Striving for Perfection (Striving Series Book 2)

by Mooney, B. L.

  “Good.” I turned to the den where I kept the liquor. I needed that drink badly. When she followed and shut the door, I poured myself a double. I put away the amber liquid without offering any to her. “You should go home.”

  “We still need to talk. School’s going to be out in about six weeks. I need to know what your plans are.”

  I drained the glass and felt the burn as it slid down my throat. Next to sex, that was the best feeling in the world. I let the moment sink in a little more before I turned to address her. I hadn’t turned quick enough and I felt her hand on my shoulder.

  “Let me move in and take care of Amy full-time. You’ve got enough on your plate.” I watched as she picked up the decanter again and refilled my glass. She took a sip before handing it to me. “Just think of everything I could help you with. Let me help you, Carl.”

  “I’m still thinking about it.” I took the glass from her and set it down without drinking what she poured.

  “Carl—”

  “Good night. Lock up when you leave.” I walked upstairs and didn’t turn back.

  It’d been almost a week since I’d heard from Rachael. I’d left messages, but they hadn’t been returned yet. I was tapping my pen on the contract I was supposed to be going over thinking about how to get her to return my calls when the receptionist’s buzz broke my thoughts. I pressed the button not really wanting to deal with anything, but welcoming the distraction. “Yes.”

  “Mr. Williamson, I have a Miss Brooks asking to see you.”

  Rachael. I jumped up and headed for the door. I stopped two steps away from the door and decided it would be better if I stayed at my desk. I walked back and pressed the button again. “You may send her in. Thank you.”

  I pretended to read the contract I should’ve signed two hours ago and refused to look up as she walked in. I continued to read the contract as I saw her cross the room out of the corner of my eye. She had on another dark pantsuit. I wanted to see her in clothes that were more feminine. I allowed myself to look at her feet. Just as I suspected, she was wearing stilettos. I’m not sure she owned any other types of shoes.

  Lost in my thoughts again, I was brought out this time by her placing a large envelope on the contract I was pretending to read. “Don’t be rude, Carl.”

  I picked up the envelope. “You’re one to talk.” I finally looked up and met the most gorgeous set of green eyes I’d ever seen. They never failed to take my breath away. I cleared my throat and looked back down to the envelope. “I’ve left several messages.”

  “I got them. They all said the same thing.” She gestured toward the envelope. “There are your family photos and,” she stated as she gestured to herself, “here I am to discuss your plans.”

  “What normally happens is an appointment.” I placed the envelope to the side without looking at it. “I’m a very busy man.”

  She started nodding, mocking my statement. “Yes, I can see that.” She looked around.

  “Rachael, why didn’t you return my calls?”

  “I’m a very busy woman.” She sat down. “Look at the photos so we can move on to the rest of the business.”

  “I’m sure the photos are fine.”

  She stood. “Let me know when you have time and maybe I’ll fit you in.” She turned to leave.

  “Stop.” I waited for her to turn back to me. “Your point, whatever it may be, has been made.” I picked up the envelope and waved it. “I’m looking.”

  She came back over and sat down as I opened the envelope. There were more photos than I ever imagined. At first, they were just of Amy playing. Then I reached the photos where I had gone out and scooped her up pretending to be the monster. I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. I loved seeing Amy happy and laughing. She hadn’t been doing enough of that. I needed to see to it that she laughed more.

  “You approve?”

  I nodded, still smiling. “Yes, very much so.” Once the photos with Cil started, I lost the smile I had and placed the photos to the side.

  “Is something wrong?”

  I waved her concern off. “No, of course not. I could look at those all day, but time is money.”

  She scoffed. “Of course it is.” She sat back and crossed her arms.

  “The photos are great, Rachael. Thank you.”

  She smiled and tipped her head a little. “Thank you.”

  “I know you’re going to be excellent for what I need.”

  “What do you need, Carl?”

  “As you know, we buy rundown companies and make them whole again.”

