The Opposite Attractions (New Hampshire Bears Book 13)

by Mary Smith

  She gave him a kiss. “She in her room?”

  He nodded.

  Mikayla gave him another kiss before leaving him standing by the door.

  He decided it was pointless for him to try to eavesdrop since the bedroom doors were heavy. It would be impossible for him to hear anything. Grabbing his phone, he placed an order from Joy’s favorite sushi place. He thought it might be—a bit—helpful.

  Turning on the TV, he tried to occupy his thoughts but nothing seemed to work. He felt helpless, and it was a feeling he didn’t want to have—ever.

  When the food was delivered, he set it out on the table. Just as he was about to go and get them, they walked out to the dining room.

  “Hi.” He tried not to sound overly excited or apprehensive while glancing between them.

  “I’m better now.” Joy walked up and hugged him.

  “I’m glad.”

  “Mikayla’s going to go with me to my appointments,” Joy announced, moving away from his hold.

  Jarvis nodded. “Great.” A small ting of jealousy pierced his heart. He wanted to be the one that was there for her, but she picked Mikayla. Although his more rational side yelled at the emotions because there wasn’t a reason to be jealous.

  This was his sister and his girlfriend.

  The only two people who mattered in his life.

  “Let’s eat.” Mikayla looped her arm through his, kissed his cheek, and led him toward a chair.

  The three of them ate with a bit of small talk but nothing in-depth. Tension and sadness hung in the air. Tension for the rapist still on the loose and sadness for Joy’s pain.

  “I think I’m going to shower and go to bed,” Joy said as she cleaned up the empty trays. “I’ve not slept well the past several nights.”

  “Goodnight,” Mikayla said as did Jarvis.

  When the bedroom door closed, Jarvis dropped his head into his hands. Mikayla rubbed his back.

  “It’s going to be okay.” She kept her tone soft and low.

  “I don’t want her to lock herself away.” He lifted his head.

  “She’s not. She needs time. The monster is in Manchester and she’s scared.”

  He nodded. “I know, but I feel helpless.”

  “I do too, but we need to be there for her in any capacity.” She took his hands into hers.

  “You’re right. I know you’re right. I just…” He couldn’t finish his thought.

  “You want to be the hero. The big brother. I know, but right now she needs you to be a supportive big brother. She feels like a burd—”

  “She’s not a burden,” Jarvis growled and wondered how he could ban that word from the world.

  “I know, but she feels that way. It’s something she needs to work through. No matter what we say or do, she’s the only one who has to accept it.” Mikayla’s firm tone reached his heart and mind.

  “I’ll pay for your time,” Jarvis said.

  “Shut up.” She seethed. “I don’t give a rat’s ass about money. Just Joy and you.”

  “I love you. I’m sorry if I offended you,” Jarvis apologized.

  “Don’t be. I’m stressed too and until this monster is behind bars—for good—then it’s going to be this way.”

  Jarvis never thought he could love her more, but he did.

  Mikayla stayed the night with Jarvis, and they held each other throughout the night. When they woke the next morning, she went home to get ready. Joy had an appointment with Frankie in a couple of hours, and Jarvis had a meeting with the hockey equipment PR team today.

  Joy came into the kitchen dressed with makeup on but was still pale and her eyes were bloodshot. He noticed her hands were shaking.

  “Want something to eat?” He acted casual, but his eyes were following her to the door. He came around to her but didn’t touch her. “You can do this.”

  “I’m not sure.” Her voice was shaky like her hands.

  “I am. You’re strong. You won’t let him win. Plus, Mikayla will be with you.” He stood close to her, reminding her that he was there for her too.

  “I know.” She took several deep breaths. When the doorbell rang she jumped.

  “It’s just Mikayla,” he reassured her.

  She nodded.

  Jarvis opened the door and his jaw dropped when he saw his beautiful girlfriend stroll in. She was only wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but she could stop traffic. She gave him a brief kiss before rushing over to Joy to hug her. He watched Joy relax a bit but not much.

