by A. P. Watson
“Oh, geez!” She glared as Elise walked past us, heading toward the center of the room. “Why is she even here?”
“Probably to try and get Jacks back.”
“Too bad for her. He’s with you,” she added.
I set the empty glass on top of the white tablecloth. “Yeah, and she made it very clear she’s not happy about it either.”
“Fuck Elise.”
“You were right though. She certainly is a pretentious bitch.”
“Maybe if we splash water on her, she’ll melt like the Wicked Witch of the West!” Ter cried enthusiastically.
“I think your hypothesis is very intriguing and we should test it out” I replied, grinning deviously.
She laughed conspiratorially. “Let’s do it.”
Unfortunately, a woman I’d never met before approached Terayn. She grabbed my friend’s hand, examining her engagement ring as they happily chatted about the proposal. I studied the room, my eyes searching for Jacks. He was in a group of men with Ryan standing next to him. He must have been talking with his boss and the big CEO from New York, because they were all deeply engrossed in conversation.
A tap on my shoulder took my attention away from Jacks and his coworkers. “Wren, you wouldn’t mind dancing with an old fella like me, would you?” David beamed at me, his right hand firmly grasping his cane.
“I’d love to,” I said, returning his smile.
A beautiful melody filled my ears as I held his hand. Because David needed the support of his cane, I placed my left hand on the side of his ribs.
“Thank you again for inviting me. I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw Jackson so happy,” he mused.
“I’m glad you could come. I know you being here means the world to him,” I replied with complete sincerity.
“I take it the two of you have ventured out of the realm of friendship?”
“We have. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it.”
“I can.” David squeezed my hand, leading us in a circle. “Wren, I think you were made for him.”
“You do?” My voice was barely above a whisper.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. You’re his match, and he is yours.”
At that time, Jacks turned around and surveyed the room. When he saw David and me dancing, he beamed at us. I waved at him, returning his smile. “That certainly is a beautiful thought.”
“May I cut in?” Henry asked from behind me, his voice sounding like nails on a chalkboard.
I was about to answer him with a curt no, when David beat me to the punch. “Absolutely, young man. I could do with a little bit of rest for a few minutes.” He clapped Henry on the shoulder and smiled. “Jackson sure is lucky to be with the most beautiful woman here.”
As soon as David stepped away, Henry grabbed my waist possessively. He wasted no time forcing our bodies as close together as possible.
“It isn’t necessary to be this close in order to dance with me,” I hissed.
“It is on my end,” he smirked.
I glared at him, turning my gaze to the other side of the room. I tried to break free, but the pressure of his grasp increased. He knew what this party meant to Jacks, and because of it, he also knew there was no way I would make a scene.
“What do you want, Henry?”
“To take you to dinner.”
“Not happening.”
“What did David mean?”
“Exactly what you think he meant,” I spat.
“You and Jackson aren’t just friends anymore?”
“Nope.” At my answer, his hand slid down my back, resting on the top of my ass. “We’ve been not just friends in his bed, on the couch, in the shower, on the kitchen counter . . . basically on every surface of his apartment.”
The muscle in Henry’s jaw twitched. Suddenly, I heard Jacks’s laughter from across the room. Elise had joined their gathering, standing so close there wasn’t any space between them.
“You’ll never be in the same league as him.”
“Jacks doesn’t seem to mind.”
“He doesn’t right now, but that will change. Elise, on the other hand, has always been in the same league as him. She can help him open the right doors to advance his career. Can you say the same about yourself?”
I clenched my jaw, wishing he would shut his fucking mouth. “Jacks doesn’t care about stuff like that.”
“When it comes to his job, he does.”
“What are you talking about?”
“With her around, he hasn’t even noticed you’re dancing with me,” he intoned smugly.
I tried to pull away again, but Henry held firm. “He’s talking to his boss and a bunch of other important people right now,” I insisted.
“Probably talking about his promotion.”
“It’s a great opportunity. He told me all about it.”
“Even about New York?”
“What are you talking about?”
Henry smiled viciously. “His promotion was offered by the parent company of his client here. He did so well with the acquisition, the CEO of the parent company offered him a top position at their offices in New York. From what I hear, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“He deserves it. New York isn’t that far away.”
“The job came with a stipulation though. Elise has to go too. She helped with a few legal issues that popped up right before the acquisition. She did such a good job, the CEO offered her a position as well.” My heart jumped into my throat as I tried to absorb his words. “My understanding is that the CEO paid a substantial amount to each of their bosses in order to push their relocation.”
“You’re lying.”
“Ask him and find out.”
“I will.” I dug the heel of my shoe into his toes as hard as I could. He released me instantly, and I slid off the dance floor faster than I thought possible. I made a beeline for Terayn, grabbing her by the arm and whisking her to the hall just outside the restrooms.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Fucking Henry.”
“What did he say?”
Tears formed in the corners of my eyes, but I sucked in a deep breath, desperate to keep the tears at bay. Before I could even utter a word, Ryan rushed into the hallway.
“There you are!” he yelled.
“Ry, not now! Wren is about to tell me something important.”
“I just heard what’s happening. It’s why I’ve been running around trying to find the two of you,” he explained.
