My Forever Valentine

by Melody Heck Gatto

  Spencer was almost finished discussing the new project with his team, installing a new camera system in a parking garage downtown. The only hold up was that they hadn’t met the folks with the company they’d be installing the security system for. Usually at least one guy showed up and sat in on the meeting.

  While he was discussing the project with his crew, a familiar voice interrupted him. At the man’s introduction, Spencer’s jaw tightened.

  “Excuse me and good morning. Sorry I’m late. I’m with the security firm, Smith-Jones-Samson Incorporated, otherwise known as SJS Inc. We are the company who hired you for the installation of the security camera package in the downtown Bethesda parking garage.”

  The voice was so familiar, and it made his skin crawl. Looking up, it was clear why his defenses were up.

  The man standing in front of him was Isaac.

  “Huh, Spencer,” Isaac deadpanned.

  “Isaac,” Spencer responded flatly. “I didn’t realize you were in charge of the parking lot security system project.”

  Last Spencer heard, Isaac worked for a multi-million dollar security firm. That they’d chosen a small company like Robert and Sons didn’t make any sense. Surely he they could have brought in their own people instead of going local.

  The security firm hadn’t sent over any information that listed the team members working on this project, and Spencer hadn’t even known what company Isaac worked for. He’d never cared. But in hindsight, he would’ve preferred some preparation for this moment, especially after the news of Isaac’s trying to contact Harley.

  Pushing his shoulders back and taking a deep breath, Spencer was confident he could handle this, regardless.

  After all, this was his crew and his project. He’s never let his boss down, and he wasn’t planning on messing up this job, even with Isaac involved.

  He stared at Isaac and tried to gauge how this was going to proceed. Awkward did not even begin to describe this moment.

  “What are you even wearing?” Isaac looked him over, glaring at his blue jeans, tennis shoes, and polo shirt. “I am in the office, aren’t I? Or is this some pop-up jobsite? Or are you the errand boy? Possibly the pizza boy delivering lunch?”

  “We have a very relaxed dress code,” Spencer simply said, ignoring Isaac’s remarks and trying to hold his temper. He didn’t owe Isaac any type of explanation about anything.

  Isaac didn’t seem to miss a beat. With not even a flinch, he unrolled blueprints for the parking garage project. Pointing to different areas of the paperwork, he said, “Our cameras will go here.”

  Isaac began to list all the specifications of the cameras his company was providing.

  Uninterested in the information, Spencer tuned Isaac out. That was just Isaac shaking his ass like normal, spouting off technical terms and flashy features. None of that had to do with Spencer’s part of the job. He already knew what the cameras did and how much they cost. His team’s focus now was to install the system and make sure it worked. The client was the only person interested in the fancy aspects of the product, and he wasn’t here.

  On his way out of the meeting room, Isaac dropped his glance to Spencer’s tennis shoes. “Some dress code.” He sneered.

  What was is guy’s deal?

  Spencer shrugged, unaffected by Isaac’s comments. His company did the job better than any other company; who cared what they came to work dressed in?

  “My team will be at the job site first thing tomorrow morning to begin installation. Will they see you there, Spencer?” Spencer knew there was no reason for Isaac to be at the jobsite, unless of course he was planning on watching over his shoulder. And he wouldn’t expect any less from Mr. Lame.

  Isaac simply glared at him coldly as he waited for a response.

  Spencer hadn’t expected anything different from the man. After all, he was dating Isaac’s ex. But it was unprofessional to bring that to the office.

  “No. Regretfully, I will not be there. But the planning team in charge of this project is more than capable.”

  “Oh, I’m sure they are.” His tone seemed more professional, until he added a sarcastic dig, “I was just going to advise you that my team likes their coffee black.”

  Another jab from good ol’ Mr. Lame. Was this guy not hugged enough as a child or something?

  Shaking his head, Spencer pushed down the harsh words that he wanted to say in response to Isaac’s attempt to make him feel like only the coffee gopher. Instead, he calmly responded with, “Really? I enjoy a vanilla flavored coffee myself. But do make sure your team tells the barista at the coffee shop that information.”

