by Kris Bryant
“Shaylie, line one. Shaylie.” Ginny’s voice boomed through the phone system and snapped me out of my trance.
“This is Shaylie Beck. May I help you?” I answered the phone in the conference room.
“It’s Charles. I have good news. Can you swing by the office today?”
Christ. Today was not the day to have to deal with my lawyer. My emotional state was fragile enough, but I felt trapped here, like the walls were caving in. I needed to get out. “Sure. I’ll swing by after lunch.” I ended the call and headed to my office to answer a few pressing emails and make a checklist of all the bad decisions I made this year. Get on a full airplane, check. Crash, check. Fall in love with fiancée of someone who died in crash, check. Keep a big secret from her, double check. God help me, but I was in love with Piper. I was before our weekend-long date three weeks ago. I was before we did that crazy biking trip. My phone startled me out of my self-pitying lists of things I couldn’t change.
“What’s up, Mar?” I tried to sound jovial more for her sake than mine. She’d threatened to move in with me until I either fell out of love with Piper or found somebody else. I adjusted my attitude quickly around her. I didn’t think I could handle Marisa and Jason in my house. I loved them both, but I didn’t need to be reminded of everything I was missing out on—loving touches, sweet kisses, the closeness of someone you loved.
“Just checking in. How are you? Want to come up to the ranch with me this weekend? Get away for a bit? We could leave tonight.”
I chewed my bottom lip while I thought about her offer. The weather was turning colder and I was starting to slip into hibernation mode, which suited my mood at the moment. But getting out of the city sounded perfect, and I could use some motherly love since my own mother was in a different time zone. Virginia was the perfect person to sit down and talk to about my problems. Not that I didn’t trust Marisa’s advice, but Virginia was wiser and she’d clued into my crush on Piper within thirty seconds of being around the two of us. “Count me in.”
“Really? I mean, that’s great.”
“I’m rolling my eyes at you right now.”
“I can actually hear them roll.”
That made me smile for the first time in forever. “I can drive up after work.” It would be dark by the time work was over, but I’d made the drive several times now and I was comfortable with it.
“Absolutely not. I will come over and pick you up at six.”
“I’m actually thinking of bailing on work. Charles called, so I promised to see him after lunch. I’m seriously considering taking the afternoon off.” Even though I took three days off after the harrowing breakup with Piper weeks ago, I wasn’t so busy that I couldn’t cut out a few hours early.
“That’s even better. What time do you want me to get you?”
“I should be ready to go by three. I’ll pick up snacks for the trip,” I said.
“Not a lot because Virginia will have something awesome for dinner. And we both know how we can put her food away.”
I perked up at that. I hadn’t eaten well in weeks and had dropped about ten pounds. My meals were mostly liquid and not nutritious at all unless you believed wine was healthy. “Good point. I’ll just grab a few things.” I hung up feeling slightly better than I had in weeks. A weekend away was just what I needed. I finished my email, locked my computer, and grabbed my purse. I hoped the ranch could somehow soothe the ache that pulsated in my chest, reminding me of how fucked up my life had become all because of a conference I never should have attended.
Chapter Twenty-two
I staggered out of Charles’s office holding a stack of papers and the promise of a life-changing check. I was there for two hours and barely made it home in time to pack for the trip. Marisa barged in demanding the chocolate she assumed I’d picked up.
“What’s going on? You’re so pale. Did you finally talk to Piper?” She sat beside me and grabbed my hands.
I shook my head. “No, but I just got done with Charles.”
“I thought you went there hours ago.” She checked her watch.
“I had to sign a bunch of papers. Here. Look at these.” I handed her the file.
She opened it and stood. “Holy shit!” She stared down at me. “Holy shit, Shaylie. This is your settlement? All of this?”
“Well, don’t forget Charles gets some of that.”
Marisa sat and squeezed my leg. “This is the best news. I mean, how you got it is horrific, but this is insane.”
“Mar, you have to promise me you won’t tell Jason. Part of the agreement is that I’m not allowed to divulge any information about the settlement. I know that’s hard since you’re a part of Jason’s life, but you can’t share this.” For a split second, I was worried Marisa was going to blow it for me, but my fears were for naught. She put the papers down and gave me the hardest hug.
“You’re my best friend, but this is none of my business. Thank you for trusting me. I won’t tell a soul.” She looked at me so solemnly that I laughed. I couldn’t stop. She joined in until we were both sprawled out, crying. It was such a staggering amount that it seemed unbelievable.
“Come on. Let’s get out of here. Oh, I forgot to get snacks. We’ll have to stop on the way.”
“You’re definitely buying this time,” she said.
We climbed in her car and got on the highway. Most people weren’t traveling north, so we didn’t have to fight much traffic. For the first twenty minutes, we laughed and talked about how crazy life was. The plane crash was horrific, but the outcome was emotionally and financially life-changing. I found the girl of my dreams, lost her, but gained a fortune. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. The money was great, but the price was unthinkable.
“You’d better invest it in something solid,” she said.
“I haven’t even thought that far ahead. Wait until I get it first. Then I’m sure Charles will give me some pointers on the dos and don’ts of investing.”