  She shrugged one shoulder. “Or tear them apart and sell them piece by piece.”

  “In some cases, it is best.” I leaned back in the chair and unbuttoned my jacket. “However, there are some properties that shouldn’t be torn apart.”

  “Where do I come in?”

  “I need you to show the character of these properties. I need photos of why they should be given a second chance.” I smiled at the surprised look on her face. “Don’t you believe in second chances?”

  “It depends on the circumstance, I suppose. I just didn’t think you believed in it.” She cleared her throat. “I still don’t see why you need me.”

  “There have been a number of properties I’ve shown interest in and they’ve been sold out from under me. I need these properties to remain a secret and since I can’t go there—”

  “You need me to bring the buildings to you. Okay, that sounds easy enough.” The sarcasm in her tone was unmistakable. “It’s an everyday occurrence that a photographer walks into buildings and just starts taking photos.”

  “You’ll be fine.” I opened the drawer on the left and pulled out a list. “Here’s a list I need you to visit.”

  She sat up and reached across the desk causing her shirt to stretch and expose more of her breasts. She cleared her throat, and I looked at her. “My eyes are up here, pal.”

  “Yes, but your breasts are down there.” I smiled as she took the list from me, shaking her head.

  “A married man shouldn’t be so open about staring at another woman’s assets.”

  I’d forgotten she believed I was married. It was time to clear the air. “I’m not married.”

  She froze for a brief moment, focusing on one point on the list. She picked up reading again. “I assume these are in order of importance.”

  “Rachael—”

  “No, Carl.” She pierced me with her gaze. “I don’t want to hear it. You have your reasons for lying, but they aren’t good enough for me.” She stood and turned to go. “I’ll get your photos to you as soon—”

  I was up and in front of her before she reached the door. “I’m not lying. I’m not married.”

  Rachael crossed her arms with the list tightly in her grip. “You’re lying to someone. Both Cagney and Jimmy said you’re married. So, you’re either lying to them or to me, but I don’t fucking care.”

  “They assumed I was married just as you did.”

  “Well, lying by omission is still lying.”

  “Do you know how awkward it is to correct people?” I ran my fingers through my hair. “They want to get together and discuss business over dinner while our wives keep themselves entertained. Then when they find out my wife is dead, the deal sours. It may not fall through, but it isn’t as great as it could’ve been.”

  Rachael’s face softened slightly as she whispered, “You need to take off the ring if you don’t want to give them the wrong idea.”

  “Then they want to set me up with people.” I walked back behind the desk and stood in front of my chair. “I just want to get the deals done. I don’t need their fix-ups.”

  “So, wait.” She turned around. “Who’s Cil, exactly?”

  I let out an exasperated sigh and sat down. “Cecilia is Amy’s aunt. Joyce’s sister. I needed to have someone watch Amy when I took her out of Drew’s daycare. She needed a job and I needed someone I could trust. The nannies I hired in the beginning
weren’t acceptable.”

  “Wow. Okay, well I’ll let you know when I have the first photos ready for you.” She turned to go.

  “That’s it?”

  “What else is there?” She snapped her fingers. “You’re right.” She dug in her purse for another envelope as she walked over to me. “This one is for Amy.”

  I sat in the car unsure if I could go through with my plan. I needed to focus, but my mind kept going back to the conversation with Carl. “I’m not married.” How was I supposed to work with him knowing he was single? The attraction was just too much to ignore. I’d had a small sample of what he was capable of, and I wanted the rest. I just couldn’t have it.

  We were two different people looking for two different things. He was looking for a wife he could control and for a mother to his child. Amy was a great kid, but I wasn’t mother material, and I definitely wasn’t a wife he could control. I shook my head. I didn’t even want to be a wife. Being tied down wasn’t something that appealed to me.

  I opened the car door and made my way to the trunk. The camera bag was heavy, but good equipment always was. I just hadn’t carried it for a while, so I wasn’t used to it. That was something I vowed to correct right then. Lance may have taken my travel from me, but he wasn’t going to take away my love, my reason for living. No one would do that again.

