by Ashley Goss
My phone rang, but I didn’t recognize the number.
“This is Matteo Andrews,” I answered waiting for Kimberly to be on the other end, so I could give her a piece of my mind.
“Mr. Andrews, this is Detective West. We have Kimberly in custody and your ring. You can come down and pick it up at any time.” He explained.
I felt a lump in my throat suddenly. She’s in custody? Does this mean I can have my home back? The tape can come down? I should have felt relieved, but all I wanted to do was cuss her out. Let her know how disappointed I was in here and ask her why she did it? If she needed a raise, she should have just asked.
I pulled myself together, locked my door behind me, and headed to the police station. On my way over, I couldn’t help but think about how generous I was toward my employees. I paid them better than most businesses, gave them a vacation, holidays off, and even their birthday. I was an understanding boss when it came to most things. Why would one of them steal from me? Don’t I give them enough?
When I pulled up to the police station, I finally started to feel a sense of relief. All I had to do was go in, sign some paperwork, get the ring back, and then go home. All that nonsense would be left behind. But, I couldn’t really do that. My mind won’t let me. I needed to know her reasoning. I needed an explanation.
Detective West was sitting behind a desk but immediately got up when he saw me walk inside. He went straight over to his desk, pulled out the ring, and put it in a bag.
“Here you go, son. We got the fingerprints and everything we needed from it. It’s all yours.” He smiled not realizing I wanted something else.
I hesitated slightly, “So, can the tape come down, so I can go back to my house? I need it cleaned.”
He shook his head and started to walk away when I put my hand on his shoulder. His head turned around confused. I had to know her answer.
“Is there any way I could have a few moments with Kimberly. It’s killing me that she did this, and I just need to know why?” I asked with a concerned face while hoping the detective granted my request.
Instead of answering straight away, he walked over to the police chief, said a few words quietly, and then told me to follow him. He leads me inside what appeared to be an interrogation room. Never been in one of these. In seconds, she would be sitting across from me, staring into my eyes, telling me why she robbed me. Instead of seconds, it felt more like hours. I had too much on my mind to be left in the room alone.
The door finally swung open with Kimberly in cuffs and Detective West sitting her down at the table. The cuffs stayed on. The door closed behind him, and I couldn’t speak. I knew what I wanted to ask her, what I needed to know, why couldn’t I just ask? Was it because I feared what her answer might be? Probably. Nonetheless, I had to ask. Get it off my mind.
I took a deep breath, opened my mouth and asked, “Why did you do it?” I knew the question seemed trivial, but it’s what my mind formed. Honestly, it was the biggest question I had for her. Why beat around the bush?
She wasn’t even looking at me. Her head was pointed towards the floor and looked like her eyes were closed. So I asked again. Her head moved slightly, but nothing came out of her mouth. I was getting agitated that she won’t answer me. I slammed my hands down on the table, the sound echoing off the walls, and yelled, “Just tell me why you fucking did it? Why did you feel the need to steal from me? Do I not pay you enough? Give you enough paid vacation? Huh? Fucking answer me!”
Her head shot up looking at me straight in my eyes. Her pupils were dilated so much, it looked like she was possessed. Her eyes squinted as she began to form words, “You want to know why? You sure? You’re not going to like it. Fuck it, I’ll be honest with you. You remember that bitch Kelsey? Well that bitch, was my best friend. You ruined her career, her name, and then took the ring back like it belonged to you. Once you give something to someone, it’s theirs. You should have never kept this ring, to begin with. It belongs to her!”
Kelsey? This was all about Kelsey? It’s been five years, and somehow, she was still fucking up my life. Plus, I never even gave her the ring. She broke up with me before I even had the chance. Kimberly was definitely nothing like she portrayed while being my assistant. She was just using me just like Kelsey did to get what she wanted. I didn’t even stay around after that. I jumped out of my seat, opened the door, and jetted out of the police station. I never wanted to see or hear that bitch’s name again. Maybe, Kimberly was the last string. I tossed the ring way up in the air towards the grass and walked away. I didn’t want the ring anymore. It only reminded me of Kelsey. Besides, I had no need for it.
Starting my car, I felt relieved to finally know why she did it. Now that Kimberly was in jail, Kelsey would finally have to leave me alone for good. I never wanted to hear either of their names again. Sitting at the exit of the police station, I thought of where to go from there, and the first thing that came to my mind, my sister’s house.
My car took off and pulled into my sister’s driveaway. I took a second to get out realizing I showed up unannounced. Usually, I called first. When I knocked on the door, I heard Abigail yelling, “Just a minute!”
When she opened the door, a look of confusion came across her face. She was not used to be stopping by without calling. She opened the door wider for me to go inside.
“Mat, what’s wrong? Is everything okay?” She asked taking my hand.
Shawn waltzed down the staircase, surprised to see me, but took me into an embrace. One that was longer than I had anticipated and I followed them into the living room.
“So, I’m not sure if you heard, but my apartment got broken into last night.”
They both looked at each other and then back at me waiting for me to explain further. Hell, I didn’t know how to explain the situation. I knew they would ask why I even kept the ring in the first place? To be honest, I was not sure why I kept it. The point was I didn’t have it anymore.