  Isaac just huffed as he stormed off.

  Spencer was well aware that Isaac was inferring that he was simply the coffee guy, when in reality he was the project manager. Yes, he could wear blue jeans and tennis shoes on a daily basis, as did everyone, but that in no way downplayed his importance in the company. And Isaac’s lame attempt to make him feel less than important failed.

  “Spence, you know that guy?” Ricky, his team leader asked with a weird look.

  He nodded slowly. “Yep. That was my girlfriend’s ex.”

  “Yikes.” Ricky let out a hefty laugh and slapped Spencer on his shoulder. “Lucky you.”

  Isaac returned and pushed by them into the conference room. “I forgot my favorite pen.”

  “Obviously. Because you can’t replace something as valuable as a pen.” Spencer challenged with a shrug.

  “You are so right, Spencer my boy.” Isaac smirked as he added, “This particular pen was given to me by your little girlfriend Harley. Well, when she was my girlfriend, obviously. I’d hate to lose it.”

  It was just a pen, why did Isaac think he would even care?

  Isaac grabbed the pen and secured it in his shirt pocket. As he passed Spencer on his way out, he leaned in close, but spoke loud enough so everyone could hear, “I assume she is still dressing up in those ridiculous college-girl outfits?”

  For the first time in his life, Spencer was tongue tied. What was he supposed to say to that?

  Isaac looked around the office, turning his lip up at the laid back and casual atmosphere that surrounded him. People were dressed similarly to Spencer, work boots and jeans. “It appears that Harley won’t embarrass you at a work function the way she mortified me.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “It means her idea of fashion belongs on a street corner, not a business function.” Isaac shuddered as if he were recalling the embarrassment he had felt. “She should’ve known better than to show so much shoulder.”

  Spencer’s instinct was to defend Harley, but at the same time, he didn’t want Isaac to think he had gotten to him.

  But this was his office, his place of business. He had to hold himself to a higher standard. And punching Isaac would not set a good example for the rest. Taking the high road, He ignored Isaac’s comments as Mr. Lame strutted to the elevator.

  That was until Isaac added with a creepy wink, “See you soon.”

  His comment was odd, and Spencer didn’t like it one bit.

  Mr. Lame was back in his life whether he liked it or not. At least until the project was done. And it couldn’t have been a coincidence that this was happening at the same time as Isaac was calling Harley.

  Typing on his phone, he texted Harley. She was going to meet him at his apartment for dinner.

  Spencer: Hey babe, how was your day?

  Harley: Good. I’m at your place now. How’s your day going?

  Spencer: I’m just glad it’s over.

  Harley: Oh no *frown-face-emoji* Are you on your way home?

  Spencer: Leaving work now. Need anything?

  Harley: Nope. The pizza is ordered, and beer is chilling in the refrigerator. All I need is you. Be careful driving.

  He grinned and hurried home. The best part of his day was going to be wrapping Harley up in his arms and forgetting all about Isaac.

  “HONEY, I’M HOME!” SPEN
CER sang as he opened his apartment door. He liked the sound of that.

  Walking into his apartment with Harley there waiting for him was something he’d like to have happen more often. The thought of her warmed his heart. Soon this would be reality every day, and that couldn’t come quickly enough. No girl had ever made him feel the way Harley did. She was his equal in every way, and honestly, his best friend.

  Having her there almost made him forget about Isaac and his stupid comments.

  Why would anyone be embarrassed of this beauty? He silently studied his amazing girlfriend, and couldn’t help but smile as his eyes wandered over her.

  Her hair was in a ponytail, and curls fell down her back. Somehow the black shirt she was wearing made her dark eyes sparkle even more. She really was stunning.

  “Hey, babe.” Spencer pulled her into a hug, which was just the thing he needed after his crazy day. He placed a kiss on her head. “How was your day?”

