by Danes, Ellie
“Jennifer, I’m sorry. It was an accident.” Brice looked down at the picture. “Is that your mom? She’s beautiful.” Brice’s compliment was extremely sincere and I immediately felt terrible for barking at him.
“Was...” I stared at the picture. “She passed away when I was thirteen.” I felt the emotions begin to overtake me as I remembered how this exact picture took me on the journey I was now on. The journey searching for the truth of her death.
“I know. I mean…” Brice clamored for the right words.
“It’s Ok, Brice. You don’t need to explain.” I carefully placed the picture on the mantle above the gas fireplace. “This picture means a lot to me.”
“How did she…” Again Brice faltered for the right words.
“Hey, Brice? Maybe we should give Jen a hand and begin unpacking in the kitchen? Come on.” Aimee walked back into the room and ushered Brice toward the kitchen as she mouthed “I’m sorry.”
I could hear the two of them talking quietly in the kitchen and Aimee correcting Brice with a “Shhh,” and a “Mind your own business.” I knew any secrets I had remained safe with her and that Brice would have a better chance of breaking into a bank safe that Aimee’s vault of secrets. I smiled to myself.
Somehow the four of us managed to completely unpack and organize the entire condo in under five hours. I was amazed at not only the amount of work we had accomplished, but just how well everyone got along. Aimee and I sat on the couch and watched Cain and Brice standing in the cold on the balcony, sipping their beers and laughing. They celebrated the completion of what was likely the hardest manual labor either had done in quite some time.
“Look at them. I would have never guessed.” I giggled. Aimee nodded. “Aimee, thanks for before, cutting off Brice when he started asking about my mom. It not something I’m really comfortable talking about.”
“I get it, Jen, don’t worry about it.”
“Well, there’s more to it.” The two men entered the room from the outside, the blast of artic air sending a chill through the entire room. “We’ll talk about it later.” I whispered to Aimee.
“Cain and I were talking…how about dinner tomorrow night, at Edo’s?” Brice took a swig from his beer after he announced the news. “What do you think?”
Aimee and I looked at each other and smiled. “Sure, but it’s my treat. I really appreciate everything everyone did today. I’d be unpacking for weeks if it wasn’t for all of you.”
“You don’t have to do that, Jen.” Aimee reached over and touched my arm. “But we certainly appreciate it.” She shot a look at Brice. “We should get out of their hair and let them enjoy her new place.” Aimee hopped up off the couch and made her way toward Brice. “We’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Definitely, but how about you and I go get our nails done? Maybe a little spa time after unpacking all of these boxes?”
My invitation was met by Aimee’s wider smile. “Even better.”
Aimee and I finalized our plans for the following afternoon and the wave of exhaustion finally hit as I collapsed on the couch. Cain followed close behind and I curled up beside him and rested my head on his chest. “Thank you for everything today. I’m glad you and Brice got along so well. It really means a lot. Aimee needs this.”
Cain smiled and brushed back my hair. “He’s actually a nice guy, Jen.”
“But you said before that—”
“That was a long time ago when I saw him at the club. We were both different people then. We were both a bit immature. He’s seems like he’s grown up quite a bit. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and, from what I can tell, he really likes Aimee.” Cain continued to brush my hair. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. I don’t think I’ve really had a guy friend since Dylan.” Cain fell silent.
“I know. I’m sorry. Well, maybe this will work out then.” I lightly traced my fingers over the design on Cain’s t-shirt. It wasn’t often that he dressed down, but when he did, he was very rugged and stylish.
“We’ll see. I don’t know if I’ll ever have a close friend like that again, but we’ll see.” Cain sank his head into the soft pillow on the couch. “I’m ready for a hot shower and to slide into bed.” He let out an exhausted breath.
“Me too.” I stretched my neck up and kissed his stubbled face. “Maybe we can break in the shower and the new bed tonight.” I felt a second wind come over my body as I got up from the couch and pulled Cain along to the master suite. I was going to make sure my first night in my new home was memorable.