“Well, we found out it was Kimberly. You know, my assistant. She stole Kimberly’s engagement ring.” I explained while watching their faces for their reaction. My sister looked confused.
“Why would you still have the ring?” Shawn asked shaking his head.
“Listen, bro, I don’t know. I can’t explain it. I put it in one of my drawers and then it just stayed there. I had forgotten that it was there until I was trying to figure out what was taken. It’s not like I took it out every day and missed her. I hate that bitch.” I explained starting to get a little heated. Calm down.
Shawn felt bad for asking after my reaction. His facial expression showed remorse. “Sorry, bro. I just don’t understand. But, so, it was Kimberly? Why would Kimberly steal it? What does she want with her ring?”
I shook my head because I immediately went back to the interrogation room being face to face with her. The sound of my palms hitting the table and echoing against the walls. Her response to me. It made me sick to my stomach. “She was best friends with Kelsey.”
They both gasped. The look of betrayal on their faces was enough. I knew they understood what I was going thru right now. It was silent for the next couple of minutes. Everyone trying to process what happened exactly.
“Well, I am fixing to make dinner. Do you wanna stay?” she asked.
Shit. I do, but I wanted to take Lacey out. Maybe now was a good time to tell Abigail and Shawn about our recent come together. “So, about that, I have dinner plans with Lacey.” A huge smile swept across my face when she spun around and looked at me with her eyes huge.
“Lacey? Like the Bahamas, Lacey? Did you guys get back together? When?” She continued questioning me.
My sister really liked Lacey. I knew she would be excited for me to be back with her. Even though, we were never together. Our secret. “Yes, your Lacey. And last night actually.”
She jumped up in the air and screamed, “Yes!” She couldn’t contain her excitement. “Go ahead and bring her here. I would love to see her!”
&n
bsp; I smiled because she understood. It was going to be so easy to have a girlfriend my sister liked.
I pulled out my phone.
Me: Hey you got plans for dinner. I’m at Abigail’s. She invited you for dinner. Say yes?
Lacey: Abigail doesn’t hate me? Of course, I’ll come. When do I need to be ready?
Me: Now, but I’ll be there to pick you up in 20.
Chapter 30
Lacey
I packed up my books and headed back to my dorm room to change. Most of the day, I hoped he would text me to hang out tonight, but I didn’t want to count on it. We were both busy. I threw on a black sweater dress, some grey ankle boots, let my hair down, and applied some mascara. I didn’t have time to do my face right now. He would be here any minute. Ding.
Matteo: I’m outside campus. You ready?
A huge smile swept across my face. I picked up my cardigan and headed out the door.
“Hey there, hottie. Looking for a ride?” Matteo yelled at me while walking up to his car.
“Sure, but not the ride you are insinuating,” I replied as I offered a wink. He slid his hand up into my inner thigh sending a shiver up my spine. His hand was freezing. I screeched, and he turned to look at me.
“What? I can’t use you to warm my hand up?” He asked as he smiled at me and arched his brow.
Boy was he making me crave him. He was probably doing this on purpose knowing we were going to his sister’s. What a tease!
When we walked into his sister’s house, she met me at the door with a huge hug.
“Oh my god, I’ve missed you. I was scared he had lost you for good. Ugh, I’m so happy for you guys.” She said with my hands in hers.
“Yeah, your man was down in the dumps after you left. He was stuck in his apartment for weeks sulking. We told him he needed to get you back. Glad to see he listens to us. He’s already smiling again.” Shawn said to me while shaking Matteo’s hand.
Sulking huh? Well, I was glad to know we were both doing the same thing. Although, if he hadn't set up that dinner, we wouldn’t have gotten back together. I never would have met up with him again. But holy hell, was I glad I did!
I pulled him close and planted a very passionate kiss on his lips. It was different now, there was no acting going on. Everything was very genuine. There were no gray areas now. We could be ourselves. It felt nice. No more pretending.
We sat down to eat, and conversation flowed nicely. They really didn’t seem mad about the situation at their wedding. Abigail and I got fairly close during my time there. I was glad to see she wasn’t holding a grudge.
“So, Abigail, how was your honeymoon? How the first few weeks of being married been?” I laughed as I put her on the spot in front of both men.
“You better be careful how you respond, Sis. Hubby might be upset.” He said as he laughed hysterically.
She looked around the room at everyone before responding, “Well I’m sure you don’t want to hear the sexy details. I’ll spare you. The honeymoon was mostly spent inside our room as you can imagine. The last couple weeks, well they don’t feel any different than before. The only difference is we are married.”
I was jealous of their love. They had been in love for years and finally took the leap of commitment. They knew everything about each other. Hell, the way they looked at each other made me jealous. One of the happiest couples I’d ever seen.
After dinner was over, us girls drank some wine while the boys went to the man cave to watch sports or something. It was nice to be sitting across from Abigail and not having to pretend anymore. My feelings for Matteo were genuine.
“So, are you happy to be back with my brother?” She asked with a smile, twirling her wine glass.