  “Meh, busy. But I was able to get my homework done on my break at the bookstore, so tonight it’s just you, me, and pizza.” She smiled up at him.

  “You and a pizza, my two favorite things.” Spencer pressed his lips to hers, kissing her as though he hadn’t seen her in weeks. Coming up for air, he asked, “How long do we have before the pizza gets here?”

  Harley snickered and kissed his neck. “Not nearly long enough for what you’re thinking.”

  Groaning, he pulled away, just as there was a knock on the door. “Yeah, there was no way that was enough time,” he teased.

  Spencer paid for the pizza and then brought it to the kitchen counter.

  Grabbing two plates from the cupboard, Harley then pulled up a kitchen stool. “So, how was your day? Anything exciting happen?”

  “I don’t think you really want to know about my day.” He shook his head knowingly. “Except that I am super stoked that we found an apartment so quick.”

  “I agree! I’m so glad we had the chance to go look at it. And as far as your day, it had to have been better than mine. Endless lectures, and so many notes that my hand hurts.” She shook her hand.

  Grabbing her hand, he kissed her fingers. “Better?”

  She nodded and smiled.

  Her sweet smile had him so enamored that he forgot all about the jealousy that arose after seeing Isaac, and instead chose to bring it up in conversation. “You’ll never guess who I ran into today.”

  “By the scowl on your face, I’m going to bet the same person who left me another message this afternoon. Was it as bad as I’m assuming it was?”

  “Worse. And I bet the message is him gloating about his day at my office.”

  “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “You know Isaac, always the professional, but he tried to make me feel bad with condescending comments about the lax dress code, and ended our visit referring to me as the coffee gopher.” Spencer shook his head, still not believing that jerk was their newest client. “Maybe you should play the message out loud and we can have a nice laugh?”

  Spencer watched her expression change at his words.

  “But on a more serious note, I really think we should get your number changed. He’s borderline stalking and it is getting ridiculous.”

  “Yeah.” Harley sighed and bit at her lip. “Okay, I know I told you that I was ignoring all his messages. And I was. But this time, I listened to the message. I was annoyed at him calling so much, and also a bit curious.”

  “And what did good ol’ Isaac have to say?” Spencer held his tongue, because he wasn’t at all sure why she had felt the need to listen to the voicemail. That man had caused her such heartbreak when they were together. The idea of getting her a new phone number was sounding better and better.

  “He wants to meet up for lunch tomorrow,” Harley responded with a curl of her lip.

  “What?” Spencer snapped, jealousy returning as quickly as it left.

  “Yeah.” She waved his concern off. “He suggested we meet at the sub shop—”

  “The one you guys always went to when you were dating?” The words left his mouth before he could think about what he was saying, or how snippy his voice sounded.

  “Yes,” she said flatly.

  “You’re not going, are you?” Again, if he could just control his emotions and filter his words this conversation would’ve gone much smoother.

  “Um, well, I hadn’t given it much thought yet.” She narrowed her eyes as she answered.

  “Why would you agree to meet him for lunch?” This was going horribly wrong.

  “I didn’t agree to anything,” Harley snipped, annoyance creeping into her tone.

  This was not how he wanted any of this to go. Taking a breath, he dished out the pizza and grabbed a few beers from the refrigerator. “Did he say anything else?”

  “Isaac? No.” she shook her head and looked down at the slice of pizza before her. “You know what? Suddenly I’m not so hungry. I think I’m just going to head home,” she said, grabbing her jacket and then quickly moving towards the door.

  “Har,” he wasn’t going to beg her to stay. He had acted like an ass, a jealous ass. “Talk to me.”

  Harley slowly turned to him. Still staring at the floor, Spencer nudged her chin up so she was looking him in the eyes. "I have no interest in seeing him. I just want him to stop bothering me.”

  “I don’t think entertaining him with a lunch date will accomplish that.” His own run in with Isaac still fresh in his mind, he didn’t have a good response for her. “Sure you don’t want to stay for just one slice? Maybe we can talk some more about this?”