Chapter Forty-Four
One of the advantages of my new place was that it was walking distance to several of the more upscale shops, boutiques and eateries in the area. My last place was the same, but the neighborhood had more of a college vibe. Riverfront Plaza boasted the nicest of everything. High end cars and SUVs lined the main roadway and the foot traffic was heavier than usual for a Sunday at noon, especially during winter.
The ride down from the twenty-third floor in the glass walled elevator provided an excellent view of the street below and I could easily spot Aimee’s car, parked mid-way down on the left. I hopped out of the elevator and made my way outside to meet Aimee at the salon just down the street. While all of the shops were located on the first floor of the plaza, all of the access was street level, in order to attract more patrons and allow the tower residents their privacy. I was too new to appreciate that yet, and honestly wished I didn’t have to step outside into the cold winter air.
Aimee stood at the large frosted class counter looking at the various colors. She grabbed a bright green and held it up as I walked in the door. “Who in the world would ever?” She smiled and quickly put it down and then fumbled through the shades of cranberry.
“I like the bright blue, myself.” I giggled. The girl behind the counter didn’t seem to appreciate our banter and quickly checked us in and led us to the back room. “Facials, massages, manis and pedis. What a great way to start a Sunday.”
Even though Aimee and I saw each other every day between work and play, we never seemed to grow tired of spending time together. Things finally seemed to be falling into place for the both of us.
“So were you and Cain ready to get rid of us yesterday?” Aimee slid into the terrycloth robe and slippers and took a seat, waiting for me to change.
“Not at all. Cain really seems to like Brice.”
“And you?” Aimee dropped her chin and looked up at me with big puppy dog eyes.
“I’ll be honest, I really didn’t like him that much at first. I think I allowed a lot of what I’d heard about him to influence me.” I tied the belt on my matching robe and sat next Aimee. “I have to apologize, I think I jumped the gun and probably didn’t give him a chance.”
“That’s really unlike you, Jen. You usually read everyone spot on.” Aimee smiled. “But I’m glad you’ve changed your mind.”
“Me too.” I looked Aimee in the eyes and took a deep breath. “When I first met him there was a lot going on. It was my first case and honestly, it felt like it should have been something bigger and better. I guess I took that out on Brice and it wasn’t his fault.” I played with the knot on the belt as I continued. “And then the case turned into so much more, and I resent him for that.”
“It’s alright, Jen. Really. Things are working out.” Aimee always seemed to find the best in any situation and I admired her for that.
“Yesterday I was kind of short with Brice and you intercepted it. I told you there was more to it.”
Aimee sat up and looked at me intently. “Jen, you’re getting serious on me. You and Brice didn’t…?”
“Oh, no way, Aimee!” Despite the severity of what I was about to tell her, I giggled. “Never, I mean, not that he’s not—” I cut my words short. “It’s work.” Aimee’s shoulders relaxed and she leaned back as she took in the news. “Listen, I told you about my mom and the affair.” Aimee nodded. “You have to promise me you will not mention anything to Brice. Swea
r on your first child!”
“I do, I do…” Aimee held her hand up.
“This case with Brice. It’s kind of connected to the family that my mother and father knew. That guy, Jacob Harritan, he’s the son of the guy my mother had an affair with.”
Aimee’s mouth fell open and she leaned forward and grabbed my hand. “Oh my…”
“There’s more.” I took a deep breath and squeezed Aimee’s hand. “I started putting all of this together when the way my mother died seemed similar to some of the things that happened to John and Macie. My dad wasn’t any help giving me any answers and I tried to get my mother’s medical records but…” I realized I was beginning to ramble as I watched Aimee’s head continue to nod, her mouth still hanging open. “Aimee, I think my mother was poisoned and…” Something inside me made me stop talking. I wanted to tell Aimee about my mother’s pregnancy but couldn’t. It was too much too soon.
Aimee sat in silence for a moment, unable to speak and I was glad I hadn’t dropped the full load of information on her. “No wonder.” Aimee shook her head. “No wonder you’ve been a little off lately.”
