by Claire Adams
I didn’t think it was as easy as all that. Aiden had gone back to work, sure, but there was more going on that had him stressing. He was worried about losing his home.
“What if the tables were turned? What if I was left with nothing but your estate and someone came along trying to take even a small part of it? Say it was all your fault, too; how would you like that?”
My father pushed himself back from the table and sat as if contemplating leaving, but he stayed put, glaring at my mother as if I’d posed the question to only her. I had a feeling they’d had this conversation before.
“That’s not the situation we’re in.” My father’s voice was a surprise as I’d expected to hear from my mother instead.
The silence drew out, and I couldn’t help but think that I was fighting a losing battle. Neither were going to budge. But I didn’t have to be around to witness it. Besides, if there was a way to get out of being at the courthouse, then Aiden wouldn’t have to see me there. He wouldn’t learn that I was a traitor as well as a liar.
“I’m not going to be there.” I pushed my plate aside; the barely eaten food had already begun to go cold and the small portion I’d eaten threatened to vacate the premises.
“Excuse me?” My mother’s tone was sharp enough to cut glass, and a growl of frustration bubbled from my father’s throat.
“You have to be there, Lexa. If you’re needed, it could delay the entire process. You will be there if I have to have a judge order it. So, I’d advise you to reconsider.” Dad’s hard eyes were penetrating as they held me in my seat. I couldn’t move, I was so angry.
“If my opinion is asked, I’m going to speak it. And just so we’re clear on how things are going to go down, if you do this, if you drag that poor man to court over that accident, the accident that took his entire family, then you can consider yourself childless.”
My mother’s hand clutched her neck, and my father’s angry stare went blank. “You don’t mean that. Your father and I are all you have now that Shawn’s gone. Think carefully of your words. If they were designed to hurt, then congratulations. You know damned well how hard it was to lose Shawn.”
“Yes, and I can imagine Aiden Walker has had to deal with that grief times three.” I pushed back my chair, and it dragged across the tile making an unpleasant noise as I stood. “So if you keep this up, you can mourn me, too. I’d rather have no parents at all, than parents I’m ashamed of.”
As I walked out, I turned around and gave them one last thought to chew on. “When you’re counting your money — the money you destroyed another person’s life to have — look around. Shawn will still be dead, and no amount of money is going to bring him back.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aiden
I sat behind my father’s desk, frozen with a mixture of emotions buzzing around in my head. Shawn had indeed captured my father bragging about his flight experience during his goofing off with my sister. The two were making silly faces at the camera, and seeing Ally on the video, laughing and sticking out her tongue, brought tears to my eyes. She was so alive, so happy with Shawn. The two probably would have gotten married, and my sister might even have been pregnant by now.
Instead my father, who was in the background of the tape, was trying his damnedest to impress Shawn, who wasn’t even listening to him. The truth was he’d quit flying lessons long before getting more than his required time. I could tell the pilot wasn’t sure about letting dad take over, but my dad had been convincing enough. The video stopped as Dad took control. Allison’s last words had even been in jest about how she hoped Dad didn’t kill them all.
I should have been with them, and then I could have spoken up and told the pilot what a bad idea that had been. Knowing my father, though, it wouldn’t have mattered. He always got his way. The fact that I was sitting behind his desk only solidified that further.
I raked my hand through my hair and then scrubbed my face with my palms. What the fuck was I going to do? Layne stayed quiet as if waiting for that answer, as well.
“I want to offer them one last settlement.” I took the pen and pad from the desk drawer and thought a moment before writing down a number. I’d be fine. I had gone over the finances, and I would be able to keep Olde House, as well as a few of the cars if I wanted. I’d decided the Rolls and Dad’s ’Vette were first up to go, and I’d even decided to sell my mother’s SUV. I’d keep the Shelby, as well as my sister’s Mustang, and my truck would be handy to have around. I just had to figure out what I would do about the office.
