by Claire Adams
I really didn't know him that well at all in all actuality.
It had only been a week.
"I can't do this," I mumbled and glanced up at Casey.
"Awww fuck. Not this again."
Chapter 29
Two Days Later
Easton
"Not much longer." I walked around the hotel, trying to talk myself out of faking a cold and leaving early. Something about being away from Vivian for the last few days after not kissing her goodbye, but simply leaving her sleeping, left me raw, unnerved.
I picked up my phone, trying to think through what I would say if I called her. I mentioned too many times in Florida that I was interested in being with her only to have her turn me down. Calling her throughout the week would leave me looking weak and needy, which I was trying like hell not to be. My mother and father had convinced me to take things a little slower after I explained the situation between me and Vivian to them, but I hated the idea of moving slowly.
"It wasn't but a week ago that you weren't going to move at all." I turned and walked to the kitchen to grab my phone as it rang.
Unknown number.
"This is Easton Parks."
"East. It's Kev. Hey buddy, I just wanted you to hear it from me that I got let go by Jon this morning. Some bullshit about the La Mage people filling a suit against us over something they alleged that I did or didn't do. Such bullshit." He'd been drinking from what I could tell.
"Well, maybe this is one of those moments in life where you go to bed one man and wake up another." I pressed my hand to my face and hoped that we'd be off the phone quickly. The guy deserved every bit of shit that landed at his feet, but it didn't mean that I wanted to be in the center of it.
"Whatever that means. Did you know about this?" His tone turned from friendly to accusatory.
My phone beeped, and I pulled it from my face to see that Jon was calling. "Let me call you right back, Kev. Jon's on the other line and I'm out of town, trying to wrap up a situation we've been dealing with."
"Yeah, whatever. Fuck all you guys."
"Alright. Good talking to you too, buddy." I pressed the button to switch the call to Jon. "Boss? How's it going?"
"Great. The baby was delivered a couple of days ago, and I'm just getting into L.A. right now. Let's meet up for dinner and talk. I have a few résumés for food critics that have come in. Some of them don't look half bad." He cleared his throat. "Zuppa at seven good with you? The one on Rodeo."
"Yeah, that sounds great. I'll be there." I pursed my lips, trying to make a decision where Viv was concerned, though I knew that I should call her and just talk it through. Did she want the opportunity to work for my company, or would that be another layer for her to have to discard if things didn't solidify between us?
I grabbed my jacket and walked out of the hotel, taking my valet ticket to the front of my rental car and chewing on my lip as I worked through the possible outcomes of pushing my weight around with Jon. He was almost like a second father to me, though he wasn't any more than twenty years older than me.
After getting in the Lexus, I plugged in my phone and called the only person besides Vivian who could help me think through what to do.
"Hi, baby. Are you still in L.A.?" My mom's voice was joyful and filled with warmth.
I sighed and stopped at the red light just beside the hotel. "I am, but I needed to think something through with you."
"You want me to put you on speaker? Your dad's right here too."
"Yeah. That's fine." I turned on the heater, though it wasn't too terribly cold. I must have been coming down with something, because I couldn't seem to get warm in California. Maybe it was the wind blowing continuously.
"Hey, buddy. Talk to us. What's up?" My dad's voice came on the line, filling the car.
"You guys know what happened with Vivian and her ex. I told you on Monday over breakfast that he cheated on her multiple times after they were together for ten years. She's going to have hang-ups over me traveling all the time, unless I can get her to travel with me after she graduates school." I hit the gas and checked my mirrors as my mom spoke.
"Right, which is a great idea, but you can't expect a young woman that just finished paying for a four-year degree to leave her career behind to follow you around."
"Your mother's right, Easton. Women nowadays aren't like that." He yelped. "Ouch! Stop pinching me, Mary."
"Okay, guys." I shook my head. "I have a possible opportunity to get her into my company. She wants to be a food critic, and it's a hard gig to find an opening for. I'm having dinner with Jon now."
