by Wendy Smith
Raising my other arm, I hold on around her neck and pull her closer. “I’m so sorry.”
For a few moments, I just hold her. She sobs on my shoulder, reminding me of all the times I comforted her when we were children. Alex was the one who always went that extra bit too far and hurt herself.
“You’re so lucky you have your life together.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“You have a great job, and now the perfect boyfriend. I was always envious of you, but now doubly so.”
I stare at her. “You envied me?”
She nods. “Don’t get me wrong. I love my family. I love the kids, and I love Grant.” Tears spring up in her eyes. “Loved Grant. I can’t believe he’s been such an asshole.”
“He doesn’t deserve you. I’m so angry at him for doing this.”
Alex leans her head on my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here this weekend. I could do with my big sister’s support.”
I turn and press a kiss to the top of her head. “You got it. Any time.”
“I’m so angry, Miranda. Angry and hurt. How could he do this to us?”
“He’s an idiot. That’s what he is.” I bite down on my bottom lip. “Do the kids know?”
“Maddy has an inkling, but she’s pretty in tune with my moods. Joe’s too young. I don’t know what we’re going to do.” She raises her head. “This has been going on since before Joe was born.”
My mouth falls open. “No.”
“Yeah. It came to a head because she’s forcing him to choose. Can you believe it?” Tears well in her eyes again. “Nothing to do with feeling guilty. It’s all because she’s had enough of sharing him.”
“What a bitch.” Anger swells inside me. Grant is one hundred percent to blame, but this woman knew about his family and asked him to choose anyway.
“Yeah well, joke’s on him because he chose us.”
I stare at her. “What?”
“He was all apologetic and groveling. But he’s been having sex with another woman for more than two years, Miranda. And he would have continued if she hadn’t brought things to a head.”
My heart aches. He’s been screwing around for nearly half their marriage. I can’t blame her for rejecting him.
“How did you find out?”
“She was obviously pissed off, and contacted me. I confronted him.”
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.”
She sniffs. “I was supposed to be grateful for him picking me. Didn’t matter that he’d been sticking his dick in someone else for that long.”
“I’m sorry.” I squeeze her shoulders.
“I’m sure I’ll be okay.” She pauses. “I meant it when I said I’m glad you’re here. And I hope it’s not screwing with your weekend too much.”
“I came to spent time with Leia. She’ll just have to wait a while longer.”
Alex leans back and looks at me. “She’s still very much in honeymoon mode. I hope she gets to stay there.”
“I hope so too.”
I’m exhausted by the time I hit my bedroom in the evening.
Katie came around to pick up the kids and take them back to her place to give Alex some space. She was quiet, but glad to see me too. At least we can all come together through the bad times.
Jackson is on my mind. Being Friday, he’ll be busy at work, but after the day I’ve had I really need to hear his voice. What I wouldn’t give to have him with me, those strong arms surrounding me and giving me comfort.
I press dial in my contacts and close my eyes as I sit on the end of the bed.
“Miranda? I wasn’t expecting to hear from you tonight. I thought you’d be relaxing with your family.” Glasses clink in the background, and I hear the familiar chatter of a room full of people. Jackson’s not rushing, however. His tone is so warm and loving, it’s all I can do to stop myself from crying.
“I love you, Jackson. You said it to me in San Jose, and I didn’t acknowledge it. I was still scared. But I want you to know that I feel the same way.”
He chuckles. “I know that, darlin’. You might not have said it, but I can see it in everything you do.” There’s a pause. “Are you okay?”
I sniff. “Grant cheated on Alex. She and the kids were here when I arrived. It’s all such a mess.”
“He what? Shit. Is she okay?”
I grip the phone tighter. “She will be. She told me she was envious of me.”
“Of course she is. You’re perfect.”
I bite down a laugh. “I’m not sure about that.”
“Smart, successful, smoking hot. Pretty perfect from where I’m sitting.”
I sigh. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
“You’re making me hard just thinking about you. Damn it. I’ve already had a cold shower this morning after you sent me that selfie.”
Laughing, I roll my eyes. “You did not.”
“Sure I did. I held my phone so your face was over my—”
“Jackson, stop it.”
That throaty laugh comes down the phone. “Made you laugh, though. And I love that sound. I only wish it was closer.”
“Me too. I miss you.”
“Miss you too.” He’s silent for a moment, then excited when he speaks. “Want to hear my news? It’s a lot better than yours.”
I smile. “What is it?”
“The owner of the site I wanted changed his mind and agreed to discuss the sale. I’ve approached the bank to see if we can squeeze a little more money out to make a higher offer. But I’m going to meet him next week, and hopefully soon bar number two will be underway.
Yes. “That’s fantastic. I’m so excited for you.”
“Might have to call it Miranda’s Bar. Just to keep with my naming tradition.”
Laughing, I flop back on the bed. “You wouldn’t.”
“I might do. We’ll have to discuss options.”
I love this. I love that he wants to include me in his decisions around his business. And I’ll support him in any way I can. “I’m so proud of you.” I wriggle up the bed until my head is on the pillow. “I can’t wait to see you so we can celebrate.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it. What are you doing while you’re in Portland?”
