A Hole in My Heart

by E. L. Todd

  “Wonderful. Trinity just invited us to dinner with you guys,” I said.

  “I did not,” Trinity blurted.

  Cayson turned to Reid and greeted him. “We’ve never met but I feel like I know you.”

  He chuckled. “I feel the same way. It’s nice to formally meet you.”

  “You too,” Cayson said.

  Trinity watched their interaction. “Actually, Reid and I—”

  “Let’s go,” I said. “I’m starving.”

  Trinity shot me a glare.

  “I’m hungry too,” Reid said.

  Trinity didn’t argue and grabbed her purse. When we walked down the hallway, Cayson and I purposely put ourselves between them, cutting off any chance of intimacy.

  Cayson chatted with Reid about sports and work, and I complimented everything Trinity wore, from her hair to her heels. I kept her talking until we entered the restaurant and found our table.

  Reid pulled out the chair for Trinity but I quickly took her place, wanting to keep them separate from each other. Cayson took the chair in the opposite corner, forcing Reid and Trinity to sit as far apart as possible.

  Trinity eyed me silently, knowing I was up to something.

  We browsed at our menus then ordered our drinks. Every time Reid tried to talk to Trinity, I cut in and cornered him into a conversation with me. Cayson did the same to Trinity. We were successfully separating them.

  “Any new sketches?” Reid asked Trinity.

  Trinity opened her mouth to speak. “I drew—”

  “Look at that!” I pointed out the window.

  Everyone turned.

  “What?” Trinity asked.

  “I saw a bird almost get hit by a bus,” I said. “Scary…”

  Trinity turned back to Reid, annoyed. “Anyway, I made this sketch—”

  “Did you know hippos are the second largest land mammal?” Cayson blurted.

  Reid eyed him with a confused expression. “Uh, that’s interesting,” he said politely.

  Trinity tried to talk again. “It’s a gown like—”

  “Can you guess what the first is?” Cayson said.

  Reid shrugged.

  “It’s an elephant,” Cayson said. “Cool, huh?”

  I suspected Cayson got that information from Slade. I didn’t know anyone else who would know such useless information.

  Cayson continued to quiz Reid on different animals and their sizes.

  Trinity glared at me long and hard across the table. “Seriously, what the hell are you two doing?”

  I shrugged. “We just wanted to have dinner with you.”

  “Cut the crap,” Trinity snapped. “You’re purposely trying to sabotage our dinner. Why?”

  “Look!” Cayson pointed out the window. “An eagle!”

  “An eagle?” Reid asked. “In the city?”

  “Due to habitat destruction, I wouldn’t be surprised,” Cayson said. “Did you know the condor has the longest wing span of any bird?”

  Trinity slammed her fist on the table. “Did Slade ask you to do this?” she demanded. “Because I made it clear that Reid and I are just friends. Why is that so hard to believe?”

  “No, we just wanted to hang out,” I lied. “Why is that so hard to believe?”

  “Maybe because you’re trying to separate us as much as possible,” Trinity hissed.

  “I think Cayson is just trying to share his love for creatures,” I said.

  “It sounds like something Slade would say,” Trinity said. “And if he really has that much of a problem with me seeing Reid, then he should have wanted to marry me months ago. He can’t refuse to be with me but not let me see other people. He can’t have it both ways.”

  “I think you’re reading too much into it,” Cayson said.

  “Or Slade wants you to keep tabs on me to see if I’m lying,” Trinity said. “Which is stupid because I wouldn’t hide my relationship with Reid if there was a relationship to hide. This whole plan of yours is ridiculous.”

  She caught onto our scheme pretty quick. “Well, since we’re here, let’s just have dinner together.”

  “Can I talk to Reid now?” she asked.

  I shrugged.

  “Anyway…” She turned to Reid and discussed her new design. He listened with interest and nodded.

  The rest of the dinner went smoothly. The four of us fell into easy conversation and ended up having a great time. I felt disloyal to Slade for liking Reid so much. He was pleasant company, and he was also polite and funny.

