by Karen Deen
Getting them settled in, I turn to Mia. “You ready to come with me?”
“I’m coming too. Mason will watch the kids.” Paige stands.
“Umm, I …”
Reading between the lines, I step in. “I think it’s better if you stay here with Mason. Mia would feel more comfortable. I mean, I’m not sure I’d trust him with my pet dog,” I say, trying to break the moment.
“You don’t own a dog,” Mason replies.
“Wow, you’re smarter than I thought.”
Paige is torn and I can see she wants to be in both places.
“We’ll be back soon. Message me if you need us.” I don’t give either Paige or Mia time to think about it.
Holding my hand out to signal for Mia to step through the door, she looks up at me with a scared look.
This is a huge step. Come on, Mia, take this first move towards the future.
“I’ve got you,” I whisper softly.
Her eyes hold my gaze, she takes a deep breath, and then steps through the door.
My heart swells a bit.
The first sign of a little trust.
Now let’s keep building on that.
Chapter Eleven
MIA
I stand looking through the doorway and then back at Lex.
I don’t think he understands how big a thing this is for me to leave my kids here.
Alone.
Without me.
I know they aren’t really alone, but I’m not going to be here with them.
His eyes are telling me to trust him, and more importantly, to trust Paige and Mason. I’m so torn in my decision. But I know if I don’t do this then I will be running for the rest of my life, and I’m sick of it. I want to give my kids a stable place to live. One with no fear and a house they can make memories to tell their own kids about one day.
A home.
I take one last look back at the kids, who are too busy being entertained by Mason. I do what I need to do for them and for me. I walk out of the room and towards Lex’s office.
I take a seat in the black leather chair that Lex guides me to. It’s not at the desk but a couch that sits along the wall. Looking towards the view out the window. What is it about rich people? They always have these big windows with the breathtaking view. All I see is a place for lots of dirty handprints and hours of relentless cleaning for me. I doubt Lex has ever had any children in this office.
“Can I get you a coffee or water?” Lex stands next to his desk, waiting for my answer.
“Umm a coffee would be great, thank you. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”
He just smiles while picking up his phone. “Theresa, can you bring in two coffees and some water, please?” He stops to listen for a moment. “No, I don’t care who it is. I’m not taking any calls. And can you also let Greta know that Mia is here whenever she’s ready with the papers? No rush. Thank you.”
I watch him work, noticing that he has a presence about him. It’s not arrogance or trying to impress me. He just exudes confidence in his domain.
“How are you feeling, Mia?” Lex takes a seat beside me but leaves a gap between us like he usually does.
“I’m okay,” I reply, not wanting to give too much away.
“Right, so that’s the answer you will give anyone who politely asks you. Now let’s hear the answer you tell me.” His smile is so welcoming and soft. He just makes me want to smile and that never happens for me.
“How do you do that?” I can’t help but ask.
“Do what?” Like he has no idea.
“Just talk and your words always make me feel calmer. I don’t get it. I don’t even know you.” I can’t help myself, words are just coming out of my mouth which I’m sure make me sound like a crazy woman.
“I’m glad to hear that.” His confident smile gets a little bigger. “You might not know me, but I would like us to be friends and get to know each other better. I enjoy your company, but I think you already know that.” I’m not sure how to answer that. “I want to be your go-to man for anything you need. I mean anything. Whether it’s to do with legal things or absolutely anything in your personal life.”
“But why? I don’t understand why you’re being so nice to me. What do you want in return?” My insecurities are pouring out of me. I’m anxious about the kids and being away from them. I don’t want to be this woman, yet here I am saying all the things that should be staying in my head.
“Mia. Never will I expect anything from you in return for friendship or any legal work I do for you. Do you understand me?” His smile is gone and he’s looking at me so seriously.