  “Are you ready?” Mikayla asked, still holding onto her.

  Joy sobbed. “I can’t move.”

  Jarvis stepped toward her, but Mikayla blocked his path.

  “You can do this. You’re the strongest person I know. That monster will not hurt you. I won’t let him. Do you trust me?” She held onto her friend, staring deep into her eyes.

  Joy nodded as tears still rolled down her face. “I’m strong.”

  “You’re strong,” Mikayla repeated.

  “I can do this,” Joy said taking a deep breath.

  “You can do this,” she repeated again.

  “Okay.” Joy wiped the tears away and began walking to the door in a slow, cautious pace.

  He opened the door for them. Mikayla checked the hallway, ensuring Joy no one was there. Joy took one shaky step over the threshold.

  “Great job,” Mikayla praised her. “You can keep going.”

  Glancing over her shoulder at Jarvis, he gave her an encouraging smile. “You’ve got it.”

  Joy’s eyes welled up before turning back to Mikayla, who was walking further into the hallway. Mikayla blew him a kiss. He watched them step onto the elevator, and he shut the door.

  Jarvis wasn’t a praying man, but he took a moment to silently ask the universe to help his sister. Pushing off the door, he strolled to his bedroom to get ready for his meeting.

  The meeting turned out to be a big blow out. There were marketing and PR team members, numerous interns of those teams, and even the CEO made an appearance. What was supposed to last an hour went on for four?

  Thankfully, they finally finished, and he managed to get away from the eight hundred selfies he had to take. He wanted to check his phone and see how Mikayla and Joy were doing. As he walked out of the building, he felt someone staring at him. He had become used to eyes on him, but this felt different. Turning to the left, he saw Jenessa staring at him. He was torn on whether or not to go over to her. She and Mikayla were still on the outs, but he saw a look in her eyes that he knew too well.

  “Hello, Jarvis,” she greeted him formally as she adjusted the strap of her briefcase.

  “Jenessa, how are you?”

  “I’m well. Thank you for asking.” Her tone was clearly cold and professional, and it made Jarvis smirk.

  “She’s fine,” he answered her unasked question.

  Jenessa relaxed a bit. “Is she?”

  He knew the look of an overprotective sibling. “I promise. She and I just came back from a little trip. We’re good. She’s working with one of the top designers in the world. Finished her semester on the Dean’s list. Plus, her Etsy store is doing well.”

  “She does better without me,” Jenessa softly grumbled.

  “No, she misses you. Deeply.” Jarvis lowered his voice as people passed them. “She needs you, and I fully believe you need her. I don’t want to speculate on what’s happening in your home life.”

  Jenessa clearly became uncomfortable.

  “But…” he continued. “You need Mikayla and Shade. I hope you realize it before it’s too late.” With a small smile, he left her standing in front of the building. Alone.

  In his car, he debated on if he should tell Mikayla or leave it be. He still hadn’t decided until he looked at his phone screen.

  Mikayla: Joy and I made it to the office.

  Mikayla: She’s back with Frankie.

  Mikayla: We’re going to The Latte Bean.

  He doubted they were still there, but
he checked anyway.

  Jarvis: Where you at?

  Mikayla: Still at The Latte Bean. Trying to keep her out a bit longer.

  Jarvis: On my way.

  It didn’t take long for him to reach the coffee shop, and he easily found his girls sitting at a corner table.

  “How are the two loveliest ladies in the world?” He grabbed the chair next to Joy.

  “We’re okay.” Joy smiled apprehensively.

  She sounded better, yet he could tell she obviously had been crying. The plus side, she wasn’t shaking.

  “You doing good?” he questioned Joy specifically.

  “I’m okay for now,” she said. “I’m trying to be anyway.”

  Glancing at Mikayla, she had a sad expression. He didn’t know why.

  “I’m really ready to go now though.” Joy’s hands began to shake a bit as she stared at something behind Jarvis.