My brows furrowed as I thought about her statement. “I’ve been off? Really?”
“A little. You’ve just seemed different. I guess it’s all of this piling up. Now I really understand why you have been standoffish with Brice. It’s all really personal.” Aimee leaned in for a hug. “Is there anything else? Anything?”
I bit my lip. I wanted to tell her so badly. “No. But you can’t say a word about this to anyone, especially Brice.”
“Your father knows?”
“He knows my feeling and he’s not happy I’ve been digging into this. It’s caused things to be tense between us.” I hugged Aimee. It felt good tell her the news, but I was still torn because I couldn’t be totally honest with her about everything. I realized I was even lying to her about my relationship with my father. “Thank you for listening, for being here.”
“I’m always here for you, Jen. Always. Can I ask you something, though?”
“Sure.”
“Will you eventually tell me the entire story?” I felt my stomach drop as I looked at her. “I know you well enough to know when you’re lying to me, Jen. I know you have your reasons. Just know, I’m here for you.”
Aimee hugged me and I hugged her back. “Thank you…and Aimee, I will.”
Chapter Forty-Five
We parked Cain’s black SUV around the corner from the restaurant. Edo’s was located in a small neighborhood, common for this part of the city. Locals walked up and down the sidewalk and cars packed the narrow streets and alleyway. I was impressed that Cain was able to parallel park the large Land Rover, let alone actually find a spot. Brice and Aimee had planned to meet us at seven and Cain and I had plans to get a drink beforehand, alone. It was time for us to unwind, enjoy each other and set some ground rules. “Nothing too personal tonight, promise me?” I hoped Cain could see the desperation in my eyes. “I like Brice, but I really don’t want him to know too much personal stuff right now, especially since we’re in the middle of this case.”
“I promise, but I think you’re far too worried about Brice. I’m sure he has a many more skeletons in his closet than you do.” Cain smiled as I smacked him on the arm.
“I do not have skeletons in my closet.” I smirked at him and then coughed. “Well, maybe a few.” I said under my breath. It felt good to let loose with Cain. I was slowly learning how to separate home from work and I was finding it was more of a necessity to stay sane.
“Either way, I understand what you’re saying. It’ll be fine, I promise.” Cain took a sip from his wine. “Should we head next door and try to get a table while we wait for them?” Cain and I sat at the bar of The Library, a quaint local bar known for its open mic nights at the weekend. We were a couple hours early so the bar was completely dead.
“Sounds good to me, I’ll text Aimee and see if they’re close.” I grabbed my phone and tapped at the keys while I composed my message, catching the eye of a couple walking by the window. Cain waved down the bartender to settle the check as Aimee and Brice waved from outside. “Hey, there here.” Cain tossed down some cash and caught the attention of the bartender as we left for dinner.
“Thanks again for inviting us, Jennifer.” Brice held Aimee close as he shook Cain’s hand. He looked at me and we exchanged awkward glances, not sure whether we should hug or shake hands. I decided that in any other situation I would have hugged Aimee’s boyfriend and through caution to the wind, giving him a brief hug before letting go and kissing Aimee on the cheek.
Edo’s was packed, and those without a table or waiting on a reservation stood outside in the cold blustery night. I shuddered at the thought of having to wait and was considering grabbing some bar food back at The Library instead of standing in the frigid air. “I’ll be right back.” Brice slipped through the door and left the three of us standing outside, looking at each other. He returned a few minutes later with a smile. “We’re all set, I have a table being cleared for us now.” Brice smiled. “I went to high school with the guy that owns this place. He’s one of the few people that will still talk to me. I wasn’t sure if he’d be here or not.” We all chuckled at Brice’s expense but were happy for his connection as we slipped into the warm dining area of the restaurant.
The corner table away from the door and the kitchen provided the perfect shelter and privacy in the otherwise busy restaurant. We ordered a round of drinks and appetizers and settled in to telling stories. I felt like even though we had done this a few times before with Aimee—at least I had—this time felt different. It felt real. I listened as Brice and Cain traded work and play stories and how they had known in each before we all had met.