I’m kicking myself for saying anything. I’ve upset him and that wasn’t my intention. I just have never had a man do anything nice for me and not be after something.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t…” I’m stumbling over my words
“Don’t. Mia, don’t you apologize to me. You have nothing to apologize for. I just want you to feel comfortable with me. That’s what friendship is. Being able to be ourselves and not having to worry about being someone else that other people expect us to be.” Lex runs his hand over his beard, looking like he’s frustrated.
“You’re looking at me like you’re still confused?” he says.
“My whole life is confusing. But yeah, I am? I’m not used to having friends I can trust, especially men. I’ve learned to stay away from them and stick to myself. But you’re different and I don’t know why. My head is still trying to work it all out.” Leaning back into the couch, I let my head fall backwards to lay on it. Looking at his office ceiling is easier than at him.
“That’s totally understandable, Mia. That’s why I’m here offering friendship. We need to build up your trust in me and the others. I know it won’t happen overnight, but I’m hoping it will happen.” He pauses then his voice becomes softer and gentler. “Do you feel it? That something extra between us?” Hearing the uncertainty in his words, I can’t ignore him, it wouldn’t be fair.
I slowly lift my head and sit up straighter.
Taking a deep breath, I can feel my palms sweating. He’s just waiting for me to talk. I want the words to come out but I’m struggling with my answer.
“It’s okay if you don’t…”
“No, it’s not that. I don’t know what it is, I can’t tell you how I feel. All I know is when you’re near me, I feel safe and my heart slows down. My chest doesn’t feel so tight. I’ve never felt that before. In the two days you’ve known me, you have seen more of my soul by looking past my armor, than any person in my life. I don’t know how you do it, but you seem to know my inner thoughts and fix things before I can even voice them. Paige is my DNA, yet you read me better than she does which makes no sense.” Stopping, I try to find the right words. “So, if that is what ‘something extra’ feels like, then yeah, I’m feeling overwhelmed by it.” I can feel my cheeks blushing and want to take back everything I just said. I can’t seem to keep my words tucked inside where they’re safe when Lex is around me. He manages to get me speaking about emotions I’m not ready to share.
“That’s all I need to know. I never want you overwhelmed, that’s why I’m offering my friendship. That’s all you’re ready for. One day maybe you’ll be ready for something more, but if not, then we’ll be great friends and that’s a gift for both of us. Does that sound like a plan, something you can feel comfortable with?”
A moment ago, more words than I wanted left my mouth, yet right now I can’t find one to answer him. Nodding my head, he just smiles that handsome smile. One I fantasize is just for me.
The knock on the door breaks the moment, thank god. I’m not sure I could have said what I needed to. Lex calls enter and the door opens to his secretary carrying a tray with our coffees, some water, and a plate with a selection of pastries and fruit. Enough on the plate to feed ten people, but I have a feeling that is Lex’s way with everything. He doesn’t seem to know what’s a normal limit with anything. I’m starting to see h
e is a man of excess, but in a good way. Well, I hope anyway.
“Thank you, Theresa.” Lex stands, taking the tray from her and sitting it down on the table in front of us.
“You’re welcome, Lex. Greta said she’ll be another fifteen or so minutes. Also, Ms. Nordick asked me to let you know she was not happy you refused to take her call.” Theresa rolling her eyes at him lets me know there’s more to that story.
“Well, she’ll get over it, won’t she. Thanks, like I said I’m not to be disturbed by anyone, please. Can you also check on Mason and Paige every so often to see if they need anything or help with the kids, please? You have little ones. Those two in there are probably being controlled by the smartest person in the boardroom and that’ll the four-year-old, Jack.”
I can’t help myself, I start laughing along with both of them. Because I know it’s true. Jack will be running rings around his auntie.
Shit…his auntie. My kids having an auntie is hard to get used to.
“No problems, Lex. Don’t worry, Ms. Kennedy, I have a three- and five-year-old. I can handle this. I know what they’re like and I’ll rescue them if needed.” I like Theresa. She seems down to earth and Lex obviously trusts her.