“Have you thought about what I said, about the office?” I tapped my pen and waited for him to answer.
“I’d be in a position to buy it if that’s the route you’d like to take. I’d bring in another partner, of course. You’d always have a space here if you’d like, but I understand if you want to part ways completely.”
He knew I was about to fold and let those assholes win. The offer to stick around the office my father built was noble, but I knew I’d be working from home or maybe I’d open a smaller office, one without its own parking garage.
“I don’t want to leave you in a bind. So, we’ll make sure the deal is solid, and I’m selling a couple of the cars and a few of our art pieces. Mother would have hated that, but she’d understand my reasoning. Better the art than the house.”
I jotted down a number and slid it across the table. It wasn’t quite what they were asking for, to give them that was to defeat the purpose of a counter, but I’d made sure it was close enough that I didn’t think they’d refuse.
Layne took the paper and cleared his throat as he read the number. “Are you sure? It’s almost what they wanted to begin with?”
“I’m sure. Let’s get this done.”
“I’ll call Blanc now.” Layne picked up the phone, and I stared across the room at the family photos. I could still hear my sister’s last words on the tape. She’d been joking, of course. I mean, how was she to know? She trusted my dad with her life, and it had cost her just that.
Mother had been in the background, and though I couldn’t see her the recording, I’d heard her voice and her laughter one last time. The offer was a small price to hear their voices again.
“What do you mean? It’s only twenty less than what you wanted, and there’s still time to settle. Yes, it’s his final offer.” Layne fell silent, and I couldn’t believe that Blanc was arguing. “I understand. We’ll see you Monday.” He hung up the phone. “No deal.”
I let out a long breath. “Holding out for a mere twenty? Compared to the rest?” I shook my head. My father might have an asshole for flying with their son on board, but these people really made the arrogant SOB seem like an angel.
“Blanc said that maybe a week ago they would have taken the deal, but they are prepared for court and are confident they’ll get the full amount. I’m sorry, Aiden.”
“If that’s what they want, we’ll stick to our guns as well and hope for the best.” I turned my chair to the window behind me and gazed into the tree top that blocked the view of the street.
We’d planted that tree when I was a kid, and now it was just tall enough to remind me of how long ago that had been and how happy I’d been that day. Our parents had taken Allison and me to the nursery where we each got to pick out a tree. Mine was on the other side, but Allison had wanted hers to be right outside Dad’s window.
After a quiet moment, Layne took the file with the video and put it with the other evidence in the case file. Then he left me alone with my thoughts.
I needed to talk to Lexa, but she was at work. I considered asking her if she’d want to move in with me. Maybe that would make the whole transition to the home office that much easier. It would be nice having someone else around, and if things worked out, maybe we’d get married.
I remembered a time when Allison and mother were having a discussion about my sister’s dream wedding and how she would have the ceremony right in the front room of the estate, just below the stai
rs so she could make a grand entrance. Maybe Lexa could walk down that path. . . someday. It wasn’t like I was going to run out and buy a ring, but at least I still had hopes for a bright future.
I decided to go by and see Glen. I hadn’t seen the guy as often as I was used to, and I hoped he’d have some friendly advice. Besides, it would give me something to do until Lexa got off. I decided I’d meet up with her after work and maybe by then, we could grab some dinner.
I left the office and went straight to see Glen. I’d only been stopping in every few days lately, and my usual spot was growing cold between visits for once in the past year. I walked in, and my friend’s eyes lit up.
“Well, it if isn’t Aiden Walker himself. Speak of the devil and all that.” Glen came over to stand on my end of the bar and wasted no time getting my drink.
“How’s it going, man? It’s been a few days; surely, there’s been some excitement.” I hadn’t missed much except maybe a few of Smitty’s filthy jokes, which I had heard at least five times if not a few.
“It’s the same old around here. How’s that girl of yours?” He gave me a wink, and I lifted my shoulders.
