by Lacey Silks
So far Mr. Wagner was not living up to my expectation of a jerk and a merciless man. I reached out to shake his hand, but instead, he lowered his lips and kissed my hand just above my knuckles, forcing a shade of bashfulness to my cheeks.
Frank Wagner was an older version of his sons. Tall and fit, the silver head of hair added an extra ounce of sexiness. I never thought I’d be attracted to a man his age, but if Axel aged anything like him, I’d be one lucky woman. There was a hint of youth sparkling from his persona.
“It’s nice to meet you too. I see where Axel gets his charm.”
“Ouch, that’s a direct stab in the heart,” another man said. He looked like Axel, and I assumed it was one of his brothers.
Axel leaned in, saying, “Trish, this is my brother Cash and his fiancé, Skyler.”
“Hello.” I waved to the couple.
The gorgeous woman smiled at me. “Hi! Don’t be intimidated by all this. I always feel out of place.”
She looked like she belonged here more than I did.
“Sky grew up on a farm before moving to New York,” Axel whispered.
He pulled out my chair, and I sat down beside Sky.
“What made you decide to move to New York?”
“To make a long story short, a disturbed man who ruined my life. But he’s gone now and I met Cash, so I’m very lucky.”
I had a feeling that the Wagner brothers had a reputation of rescuing their women from awful men.
“We’re the lucky ones,” Beth reached out and squeezed Sky’s hand.
A waiter came to our table and poured everyone a glass of wine. The music quieted and the remaining guests took their seats. We listened to the introductory speeches while appetizers were served. Mr. Wagner took a few photos of the guests with his phone, which I found odd because no one else was taking pictures, but I guessed when you were a Wagner, you didn’t live by the same rules. The toasted canapés with crème fraîche and caviar, smoked salmon on dark bread with dill, cream cheese and capers, as well as gazpacho shots topped with shrimp skewers, were all delicious.
If this was the introduction to tonight’s dinner, then I was afraid I would leave with an extra five pounds. The speeches continued for another hour, though, and my stomach had a chance to settle. In fact, by the time entrées were served, my stomach was demanding more.
When I listened to the few organ recipients tell their stories, including how they had reunited with their donors’ families, I felt my chest tighten. Would I ever be strong enough to reach out to my donor’s family? Axel took my hand underneath the table and squeezed it in support.
Once dinner was finished, the band began to play louder. The first few brave couples took to the floor as Axel’s phone rang.
“Excuse me. I won’t be long.” He stepped away from the table. As I watched him retreat into the hallway, Mr. Wagner asked, “Would you like to dance?”
Startled, I felt my mouth open and close like a guppy’s. Certain that Mr. Wagner was a man who almost never heard the word no, I replied, “Yes, of course.”
I took his hand and he led me to the center of the dance floor. It was a slower tune, for which I was grateful, because my long dress wouldn’t allow for much more movement. Mr. Wagner was light on his feet and led like a professional. In my mind, I secretly thanked my mom for putting Chloe and me through a few years of ballet and jazz. At least I could feel the rhythm.
“So, Patricia. Why did you abandon your family?”
What? No one had called me by my full name since I’d left home. And where was this question coming from? The walls felt like they were closing in on me, and I found it difficult to breathe. From that look on his face, if I was reading him correctly, I knew this was just the start of a conversation I didn’t want to have.
“Excuse me?”
“It’s a simple question. How many years has it been since you left, Patricia? And do you plan on abandoning your family forever? As you can see, I’m a family man, and so far it looks like someone like you wouldn’t fit in well among the Wagners.”
It looked like Mr. Wagner wanted to live up to that title of jerk before the song was over. I wanted to say something, but nothing would come out of my mouth. He waited patiently until I composed my thoughts.
“You know my father, don’t you?”
“I’m a lawyer, he’s a lawyer. We mingle. We have a similar circle of friends. To be honest with you, I’m surprised he isn’t here tonight.”
“Oh, my God.”
“This evening would have gone wrong if he’d come, wouldn’t it?””
“You live in different cities. How can this be?”
“It’s a small world. We represent similar clients. You should know that. You knew your father dealt with the elite.”
“I thought you were retired.”
“I still get called for my expertise. But I’ve known Don for years. He’s a good man, so I’m assuming you must have a good explanation for leaving your family like that.”
