by René, Dani
That was strange. Something doesn’t feel right, but my stomach is in knots when I realize I need to finish my paper before tonight’s date, so I let it go. For now.
I’ll ask Ash what’s going on with Ember.
He’ll know.
* * *
The knock at the door makes my heart thud wildly. I wanted to be calmer when he arrived, but I’m still nervous about tonight. When I open the door, I’m met with Ash, who’s dressed in a suit jacket and a light gray button-up that matches the clouds on a rainy day.
He isn’t wearing a tie, and the first few buttons of his shirt are undone. Looking like a model, he saunters through the doorway, then cups my cheeks in his hands. “I’ve been thinking about this for hours.”
I’m about to ask what, but his mouth lands on mine in a heated kiss. It’s not as urgent and fiery as I expected; it’s gentle and sensual.
Ash finally pulls away, leaving me breathless. He steps back and takes in my outfit. The sleek red dress is nothing like the one he got me for the gala, but it’s exquisite, nonetheless.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, grabbing my purse before I lock the door. He offers me his arm, which I accept, and for a moment, I forget about the pain of the past couple of days.
Ash is the perfect gentleman, opening the car door and helping me into my seat, and when he joins me, he turns on the heating without a word.
The drive is silent, and I wonder if he’s going to speak, but he doesn’t. All the way to a restaurant, we sit in the quiet, and I mull over what is going to happen tonight.
When we reach the small parking area, I’m confused as to where we’re going. There’s not much out here, and the number of small amount cars parked in the lot makes the place seem almost eerie. “What is this?”
Ash smiles when I turn to him. “It’s a place that serves delicious food, delectable wine, and where we can talk,” he tells me before exiting the vehicle and rounding the front. Pulling open my door, he offers me his hand, which I accept.
I realize as we head toward the building with a small red lit-up name above the door that, being an Addington, it’s probably a place he owns. Once inside, the hostess takes us through the restaurant, which only has a handful of tables with patrons seated at them. We step down into a theatre-like space where there’s a stage, along with a piano and a few tables surrounding the open area.
We’re seated in a booth to the left of the stage, and the moment we’re comfortable, I take note of the couples at each of the other tables who are all older than us and dressed impeccably. My gaze drifts over the elegant décor, understated with black everywhere. There are tufts of color—a deep crimson—which comes from the cushions on the bench seats, but other than that, it feels like everyone is hidden.
Lights overhead flicker, and when they’re turned off, we’re left in candlelight and the emergency lights, which offer a soft yellow glow. It’s strangely romantic.
“I thought you didn’t go on dates?” I question, picking up a menu.
Ash smiles. “I don’t. This is one of my favorite places because I’m able to sit back, listen to music, and enjoy a meal.”
“And how many girls have you brought here?” I tease, grinning like a lunatic. I’m allowed to; this is my second official date. I’m a woman who has a sort of normal life now. Shaking my head at the silliness, I watch Ash for his answer.
“I haven’t brought anyone here. This, beyond my music room, is my sanctuary.” He doesn’t seem like he’s lying. What’s going through his mind? He looks so broken, so destroyed by what life has thrown his way, and I finally see myself in him.
I am him.
He is me.
Ember said Ash will need me, and it seems Ember is the one who has taken our shards and fit them together.
Is this something he wanted to happen?
Did Ember plan for me and his brother to date? To be in a relationship?
No. He couldn’t have known we’d be attracted to each other. But then again, Ember knew about me, my past.
“Is Ember okay?”
Ash starts at my question, furrowing his brows. “What do you mean?”
“He called me earlier, and he seemed . . . I don’t know like something was wrong.”
The waitress appears with a bottle of wine. I watch her uncork it with a flourish, then pour a taste for Ash. He takes a sip, then nods his approval.
She smiles politely as she pours the drinks, but I notice how she eyes Ash.
Soon after, we’re alone, and his blue eyes pierce me.
“He seemed okay this morning, but then I only saw him for a few minutes because I had to go to the office.”
I clink my glass on his before saying, “Okay, I just . . . I got a strange vibe from him.” This time I’m watching Ash, and the expression on his face tells me he’s worried.
“I’ll talk to him when I get home tonight,” he tells me, and I nod. “Tell me about your classes so far?”
“They’re good. I’m excited to be doing a double major, but I’m not sure I can actually go through with it.” It’s the first time I’ve uttered those words. My father always taught me to be positive, to focus on what I can do, and even if I don’t achieve it, I’ll know I’ve tried my best.
“You will. Any help you need, tell me.”
“I’d like to know more about your father,” I say, before sipping my wine as I regard him. The shift in the air surrounding us is evidence that he’s not comfortable with that topic, but I need to know. “Why didn’t you give me the letters when we first met?”
“I was scared,” Ash admits with a shrug. “I thought you would run a mile if you knew.” He grips the wine glass so tight I wait for it to shatter into a million pieces. The pain on his handsome face makes me even more curious.
“What would’ve changed in your life if I had run?” I question gently.
“I wouldn’t be here, now, with you.” His admission makes my heart thud against my rib cage. “I like you, Kat.”