I wanted the lie to be over and the truth to come out, but Matteo hadn’t said anything. How would we explain that I worked at an escort service where Matteo hired me to pretend to be his girlfriend, and then we magically fell in love in seven days? His mom would have a heart attack. If it got out, the paparazzi would have a field day. The secret had to stay contained. Just between the two of us. Who cares what brought us together? The only thing that matters was we were together now.
Chapter 31
Matteo
Six Months Later…
Our relationship had hit some bumps, but we excelled thru them and fell even more in love. We fell in love with each other in seven days, but there were many things we needed to get to know about each other. The biggest one: we were both aholics. I was a workaholic, and she was a studyingaholic. This made it hard to spend time together, but we found a way. When I was free, and she had to study, I would help her. Every question she got right, she would get to choose a reward. Most of the rewards had to do with me.
Tonight was the night. Normally, nervous was not something that I felt but for some reason, the thought of tonight was making my pits sweat like it’s 125 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
It’s all I could think about the entire way there. What the hell would I do if her dad said no? Or her mom? Sure, I had money but what if they don’t like that? We weren’t that far apart in age. I took a deep breath as we pulled up to their house. You got this. Be yourself. They will love you.
She opened her door and began to walk up the driveway when she realized I was not behind her.
“Babe come on. Get out of the car.” She said with a smile.
I got out of the car, took her hand and walked over the threshold. Her parents greeted me with big smiles and a hug each. I wasn’t a huge fan of hugs, but I wasn’t going to make a big deal out of it.
“Honey, it’s so great to see you. Come in, have a seat.” Maggie said genuinely.
Lacey was right. I shouldn’t have been worried the whole ride over. Her parents already liked me.
“So, you went to MIT? That must have been expensive.” Dale said.
He’s right. It was more for one semester than most cost for an entire year or two. “Yes, I worked multiple jobs to put myself through school and then I had a scholarship as well. It was best decision I ever made. I couldn’t have made it to where I am today successfully without my MIT diploma.”
I kept touching my pocket knowing tonight would be the night. I just had to wait for the right moment. Lacey and Maggie went into the kitchen to finish dinner and now was as good of a time as any.
“Sir, Can I ask you something?” I asked nervously. Suddenly, I felt sweat rolling from my forehead.
“Sure, son. You can ask me anything you want.”
Okay. It’s happening. I’m doing it. Syking myself out wasn’t going to help. “Sir, I was wondering if I could get your blessing to ask your daughter to marry me.”
He looked at me while his eyes got big. “You are going to ask her to marry you? Tonight?”
He didn’t ask like he was against the idea, more like he was surprised. “Yes, sir. If I get your blessing. I’m a traditional person.”
He shook his head and gave me another hug. Her dad was happy for us. I was sure they both could see how happy we were together. As my wife, Lacey wouldn’t have to worry about paying for school or really anything. She could stay home if she wanted to. Even though I knew a career was just as important to her as it was to me. It was the main reason we synced so well.
“Maggie is going to lose her mind. Lacey had mentioned it on the phone a couple weeks ago to her. She will say yes.” His eyes started watering. He tried to fight them off, but they couldn’t help but escape.
“Sir, I just want you to know I will do everything in my power to make your daughter happy. I hope to have the love you and your wife have shared for decades.” I told him as I shook his hand.
The ladies called from the dining room to let us know dinner was made. Dale gained his composure so they wouldn’t know he had been crying before coming to sit down at the table. Throughout dinner, he kept looking at me, wondering when I was going to pop the question. Finally, I looked at him shook my head, got up from the table, and knelt in front of Lacey. Her
hands immediately went up to her face. She knew what was coming, but she wasn’t expecting it.
“Lacey Rogers, from the moment I met you, you burrowed yourself in my life. Without the first seven days of being with you, we would have never made it to where we are today. Even though it all started off on the wrong foot, fate brought us together. You are my happily ever after. You are my true love.” I pulled out of the ring box, opened it and asked, “Will you do me the honor of waking up next to you every morning and falling asleep next to you every night? Will you marry me?”
At this point, tears were escaping from everyone’s eyes in the room. A couple seconds of silence was needed for Lacey to gain her composure and then she screeched, “Yes!”
I picked her up in my arms and planted the biggest kiss of our lives on her lips. From this moment on, Lacey and I were bound to each other. We had both found our happily ever after. Sure, it started with a lie, but it was going to end with the truth.
Chapter 32
Lacey
Ten Years Later…
“Not Guilty.” The juror stated.
I was now a lawyer who strived to help those who couldn’t afford it. I started my own firm, but most of the work I did was pro bono. The kind of lawyer I wanted to become wasn’t precedent on making money. It was about helping those who were innocent or don’t have anyone else to fight for them.
I left the courtroom, and my client extended her gratitude for the verdict. They had given her a public defender who wasn’t willing to put in work and fight for her innocence. She knew that if she hadn’t acquired me, the verdict could have very much been different.
I made my way home to my husband. When I walked in the door, Zoey slowly waddled over to me, “Mama.”
I picked her up and gave her a huge hug. Once I had opened the firm, we decided we wanted to have kids. We both wanted the perfect happy family. A couple weeks of trying was all it took for me to become pregnant with Zoey. She was our blessing.
