Ruined: A Contemporary Bad Boy Romance

by Lisa Lace

  “I’ll do it for you, Laura.”

  “And for the kids.”

  “For them, too.”

  “I’ll write down everything, and Megan will help out with Jack, and Zoe will come by every day to check in. All you have to do is be here.”

  Zoe

  I sit on Laura’s bed Tuesday evening as she packs for her trip. Tom is taking one of his Skype calls downstairs, and the kids are at school. We’re discussing Tom.

  “I can’t believe he agreed to it,” I say. “I really thought he’d refuse.”

  “He tried to, but I managed to talk him around.”

  “I was all for keeping an eye on him before, but now it’s so awkward. When I walked in this morning, he gave me such a look!”

  “Oh, don’t worry about him. You know TJ—he’s always got a chip on his shoulder about something.”

  “I keep replaying the night over and over in my head, trying to figure out where it started to go wrong. Honestly, the whole thing was a bust from start to finish.”

  Laura throws me a sympathetic smile. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. He’s not the most approachable guy these days. He gets so defensive.”

  “Tell me about it! He bit my head off when I mentioned your parents.”

  “Yeah. It’s a touchy subject.”

  “I don’t get it.”

  Laura puts down the blouse she’s folding. She’s kneeling on her bedroom floor next to an open suitcase, wearing leggings and an oversized sweater. She tilts her head to one side in thought, then turns to me. “Dad wanted TJ—sorry, Tom—to follow in his footsteps and become a doctor.”

  “So?”

  “That’s not what Tom wanted. I mean, I’ll be the first to admit that they were hard on him. He didn’t get the best grades at school, and it was constantly, ‘You’ll never get to medical school like that!’, ‘a B in English? Do you want to work in fast food forever?’” She raises her eyebrows. “They were hard on him. They had plans for him that Tom didn’t want to go along with. Over the years, the tension rose and rose, until Tom obviously had enough and disappeared to New York. He thought he was proving everyone wrong by making it big out there. Look at me, making billions even though I didn’t get the grades. I think he thought that making his fortune would be enough to make my parents give up nagging him—to be proud instead.”

  “It didn’t work out like that?”

  “Of course not. Mom and Dad weren’t impressed at all. Mom was absolutely wounded that her only son left the state, and Dad felt like he’d been betrayed. He’d always wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. It caused a rift in the family for years. Then Dad died suddenly, and Tom felt so guilty that he made even more of an effort to stay away. Then Mom’s mind started slipping, and he wasn’t there for that either. I think it got to the point where he’d drifted so far away, he didn’t feel like there was any way back. That’s why I’ve made such an effort to keep reaching out to him. I always wanted him to come back.”

  “Plenty of kids don’t want to go along with their parents’ plans. Not all of them turn out like Tom.”

  “You mean, like an arrogant jerk?”

  “It’s like if he doesn’t namedrop or hint at his money in every other word, people are going to forget.”

  “I think he spent so long being told he didn’t measure up, that now he throws it out there so nobody can say he’s not good enough. Look at me, I’ve got money.”

  “My mother wanted me to pop out fourteen grandchildren, not start a business.” I chuckle. “Sometimes our parents don’t get to choose which direction we take.”

  “All of Tom’s attitude comes back to the pressure on him growing up. He wanted to prove that he could be a success in his own right, choosing his own path. He did that, I guess, but he also cut off everyone who cared about him by being so desperate to prove a point. Mom never forgave him for leaving and not being there when Dad died. Now Tom always has this chip on his shoulder, like all this judgment is coming from me. Really, it’s him who feels guilty.”

  “I wish he had an off switch for his ego.”

  “He’s got a good heart—really.”

  “I thought so. The person I was talking to online seemed so genuine and sincere. He was a great conversationalist and so funny. In real life, Tom’s not like that. He’s superficial and self-centered.”

  Laura shakes her head. “It’s all an act. He’s a good person deep down.” She folds another item and adds it to her case. “You know, I remember him before our parents started to come down on him so hard before we moved to Maine. He was the sweetest kid around. I was so protective of him. I don’t remember when it flipped, and I stopped feeling like his big sister. One day, Tom was a big shot instead of my baby brother, and that was that. I like to think that one day he’ll stop feeling like he’s got something to prove, and then he’ll stop acting like such a jerk and go back to being TJ.”

  She pulls her hand around the case, zipping it shut, then stands it on its base. She smiles. “All ready for another big adventure.”

  I smile. “I’ll make sure the kids survive. Don’t worry.”

  “Thanks, Zoe.” Laura pulls me into a hug, then steps back. “I know things are weird with you and Tom right now, but I appreciate you stepping in. Who knows? Maybe playing sitters for a while will help you two get back on track.”

  “I don’t know that there’s a track to get back on. It all ended before it really began.”

  “There was something between you before you met. If you can get over first impressions, maybe you’ll find that spark is still there.”

  I turn to her with a smile. “Anyone would think you were rooting for Tom and me to be a thing.”

  Laura laughs. “Maybe I kind of am. It must be the romantic in me. I see an egotistical, isolated man, and a warm but lonely woman, and I think maybe there’s something right in putting them together. You could be good for each other.”