  I looked at the outside of the large hotel, taking note of the sections I wanted to photograph. Carl was right. There was character in that building. You could tell when you looked closely at it that it was in dire need of help; but it was still beautiful and needed the second chance I hoped Carl could give it.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at the doorman as he opened the door. I took a moment as I entered to look high and in the corners. A lot of detail was overlooked if you stayed at eye level.

  “How may we help you, Miss?” I looked to my right and a young man in a suit and tie, which looked older than he, was smiling at me. He had one hand behind his back and his other just hovered over his belly. The strawberry blond hair and freckles didn’t help him look any older, but the lack of a really close shave did.

  “Oh, hi. I was just wondering if I could speak to the manager. Is he or she available?”

  “Yes, that would be me. How may I help you?”

  “Hi . . . again.” Face to face with the manager made it a little more real and I became nervous. “I was wondering if it would be at all possible to take some photos of your building.” I smiled.

  “Well.” He looked around. “Why exactly would you want to take photos of this building?” He took my elbow and led me to a quiet corner.

  “I’m putting a show together and I’d like to include some of the character your building offers.”

  “A show?”

  “Yes, a gallery will feature the photos.” I looked around and pointed up to the corner. “You see how the light comes in and dances with the crown molding?” He looked up. “That’s beautiful. It shows all the carvings on the molding. That is what I want to photograph. With your permission, of course.” He looked at me and I smiled again.

  I hated lying. I detested it more than anything else, but I wasn’t given much to work with. Plus, it would be for a showing. I just hadn’t mentioned it would be a private showing. I watched him look around the building as if he hadn’t seen it before. I did love to give people a fresh outlook on something they’ve seen so many times before. Sometimes people just stop looking. It’s great to watch them see it for the first time again.

  “Could you wait here, please?” He took off as I nodded.

  I continued my perusal of the place. My fingers itched to grab my camera, but I had to be patient. I had to get permission. On my second round of taking mental notes of what to photograph, an older gentleman came walking toward me. Although he had a kind smile, I knew he was the businessman behind the business. He was the one I needed to convince.

  “Please forgive me, Miss. It seems my grandson didn’t get your name.” He held out his hand. “My name is Richard. Richard Burnsdale. And who might you be?”

  I took his hand and shook it. “My name is Rachael Brooks. Did he explain the request?”

  “Yes. Yes, he did. May we discuss this matter a little more privately? My office is right through there.”

  I stepped off the elevator, proud I had accomplished what I set out to do. No one told me how to do it, either. I enjoyed being on my own again. It wasn’t another city, but it was still all me. Even the heavy camera bag I had carried with me back to my office felt light again.

  Cagney walked up and smiled when he saw me. “There’s the girl I’ve been missing.” He leaned in close. “Did someone have a nooner?”

  My hands were full, so I bumped into him with my shoulder. “Even better.”

  “Oh, do tell.” He turned around and started walking with me.

  I laughed. “It’s just work and picture taking stuff, sweets.” I laughed again when he turned back around, walking the way he was originally going.

  He called over his shoulder, “You know where to find me when you get the good stuff.”

  I shook my head and juggled the contents in my hands to open my office door. I stepped in and turned to shut the door, not paying any attention to the office. It wasn’t until I had set my camera bag and folders on the chair and turned to take my coat off that I noticed Lance sitting behind my desk. I stopped smiling. “What do you want?”

  He looked smug sitting behind my desk. His dirty blond hair was styled perfectly. Just like the crease in his suit, I noticed when he stood. We were the same height when I wore my best heels and it used to drive him crazy. He was already upset by the fact he wasn’t as tall as some men were, but to be the same height as the woman you’re dating was unacceptable to him.

  “Women should be at least two inches shorter than the man they are with. Please keep that in mind when buying your shoes or I’ll buy them for you from now on.”