“Okay, let’s talk about me for a minute.”
“I’m all yours. What’s going on?”
Marisa started fidgeting with the leather steering wheel, flexing her fingers around it like she was revving a motorcycle. “So, remember when I said Jason and I wouldn’t even talk about moving in together or the future for at least a year?”
I squealed. “Shut up right now!”
“Hang on, hang on. Nothing’s set in stone, but in the spring, Jason’s going to build a house on the ranch, far enough away from the main house for privacy but close enough to still be in on the action.” The smile on Marisa’s face gave me hope. I was so happy for her and Jason.
“I knew it. I knew it all along.”
“Please don’t break your arm again by patting yourself on the back. But yes, you get all of the credit.” She reached over and squeezed my knee.
“I know. I should open up a matchmaking business. I’m so fucking good at this.” Several years ago, when Marisa and I were both alone and depressed on a cold Valentine’s Day night, we watched a documentary on successful matchmakers across the country and vowed that we could do it.
“Ah, no. I’m going to play the best friend card and stop you from doing that. One success story doesn’t make you an expert.”
“Yeah, especially since I’ve done such a stellar job with my own life and relationships.” I held up my finger right before she took a deep breath to fight me. “Let’s get back to you and Jason. Are you getting married? Obviously you’re going to transfer, right?”
“We haven’t talked about marriage.”
“Because if you had, I would have been so upset that I didn’t know about it like two seconds after it happened.” I crossed my arms just to let her know how serious I was about this.
She poked my side playfully. “I promise that I will tell you before I tell my own mother.”
I harrumphed and waited for her to finish telling her story.
“We haven’t officially talked about it, but he told me he w
anted to have his own place so that he could start a family and stuff.”
I squealed again, but this time I grabbed her arm and squeezed it. “I can’t stand all of this awesomeness at once.”
She veered a bit on the road. “Careful. Don’t scare me like that.”
I held up my hands. “Okay, okay. I’ll stay on this side of the car, but tell me more. Are you helping design it? Does he have a builder? How far away from the main house?”
“Stop, stop. Okay, yes, he has a builder and yes, I helped him pick a layout. His brother is buying him out of the big house, so he’s using that money to get started.”
“How big does he want this house to be? I mean, yeah, I’m going to need a guest room there, but other than that, what are you going to have in it?”
“Five bedrooms, six baths, rec room, two offices, large kitchen.”
I interrupted her. “Why the kitchen? Is Virginia coming over to cook for you?” I got a solid punch in the arm for that remark. I rubbed the sore spot. “I mean, I can’t wait to see the magic you create in a large, beautiful kitchen with all the latest and greatest things.”
“I might pick it up. I mean, Virginia. Hello? Best cook we know.”
Marisa turned into the long driveway, and a feeling of excitement and relief fluttered inside me. Today was a hard day. I was still depressed over Piper, but I’d just been given really good news about my friends. I was starting to get out from underneath the haze of my daily life, and something stirred in my chest that I hadn’t felt in weeks: hope.
* * *
“I’m so glad you made it up here this weekend.” Virginia pulled me into the warmest hug and I almost cried on the spot. I felt so comfortable here, and for a split second, I contemplated moving to Cheyenne just to be close to the people who loved me. I could sell commercial real estate in Antarctica if I had to.
“This is one of my favorite places. Thank you for having me.”
“Come in. Let’s get inside and out of the cold. You can help me finish dinner,” she said. I hugged Jason on the way in and swooped Alison up and carried her into the house with me.
“What’s Grandma cooking?”
She shrugged at me. “I don’t know. I’ve been playing games.”
I feigned shock. “What? I thought you were Grandma’s little helper.”
She giggled. “Now that you’re here, I can go play video games.”
“Wait a minute. Hold up. How old are you now? Thirteen? Sixteen? How long have I been gone? Do I have to hide my car keys from you?” I put her down and watched her run into the other room. I looked at Virginia. “When did she grow up?”
“It happens in the blink of an eye, but thankfully she’s still manageable. Come on, I need help with the potatoes.”
I followed her into the kitchen and put on the apron she handed me. “I never thought I would ever wear one of these.”
“It’ll save your clothes. I need you to mash the potatoes while I get the meatloaf ready. It looks like you’re ready for a solid meal.” She pursed her lips and looked me over.
“It’s been a rough month.”
“It’s been a rough year,” she said. “But you’ve persevered and are one of the strongest women I know. But tell me what’s going on. Why you aren’t taking better care of yourself?”
I sighed and waited to start the mixer. “Piper and I started dating and everything was perfect. Then she pulled back, saying she felt guilty and she really wasn’t ready for a commitment.”
“And that’s completely understandable,” Virginia said.
I held my hands up to her in surrender. “That’s what I said. That’s not the bad part. The bad part is that she overheard a conversation I was having with Marisa. See, when I was on the plane, I was actually sitting next to her fiancée and her best friend. They were laughing and kissing and holding hands. I thought they were a couple. After I found out who they were, I just thought it best that I didn’t share that bit of information with Piper.”