  “I thought you told me he was trouble.”

  She sighs. “I did, and he is. Still, wouldn’t it be nice if it all fit together? Tom would get down off his high horse and finally come back into our lives. And you’d be not just my friend, but my sister!”

  “I don’t need to marry Tom to be your sister, Laura. You’re still part of my family.”

  Laura grins. “That’s sweet. See how kind you are? It’s that warmth that might just melt the ice king himself.”

  “Thaw him until we reach that secret heart of gold?”

  “You got it. Trust me, it’s there.”

  “We’ll see. I’ll try and keep the peace until you get back.”

  “Please do. I want you with us for Christmas this year. It’s not right for you to be alone.”

  “You know it doesn’t bother me.”

  “Don’t be silly. Christmas is a time of year when you should be with the people you love. And if you and Tom are staring daggers at each other, it’ll make for an uncomfortable Christmas dinner.”

  I laugh. “I promise that if we haven’t made amends by then, I’ll keep myself out of the picture.”

  “I don’t think it’ll come to that.”

  “How long is the drive on Thursday?”

  “A little over three hours.”

  “Ouch. It’s forecast to be cold. Make sure you drive safe in case it’s icy.”

  She smiles. “I’ve been doing this for years, Zoe. You don’t need to worry about me.”

  “What time will you set off?”

  “After I’ve taken the kids to school. Then you and Tom are on your own.”

  “Okay. What’s the rule with Megan and Justin?”

  “Megan knows the rules. In case she tries to pull the wool over your eyes, it’s no sleepovers and home by ten. Please don’t let her walk home alone. If Justin or his parents can’t drive her, could one of you pick her up? I know that she wouldn’t think twice about wandering home alone in the dark.”

  “I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “T
hanks.”

  “And Jack? Any special instructions?”

  “Not really. Make sure he brushes his teeth, I guess, and keep an eye on him with his candy. He likes to hide it under his pillow, which makes a huge, sticky mess. Don’t give him too much, either. He won’t sleep for days.”

  “Got it.”

  Laura smiles warmly at me. “Thanks again, Zoe. I really do appreciate it.”

  “Anytime.”

  Tom

  It’s early, but I can hear Laura downstairs, making breakfast for the kids. I roll over on the sofa, letting out a groan. My back aches from a poor night’s sleep. I’m used to luxury emperor-sized mattresses and Egyptian cotton, not lumpy two-seaters and broken springs. I’m too tall for the sofa, and I’ve been curled up all night. I sit up and stretch, my spine cracking with the movement.

  I should go into the kitchen and spend what little time I have with Laura before she goes on her trip. I have one day. However, the thought of being left alone with a hyperactive five-year-old and a sulky teen makes me want to stay away just a moment longer and enjoy the peace I have left before all hell breaks loose. Even worse, while I’m going to be babysitting the kids, Laura’s arranged for Zoe to be babysitting me.

  Zoe.

  I toy with my cell phone, debating whether I should contact her. Our first meeting was a disaster; our date was even worse. It seems like we’re destined to push each other’s buttons, and that any connection between us has disintegrated.

  But she meant so much to me.

  Scrolling back through old messages between us, I feel a stab of sadness. It’s not very often that I connect with people. At work, I have to be tough, so people tiptoe around me. With my family, I’ve made a series of mistakes that keep coming back to bite me.

  Getting to know Zoe online had felt like a fresh start, yet as soon as we met face-to-face, it had all fallen apart. What’s wrong with you, Tom?

  I message her after all.

  Looks like I’m in charge of the kids this week. I was thinking I’d let Jack eat as much candy as he wants, and Megan can borrow the Mercedes, so she can drive herself back from her boyfriend’s in the early hours.

  I wait for a reply, wondering if Zoe will answer me at all. Moments later, she does, and I grin.

  I’m ninety percent sure you’re joking.

  It’s hard to say. You’ll have to come over and keep an eye on me to make sure.

  There’s a long wait for a reply this time. I think to myself, Congratulations, Tom, you’ve done it again.

  Then, she replies.

  Don’t worry. I’ll be watching you closely. I’ll come by after work on Thursday to make sure you’re not letting Jack play with fireworks or giving Megan permission to get a tattoo.

  I think we should get together tonight to discuss our plan of action for the week ahead.

  I’m not sure that’s a good idea.

  Come on, Zoe. We have to be on good terms if we’re taking care of the kids this week. Give me another chance to show you that I can do more than complain.

  Another long pause. Zoe must be thinking hard. Finally, she answers.

  Fine.

  Great. I’ll pick you up at five-thirty.

  That early?

  No dinner this time. I have a plan for something less formal. You can leave your stilettos at home. ;)

  The winky face is my nemesis. I never quite know when the winky face is the right guy for the job.

  Zoe answers.

  My store closes at five-thirty. I’ll be ready to go.

  Date secured, I head into the kitchen with a smile on my face. Laura is in the middle of making pancakes, an apron tied around her business suit: Super Mom in action. She looks up at me and smiles. “Morning, sleepy head! You’re looking surprisingly chipper this morning.”