“Wish I knew. I haven’t talked to her much. I’m going to corner her to see if she’ll let me feed her. That job of hers is brutal, and she’s had a few tough weeks. It will even out, I’m sure. I’m hoping she can take a little time, maybe a short vacation so we can get away for a few days when this trial is over. I’ll need it.” I took a long pull from my beer, and it tasted so good. I realized I’d really missed my friend.
“You’re still dealing with that?” His eyes lit up with disbelief, and he leaned against the bar, as if wanting to hear more.
“Yeah, and it’s not looking good. I go to court Monday, so I’ll probably see you right after.”
“Stress is getting to you, huh?” He rubbed his scruffy face.
“Yeah, I saw my sister on video today and heard my mother’s voice. Talk about haunting. I tell ya, as good as this beer is, what I really need is my girl.”
“Well, since you’ve had a rough one, I’ll let you keep your man card after admitting that. Want me to keep them coming?”
“Thanks, brother, but I think after this one, I’m going to go to the hospital.”
“Let me hide the knives.” I glanced to his finger, which didn’t have a bandage anymore.
“You’re the one who had to get stitched up, so you should hide them from yourself.” We shared a laugh, and then I sat watching the TV with Smitty as I finished my beer.
I headed to the hospital, and even though I knew Lexa had told me that there was nothing going on with the doctor, I couldn’t help but look for him every time I entered the place. I’d probably lose my fucking mind if I caught him hitting on her, but luckily, the man was probably busy stitching up some poor bastard’s gut.
I walked to the front desk and glanced around for her, but she wasn’t at the front station. I knew enough about the place that I could walk around to the side and avoid anyone stopping me from going into the hall where the small break area was just past the curtained rooms and the small private rooms. I grinned as I passed the one where Lexa and I had fucked, and I got an itch in my balls that needed her scratch.
I found her in the break room talking to one of the nurses, who suddenly had to run when I walked up and said hi.
“What are you doing here?” She glanced around, and I felt strange for not calling her.
“I wanted to come and see if you wanted to go to dinner. I remember you said your shifts usually end around six when you work days, so I thought I’d pick you up.”
“I wish you’d have called first.” She gave me a curt glance and then looked away.
“I’m sorry. It’s been a crazy day. I really needed to see you.” I reached for her hand, and she stepped away and raked her hand through her hair.
“I’m working late tonight. I’m going to cover half of my friend’s shift so she can go home to her sick son.” She pointed out in the direction of the other nurse who had made herself busy across the hall.
“Could I bring you something? Are you going to get time to eat?” I wanted to kiss her so bad, but she would barely look at me. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
“You can’t just drop in here. My schedule is crazy, and we’re always covering for one another.”
“I understand that. I just thought that you might have a minute, and I wanted to see you.”
“Well, I don’t have a minute. If you can’t understand that about my career, then maybe I’m not the girl for you.” She crossed her arms and stared at the floor, but I wasn’t going to settle for that. I pulled her into my arms and held her.
“Don’t say that, Lexa.” Tears sprang to her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away. Before I could ask her what was wrong, she broke from my hold and ran out. My gut twisted as I stood there, not sure what to do. I couldn’t go after her. The best I could do was to go home and hope for the best.
Chapter Thirty
Lexa
I kept busy all weekend, but it wasn’t enough to keep Aiden away. He’d apologized through a text message since I’d avoided all his calls and I had finally sent reassurance to him that I was dealing with a family issue on Sunday. I couldn’t say I was surprised Monday morning when he called just as I was pouring my morning coffee.
“I’m sorry to bother you so early.” His voice was very quiet, and I knew his mood was off because the trial was today. It was only seven in the morning, and he had to be there at nine. My parents were expecting me there, as well.
“It’s okay. I’m sorry I have been so crazy lately.”