  Haley shook her head. “I’m exhausted.”

  “Let me at least drive you home. Please?” What he really wanted to say was, “Please don’t go.”

  “No, it’s fine.” She held her cell phone in her hand. “I already called a car, and it’s on the way.”

  She was angry, and he knew he wasn’t going to change her mind. That was one thing he loved about her; she was as hardheaded as he was. He loved when she dug her heels in and stood her ground; it was crazy hot. But this time that determination was aimed at him.

  “Call me when you get home? So I can make sure you made it okay.”

  Harley nodded. “Yeah. Sure.”

  “Be careful, Har.”

  He shouldn’t have said anything about Isaac, but after everything that idiot had put her through, why would she even consider meeting him for lunch? A lunch that would probably be filled with Isaac trying to get her back and attempting to convince Harley that Spencer wasn’t good enough for her. Yes, he was a jealous ass, and he couldn’t help it.

  Chapter Seven

  HARLEY

  Harley slammed the front door shut and flung her keys on the dining room table. How dare he? Her jaw sore from gritting her teeth and her heart hurt. Was it possible to be angry and hurt at the same time? Because that’s what she was feeling.

  She had been looking forward to a nice evening with Spencer, and he had to act like a jealous ass. No one told her who she could and couldn’t see. She didn’t even want to go to lunch with Isaac.

  “You’re home early?” Lily called from the kitchen, where she was washing dishes.

  “Yep. Things didn’t go as planned tonight.” Harley tossed her purse and jacket on the couch. Walking out was probably not her best idea. Even she knew that had been a childish way to handle the situation. Angry at herself for reacting irrationally, she began to pace.

  “Uh-oh, what’s up? You look frazzled.” Lily turned off the water and dried her hands. She hurried to Harley’s side; her eyes wide. “Are things okay with you and Spencer?”

  “Not really. We’re fighting, I guess.” Harley paced back and forth around the apartment.

  “Wait,” Lily directed her to the living room and sat down on the couch. “You don’t know if you’re fighting or not?”

  Harley sighed, frustrated. “He’s upset because Isaac asked me to go to lunch tomorrow.”

  “What? When
did this happen? And since when have you been talking to Isaac again?”

  The words spilled out in a rush. “I haven’t been talking to Isaac. It’s a long story, but he’s been texting me, and I blocked him. Then he started calling me. I’ve been deleting the messages without listening, because I have no interest in talking to him. And now it turns out that his firm is working on a project with Spencer’s company.”

  “Well, that doesn’t spell trouble,” Lily said, rolling her eyes.

  “I know. Anyway, he left me another message today.”

  “And?” Lily asked suspiciously. It was as if she could see right through Harley. “You listened to it, didn’t you?”

  “I did. I was curious, so I listened to it instead of just deleting it.” She shook her head in frustration. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she was clenching her jaw so tightly that her head hurt. “It was a dumb move, listening to the message, I admit. But it’s not like I kept it from Spencer. I told him I listened to the message.” She looked at her phone; this thing was nothing but trouble.

  “What did Mr. Lame want?” Lily asked.

  “Not you, too, Lil?” Harley complained at Lily using Spencer’s nickname for Isaac, even if it was true. “He asked me to meet him for lunch tomorrow.”

  “And?”

  “Well, I don’t know. I didn’t call him back yet to give him an answer. It’s not that I care what Isaac wants to talk to me about, but I thought maybe I could talk to him face to face and make him understand that I am with Spencer now, and for him to quit trying to contact me. I was going to discuss all of this with Spencer, but then instead, he threw a fit when I brought it up and I never got that far.”

  “And you’re surprised?” Lily asked flatly.

  “Why would he be upset at me going to lunch with Isaac? It’s just a sub and chips at the lunch place we always went to when we were a couple. It’s on campus; it isn’t like it’s a candlelit meal, not that Isaac ever would’ve done that for me, anyway. It’s just lunch.”