"So what's the question? Get her the job. That gives her income, speaks to her dreams, and lets her be beside you all the time. It's a no-brainer." My dad was forever the simpleton.
"But if she's already got commitment issues," my mother started, "then you helping her get her first job might push her away. I mean, if things don't work out for you guys, then what? She loses her job and her boyfriend?"
"Exactly!" I smiled, knowing my mom would get it. "So what do I do? I can't not try and help her with the job."
"Have you talked to her about it?" My mom asked.
"No. I wouldn't want her to know that I tried to get her the job. I need to think through all of this. I mean, how else would she get the job if I didn't get it for her?" I groaned. "Why does all of this have to be so damn complicated?"
"It doesn't. Get her the job and tell her she's welcome." My dad huffed. "Women. Such a pain in the ass at times. Ouch!"
"Ma. Stop pinching him. Seriously." I pulled up to a long line of cars waiting to get on the freeway and turned the heater down. "I should just call and see what she wants me to do, but I don't want to look needy."
"You're over-thinking this a lot." My mom complained at me. "If my boyfriend didn't call me all week long, I would think he was with another woman. Plain and simple."
"That's ridiculous, Mary. Easton is busy, and he's right. Calling a girl all the damn time makes you look silly and immature. Just stick to your guns, son."
"Alright, you guys have been no help at all, but I love you all the same. I'll call later. Stop beating each other up." I laughed as they gave their closing comments.
Calling Vivian was something I wanted to do, but I couldn't shake the fact that it wasn't something she would appreciate. I would ask Jon his opinion and see what he thought about all of it. He used to be a regular ladies man, though how I had no idea. The guy worked more than I did.
"So the baby is good, and Bethany is too?" I asked as I pulled my napkin into my lap and reached for the breadbasket.
"Yeah, they’re both great. The little girl is Starla Magnis. We couldn't agree, so we both got to choose a name. Beth still isn't talking to me over the middle name, but it’s fun." He shrugged and picked up his wine, drinking half the glass in two gulps. "Check out these résumés. One of them is green behind the ears, but the woman submitted an article. And honestly, I'm thinking of visiting the location just based on her write-up. It's sexy, fresh, insightful. I like her already, and I think that if someone like yourself would be willing to split your time between resorts and fine dining for a while, we could make it work."
"Alright, but I want to talk to you about the girl I met. She's incredible, Jon. Both from a critique perspective and just as a person." I took a bite of my roll, chewing it slowly before taking the applications and setting them down.
He scoffed at me. "You're not going to help me until I talk to you about this chick, are you?"
"No. She's soon to be my girlfriend, and I can't not mention her to you. She'll be graduating from NYU soon, and she would just be great for us." I shrugged. "I know you're not liking the part where she's connected to me, but it would work out well for me. We could travel everywhere together and I'll teach her all I know. Just the way you like things done."
"And what happens when you guys break up? You're married to your career, Easton. Everyone knows that. Even your folks." He sat his drink down
and picked up the menu. "You just want someone to tag along with your dreams. What are her dreams?"
"Alright, fuck the job idea for now. I need to talk through my shit with her any way." I let out an exasperated sigh and put my full attention on the man across from me. "She's been cheated on in the past, and I know she's not really ready to commit to anything with me because I travel. I don't blame her honestly, but I'm pretty sure she's the one."
"Wow. That's big coming from you." Jon picked up the bottle of wine and refilled my glass. "Was she cheated on recently?"
"Yeah. Back in February I think."
"How long have you known her?" He nodded toward the glass. "Drink. I'll take you back to the hotel if needed."
"I bumped into her multiple times at the airport, on the flight and at the hotel in Miami this last week. It was almost like everywhere I was, she was too." I picked up the glass and took a long drink. "I've not wanted to try to be stable for anyone in a long time. I spent my college years being a selfish prick and sleeping around. The last two and a half years working for you guys have been the best years of my life. I feel like to be the man this girl might need me to be, I'd have to give up what I love."