“Mia, please call me Mia, and thank you. I appreciate that. But if they get to be too much please come and get me. I don’t want them upsetting people or anyone getting cranky with them.” I’m still feeling nervous they aren’t with me. I’m struggling not to worry that someone will start yelling at them or scare them.
“Mia, have you seen Mason?” Teresa says with a laugh. “No one is going to say a word to those kids while their personal bodyguard is with them. That man could make any of the men in this office melt into a puddle just by giving them the look, I’m sure.” Theresa giggles as Lex clears his throat. “Oh, of course, except Lex. He’s not a wimp like the rest of them,” she clarifies.
“Thank you, now you can go and take your smart comments with you.” Waving his hand at Theresa, Lex dismisses her as she shuts the door, giggling to herself.
“Ignore the wimp comment, but she’s right. No one will even look sideways at the kids while Mason is with them. So, relax.” He hands me my coffee after making it just how I like it.
“How do you know how I take my coffee?” I ask, taking the first sip.
“I pay attention, Mia. Not much gets past me. Now let’s get all this yucky crap out of the way so I don’t keep you from the kids for very long. Although I could sit and talk to you all day, I know that’s not possible for either of us. I’m in court this afternoon and you have lots to figure out today too, I’m sure.”
“In case I forget to say it later. Thank you. For everything. Just thank you.” I can feel tears building, but this is not the place. Lex sees it too.
“You don’t need to thank me. I’m happy to help, but before we move on, I just want to clear one thing up because I know you’re thinking it. I’m not doing this because I feel sorry for you, or because I think it’s the right thing to do out of some moral value. I’m helping you because I want to. Simple as that. Not because Paige or Mason asked me, not because you need me. Because I want to. I like you, Mia. From the moment you came running into my arms out that door. Something in my universe shifted. Something good. So never doubt why I’m here. It’s for you.” He pauses as the tears I was trying to hide are now running down my face.
“I’m here for you, beautiful.” His voice is strong and determined to make me understand.
No one has ever been here for me.
“Please don’t cry, it kills me seeing your tears.” I feel his hand take mine and squeeze it. It’s almost like he’s squeezing my heart. Why does his hand on mine feel so right when every other man makes me cringe away with the slightest touch?
Reaching into his jacket pocket, he hands me a crisp white handkerchief.
“Let’s wipe your tears away. We are here to make things better, not make you cry. Otherwise I’ll have Mason in here ready to beat the crap out of me, and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to upset Paige either. She is one tough lady.” Once again, he has me giggling in between the tears that are starting to subside.
It’s a good feeling.
“You could be right.” Taking a deep breath, I wipe my eyes. I’m ready. “Okay. Let’s do it. I’ve got this.” Trying to prep myself for what is about to happen.
“Absolutely you’ve got this. Now I need to run through several things, so let’s start with Bent and what happened with him. Let’s start at the beginning.”
Pulling his notepad off the coffee table, Lex starts to take his notes as I retell my story. He knows most of it from the last few days. What I told the police, what Mason and Ashton shared on how it went down. Then there are the talks I’ve had with them all, about how I met Bent and came to be in Chicago. I try to remember every little detail of the conversations, what he did when we met up, and everything that happened each time he visited the apartment. I’m already feeling drained and this isn’t even the worst conversation we’ll have today.
“That’s a really good start, Mia. I have a detailed timeline to prepare case notes on. Once I speak to the detectives about the charges and what will be needed, we can go further with this part.” Lex scribbles something else down.
“Do you need a break, or need to see the kids?” he asks just as there’s a knock at the door.
Lex doesn’t rush me and waits for my answer before attending to whoever is after him.
“No, I’m okay. I’d rather keep going if that’s okay. If I go to the kids and leave again, it might upset them. Can we call Mason, though, and just check on them?” I try to find my phone in my little handbag Paige gave me to use.
“Here, use mine.” Lex passes me his phone and it’s already dialing.