  When dinner was over and Cayson and Reid were squaring the tab, Trinity went to the restroom. With her gone, I took advantage of the opportunity to speak to Reid.

  “I need to tell you something, but you have to promise you won’t tell Trinity.”

  He seemed uncomfortable. “Uh, okay.”

  “Slade is going to propose to Trinity.”

  His eyes widened but he didn’t react in any other way.

  “He already has the ring.” I pulled out my phone and showed him a picture.

  “It’s nice,” he said quietly. “Then what’s he waiting for? With every passing day, Trinity slowly lets him go.”

  “Mike won’t give him his blessing,” I said bluntly. “He’s doing it so he can stall as long as possible. He wants to give you time to win her over.”

  “Really?” he asked.

  “Yes, he prefers you over Slade—in a heartbeat.”

  Reid’s eyes looked distant as he thought to himself.

  “I know that’s what you want too,” I said. “I know you’re just pretending to be nothing more than friends until she gets over him. Then when she’s ready to move on, you’re going to swoop in. I know it. Cayson knows it. And Slade knows it.”

  Reid didn’t deny the allegations. “Can you blame me?”

  “No,” I said honestly. “But we both know Trinity loves Slade.”

  “For now,” he said quietly.

  I always considered Reid to be a nice guy, but his darker colors were starting to come through. “Don’t intervene in their relationship. Trinity and Slade belong together. Bow out.”

  “Bow out?” he asked. “I’m not doing anything. I’m there for her as a friend. It’s not my fault that Mike doesn’t like Slade. Honestly, I don’t blame him. Slade was never good for her. He’s dragged her through the mud and shattered her heart. As her best friend, I would hope you would put her best interests in front of Slade’s. It sounds like all you care about is Slade.”

  “That’s not true,” I said. “I’m doing this because I know Slade can give her everything she wants.”

  “Look, Slade blew it. He had her wrapped around his finger, and he lost her. It’s completely his fault. He’s had two months to make it right and he hasn’t done anything until now. His idiocy isn’t my problem. I can give Trinity everything she wants. From the beginning, I’ve always been the better choice. I bowed out once because I thought I was doing the right thing. But after the way he hurt her, I’m not going to do that again. She doesn’t deserve to be treated like garbage. And that’s all he ever does—treats her like garbage.”

  I opened my mouth to argue but Trinity returned to the table. “I’m so full I feel like humpty dumpty.”

  “But fortunately, you don’t look like him,” Reid said with a smile.

  “If I did, we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere near the bridge.” She laughed at her own joke.

  Reid left the table then moved to her side, his hands deep in his pockets.

  I didn’t like Reid at all anymore. I understood his point of view, and I honestly couldn’t blame him for feeling that way. But I knew Slade was the right man for her. I wouldn’t give up trying to put them back together. Reid had just become my enemy, and he had no idea who he was messing with.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Scarlet

  I rode the elevator to the top floor then stepped out. It was a warm spring day so I wore a new dress I found on clearance last week. It was black with red ros
es. Sean said he liked it so I decided to wear it.

  As soon as I stepped on the floor, people noticed me. Sean’s assistant, Jeremy, greeted me when he saw me. “Hello, Mrs. Preston. How are you?”

  “Well, Jeremy. How are you?”

  “I’m great,” he said. “Thanks for asking. Sean is on the phone with his distributors but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you walked in there.”

  I glanced through the windows and saw him deep in conversation. He was spinning a pen through his fingers. “That’s alright. I’m actually here to see Mike.”

  “Oh, okay. Do you want me to tell Sean you stopped by?”

  “No, it’s okay.” When I looked up, Sean was staring at me. He was on the phone but he was leaning far to the left in his chair, trying to get a good look at me from head to toe. He eyed my legs and my ass, then leaned so far over he fell out of the chair.

  I tried not to laugh.

  Sean right himself while he was still on the phone. Then, clearly in a hurry, he hung up. He raced to the door then gawked at me again. Judging by the smolder in his eyes, he liked my dress. “Hey, baby.” He came to me then wrapped his arms tightly around me and gave me a scorching kiss in front of his entire office.