He chuckled. "I was in your same shoes years ago. I know exactly how you're feeling. But let me tell you this, Easton, the girl isn't as fragile as you think. Someone who's been cheated on doesn't need stability, they need honesty. Tell her how you're feeling and what you're up to. If you pull out anything that looks like a lie, then it quickly becomes one. Have you asked her about working for me?"
"No. I didn't want to seem too pushy, too interested, too involved."
"Too controlling?" He lifted his eyebrow at me.
"Fuck you." I smiled and slumped down in my chair. "Why didn't you just send Raymond to Miami? My whole world feels shaky right now, and I hate it."
"Love always makes that happen, even to the strongest men we know." He chuckled. "Look at the résumés and call the girl when you get back to your hotel. Tell her how you feel about the job stuff, and if she's interested in talking with me about a job, I'll interview her. But only for you, buddy."
"Alright. Deal." I sat up and pulled the résumés over, scanning through the first two and quickly discarding them. The third was only a synopsis write-up of one of the restaurants at La Mage. "The steakhouse."
"It's a great write-up. Got me harder than Bethany has in months. Read it, but be warned." He chuckled as I glanced up.
"Whatever." I pulled the paper up to block my view of him and read through it as my body warmed at first, but quickly grew into a raging fire. The words were beautifully chosen, the flow exquisite, and the underlying sensuality intense. "Wow."
I put the paper down and reached for my glass as he belly-laughed. "See? I told you. I want her in my bed. Hopefully I can talk Beth into sharing."
"I want her in my bed, and I was completely sold out on never getting near another woman if Vivian said yes." I pushed the paper across the table. "I'm not working with that woman. I want to start a new life with my girl. This chick that wrote this is on the prowl. No thanks."
"Vivian? That's her name." He shuffled the papers in front of me. "Where's the résumé?"
"It's not in this pile. Are you saying that my Vivian applied?" Excitement danced deep inside of me. If Vivian had applied on her own, then my problem was solved.
"I don't know if she's your Vivian, but if she is, you better hold on tight. This woman is unique." He bent over and dug through his bag before pulling out a crinkled up piece of paper and clearing his throat. "Vivian Hall."
I snatched the paper and read over the information as a smile drew my lips up. "This is her. This is my Vivian, Jon."
"Then happy day. I'd give her a job off that write-up alone. I've never been so affected by someone's critique. Every restaurant in the world will be hammering down our door for her to visit. Get her on the hook now. I want her."
I picked up my wine with a shaky hand as everything started to fall into place around me. "You call her. Make this about her applying and her accepting. Leave me out of it for now. I'll tell her the truth after the dust settles. I want it to be all about her forging a path into her future."
He chuckled. "Incredible how fate works some times. You said you bumped into this woman in the airport?"
"Technically, she bumped into me, but yes." I brushed my fingers across her name on the résumé and took a shaky breath. She would get the job, and I would have her beside me everywhere I went. It was the future I wanted. Now to make sure she did too.
Chapter 30
Two Days Later
Vivian
Easton hadn't called all week. By the time Friday rolled around, I was ready to force myself to get over us. If he didn't have the decency to check in with me, then I didn't matter in the way I needed to with him. It was most likely my neediness from having Jackson destroy my future that made me so high-maintenance, but whatever it was, it wasn't going to change.
"You look like hell." Casey walked into the dorm room and lifted a small bag as the smell of cinnamon and sugar moved through the room. "I brought treats."
I glanced up from the desk beside my bed and forced a smile. "I'm good. Just trying to get some studying done. I'm so ready to be out of school. It seems like it's just dragging on and on at this point."
"I understand that all too well." She moved to sit on my bed and pulled at the back of my rolling chair, forcing me to turn and face her. "I've been your friend all my life. This isn't just about school. Did he call today? Did something happen?"