“If this is going to work, there can’t be any more lies, or secrets.”
He’s about to respond when the music starts. The melody is soft at first, just mere tinkling in the silence of the club. I glance behind me, taking in the man at the piano. He’s older, probably in his forties. He smiles at the other couples at their tables and plays a song I don’t recognize.
Ash leans in his mouth at my ear. “I will promise you anything you want; just don’t run.”
The waitress places our entrees down, and I can’t help but smile when I notice the plates laden with a delicious salmon salad, creamy dressing, and lemon drizzled on the top. The scent and flavors of the meal are out of this world. The opulence we’re surrounded by is surreal and overwhelming. I thought I would feel out of place the moment we walked in, but I find myself relaxing into the evening and enjoying my second real date with Ash Addington.
Ember
Shoving the office door open, I find my brother perched behind his desk. I hardly come to Addington’s offices, but today, I know we need to talk. It’s time I told him what’s going on and why he needs to make sure Kat is looked after.
“Brother.” Ash smiles. “I wanted to ask you something last night after my date with Kat, but you were asleep.”
It’s true. I’ve hidden in the darkness each night. Painkillers no longer help.
“I was tired,” I tell him, settling in the chair opposite the large desk my father insisted on having in his office. Even though I hate it now, as a kid, I loved sitting behind there, acting as if I were the CEO. When you’re that small, everything seems exciting.
“Kat is slowly coming to terms with our admission,” he tells me, and I realize he must’ve confessed his feelings toward her as well.
“Listen, there’s something—”
The door flies open, and Larson comes strolling in as if he owns the fucking place. The man worked for my father for years, but I’ve never liked him, and I have a
feeling the shit that caught up to my dad was because of him.
“Ashton, we need to talk about Los Angeles,” he grunts out through huffed breaths. It’s like he’s run up the stairs or something.
“What’s the problem?” Ash questions, leaning back in the large leather chair. His blue eyes gleam with mischief, and I’m confident someone’s going home tonight without a paycheck.
“I think you’re making a mistake. This is our livelihood and—”
“Our livelihood?” Ash pushes his seat forward. He’s not happy.
“This company has been part of my life, and I’m not happy to stand by and watch a little kid run it into the ground. This isn’t a playground,” the older man utters in anger. It’s like watching an intense tennis match. Ashton will not take this lightly.
My brother leans his elbows on the table, tugging the chair closer to the desk. His shoulders are squared, his body rigid with tension. The air has turned thick and heavy. “You may have worked for my father, but other than being an employee, you have nothing to do with this company. And your livelihood . . .” Ash pauses, before biting out, “is in no way connected to Addington and Associates.” His voice is laced with rage, and he’s going to lose his shit with one of my father’s oldest workers. “You may get a paycheck, but that’s all it is.”
“All I meant was—”
“And this is where you shouldn’t mean anything.” I rise, picking up the conversation in an attempt to calm Ashton down—he’s ready to kill the asshole. “You’re not running the company. If Ashton feels the decision is right, then I trust he knows what he’s doing.”
“I’ve been working here for over fifteen years, and your father would’ve wanted to open in Miami the moment he could . . .” His words trickle into nothing, and I can’t help but smile. This asshole thinks he knows what he’s doing, but Ash has already set up a meeting with the board members to inform them of the hold we’re placing on purchase. Frederik won’t win this war.
He rises, shoving the chair backward in anger. “This isn’t over, Addington,” he grits out through clenched teeth. “Your father wanted—”
This time Ash is on his feet, his body trembling with rage, and the blue in his eyes is darkening considerably. I’ve never seen him this angry before.
“You have no idea what my father wanted.” His voice is ice cold, fanning the flames from Larson’s attack. The older man simmers as he watches Ashton round the desk. “If you ever come in here again and throw around your supposed authority that has no ground in my office, in my company, I’ll ensure you’re on the street. Am I clear?”
“I want the best for this company. Buying the hotel in Miami would only benefit us.”
The man doesn’t give up. He would if he knew what was best for his future in this company. He needs to walk out. Ash has been running the company expertly since our father died. He knows what he’s doing, having trained for this day most of his life. Yes, perhaps we’re in an excellent place to buy in Miami, but we do need to focus on the properties we already have, bringing them up to par with our competition. Even I know that.
“You’re welcome to take your shit and leave if you don’t like how I run my company.” Ash leans against the edge of his desk, waiting for Frederik Larson to make his choice.
With a nod, the older man turns and walks out the door without an apology.
I turn to my brother. His face is rigid, his jaw ticking with frustration.
“You know he's just a dick, right?” I question, watching him for any lingering doubts.
When Ash stepped up to take over, he wasn’t sure if he was ready. There was always doubt in his mind that he could do it. But I know my brother. He’s strong, and he has a good head on his shoulders.
“What’s going on with you, Ember?” Ash asks, casting his gaze over me. “Kat mentioned she spoke to you, and you seemed off.”
“There is something we need to talk about, but I didn’t have the energy to do it last night.” My voice cracks on the last word, which Ash will notice it.
“You’re hiding things from me. I want to know what it is.” His accusation is clear.