  He peered over his shoulder and noticed a small group of businessmen. They appeared to be in their mid to late twenties, all decked out in business suits. None were looking in their direction, but he understood Joy’s nervousness.

  The three of them left and strolled out to Mikayla’s car, and Joy seemed to relax against the seat.

  “You staying again?” Jarvis asked Mikayla before she shut her door.

  “No. I have work to do with Jean. I’ll call you later.” She gave him a quick kiss before sliding into her seat and taking off toward Jean’s place.

  Some guys would be upset by her simple—somewhat defensive—comment but he loved it. Mikayla’s bluntness meant a lot to him because it showed she was still the same person and wasn’t trying to change for anyone, especially him.

  When he reached the condo, Joy was already in her room. He decided to leave her be for now and went to work in his office. He had no clue how long he’d been in there, but when he finally moved his eyes away from the laptop monitor, it was dark outside. Making his way to the kitchen he knocked on Joy’s door.

  “I’m in here, Jarvis,” Joy called from the living room.

  He found her on the couch with an unopen book in her lap. “I hate to ask again—”

  “I’m fine,” she finished for him before he asked the entire question.

  “You’re not, but I’m going to believe you.” He sat next to her.

  “Frankie does help me.”

  “That I do believe.”

  “I don’t think I would have made it without Mikayla today. I know you want to be there for me, but I need you to trust me on this.”

  Jarvis gave her a true smile. She was always more intuitive than she let on. “I completely trust you, more than anyone. If Mikayla helps you, then I’m perfectly okay with it. I want you to know it too. I don’t want you to be scared anymore. It’s easier said than done, I know, but it’s my hope.”

  “Maybe someday.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I do see you went through all the emails.”

  “I did,” Jarvis told her what he did and about the meeting with the hockey equipment company. Then he told her about seeing Jenessa and their interaction. “Should I tell Mikayla?”

  “Absolutely. Mikayla will be very upset if you don’t tell her,” Joy said.

  “You’re right. I’ll tell her tomorrow after the shoot. Are you still going with me?” He couldn’t be sure now.

  “Frankie wants to see me again and Mikayla said she’d go with me.” Her apprehension came back.

  “No big deal,” Jarvis said because he didn’t want to think she had to go with him. “I want you to go to Frankie’s and don’t worry about me.”

  “How about I order some food?” she suggested.

  Jarvis nodded, hoping the therapy would help sooner than later. Not that he wanted to rush her treatment, he just missed his sister, and he didn’t want her to be in fear anymore.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Mikayla and Joy rode the elevator back to the condo. Joy had a long session with Frankie. When she came out, she appeared to be utterly exhausted.

  “Thanks, again,” Joy said opening the door and turning off the security system. “I know you’re busy.”

  “Stop saying thank you. I’m your friend. I know you’d be there for me.” She walked through the condo, checking to make sure there was no one there as Joy stood by the door. “All clear,” she announced coming back to her.

  “It’s silly, right?” Joy blushed.

  “Nope, not at all.”

  The doorbell rang, causing Joy to jump with a small yelp. Peeking through the peephole, Mikayla saw Jackson on the other side. Opening the door, he greeted her with a small, awkward wave.

  “Hi, Jackson.” Joy sighed in deep relief seeing him. “He’s going to stay with me today since you have to work and Jarvis will be at the shoot for several more hours,” she explained.

  “Great and great to see you again, Jackson.” Mikayla gave him a small smile. She knew they were getting closer and Jarvis would flip his lid, but Joy needed Jackson as much as Jarvis needed her. “Take care of her or I’ll yank your balls off.”

  Joy laughed as Jackson slightly paled.

  “I promise,” he vowed.

  Mikayla gave Joy a hug before leaving. She actually rushed to her car. The meeting with Jean was going to be an important one, and she didn’t want to be late. However, for Joy, she’d be late. She’d do anything for her friend.

  Surprisingly, she made it to Jean’s place on time. The last time she was here with Jean and his full team, it was a madhouse. This time when she walked in, Jean sat at the table with all the finished prototypes in front of him.

