an answer right now. Just think about it and then give me a call if the two of you decide to come.”
“Thank you, I will.”
“Well, I won’t keep you any longer. I know how busy you are.”
“Thank you again for the invitation, Mrs. Desmond. I’ll make sure Hunter gives you a call as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. Goodbye.”
“Bye.”
I hung up the phone and immediately made my way over to the copier. All the documents I’d printed earlier were waiting for me, and I spent the next half hour organizing and stapling everything into separate piles. After a few minutes, I decided to call Nadine. Picking up the office line again, I dialed her number from memory and waited for her to answer.
“You’ve got her,” Nadine answered on the second ring.
“Why do you always say that whenever I call you from the office?”
“Because I like to pretend you’re calling me from a secret line.”
“You have issues.”
“Don’t deny this tawdry love affair we’re wrapped up in, Violet.”
“Like I said, issues.” I sounded out the last word, enunciating each syllable for the sake of being dramatic.
Her laughter filtered through the phone. “You know you love me.”
“Of course I do. So, when are you flying in?” I asked.
“Tomorrow. Are you still going to be able to pick me up from the airport?”
“Yeah! I can’t wait to see you.”
“Same here! It’s been way too long since I was in Boston.”
“I hate you’re the one who always has to do the flying.”
“You know I don’t mind. Besides, with Jasmine trying to get in touch with me every week, I’d rather you not make an appearance in Sin City.”
“Ugh,” I groaned. “I’m sorry my family is so crazy.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she replied. “I mean, Jasmine stopping by the club to speak with me was a little extreme, but I guess that’s what you do when you’re desperate.”
“She stopped by the club again?”
“Yeah. Both times I’ve refused to see her. I had security escort her out this last time though.”
I chuckled slightly, imagining one of the bouncers tossing Jasmine out of The Lounge like a rag doll. “I bet that was entertaining to watch.”
“It was fantastic! She was so pissed.”
“I wonder what the hell she would want after all these years. She spent the majority of her teenage years despising me. And now, after I’ve moved away and started my own life, she wants to get in touch with me?”
“I wish I had an answer for you, Violet, but I don’t. The only thing I can think is maybe she regrets everything that happened between the two of you and wants to make amends.”
“Like hell,” I mumbled. “Jasmine would rather rip her own arm off than admit she was wrong.”
“You never know. Maybe time has changed her.”
“Have you heard anything about Sutton?”
When I was a kid, my brother was my constant companion. Even though he was ten years older than me, he used to take me to the playground at my school all the time. But then the day came when he took his first hit, and with it, everything changed. Meth burned away the remaining vestiges of the brother I used to love. The day I realized getting his next fix was more important than protecting me, my heart was shattered. They say addiction is a disease. I can’t comprehend the things he’s been through, but he knowingly turned a blind eye to our father’s wrongdoings. Maybe he couldn’t bring himself to stand up to the man who raised him, or perhaps he didn’t want to admit our mother’s death made a monster out of our father. Either way, he never spoke up for me . . . no one did. And that was a crime I couldn’t forgive.
“Last I heard, he was in jail for possession.”
“Shocker.”
“I’m sorry, girl.”
“Don’t be. I’m sure one of these days he’ll overdose and put himself out of his misery.”
Nadine was silent for a long time as she weighed my words. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Just get your sexy ass here pronto.”
“Yes ma’am!”
“Text me all the details of your flight and I’ll come pick you up.”
“Will do! Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I ended our call right as the door to Hunter’s office opened. Mr. Beakman turned to shake his hand, beaming at him with all the pride of a father.
“He’s a genius,” Mr. Beakman declared to me.
“He definitely has a good head on his shoulders,” I agreed.
“I won’t argue with you there,” he replied. “Hunter, are you sure you can take on another client?”
“It shouldn’t be any trouble at all,” Hunter replied confidently.
“Excellent! Keep up the good work!”
“I’ll try my best, sir.”
“And, Violet, make sure you keep him focused.”
“You know I will,” I answered. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Hunter grinning at me.
Mr. Beakman nodded to both of us before practically bouncing toward the elevators.
“I take it the meeting went well,” I stated.
“You could say that.”
I picked up the documents I’d been working on during Hunter’s meeting and carried them into his office. “And he’s assigning you another client?”
“Yeah. He’s really pleased with the work I’ve done over the past month.”