We always promised to be honest with each other. But I haven’t been able to talk to him about this. Yesterday I got the confirmation I’d been dreading, and I knew I had to come here today and confess.
My conversation with Kat lingers in my mind. Secrets—they’re the most destructive force when it comes to the people you love. I should be honest, I know it right down to my soul, but I can’t bring myself to utter the words.
“If you wanted Kat—”
“That’s not it,” I tell him. “I care for her, yes, but she’s yours. She always will be. I see how the two of you are together.”
He doesn’t respond, just shrugs and seats himself back in the chair.
My eyes burn with emotion. I don’t want to admit this now. I came here to do it, and now I’m chickening out. Perhaps this is best done at home.
“I have to go. I’m making dinner for us,” I tell him, rising from the chair. Instead, my lungs seize, and I can’t help the onslaught of the cough that attacks me.
“You okay, brother?” Ash is at my side, his hands on me, holding me steady.
I cover it with a chuckle, swallowing back the bile that’s burning in my throat, and I nod. “Yeah.” I wave off his concern with a smile. “I’ll see you later.” I push by him, but I can feel the heat of his unwavering gaze on me. He doesn’t believe me, and I know my lie was weak. “I’ll speak to you tonight.”
Once I’m in my car, I make my way home, hoping that I’ll have the courage to tell him. My brother will break. This news will shake his entire world, and I pray Katerina will be there to hold him.
Secrets.
They hold you in their feral grip, and once they’re ready, they burn you to the ground.
Ash
After shoving the door open, I step into the house, which is silent. The spicy scent of dinner assaults me as I near the kitchen. It’s empty. I continue through the house. Where can Ember be?
The first place I search is the studio, but that is empty as well.
I head to the music room. The door is ajar, and a faint melody trickles into the hallway. Kat was supposed to join us for dinner, but she hasn’t let me know if she’s running late. I’ll call her once I talk to Ember.
He’s sitting at the piano, his gaze locked on the instrument, but he doesn’t notice me walk inside. I shut the door quietly and take my brother in. He seems as if he’s lost in thought. He’s always been jumpy, so if I startle him, he’ll leap off the chair. I remember when we were kids, I would always do that, and it would make me chuckle.
“Em?” I call, keeping my voice low. When he turns to me, the pain in his expression steals all the air from my lungs. “What’s wrong?”
“Kat is with Isobel this evening; they’re having a girl’s night, and . . .” He shakes his head as if she’s gone for good. But that’s not what he said.
“What happened, brother?” My voice is laced with fear, with worry. There’s something else wrong, and I’m sure it’s terrible because I’ve never seen him like this before. “Ember.”
“I’m sick.”
Out of all the things he could’ve said, that was not what I was expecting. It wasn’t an admission I was prepared for. “What?” The word falls from my lips, grating against my throat as it echoes in the room.
“When I came to the office earlier, I wanted to tell you. Every night, I’ve wanted to pull you aside and just tell you.” His words slice through my heart with the ferocity of a raging inferno.
“I don’t understand. You’re fine.” A dark chuckle falls from my mouth, but it’s humorless. There’s pain etching itself onto every fiber of my being.
“The cancer's at stage four.” He swallows, and I notice his agony from that motion alone.
It’s then that it hits me—every evening we’ve had dinner together, I didn’t notice Ember not eating—solids at least.
He would have soup when I had steak or pasta. Anything substantial, he’d shove aside and tell me he’d had his fill.
“But I don’t understand.”
“I started getting dizzy at first. My vision would blur, and each day, it got worse. I put it off as nothing. As a headache,” he whispers. “I didn’t want to admit something was wrong.”
My heart thuds painfully in my throat, attempting to choke me with emotion. It’s a pain that sluices through me, reminding me that he’s still talking, and this is real.
“They thought they could treat it, but it’s a grade-four tumor,” he tells me as he presses a key on the piano, causing the room to fill with a dark, dreadful sound. When he lifts his finger, he hovers both hands over the keys and allows his digits to flit over them, playing “Für Elise.” It was the one song I taught him to play, the one song he’d wanted to learn.
I feel numb.
“What about surgery, chemo? There are new ways of treating this. I know there has to be. This isn’t a fucking end, Ember. You will not leave me.” My voice is filled with agony. A dark, brooding violence lances my chest, and I find it hard to breathe.
He shakes his head sadly, and tears trickle down his cheeks. “It’s too late. I’ll be going to the hospice tomorrow. It’s time, Ash.”
I want to punch something, to break something, to rip something to pieces, just like my heart is shattering. I’ve never been one to show emotion. I hate allowing people to see me at my most vulnerable, and right now, I’m more broken than I have ever before. Losing my father was difficult, but that doesn’t compare to this. Not even in the slightest.
When Ember finishes the song moments later, I fall to my knees beside him. For the first time in my life, I break completely. I sob. Looking at the brother who’s lived only a quarter of his life, I don’t know how much longer he has.
He rises and turning toward me, finally meeting my pained stare with a warm one of his own. I push to my feet, finding my knees buckling at the heaviness that’s hanging on my shoulders.