  I quickly pulled away. “Sean, there are people here.”

  “You think I care?” He felt the fabric of my dress in his hand. “I like this.”

  “I know. You told me—several times.”

  “Which means you wore it on purpose.” He gave me a knowing look. “Because you knew I would like it.”

  “No, I wore it because I like it.” I stepped away from him. “And your affection is making your assistant uncomfortable.”

  “Like he hasn’t seen us do worse.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me into his office.

  “Actually, I’m here to see Mike.”

  “Why?” he asked. “I’m much better-looking than he is.”

  “I know that, dear. Why would I marry you if I thought otherwise?”

  He winked at me. “You know why.” He leaned against the front of his desk and pulled me into his chest. “So…you got a few minutes?”

  “Honestly, Sean, do you think of anything else?”

  “No,” he said bluntly. “Why would I marry you if I did?”

  “I don’t know…my personality?”

  “Eh.” He shrugged.

  I smacked him gently on the arm. “How can I be your best friend if you don’t like who I am?”

  “Uh, have you looked in a mirror lately?”

  I averted my gaze and blushed slightly.

  He pressed his mouth to my neck and kissed me the way I liked. I let the affection continue for a moment because it was hard to resist him. On the days I felt hideous, Sean made me feel beautiful. Our marriage had been a beautiful journey, full of rough patches and endless joy. I wouldn’t trade my life with him for anything else in the world. But despite Sean’s opinion, our affection wasn’t appropriate in the workplace, even if he disagreed.

  I pulled away. “I need to talk to Mike before I get stuck in here with you.”

  “Have lunch with me.” He didn’t loosen his hold on my waist.

  “Well, it depends on how long my conversation with Mike takes.”

  He squeezed my ass. “Then you better hurry. We’ll check into a hotel afterwards.”

  “You’re ridiculous,” I said as I rolled my eyes.

  “What?” he asked. “You’re my wife. I can do what I want with you. I provide for you and I treat you like a queen. I love you with my whole heart. There’s nothing wrong with me being obsessed with you. I’m perfectly entitled to be a little crazy.”

  “A little?” I teased.

  He kissed the corner of my mouth. “Just hurry up.” He smacked my ass then stepped away from me.

  I played it cool when we were in his office, but I did want him the way he wanted me. I just did a better job of being professional about it. “I’ll see you soon.”

  “Okay.” He turned to his desk then made a call.

  I headed to Mike’s office and knocked.

  “Come in,” he called.

  I walked inside then shut the door behind me.

  Mike stood up when he realized it was me. “Hey, sis.” He came to me then hugged me. “What a nice surprise.”

  “It was a miracle Sean let me go long enough to come in here,” I said with a laugh.

  “Ignore him,” he said. “He’s just a pathetic loser.”

  “Like you aren’t the same way with Cassandra,” I noted.

  “Yeah, but I go about it in a less girly way.” He leaned against his desk then crossed his arms over his chest. “So, what’s up? You want to get lunch?”

  “No.” I sat in the chair facing his desk. “Actually, I wanted to talk about something.”

  “What’s on your mind?” He rubbed the back of his neck then crossed his arms again.

  “Trinity and Slade.”

  The smile on his lips evaporated immediately. He suddenly became tense, and any joy from seeing me was gone.

  When he didn’t speak, I spoke again. “Skye told me what’s been going on. According to her, you’re purposely denying Slade’s request for Trinity’s hand in the hope she’ll end up with Reid.”

  “I don’t want to talk about this.” He rubbed his knuckles.

  “I’m not accusing you of anything or telling you want to do,” I said calmly. “I just thought you might like to talk about it…”

  “Slade is a piece of shit. I don’t want him to be with my daughter.”

  “Why?” I asked quietly.

  “Because he broke her heart. That’s why. He was never good enough for her, and then he shattered her into pieces just like I said he would. I’m not going to be around forever, and I need to know that the man my daughter chooses will take care of her, will be there through thick and thin, and will never hurt her like that.”