  He started toward me. His lean runner’s body allowed him to make smooth, slow movements. The suits may have made him look powerful in his eyes, but I knew the man underneath the suit. He was just an asshole with a good tailor.

  “There are a lot of things I want, Rachael. Everyone has a list or an agenda. What’s yours?” He stopped nose to nose with me and looked down at my heels. “Tsk. Tsk.” He looked back up to my eyes, leaned in, and whispered in my ear. “What have I told you about your shoes?”

  I leaned in to whisper. “He’s still four inches taller than me in these heels, don’t worry.” I backed away and started toward my desk. “What do you want, Hathaway.”

  “I’ve asked you not to call me that.” He turned and headed toward me, grabbing my arm to turn me around. “Who’s four inches taller than you?”

  “That’s none of your business anymore.” I tried to break free, but he held me closer.

  “I can tell when you haven’t had any attention. Don’t lie to me.”

  I spoke calm and low. “Let go.” It became a battle of wills as we stared in each other’s eyes.

  Jimmy broke the moment when he opened the door. “Lance.” He looked at the both of us as Lance finally let go of my arm.

  I shot Jimmy a look of thanks as I walked behind my desk and sat down, fighting the urge to rub my arm. I started to log onto the computer, unsure of what had just happened. Lance didn’t care what or who I did anymore. He’d told me as much on several occasions. That was when he became Hathaway. The Lance I had known and had been with was gone for some time.

  “Rachael.” He was trying to get my attention as he stood in the doorway. “This conversation isn’t over.”

  “Then you’d better find someone else to have it with because it’s over for me.” I turned back to the computer.

  A few minutes later Jimmy had come back. “Hey, are you okay?”

  I shrugged and kept reading through emails. “Of course.” I thought about the morning I’d had taken pictures and I smiled. I looked at Jimmy. “I’m better than okay. T
hat job was awesome this morning. I think I’ve got some really nice shots for Carl.”

  Jimmy smiled. “Great.” He looked back at the door and back to me. “You know what I’m talking about, Rachael. I knew he was angry about something, but I didn’t expect to find the two of you like that.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t really care to, either.” I picked up the list Carl gave me. “I think I’m going to work in the field and work from home for a while. At least until Hathaway goes on the road again.”

  Jimmy nodded. “That does sound like a good idea.” He started for the door and turned back. “Hey, just do me a favor and check in with Cagney every once and a while. He gets a little cranky without you around now.”

  I smiled. “I get cranky without my Cagney fix, too.”

  I walked in the front door and was overwhelmed by the smells from the kitchen. Mom was cooking. She hadn’t cooked a large, home-cooked meal for months. Ever since Deb’s fiasco that almost destroyed our mother, it’s just been dinners thrown together quickly. I’ve offered to help her make more home-style dinners on the weekends to see if it would get her back into the swing of things, but she never seemed to be interested.

  I put my stuff down and headed straight for the kitchen. I wanted to see what the special occasion was. “Mom?” I rounded the corner to see Drew and my mom huddled over the stove, laughing. I smiled.

  My mother turned to me and I could almost see the gleam in her eyes again. Not quite, but there was a little spark. “Sweetheart, how was your first day?”

  I smiled and nodded to Drew. “Mom, it’s the same job. I’m just taking different pictures now.” I walked over to the stove.

  Drew looked at me and smiled. She was my youngest brother’s fiancée. She had her blonde hair pinned on the top of her head showing off her long neck. She was taller than I was, but not by much, and not at all when I was in my heels. She always dressed casually and was no different that day. Running a daycare center didn’t require the corporate attire I needed to wear.

  I liked Drew a lot and couldn’t have been happier for whom my brother, Dennis, had fallen in love with. It was actually her past that had caught up to our family. She was in an abusive relationship with a man named Craig. The abuse had escalated so badly that he had pushed her down the stairs, causing her to lose the baby she was carrying.