  Alone.

  “They’re beautiful,” Mikayla said in awe seeing their hard work in front of her.

  “Yeah.” Jean continued to stare at them.

  “What’s the issue?” Mikayla squatted next to him since there were no more chairs.

  “They’re magnificent because of you.” Jean turned to her.

  “That’s not true. These are your designs. I just convinced you not to use garbage,” she half-joked trying to lift the somber mood.

  “Your talent is well beyond mine.” Jean touched her shoulder.

  “I think you’ve been hitting the wine early.” She stood up. “I’m your helper. Nothing more,” she clarified.

  Jean left her chair, rushing past her to go to the back of the massive mansion. Mikayla remained in place, wondering where everyone was. She knew Jean could be eccentric, but today he was acting strange.

  “Here.” He reappeared as fast as he left. “Sign it.” He shoved several papers at her.

  “What is this?” She glanced at the words but didn’t understand.

  “It’s a new contract.” He took them from her hands flipping through the pages and showing her certain sections. “I’m giving you a bigger cut.”

  Her eyes scanned the sections. “Half?” she exclaimed. “You’re giving me half?”

  “And…” He flipped to another page. “I want you to work for me for two more years. All the season. All of it.” He pointed to another section.

  “Okay, Jean.” She snatched the papers from his hand and gripped his upper arm, leading him to the dining room. “Sit,” she commanded.

  He did.

  “Tell me what’s going on?” She sat next to him.

  “I’m losing my touch,” Jean spoke clearer but sadness was hiding behind it. “And I’m surrounded by who just want to kiss my ass.” His French accent seemed to become thicker.

  “It happens, just change your people,” she suggested.

  “I did. I fired everyone,” he stated.

  “Wow!” She gasped. “Everyone?”

  “Yes. Well, I kept Kelly, my assistant, since she needs to oversee hiring new people. But you.” Jean beamed. “You showed me my light again. Even though yours burned brighter.”

  Mikayla didn’t completely understand what he meant, but she understood some of it. “You’re saying I’m talented, but you…you are a famous designer.”

  Jean to
ok her hands into his. “Please, Mikayla, please work with me. I need a designer like you.”

  “I can’t move to New York,” she told him.

  “You don’t have to move. Just come down for certain things,” he said. “Please, I’m begging.”

  She almost thought he was going to get on his knees. She did like the fact she wouldn’t have to move. She loved Manchester and wanted to stay. “Let me look over the contract. I’ll give you my answer tomorrow. But now, let’s work with what we’re doing now.”

  Jean nodded and they went back to the living room. For the next few hours, they went through each piece with a fine-tooth comb. She made a few suggestions, but overall, they were perfectly stunning. Mikayla felt very proud of their work.

  When she left with the contract and made her way back to Manchester, she thought about the contract. This could be an amazing opportunity for her, but she wanted someone to look over it. She liked Jean but didn’t want to be tied to him or get screwed over.

  She only knew one lawyer she could trust, but Jenessa wouldn’t speak to her. Nonetheless, she needed someone to look at it. When she reached the city limits, she made her way to Shade and Jenessa’s house. Parking in the driveway she only saw Shade’s truck.

  Knocking on the door felt strange since she always just walked in. Shade opened the door, a bit shocked because she didn’t just walk in.

  “Mikayla, come on in.”

  “Hey, bro. Where’s Jenessa at?”

  “Here.”

  Mikayla froze for a second as Jenessa answered the question from the couch.

  “I need an attorney,” she declared, getting straight to the point.

  “What are the charges? Assault?” Jenessa asked.

  “Not this time,” she quipped.

  “Prostitution?”

  The word cut through her like a hot knife. “Never mind. You’re still a selfish bitch. I’ll just pay someone else. Bye, Shade.” Her hand was on the doorknob before Jenessa yelled out.

  “Stop. What is it that you need?”

  Having the urge to run from her sister almost caused her to do it, but her heart made her stay.

  “Here.” Mikayla held out her contract. “Is this a good deal?”