“Dude, you know what that means.”
“Did I mention there was a box from Vito’s sitting on my desk?”
I shoved the papers I was carrying into his hands and sprinted for his desk. Tearing open the white box, I gazed down at two beautiful cupcakes. After a few moments of silent admiration, I removed one of the cupcakes and peeled back the paper.
“Oh my God,” I said with my mouth half full. “It’s so delicious.”
“I’m glad you like it. Did I get any calls while I was meeting with Beakman?”
“Your mother called and inquired about your plans for Thanksgiving.”
Hunter sighed heavily as he laid the documents on top of his desk. Moving around me, he slumped into his chair. “Did she say anything else?”
I sat on the edge of his desk and crossed my legs. “Actually, she asked if I had any plans for the holiday.” Coating my finger with pink icing, I licked all of it off before continuing. “I told her Nadine was flying in and that our plans were to cook Thanksgiving dinner together.”
“I have no idea what I’m going to tell her.”
“If it makes you feel any better, she invited Nadine and I to dinner too.”
“What did you say?” he asked, staring at me as if I were some kind of savior.
“I told her I would think about it. Are you going?”
“I am if you are.”
I finished off the last of my cupcake and picked up the remaining one. “You haven’t been to any of the family dinners she’s invited you to.”
“I know.”
“You should spend Thanksgiving with your family.”
Hunter accepted the cupcake I held out to him. He took a bite, his eyes closing for a brief second. “If you go, I’ll go too.”
“Are you bargaining with me?”
“Yes.” His green eyes fixated on me, nothing but mischief swimming in their depths.
I stood and adjusted the hem of my cream skirt. “I’ll have to talk to Nadine about it, but for now, my answer is maybe.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you get a maybe.”
“Thank you.” The relief saturating his voice was unmistakable. From our conversations, I was able to discern that Hunter was somewhat unnerved by the prospect of spending time with his family. He feared the judgment of those closest to him, and I didn’t blame him. Only wounds inflicted by those most dear to us had the ability to cut deeper than any knife.
“Now finish that cupcake and call your mother,” I ordered as I walked out of his office.
“You’re the best, Vi.”
When I returned to my desk, I freshened up my lipstick and sorted through a stack of files. At the sound of someone approaching, I spun around. A man I’d never seen before was a foot from Desmond’s office. His hand was outstretched, clearly reaching for the doorknob.
“Stop,” I ordered with complete authority. The man craned his neck in my direction. He had to be almost thirty, and his thick, chestnut hair was styled better than mine. Immediately, he broke into a smile as he gave me a once-over. I suppose he wanted to get a view from another angle because while I was bent over my desk, I could just make out that he was staring at my ass. “I know you saw me standing here, because you stared me up and down for a good forty-five seconds. Yet, you still neglected to check-in with me before heading toward Mr. Desmond’s office.”
“I have an appointment with him.”
My eyes narrowed as I surveyed him again. “No, you don’t.”
“Excuse me?”
“I have Mr. Desmond’s schedule memorized down to the minute, and he isn’t expecting anyone at the moment.”
The man crossed his arms, showcasing expensive diamond cufflinks. “I don’t need an appointment. Hunter will want to see me.”
“In this office, you do need one.” I motioned toward the empty armchairs in the waiting area just beyond my desk. “You may sit over there for the time being.”
“You got a name, blondie?”
“Doesn’t everybody?”
He laughed, taking a step in my direction. “Now I get it.”
“Excuse me?” I asked.
He took another step. “Your name,” he demanded.
This man had to be a lawyer. Normal souls didn’t speak with that much authority, unless they were in law enforcement. And based on this man’s suit and leather loafers, he definitely wasn’t in law enforcement. “Will be given to you when I deem it appropriate,” I countered with an air of finality. “Now, please have a seat, sir.”
Reluctantly, the man settled into a leather armchair. Despite being an absolute dick, he was extremely attractive. And I’d bet my life he’d never had any confidence issues. Smug wasn’t a strong enough descriptor for this man. “Fine.”
“Now, whom may I tell Mr. Desmond is requesting to see him?”
“Brett Lyle.”
“Fantastic. I’ll let Mr. Desmond know you’re here.” I turned on my heel only to be stopped by the man’s voice.
“And do I get your name now?”
“I’m Violet,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “Mr. Desmond’s secretary.”
“Not Lily?”