I let out a sigh. “Well, the plan was to spend some time with Leia. But this whole Alex thing has turned the family upside down.”
“Give them all my love. Tell Alex I’ll come and beat Grant up if she wants.”
Shaking my head, I grin. “I’m not going to tell her that or she’ll expect it to happen.”
His tone grows serious. “I’d never cheat on you. I hope you know that.”
“I know it,” I whisper. “Sometimes I think of you in that bar with the girls flirting with you, but I know you’d never hurt me.”
“My dick belongs to Miranda Clarke. Along with my heart.”
I laugh loudly, clapping my hand over my mouth. Alex is right next door, and the last thing I want to do is disturb her.
“I swear it, Miranda. From the moment I saw you, it was only ever you.”
“Talking to you was just what I needed.”
“Call me anytime. Anyway, I should go because Kayley’s finishing early tonight. She wants to leave, and she’s giving me the evil eye.”
I laugh. “Go take care of business.”
“I will when you get your ass to see me. I’ll take care of all that business.”
“I love you, you big goof.”
“Love you too. Have a good weekend.”
When I disconnect the call, I hold the phone to my heart. He loves me, and I love him.
Now we just need to work out how to be together.
Looking at my phone again, I start a text to Amy. Molly might have given me a little help to put me in touch with her. And I may have helped Jackson in his quest to buy his bar. I’ll tell him at the right time. I just want him to be happy.
Me: Thanks for everything, Amy. I just spoke to Jackson and he’s over the moon.
Amy: You’re the one who talked Doug into selling. Maybe I should be offering you a job? Ha ha.
Me: Some people just need the right motivation. Thanks again.
He’s not going to be pissed at me helping him.
Is he?
I’m nearly asleep when the bed dips beside me.
“Miranda?”
I roll toward the voice. “Alex? What are you doing?”
“Remember when we were kids, and all of us used to climb into bed with you?”
I let out a tired laugh. “Only because I had the big bed.”
“And you made us all feel better. You’ve always been the one with her head screwed on right.”
For a moment, we lie in silence. I don’t know what to say. This is such a change from my last visit. Even now, I’m not sure I want to have a go at Alex for her and Katie’s attitudes toward me. She’s in enough pain.
I roll over to get comfortable, and behind me, Alex throws her arm over my waist. “I’m gonna be the big spoon.”
“You do that.” I laugh.
“I’m glad you’re here. I know Katie and I can get snarky, but we’re just jealous bitches.”
It takes everything in me not to laugh harder. “Just as well I love you guys.”
“We love you too. And Jackson. That’s a big piece of meat you’ve sunk your teeth into.”
“He’s the best.”
“I’m so happy for you.” She yawns. “I’ll cut his penis off for you if he ever strays.”
I know when she’s fallen asleep from the soft snores behind me. It makes me miss Jackson even more.
He doesn’t snore.
Twenty-Three
Miranda
I haven’t heard from Alex since I was in Portland a week ago, and it’s worrying me. While I want to give her space, I also want to know what’s happened between her and Grant, and make sure she has plenty of support.
It breaks my heart that there are children in the mix, but if she goes back to him she’s a fool. It’s taken everything in me not to call him and give him a piece of my mind.
And he’s really lucky I refused to give his number to Jackson.
My diary’s clear for the day for the first time in a while, and I pick up the phone to dial her. At the very least, I want to double check she’s okay. I’m sure I would have heard from one of the others if she wasn’t, but it’s for my own satisfaction.
“Miranda.” For the first time in a long time, her tone is full of warmth, and not the artificial warm tone she puts on at times. I’m sure she thinks no one knows the difference, but she’s my sister. I know her better than that.
“Hey. I just wanted to call and see how you were. I’ve been thinking of you.”
“Things haven’t got better, if that’s what you mean. I told Grant I want a divorce. He said he’ll take everything from me.”
“He’s pissed he didn’t get his way, Alex.”
She sighs. “I know, but he’s said he’ll take the house and the kids.”
I fist my free hand. Grant is going to regret the way he’s treated my sister. I’ll make sure of that.
“I’ll talk to my lawyer and ask if she can recommend someone close to you. He won’t get away with being such an asshole. Are you staying with Mom and Dad?”
“For the time being. Everything’s just such a mess.”
I’ve never heard her so miserable. Of all of us, she was the confident one. But this whole thing has really knocked her.
“It’ll be okay. I’ll cover any costs and Grant can go fuck himself.”
She laughs. “You don’t sound like my sister.”
“I don’t feel much like the old Miranda.”
“It’s that man of yours, isn’t it? He’s good for you.”
I smile. “Him and other things going on in my life. I’ve decided I need to make a few changes.”
“Good for you. Anyway, I’d better go. I’ve got to pick up Maddy from day-care, and we’re all going to the park.”
“Sounds great. I’ll just email my lawyer now and see if she can help. I used her to buy my apartment, but their firm does family law too.”