  I’d known Mike for a long time so I understood his thought process. I also understood how protective and defensive he was. He and Sean were more alike than either one of them would care to admit. “Sean hurt me a lot before we got married.”

  He sighed. “Different situation.”

  “What Sean did to me was way worse than anything Slade ever did to Trinity. In fact, it seems like he’s been the perfect boyfriend to her. Sure, he’s covered in tattoos and he’s hotheaded, but the most he’s ever done is freaked out about marriage. His behavior isn’t unforgiveable.”

  “Hurting my daughter is unforgiveable,” he said. “Reid won’t hurt her. He’s mature and he’s wealthy. I see the way he looks at her. There’s nothing but fondness and affection in his eyes.”

  “And have you seen the way Slade looks at her?” I asked. “I see a deep and passionate love that makes my marriage to Sean look boring.”

  He averted his gaze and seemed more interested in his bookcase than in me.

  “Mike, we all make mistakes. Cut Slade some slack.”

  “No.”

  “Isn’t it more important what Trinity wants anyway?” I asked.

  “She told me she regretted him. She told me she wished she’d picked Reid to begin with.”

  “We all say mean things when we hit rock bottom. When Sean broke my heart, I told Ryan I wished Sean were dead.”

  “Well, he did deserve to be dead,” he said simply.

  “I know you’re protective of Trinity. Sean is the same way with Skye. I understand. As a mother, I get it.”

  “It doesn’t seem like it,” he said darkly.

  “But you should still give Slade permission to propose.”

  He stared at the ground.

  “Let her make the decision. Mike, she might say no.”

  “She should say no.”

  “Whatever her decision is, it’s hers,” I said. “You need to let her make it. If she knew Slade was serious about marriage, it might change everything.”

  “And it might ruin her life,” he said bitterly. “I don’t trust Slade. I don’t trus
t him to be by her side for the rest of their lives. As soon as it gets tough, he’ll take off.”

  “In case you’ve forgotten, there’s no relationship on earth that doesn’t involve two people hurting each other. Cassandra hurt you, and you hurt her back. I’ve hurt Sean, and he’s hurt me. Skye and Cayson are meant to be together, but they took almost two years to find their way back to each other. I think Cayson was being hotheaded and immature about the situation and so did Sean, but we never tried to keep them apart.”

  “That’s different,” he whispered.

  “This is what it comes down to, Mike. If you never let Slade ask, and Trinity does end up with Reid, there will come a day when she’ll realize what really happened. Skye or someone else will tell her. And you know what will happen? You’ll become the bad guy. You’ll become the man who kept her from the love of her life. And honestly, Mike, I don’t think she’d ever forgive you for it. You risk losing your daughter in your attempt to protect her.”

  His breathing increased and he seemed unwell. “Trinity would never disown me. I’m her father. She loves me. She would understand that I was trying to protect her.”

  “I’m sure she would realize that. But that doesn’t mean she’ll forgive you. As parents, we guide our children down the right path, but we can’t force them to walk it. You need to let Trinity make her own decisions, even if they hurt her. I’m sorry, Mike. I wish it were different. Believe me, seeing what Zack did to Skye broke my heart. And it hurt her father even more.”

  He ran his hand through his hair in agitation. “Why the hell does it have to be Slade? Why does it have to be some punk covered in tattoos? Why does it have to be some piece of shit guy that wants to ink for a living? Why does she have to pick the absolutely worst choice on the face of the planet?”

  I tried not to get defensive. “That’s my nephew you’re talking about.” Slade and Silke were practically my children. I loved them as much as my own. My brother and sister-in-law did a wonderful job raising them. Perhaps I was blinded by love, but they were two great kids.

  “That doesn’t change anything.”

  “I know you love Slade too.”

  “In a different context,” he said. “When he dates my daughter, he’s classified in a new way.”

  “Slade is nothing like the way you described him—at all. He’s not a punk. He’s a little immature but he has a heart of gold. He’s never hurt anyone on purpose. He might have an attitude and talk about people every now and then, but he knows when to be serious. He’s loyal to the people he cares about. If someone were to shoot Cayson, he would take the bullet immediately.