My hand flew to the cursive inked on the back of my neck. Apparently, he’d been staring at me harder than I thought. “No, Lily was my mother.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
I gave him a curt smile and promptly stepped toward the door of Hunter’s office. After a quick knock, I opened the door and shut it behind me. He glanced up from a mountain of paperwork, his gaze immediately settling on my face.
“Did you need something, Vi?”
“There is a Mr. Brett Lyle here to see you. He tried to enter your office while my back was turned, but I stopped him.”
Hunter crossed his arms over his chest, laughing slightly. “I’m guessing he didn’t like that.”
“Not particularly.” I walked around the desk and propped against the edge of it, next to his chair. “So, who is he?”
“A colleague from Chicago.”
“That’s all you’re going to tell me?”
“Do I need to tell you more?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“He stepped into my previous position at the firm in Chicago. We’ve also been great friends since college.”
“Oh.” I was about to say more when the phone began to ring. Leaning across Hunter’s desk, I grabbed the receiver. “Hunter Desmond’s office, how may I help you?”
“I’d like to schedule an appointment to see Hunter.”
“Alright, and may I have your name and the nature of your visit, please?”
“Brett Lyle.”
“Okay, and can you spell your last name for me?” I asked with as much sass as I could muster. “L-y-l-e. Alright, I’ve got you down, and I’ll be out there to grab you in just a second.” My eyes started rolling the second I hung up the phone. “What an ass.”
“Persistence has always been one of his best qualities.”
“I’m sure.”
“I was planning on staying late to get through all this paperwork anyway, so go ahead and show him in.”
“I can stay and help out.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Just be sure to order at least two spicy tuna rolls. You ate most of mine the last time we ordered sushi.”
“So, we’re ordering sushi?”
“Isn’t that what I just said?”
He snickered at my question. “I promise I’ll order two spicy tuna rolls.”
“Good. I’ll go get your friend,” I called over my shoulder.
I exited the office only to run smack dab into Brett.
“Woah there, tiger.” His hands grasped my waist, peeling me off his chest.
I pushed myself backward, as if Brett’s very touch was a scalding flame. “You were supposed to be waiting over there,” I bit out in annoyance.
“I couldn’t wait to see you.”
“Right,” I huffed. “You can let go of me now.”
“Vi, are you okay?” Hunter asked from behind me.
“Yeah.” I knocked Brett’s hands away, but not before Hunter caught sight of the embrace.
“Vi, is it?” Brett questioned as he grinned at me. “I see some things haven’t changed.”
“What can I do for you, Brett?” Hunter asked in a clipped tone.
> “Is that any way to greet your best friend from college?”
“You better come in then.”
I stepped aside so Brett could enter the office.
“Would either of you like a refreshment or anything?”
“We’re fine,” Hunter answered.
“I traveled all this way and you’re not even going to offer me a glass of scotch?”
I entered the office, walking between both men as they stood across from one another. “I can get it. Why don’t both of you take a seat?” I retrieved a glass decanter from the opposite side of the room and filled two tumblers. Stepping to Brett first, I placed a tumbler in his hands. “Here you are.”
“Thanks, doll,” he replied.
When I faced Hunter, my eyes rolled so hard they were practically locked inside my skull. He snickered at my reaction. “And here you go, Mr. Desmond.”
“Thank you.”
“I have to say, Hunter,” Brett began. “You always did have a thing for domestic spirits.” Brett may have been addressing my boss, but his attention was solely focused on me. He scanned my body, meticulously inspecting each curve. As far as he was concerned, I was an object on display for his sole amusement.
“Brett,” Hunter warned.
“Will that be all?” I asked, hoping to shift the conversation in another direction.
“Yes, Ms. Vaughn. I’ll call for you if we need anything else.”
I exited the room and quickly shut the door behind me. College chum or not, there was something about Brett that rubbed me the wrong way. Plopping down in front of my computer, I began sifting through my email inbox.
It was almost five. Hunter and Brett had been in the office for over an hour, which only piqued my interest even more. Hunter acted as if he was somewhat annoyed by Brett’s presence. So, what on earth could they be talking about? However, I didn’t have much time to dwell on it because, suddenly, the door behind me opened. Brett emerged, chuckling to himself as he buttoned the jacket of his suit. I stared straight ahead and continued typing up the document I had pulled up on my computer.
Burning Violet Page 12