“How did you recognize me?”
“He showed me a picture of his daughters once. I’m a man who never forgets a beautiful face, and when I saw you with Axel, I sent him your photograph to confirm.”
“Have you told them where I am?”
“No. But I did tell them you’re safe and that I’m keeping my eye on you. He made me promise to send you home to visit.”
“Not that I would out of pressure, but I was planning on doing so next weekend.”
“That’s good, then.”
“Are you satisfied now?”
“Patricia—”
“—Please, it’s Trish.”
“Trish, I don’t make it my job to stick my nose in other people’s business, but I do when it involves my family.” He looked at me as if he knew me my entire life and as if I were part of his family. It was the weirdest feeling I had tonight. “People don’t disappear without a reason. You look like a smart woman, and I know that your father made sure you were educated, so that job as a waitress is only a cover up.”
How did he know where I worked? Had Axel told him?
“So whatever the reason for abandoning your family is, or whoever caused you to leave them, please know that if you need any help, you can count on me.”
“Why are you being nice?”
“For my son and grandson. They adore you. I know that you’ll be part of their lives for a long time, and I wouldn’t want their hearts to be broken.”
“Thank you. But just so you know, I would never do anything to hurt them.”
“There’s more, Trish.” His voice vibrated slightly. “I knew your sister.”
By this time my heart was hammering in my chest. What else would he throw at me this evening?
“How?”
“It’s not important, but I’m sorry for your loss. I must also insist that you see your family as soon as possible. Don’t wait until next weekend. I can have a plane ready for you at any moment.”
What was happening here?
“Thank you but that won’t be necessary. I can take the train.”
“If you’re afraid of flying, I can have you chauffeured. Miles is one of my best drivers, with a clean record.”
Why did I get the feeling that Mr. Wagner’s safety concern was over-warranted? And why did he care so much?
“Don’t take this as an order or me trying to meddle in your life, but take it as advice from a good friend. And just so you know, Beth is aware of this conversation. If you doubt me, have a chat with her.”
I looked her way, and she nodded in our direction. The expression on her face confirmed what Mr. Wager had said. And just like that, I heard Axel’s voice. “May I cut in?”
“Of course.” His father kissed my hand and handed me off to his son. Dazed and confused, I watched him walk away.
“Should I be jealous?”
“What? Why?”
“My father had you in his grip as if you were his, and all the men have been staring at you since the
moment you walked through that door.” He pushed against me, his hard front grinding against my stomach.
Oh, my. He was getting harder with each step we took and each sway of my hips.
“Of course you shouldn’t be jealous. As a matter of fact, your father was very polite.”
“Then maybe you were dancing with the wrong person. My father never takes a liking to any woman my brothers date. What kind of magic did you use on him?”
“No magic.”
“I guess he sees in you the same thing that I do.”
“And that is?” I smiled.
“A charmingly beautiful woman who keeps stealing my heart.”
My knees softened.
“Hey, are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, just a little weak. It got a little emotional, seeing all the work that goes into organ donation. It’s an amazing cause. Thank you for bringing me here.” I traced my finger down the middle of my chest, feeling the scar hidden underneath the fabric.
“Do you want to go home?”
Home. Which home? Axel’s? My newly furnished apartment I hadn’t yet been to? My family home in West Virginia?
“No, please. This evening is important.”
“Come, let’s get out of here for a moment, okay?”
“Sounds good.”
He led me out to the hallway and we sat on one of the couches. On the way out, Axel grabbed a glass of water for me, for which I was grateful.
And just as I calmed down and thought about asking Axel to go visit my family this weekend instead of the next, I heard a familiar voice.
“Axel Wagner. Just the man I was looking for.”
I realized that my evening was about to take a turn for the worse.
Chapter 15
The entire world collapsed around me as my body stiffened into an ice statue.
“Jack Powers. It’s good to see you. I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.” Axel stood up and shook Jack’s hand. All the blood I had in my body drained as I somewhat hid behind Axel’s frame. Maybe he hadn’t seen me? What if I just got up and left for the bathroom? I could explain to Axel later that it was an emergency.
But it was already too late. Axel turned and pointed to me, “This is Trish Summers, my girlfriend.”