“Hey, it’s cool. Whatever you’re going through, I know things get nuts in life sometimes. You can talk to me if you need to.” His offer to comfort me made the guilt burn hotter in my gut.
“Thanks. I know you’ve got a rough day ahead, but remember I’m on your side. I wish there were something I could do. I care about you so much, Aiden.” I wanted to tell him I loved him, but it didn’t seem fair. If he gave me that opportunity after, I’d never hesitate again to say it.
“I know. I care about you, too. When this is all over, maybe you can take a couple of days off. I know it’s a crazy job, and it keeps you busy, but you know if you get some time off, I’d like us to go away together. We could both use a vacation.”
Tears stung my eyes, and I sniffled. “Yeah, that sounds nice.” I was such a coward. “Good luck today, Aiden.”
“I’ll call you after.”
I nodded, but let the phone go dead without another word. I put the phone down on the bar and threw my coffee into the sink, the cup crashing so loud I could have sworn it broke.
Before I could fall apart, my father called. “Yes, Dad?” I sniffled and wiped my eyes.
“Good morning, sweetheart. This is my final plea to get you to show up today.” His voice was so much like Shawn’s, especially on the phone.
“I still don’t agree with any of this. You’re ruining his life. You’re ruining mine, and you don’t even know it. Please drop this suit, Daddy.”
“It’s too late to stop it now. Things are in motion, and we’ve come too far. Our family has already lost so much, and the last thing I want to do is lose you, too. Your mother has been beside herself with grief all weekend, and you’d think that she’d lost Shawn all over again. You really disappointed her. Please show up — even if you don’t support us, come let her know you still love her.”
“Of course, I do.” I didn’t want my mother to suffer any more pain, but I didn’t want that for Aiden, either. I had resigned my fate that I wouldn’t go and I’d slowly break away from Aiden.
But with my dad’s final plea, I knew I had to go. I had to stand with my stupid family and be the child that my brother would have been. He’d always stood beside my mom and dad, no matter how idiotic their schemes were, so now it was my turn.
Not only that, but I knew it was time that Aiden learned the truth. Might as well deliver my blow
swiftly and get it all over with. I only prayed that he loved me enough that he could see the spot I was in.
But I knew it was no use. My day of reckoning had come.
“I’ll be there.” I hung up the phone, not waiting to hear my father’s reaction, and then I dragged myself to the bathroom to get ready.
I took my time showering, and though I fixed my hair and makeup, I kept things simple, as if I were going to a funeral. It was, after all, a solemn occasion; the last thing I wanted to do was show up looking like I was going to a party.
I showed up at the courthouse and avoided my parents by staying in the car until the last minute possible and then walked into the courtroom and sat in the back row. I kept my head down, but there weren’t many people to hide behind. I did my best to duck behind an old man who was jotting down notes, but he kept leaning to the seat next to him where he had laid out some papers. I wasn’t sure if he was a reporter, but I didn’t want to ask.
“All rise.” I took to my feet and kept my head down as the judge entered the room and then I saw him over the small crowd up front. Aiden had shaved his beard and was wearing an Armani suit.
God, he’s gorgeous. My heart raced as I looked across and saw my parents facing off with the man I loved.
Shit. I love him.
My nerves were completely shot, but I knew what I had to do. I got to my feet and moved to the front. There was one empty seat on the end just behind the defense, and my ass had it good and warm before my mother glanced over and gave me a strange look. She waved me over as if I had stupidly sat on the wrong side, but I took a deep breath and looked forward. I might be about to out myself to Aiden, but he’d know whose side I was on.
After hearing the evidence, the jury broke and the judge told us he’d have his decision after lunch. It wasn’t until then that Aiden stood and turned around.
“Lexa!” He pulled me into his arms and held me tight, but my parents were already on their way over.
“Alexandra!” My mother’s voice cut through the crowd, and she pushed past Aiden’s lawyer, who seemed just as confused as everyone else and stood waiting for an explanation.