“Thanks, Miranda. I owe you.”
“No, you don’t. That’s what family’s for.”
I smile as I hang up the phone. My family can be dysfunctional at the best of times, but I’ll do whatever I can to help any of them.
Tapping out a quick email to my lawyer, I get it sent just as my desk phone buzzes. It’s a call from reception, and I pick it up.
“Mr. Reilly’s here to see you.”
“Thanks, Kelly. Just ask him to take a seat and I’ll be down in a minute.”
I think this is the moment of truth. Am I about to find out who the leaker is?
I pick up my phone and slide it into my jacket pocket. Grabbing my bag, I walk out of my office and head toward the elevator.
“Hey, Miranda. Want to go for coffee?” Mark smiles as he approaches.
“I’m just on my way to a meeting, but we’ll sort something out.” I’m full of tension. Thank goodness I don’t have to pretend with Mark and plaster on a smile.
“Sounds great.”
Thankfully, the elevator dings and I step in. I close my eyes and blow out a long breath as it descends.
Agent Reilly sits on the sofa in the foyer. He stands as I approach. With our interactions seeming so casual, it’s a little unnerving to see him in a suit today. He’s all business.
“I thought we might go somewhere for coffee rather than go to my office.”
He nods. “Of course.”
“There’s a little place just around the corner. Though, I think I might need more than coffee after this.”
“I can understand that.”
It’s a short walk to our usual coffee spot, and I order and pay for the coffees before we take a seat at a table down the back. As much as I’m itching to know what they’ve uncovered, part of me is terrified.
“You know, when we first moved to Silicon Valley, Molly chose the office spot based on the coffee,” I say.
“Bit of a coffee connoisseur, is she?”
I shake my head. “No, but this place is open twenty-four hours. She was good at working through the night.”
He leans back. “Past tense?”
“She went and grew up and has a family now.”
My pocket vibrates as my phone rings.
“Here are your coffees.” The waitress approaches, placing them on the table.
Agent Reilly nods toward me. “Get that if you need to.”
I pull my phone out and smile at Jackson’s name. “Won’t be a minute. Hey,” I say into the phone.
“Guess who just negotiated to buy a new bar?” He’s so proud. I can hear it in his tone. And, to be honest, his voice soothes the tension I’ve been feeling. While this Mollab situation sucks, Jackson’s good at putting me at ease. Even if he doesn’t know it.
“Really? All signed for?”
“Not just yet. But I have the papers for my lawyer to look over, and then we’ll be all systems go. I can’t wait.”
I grin. “I bet.” Flicking a glance at the agent, I return my attention to the call. “I’m just in the middle of something, but I’m glad you called.”
“I’m looking forward to celebrating with my girl. Talk to you later and we can make some plans. I really need to see you.”
“I need to see you too.”
“Sounds good. Love you.”
“Love you too. Talk later.”
When I hang up the call, I meet the curious expression of the FBI agent sitting across from me.
“Everything okay?”
I nod. “My boyfriend’s about to expand his business. He just got some good news about the building he’s been wanting to purchase.”
He nods. “Great. I have some more news for you that might make you feel better. Or worse.”
I play my bottom lip between my teeth. I’m uncertain I want to hear it. But I have to. “I though
t as much.”
“Forensics turned up something. I need you to take a look at it.”
I nod. “Of course.”
He hands me a printout. I run my gaze across it. About halfway down the page, a name leaps out at me.
A name I never wanted to see.
“Are you sure?”
“The logs we recovered are clear. He slipped up by sending an email through the work server which was then deleted. Both logs were also deleted, but the recovery process was pretty simple.”
I grip the paper so hard, my knuckles turn white. “So, there’s no doubt.”
He shakes his head. “None.”
Taking a deep breath, I nod. “Where to from now?”
“We’ll take him in whenever you’re ready. Do you want to talk to him first?”
“Is that what usually happens?”
“I understand if you want to. We’ve got what we need, but I’ve worked enough of these cases to know you’ll want to address it. You’ll want to notify your CEO too.”
I nod. “Molly will need to know.”
“I’ll give you a half hour to speak to her and call your guy in. Then, we’ll take over.”
“That’s more than enough. Do you need me around afterward?”
He shoots me a curious look. “No. Why do you ask?”
“Because I’m going to get out of the office after this meeting. I already feel like I need fresh air.”
He nods. “I understand. As long as I can reach you and Ms. Beckham by phone, it’ll be fine. I’ll take care of everything.”
It’s not until I’ve finished my coffee and returned to the office that I feel like I can breathe. It’d be so much easier if it was an ex-Psycom worker, but it’s not, and that leaves my heart aching.
Biting down on my bottom lip, I dial Molly.
“Miranda.” Her cheery voice just makes it worse.
“Molly.” Tears well in my eyes. I’m not even sure how to tell her who betrayed her—who betrayed us.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“The FBI have uncovered who our leak is.” I suck in a breath. “You’re not going to like this.”
“Okay. Who is it?”
For a moment, I pause.
I’m about to break her heart.