"No. That's the problem, Case. Nothing has happened." I closed my eyes and fought back tears. No damn way I was crying another tear over a man. "My mom was right. Guys are assholes. Jackson cheated on me, and this guy can't even touch base with me for four damn days after spending the night promising me the world."
My tone must have been harsh because Casey flinched twice during my rant. She handed me the bag and gave me a sad smile.
"I wish I had an answer. Eat those cinnamon twists. They'll make you feel better for a few minutes at least." She reached up and brushed my hair behind my shoulder. "I just didn't get a vibe that Easton was an asshole. He honestly seemed like the opposite."
"Oh yeah? How so? I'd love to move from borderline hating him back to remembering why I agreed to dinner last Sunday night." I snatched the bag from her and pulled out a twist, shoving half the thing in my mouth and calming quickly thanks to the sugary goodness of it. I glanced at the clock, realizing that I hadn't eaten in the last ten hours. No wonder I was bordering manic.
"Well, he didn't get upset at the airport when you knocked him over, and then bumped heads with him, which was entirely your fault." She laid back on my bed and propped her feet up. "He took you to a great restaurant our first night in Miami and kicked some robber-dude's ass in the dark alley for you."
"True." I took another bite and nodded, hoping that she would keep going.
"He took care of me when I got hurt and carried me all the way to the clinic, remember? He didn't have to do that, but he did."
"Yeah, and he kissed me at the clinic and then told me that he wasn't looking for anything long term. Like I'm a slut that's going to spend the night with him and expect nothing but a good lay from it." I growled and shoved the last cinnamon stick in my mouth.
"Um, you did sleep with him, and it was you that pushed him away, left him in a hot tub, treated him like shit at the club until he was willing to help you make Jackson jealous, and I'm pretty sure you left Miami without a word to him." She shrugged. "If we're counting asshole moves, you're winning, my bestie."
My phone began to ring. I turned to see who was calling me, but left the phone alone. I hated unknown numbers, and if it were anyone important, then they would already be in my contacts.
"I get it, okay? I'm just struggling with all of this." I licked at my fingers and turned as the phone dinged. Whoever it was left a message.
"Then dump him and get it over wit
h, or go all in and shut up about it. He's perfect for you, and he's put up with a torrential amount of stuff for a guy who doesn't deserve any of it. So you have baggage, Viv. We all do. Fuck Jackson for ruining your future, but Easton doesn't deserve to lose the chance at something great with you because of Jackson. Does he?" She moved to the edge of the bed. "I love you, and I'm telling you to let this go. He didn't call for a reason. Ask him why. Pull it out of him."
"Alright. You're probably right." I ran my sticky fingers through my hair.
"I always am. Now, see who left us a message."
"What are you, my agent now?" I grumbled at her and turned my back to her to listen to the message. The woman's voice was curt and professional.
"Hi, this is Sherry Jackson. I'm the assistant to Jon Williams at Wilmington and Branch. We've received your application, and Jon would like to schedule an interview. If you'd like to call–”
I stopped the message and turned to face Casey as my mouth dropped open.
"What?" She asked. "What is it? Good or bad?"
"Really good. That was Wilmington and Branch. They want to give me an interview." I squealed and jumped up, bouncing on my feet like a ten-year-old. Casey joined me and we danced around the room until she jerked me to a stop.
"Wait. Who are these people?"
"Easton's company." I beamed. There was a chance that I could get a job with him and be beside him instead of having to watch him leave town all the time. Nothing could have dented my mood. Fate was alive and well, and even if I didn't believe in her, she sure as hell seemed to believe in me.
"Oh wow. Did he set that up?"
"No. I applied myself." I pressed my hands to my mouth. "Oh no. You don't think that he'll think that I was being too forward or stalker-like, right?"
"What? No way. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. He'll probably see it for what you meant it to be. A new opening for a career and the possibility to be with him more. Can you get your jobs lined up to travel together?" She yelped. "Oh my God! Wouldn't that be insane?"