I shook my head, praying he wouldn’t continue. “Is it true?”
Ryan pulled me toward him as he hugged me. His gesture confirmed my worst fears. “I’m afraid so.”
“Would one of you tell me what the hell is going on?” Terayn asked, her voice raising.
“Jacks’s promotion isn’t what we thought it was.”
Terayn looked at me incredulously. “Wren, what do you mean?”
I glanced at Ryan for help. I couldn’t even think the words, let alone say them.
“His promotion isn’t at our office. It’s for the parent company of the acquisition he did here. The CEO of the parent company in New York basically made him an offer he couldn’t refuse,” Ryan stated.
“Okay, but isn’t that a good thing?” Confusion overpowered the features of her face as she kept looking at the two of us and waiting for answers.
“It would be, but there is a catch. You know we work with Elise every so often, and she helps smooth out legal issues for us, right? Well, right before the acquisition finalized, a few issues popped up and Elise took care of them. The CEO was so impressed with her work, he offered her a position as well, but only if they come together. He wants the two of them to work as a team that handles all the mergers and acquisitions for the company.”
“That mother fucking bitch!” Ter gave me a quick hug before turning to Ryan. “Baby, you’ve got really good references outside your work, right?”
“Yea
h . . . ” he began uncertainly.
“Good to know.” She pulled out the chandelier earrings dangling over her shoulders and placed them in my hands. “Hold these for a sec.”
“Babe, what are you doing?”
“I’m going to give Elise a fucking beat down!” She marched out of the hallway. But at the last second, Ryan pulled her back. She spun around and faced him as she angrily continued. “She’s ruining Wren’s happiness. Therefore, she is ruining my happiness. And at the moment, I would like nothing more than to bash her damn face in, so you better let go of my arm!”
“Ter, she’s not worth it,” I whispered.
“Maybe not, but you sure as hell are!” she shouted. She struggled against Ryan, trying as hard as she could to free her arm. “Ry, let go of my arm.”
“Baby, you know I can’t do that.”
I bit my lip to keep it from quivering, but despite my efforts, a tear escaped. “Why am I never good enough?” I brushed away the single tear before it had a chance to fall.
“You are! You are good enough!” Terayn slid her arms around my waist, holding me tight. “Maybe this has all gotten blown out of proportion. It’s just a job. It’s just them working together, that’s all.”
“Oh, come on, Ter. He is so far out of my league, it’s not even funny. I mean, compared to her, I’m way beneath him.”
“That’s not true.” Her hands rubbed my back gently. “He loves you,” she soothed.
“But is that enough?” I questioned.
A woman rounded the corner, heading in the direction of the restroom. She stared at the three of us, focusing in on my tear-stained face. She quickly looked away and passed by, opening the door to the ladies’ room and slipping inside.
Ryan slid his arm around my shoulder. “Come on, let’s move to the end of the corridor where you can have more privacy.”
I nodded my head, allowing Ter and Ryan to lead the way. The lighting was much dimmer at the end of the hallway, and the darkness was a welcome reprieve.
“Ryan, what do you think?” I tilted my chin upward, so I could see his face.
A mixture of concern, anger, and confusion masked his usual joyful countenance. “Honestly, I don’t know. Jackson cares for you. I think Ter may be right. It’s a strict business relationship, nothing more.”
The sound of approaching voices forced the three of us to stop talking.
“So, what will happen when we get to New York?” a familiar voice asked.
“I already told you, Elise, I don’t know.”
At the mention of her name, we all turned around. Jacks and Elise rounded the corner, stopping at the entrance of the hallway. My heart was hammering so hard, I was certain they would hear it and see us, but our presence remained unnoticed.
“But you still care for me. I know you do.”
“That doesn’t matter,” Jacks replied, shaking his head.
“Yes, it does.” Her hands slid around his neck as she inched closer to him. “This opportunity can be a fresh start for us. I still love you, and I know you still want me. Give me a chance to make things right,” she pleaded. She leaned in to kiss him, and for a brief second, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he would push her away. But I was wrong—so, so wrong. His hands found her waist, holding onto her as he kissed her in return.
Shock consumed every facet of my consciousness. This wasn’t real, it couldn’t be. After everything I endured, there was no way this is how it would end again. I grasped Ter’s hand, squeezing as hard as I could.
I couldn’t take any more. I couldn’t stand there and watch it happen any longer. My hand released Terayn’s as I pushed past my friends, tearing down the corridor. The sound of my approach ended the embrace between Jacks and Elise. He shifted his attention upward, catching my eye as I passed. He looked as shocked as I had been mere seconds ago.
Stopping wasn’t an option, I darted through the crowd and swiped my clutch off the table, frantic for an escape route. All around me, people continued as if my entire world wasn’t just shattered into a million pieces. They danced and drank without a single care in the world. It was suffocating . . . I was suffocating. I drove my feet past their breaking point, sprinting out of the restaurant where Jacks and I had our first date. Too much had happened here, and the thought was overwhelming.
“Wren!” Jacks called out my name. I didn’t respond. Instead, I bunched the skirt of my dress in my right hand as I kept going. He grabbed my arm, spinning me around to face him. “Would you stop?”