“Cain do you remember old man Fischer at the club?” Brice laughed. “He must’ve been at least ninety when we were there.”
Cain joined with a chuckle. “I do. He used to always wear those green knickers and an awful plaid sweater. It could be a hundred and twenty degrees and he’d have a sweater on.” Cain laughed some more. “The first job I had was working for him. He’d pay me to caddy for him and the entire time he’d talk about saving money and making investments.”
Brice laughed along. “Me too! I mean I didn’t caddy for him, but he’d always give me a few bucks to grab something from the bar when the waitresses weren’t coming around quick enough. He and my grandfather played cards up there.”
“Small world.” Cain took a swig from his water and laughed again. I used to love that place growing up. It’s changed so much.”
“I know. I’m not much of a golf person myself. I need more of a rush. I joined this club last year…I call it an adrenaline club.” Brice’s eyes lit up as he began to describe it, and mine and Aimee’s mouths fell open. “Rock climbing, base jumping, car racing, we do something kind of wild each month. Something new. If you’ve done it before it just doesn’t give the same sort of rush.”
Cain gave Brice a big smile. “I know exactly what you mean. I haven’t let loose since…” Cain stopped mid-sentence.
“Yes, Cain?” I shot him an evil stare. “Since?”
“Well, since I had a reason to no longer be reckless with my life.” Cain reached over and grabbed my hand. “I do miss the excitement from time to time, but wouldn’t trade what I have for anything.” Cain leaned in and kissed me. Public displays of affection tended to make me feel very awkward, but tonight it felt natural and very comfortable.
Brice mirrored Cain and took Aimee’s hand. “I totally understand, but I don’t know that I could give it up. I need that rush, especially with the tension of work all the time.”
Aimee raised an eyebrow and winked at Brice. “Oh, I have some ways you can work off some tension.”
The fun and giddiness filled the table and, for the first time in a long while, it felt good to have friends to just relax with. It was so good to see Cain relaxed as well.
“Hey, why don’t you come with
me next time? I think we’re rock climbing up on the ridge next week. There’ll be professionals there to make sure everything is on the up and up. Totally safe.” Brice looked at me, hoping to get my buy in.
“Jen, do you care?” Cain squeezed my hand and I melted just because he cared enough to actually ask my opinion.
“Brice, bring him back in one piece.” I rolled my eyes at Aimee. “I can’t believe I just agreed to that.”
Aimee smiled. “At least he asked you.”
Aimee shot a look at Brice. “I’ll ask next time, I promise…and this time, I’ll make it up to you.” Brice leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
A couple of bottles of wine, a gourmet dinner and two hours later and we still sat at the same corner table, sharing stories and making future plans. The restaurant had almost cleared out entirely, normal for a Sunday night during winter. Only a few straggler couples remained.
“Anyone up for some dessert and coffee? The place a few doors down is amazing?” Brice looked at his watch. “It’s still early, only nine-fifteen.”
“I think any other time would be wonderful, but I have to catch a flight to San Diego tomorrow to wrap a few things up on a business deal from last week.” Cain leaned in and placed his hand on top of mine.
“What? Tomorrow? I don’t remember you saying anything about being gone this week.” I stared hard at Cain with narrowed eyes and a puckered forehead.
“It’s only a few days. I have to sign the papers and do a walk-through of the financials. We aren’t going to mention anything to the staff until later on. I want you there for that.” Cain caressed my hand. “I’m pretty sure I mentioned it, but we’ve both been busy. I can put it off a few days if you’d like.” He gently held my hand to his lips and kissed it.
“No, no. Don’t change your plans.” I quickly flipped through our previous conversations in my mind, trying to remember when we may have discussed it, but it was pointless. So much had happened in the last week I barely remembered what I had just eaten for dinner. “It’s Ok. I probably just forgot. I’m going to be busy this week, we have a lot going on in the office.” I glanced around the table at Aimee and Brice. They seemed to be caught up in their own side conversation, oblivious to mine.