  I pull out a chair next to Jack at the table and reach for the orange juice. “I’ve just been messaging Zoe.”

  “I thought that was a no-go.”

  “One more date. For the sake of the kids.”

  Laura raises her eyebrows. “For the sake of the kids. Of course.”

  She lays down a pile of pancakes at the center of the table, and the kids immediately dig in. She pulls out her own chair opposite me and rests her elbows on the table, fixing me with a curious stare.

  “You really like her, don’t you?”

  “I like the woman I’ve been talking to online. Zoe and I haven’t gotten off to a great start, though. I need to find a way to tap into whatever magic we have when we’re communicating through this thing.” I hold up my cell.

  “Where do you think you’re going wrong?”

  “I wish I knew. I’ve just got the gift of pissing people off. One of my many talents.”

  Laura clears her throat. “Language, Tom.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Can I be blunt?”

  “Aren’t you always?”

  “You’re sending out the wrong vibe.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re arrogant.”

  I frown. “I don’t think so.”

  Laura laughs. “Come on, Tom! You’re constantly talking about how invaluable you are, what a big deal you are, how much money you make. Honestly, it’s tiresome. People switch off. You never make an effort to take an interest in anybody else.”

  I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t think that’s true.”

  “Don’t listen to me, then. But, I’m telling you: that’s where you’re going wrong.”

  “I can’t help it if what I do is important. I’m not trying to boast. It’s just fact.”

  “Oh my God, Tom. Learn some humility. You make a lot of money, and you have a big company, yes. But get it into your head that people’s everyday lives, the small stuff, matters as much to them as your great big enterprise matters to you. Zoe’s flower shop, for example—it means the world to her. I bet it didn’t even come up in conversation on your date though, did it?”

  “We’ve spoken about it online.”

  “But when you met her in person, I bet you completely forgot everything about her.”

  I think back to the date. I didn’t ask Zoe much about herself. Our chemistry online had come from our constant back-and-forth. The only back-and-forth we’d had in person was when we were slinging insults at each other.

  “Point taken. I should take more of an interest in her.”

  “Exactly.” Laura looks pleased. “Tone down the billionaire schtick, and you might relate to Zoe on a personal level. For one night, forget you have a company. Forget your job, your money, and all of that. Make it about her. Let your personality win her over, instead of trying to impress her with your assets.”

  “I get the sense people don’t think much of my personality.”

  “It gets lost beneath all the bullshit.”

  “Language, Laura!”

  She chuckles. “There you go—a sense of humor. Lead with that. You’re funny, Tom, and you’re smart. Don’t let those qualities get buried by your ego.”

  Zoe

  At the end of the day, I’m counting out the till when the bell above the store door rings and Tom walks in.

  To my surprise, he’s dressed casually, in a white T-shirt, black jacket, and denim jeans; no Rolex. He looks hot. My hands grow clammy. Even though our last two meetings have been disastrous, my body still reacts whenever Tom walks in a room.

  I’m wearing an emerald-green blouse and blue jeans, my hair pulled back into a single braid. I haven’t touched up my makeup or dressed up this time. I think it’s about time that Tom and I got real with each other. It was a wonderful online romance, but now this is real life, and all disguises have to go.

  “Hi, Tom. You’re looking good.”

  “So are you.”

  I smile. “You said we were going somewhere informal, right? I thought my work clothes would do.”

  “Absolutely. You look great.”

  “Let me just close up the store, and we can head out.”
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br />   I can feel Tom’s eyes following me as I complete my final few chores. He waits patiently, that intoxicating scent of his cologne making my heart race even when I’m not looking at him.

  Finally, keys in hand, I’m ready to go. Tom leads the way to his flashy silver Mercedes, and we set off.

  “Where are we going?”

  Tom grins. “Somewhere fun.”

  “It’s a secret, huh?”

  “A surprise.”

  I smile. “You seem different today.”

  He glances across at me. “Do I?”

  “More relaxed.”

  “Must be the sea air.”

  I sink back into the soft leather passenger seat. I’m hopeful that this evening won’t be a disaster, like the rest of the time we’ve spent together since Tom arrived in Maine.

  “We used to spend days at the beach. Do you remember?” I look over at him after I ask.

  “Of course. You and Laura used to read those gossip magazines for hours.”

  “While you and Mike threw a ball around, trying to pick up girls.”

  “It worked, didn’t it? Mike certainly caught Laura’s eye.”

  “They were so good together.”

  We both fall into silence. It’s still hard to remember good times with Mike. He was always more Tom’s friend than mine, but I grew closer to him once he started dating Laura. We were close.

  “It’s a shame you and Mike lost touch.”

  Tom lets out a long breath and nods. “One of the many, many things I regret.”

  “At least you’re here now.”

  He smiles at me. “Let’s hope Christmas gives me enough time to make some amends. I’ve been away too long.”

  “Why’s it taken you so long to come back here?”

  He looks over at me from the driver’s side. “I’ve told you all this before.”

  He’s talking about our messages.

  “You said you didn’t feel at home with your family anymore. You felt like the black sheep.”