“No, I haven’t lost them yet and there’s no broken bones.” Mason’s voice comes down the phone, and in the background I can hear Jack laughing with Paige.
“Well, I’m really glad about that,” I answer, shocking him I’m sure.
“Shit, sorry, Mia, I thought it was Lex. I’m just joking. I promise they’re fine. Please don’t worry.” His panicking voice just makes me smile.
“It’s okay, Mason, I believe you. Just keep it that way, please. I don’t want to have to shoot you when we only just met,” I fire back at him.
“Oh, you’ve got sass and I like it. Keep it coming, Mia. I’m all for a good joke. But how about I be the only one carrying a gun in this friendship. Deal?” He laughs at me.
“Deal. Okay, we’ll keep going.”
“Take your time. We’re fine here.”
“Thanks, Mason.” Hanging up the phone, I look up to see Lex standing at his desk going through his papers with a stunning lady. They’re standing very close and obviously comfortable in each other’s space.
He looks up realizing I’m not talking anymore.
“Everything alright?” His face is one of concern.
“Yes, they are happy and still playing.”
“Perfect. Now, Mia, this is Greta, my assistant junior lawyer. She will be helping us with all your cases, and if for some reason I can’t take your call at any time, then talk to Greta and she will help you or get a hold of me if it’s urgent.” They both walk towards me.
“Lovely to meet you, Mia. Lex has been filling me in on everything, so I’m here whenever you need me. I’ll give you my mobile number with all the paperwork.”
I stand and put my hand out to shake hers. I’m already feeling a little nervous about this paperwork she’s talking about. I didn’t attend school for long, and although I did well in class, I haven’t had to deal with anything legal. In fact, I haven’t had to do anything more than writing orders at the diner in years.
“Umm okay, thank you.” My voice is a little shaky no matter how strong I’m trying to be.
“Mia, don’t worry about anything we give you,” Lex says, trying to reassure me. “They’re just copies for your records. We will go through every little
thing with you. You will completely understand everything we’re doing before we have you sign anything. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ask as many questions as you like.”
“I appreciate that.” His words always seem to be just what I need to hear.
“Thank you, Greta, for all of this. I’ll call you back in when we’re ready to sign so you can witness the signatures. Unless you would prefer Greta to stay for the next part?” He looks to me and I know what he means. He is giving me the option to have a woman in the room with me if I need it.
“No, I’m okay, and I’m sure Greta has more important things to do.”
“No, she doesn’t. Nothing is more important than you right now.” He glares at me, not happy with what I said. “But if you’re fine with just me then let’s get started again. Thanks, Greta.” Lex dismisses her, and as she’s leaving the room, she smiles at me.
“Lovely to meet you, Mia, I have a feeling I’ll be seeing a lot more of you.” Her smile is then directed at Lex as she closes the door.
“Sassy little thing.” He smirks and brings the folders back to where we’ve been sitting.
“I want you to know at any time if you feel uncomfortable talking about your husband with me and would prefer we stop, you just need to say so. I can leave and Greta can take over. I won’t be offended at all.”
I don’t know how I’m going to feel, and it depends on how much he wants to know. I send a prayer that I can get through this without breaking down. The only person I’ve ever really talked to about this is Anna and she doesn’t know all of the details. She’s a smart woman and could piece it together, I’m sure.
“I’d prefer it to be just you.” All of a sudden, panic washes through my body. “Oh, god you won’t tell Paige and Mason this, will you? What I tell you?” My voice is wobbly with the anxiety I’m feeling. My nails dig into the skin on my hands where they’re balled into fists.
“Not a word, Mia. Everything you say to me in here is completely confidential. We will discuss what you want in the court documents as well. Everything about this is your choice. You control the whole procedure. I’m here to guide you and fight for you, but I will never hurt you in the process. My job is to protect you, not make you feel more exposed.” Every time he speaks his voice settles me.