“You know what? I really only have myself to blame for all this. I know better than to open up, because every time I do, I get burned. I’ve accumulated so many scars over the years, I lost count.” My eyes relentlessly bore into his. “So, there’s no need for you to apologize or feel bad. All you did was remind me of my place. I’m dirty and low, and I’m getting exactly what I deserve.”
“Wren, you don’t even know—” he began, his tone softening.
“I know all about your promotion, believe me. I don’t want to hear your apologies, your excuses, or whatever else you need to say to make yourself feel better. All I want is for you to let go of my arm,” I spat.
“No, not until you hear me out.”
I brushed away the tears spilling down my cheeks. “I never want to speak to you again.” Tearing my arm from his grip, I turned on my heel and raced to the elevator. Once I was inside, I repeatedly jabbed the button to close the doors, praying for a miracle.
His hand caught the door, preventing my escape. “Wren, just let me explain for a second,” he pleaded.
“Please, let me leave.” Tears dripped from my chin as I begged for him to let me go.
Sadness overwhelmed his deep brown gaze. “I can’t,” he croaked.
From behind him, I saw Ter approaching. She rushed forward, tugging on and clinging to his arm. It was enough to stun him, and I quickly pressed the button once more. Her distraction bought me an escape, and the doors closed, allowing me to get away. As I descended to the ground level, my broken heart sunk even lower as I realized that my only problem was I had nowhere to go and no one to run to.
chapter twenty-three
falling
I STOOD OUTSIDE THE Chicago Stock Exchange Building for a few minutes, not knowing where to go or what to do. My hands clutched my purse, digging into the beaded material. Air caught in my throat as I forced my body to breathe. The first step forward was always the hardest part. It was the final nail in the coffin, a crude reminder nothing would ever be the same again. Tears streamed down my face, dripping to the gray pavement below. For a fleeting moment, I feared I wouldn’t be able to take that first step, but then my body filled with resolve. Surviving was my only option, and with that thought in mind, my feet moved forward. There was a distinct difference between living and simply existing. I was much more well-versed in the latter.
Each step riddled my body with agony, but I pushed on despite it, desperate to leave this night and everything about it far behind. People walked past me and stared as they passed by. They were wrapped in jackets to keep away the fall chill, but I didn’t want any comfort. I needed to feel numb.
“Wren, stop!”Jacks shouted. My heart seized inside my ribcage at the sound of his voice. “Wren!”
My body stopped at his command, and I turned around to glare at him. “What do you want?” I asked, seething.
“To talk to you. I’m not letting you walk away.”
“Well, maybe I don’t want to talk to you. Ever think my feelings might matter?”
“I’m sorry you had to see that. I didn’t want it to happen.”
“Of course, you did.” I laughed sardonically at his audacity. “Why is it that pretentious assholes like you think everyone around them is expendable? I saw the kiss Jacks. You didn’t exactly push her away. It only ended when you feared being discovered.”
“Fuck.” He brushed a hand through his hair, ruffling the brown locks.
“I mean, does money and status r
eally mean that much to you?”
“You know what I went through when I lost my parents. You understand all too well how hard it is to survive on next to nothing,” he countered defiantly.
“Yeah, I do, but I let my experience define me. I didn’t let it break me,” I snapped.
“I was going to tell you about New York. I just hadn’t gotten a chance yet.”
“And when exactly did you plan on telling me?”
“I—”
“Oh, I see. So, a phone call from the plane then? Very classy.”
He took a step closer, his hands outstretched. “I would never do that to you,” he breathed.
“You would if Elise asked you to.”
“I care about her. She and I have a history together. I can’t just pretend like she means nothing to me.”
“But you can do that to me?”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to. Your actions took care of the job for you—loud and clear.” I brushed away a stray tear, praying my composure would last. “You want to know what your real problem is?” I laughed slightly, shaking my head. “You’re too much of a fucking coward to let someone know you. Letting people in terrifies you, so you compartmentalize every part of your life.” By now, my voice had garnered some curious glances from people passing by. “What’s the plan? Marry Elise and show her off like a trophy. Use her to help advance your career while you keep Kate and I on the side for your own fucking amusement?”
“You know I would never do that,” he asserted.
“Wake the fuck up! You’re doing it right now. Instead of growing a pair and telling the CEO in New York his offer is beneath you, you’re acting like a little puppet and doing everything they expect of you.”
“Is that really how you see me?” He took two more steps forward. “Because if any of the things you said were true, I wouldn’t be telling you this . . . I think I love you.” His hand reached out to touch my wrist.
“You think?” I smacked his hand away, glaring at him with so much hatred, combustion was inevitable. “Seriously, you think?” I waited for him to reply, but when he remained silent, I continued with my tirade. “When you tell someone you love them, you don’t preface it with the words ‘I think.’” My voice grew louder, but I really didn’t care. “If you loved me, you wouldn’t have to think about it. You’d just know. And . . . ” I sucked in a deep breath willing myself to continue. “If you loved me, you wouldn’t toss me aside like a piece of trash, so you can move to New York with your ex.”