“So, her girlfriend was sleeping with her best friend?”
I nodded. “How do you tell somebody that?”
“Why would you tell somebody that?” she asked.
“I didn’t want to, and I didn’t. It was just an unfortunate thing that she overheard. Anyway, she called me a liar and stormed off. She clearly ended the possibility for any type of relationship. She won’t take my calls or answer my texts.” The dreaded stinging swelled up in my throat and filled my eyes. I didn’t want to cry again. Anymore.
Virginia saw me struggling to keep my composure and pulled me into a hug. I sobbed, clutching her for strength. Life was so unfair. The second chance I had at it wasn’t what I expected. It was just like the one before, only twice as complicated with more scars.
“Listen to me, Shaylie. You’re an incredible woman and Piper knows that. She’s just fighting her own demons right now. If things are meant to be between you, she will find her way back. Time. It’s always the enemy.” She pulled back and held my tearstained face in her hands. “You have to stay strong. I’ve watched you both and I’ve never seen two people more aware of one another than the two of you. When Marisa told me you finally started dating, I was so happy.”
“I just hate that she found out that way. The pure hatred she had on her face broke my heart. I never meant to hurt her. I really didn’t.”
“I know you didn’t. And deep down, Piper knows you didn’t either. Just give her time. That’s all you can do,” she said.
I wiped my face, took a deep breath, and nodded. I was good. At least for now. She slid the butter and milk to me and gave me instructions on how to make the fluffiest potatoes. By the time dinner was on the table, I was feeling normal and in control again. The red splotches from crying were gone and nobody else knew about my breakdown.
“So, you heard the news, eh?” Jason nudged me with his elbow when we sat down.
“I expect all of your children to be named after me,” I whispered low enough so only Jason heard me.
He threw his head back and laughed. Before he had a chance to respond, Gary initiated the prayer, which settled down the table for the meal. I ate more than I should have, but I planned on doing nothing more than sitting on the couch and listening to the family talk. I loved that Marisa slipped right in and was considered one of the family. I was so proud of her and happy that she found peace. We moved the conversation to the great room after we all cleaned up.
“I’m sorry about you and Piper.” Jason sat beside me on the couch. He put his arm across my shoulders and gave me a quick squeeze. “She’ll come around. You’re too special to just forget about.”
I rested my head on his shoulder. “Too bad you don’t have a hot, available lesbian sister who’s smart and witty like you and your brother.”
“I would be your biggest champion.” He kissed my forehead.
“There’s always your mom,” I said.
He chuckled. “She’s not available, though, and I have to side with my dad. I mean, you will always be family, but as my sister, not as my evil stepmom.”
I lifted my head off his shoulder. “Hold up. I’m evil?”
“Only as my stepmom. You’re an angel of a sister, though.”
“You’re my angel. Always and forever.” I snuggled back into him, thankful for his warmth and support. “I know that sounds hokey, but it’s true.”
“You’ve paid me back. Trust me.”
“What’s the plan now? With you two?” I asked.
We both looked over at Marisa, who was sitting next to Jordan and had Alison curled up on her lap.
“Has she always liked kids?” he asked.
“Ever since I’ve known her. We both love kids. We babysat a lot in college. Mar will make an excellent mom. Not that I’m putting any pressure on you, but I’m just throwing that out there.”
“Like saying I have to name all of my children after you.” He winked at me and leaned closer. “You are an angel for introducing us.”
&nb
sp; “She’s perfect.” I looked at Marisa and how she radiated happiness and realized that even though my heart hurt, it was full of nothing but love for her and this family that had made me one of their own.
Chapter Twenty-three
“I can’t believe you’re doing this. After everything I’ve done for you.”
Brittany slapped her hand on her desktop in anger and disbelief. I tried not to look smug as I slid my official resignation across her desk, but the smile would not leave my face.
“And vice versa. We both have benefited from one another. Let’s just keep this professional, shall we?” I wanted to prop my feet up on her desk and lean back in the chair, but I refrained.
“You can’t take your customers with you. You signed a noncompete with us,” she said. I’d never heard such venom in her voice before. It made me smile.
“Oh, I know that. All the files are yours. I’m only taking my personal effects. Listen, thanks for the opportunity. Good luck.” I stood.
“What are you going to do now?” There was panic in her voice. “Are you just going to leave? You didn’t even give two weeks’ notice.”
“Come on. We both know that’s not the norm in real estate. At least not here. I don’t need to train anyone. You can pass out my accounts. The database is up to date and well documented. I’ll leave at lunch, so if you want the team to review things, I’ll be available for questions until then.” I stood, shook her hand, took the copy of my resignation letter that she signed, and left her office.
It wasn’t going to take three hours to box up my things, but I wanted to be available for questions. Real estate didn’t require two weeks’ notice. If you were hungry, you were busy. The other agents were probably circling like sharks, waiting for Brittany to pass out accounts.
I left my door open as I boxed up my photos and books. Brittany called an emergency meeting for the staff, so I wasn’t worried about somebody pumping me for information. I didn’t care to share my reasons with anyone.