I kept my head lowered, praying there was a slight possibility that Jack was suffering from amnesia. I stood up, but as Jack reached out to shake my hand I grasped both my hands around Axel’s arm so that I wouldn’t have to touch him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Trish,” he said.
I nodded to his reply and felt Axel’s wariness increase when I didn’t return the handshake.
Why was Jack pretending that he didn’t know me? Wait…maybe that was a good idea? There was no way I was ready to explain our acquaintance to Axel, but I couldn’t understand what kind of game Jack was trying to play. Meeting him here put my body into shock, and I wasn’t about to have a conversation with the man who’d ruined my life. What was he doing in New York, anyway? Not that I kept tabs on him, but I would have sworn that Jack would have followed his father’s footsteps into Congress. It was an easy way in, and for a douchebag like him, it was a no brainer.
“I don’t mean to mix business tonight, but you know my property on Fifth Avenue?”
He had property here?
“You mean the one I’ve been trying to convince you to sell?”
“The penthouse floor will be vacant as of next weekend. This would be a perfect time to list it.”
“I’m going out of town then.” He looked at me.
“No, Axel, it’s okay.” I hadn’t had a chance to tell him that after the conversation I had with his father, I had decided to go back home this Sunday.
“You’ve been waiting for this for over a year, Axel, just like I have. I can’t miss this market, and if you can’t list it, I’m sure there are other reputable companies.” Jack’s gaze was fixed on me, as if trying to figure out what I was doing here with Axel.
“Trish, I thought—”
“—It’s okay. My plans have changed as well, so you’re good.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, absolutely.” His phone rang, and when he looked at the display, he said, “I’m sorry, but I have to take this. Will you keep Trish company for me?”
No, no, no! I couldn’t stay here alone with him.
“It’ll be my pleasure,” Jack said. As soon as Axel turned around, Jack got that look in his eyes I recognized all too well. A sly smile from the son-of-a-bitch curved each corner of his mouth.
“Well, well. How long has it been, Trish?”
“Apparently not long enough.”
“Oh, come on. We should let bygones be bygones.”
Once you pay for your sins the way I have been the past five years.
“Are you still at NASA? My father received significant backing from a CEO contributing to one of your projects.”
“No, I work at a restaurant now.”
“What? What happened?”
You.
He didn’t even wait for my answer— not that I owed him an explanation. “With your education and background, I was sure you’d be paving a driveway to a multi-million dollar mansion by now. I guess you’ve opted to go for the easy kill with Axel.”
Was he suggesting that I was a gold-digger? Fucking asshole!
“Things have changed.” I sipped on my water, trying to ignore him. Jack lifted the whiskey he was holding to his lips and sipped.
“Yeah, I’m sorry to hear about Chloe.”
“Are you, Jack? Her death meant a clean slate for you, didn’t it?”
His face twisted before turning a new shade of red. But Jack composed himself, set the glass he was holding on a side table, and crossed his arms over his chest in defiance.
“Don’t be stupid, Trish. I didn’t do anything.”
We both knew that was a lie. Jack was hiding something else, though, and I wondered what it was. He seemed nervous.
“What are you doing in New York?” I asked.
“Business. I’m here a few times every month.”
“So, you’re not following daddy’s footsteps into Congress?”
His expression did that funny thing again, but he cleared his throat, leaned his head to the side as if cracking his neck, and smiled. He ignored my question before saying, “It’s nice to see you again, Trish. Time has done you well.”
Jack appeared as arrogant as he had been back at school – a confident prick with too much money stuck up his ass and no worries about the consequences of his actions.
“You didn’t tell Axel that we know each other. Why?” I asked him. Of course it was to my benefit as well, because while I was ready to tell Axel about my past, I couldn’t do it here, tonight. Not with Jack in between us, at least.
“I figured there was a reason why you disappeared. And obviously you didn’t seem keen on telling your new boyfriend that you know me. So, why the secrecy? I overheard my father say that your parents were worried about you.”
I knew from experience that Jack was a master manipulator, and he was trying to flip the tables on me. I was not the bad guy. I wasn’t the one who had forced my sister on that pool table, held her legs spread open and hands together in a tight grip as one after another, the frat guys raped her. Jack had been the last one to finish. And that was the tame part my sister had written me about in a letter. I had led her downstairs to that pit of hell, and I would never forgive myself for that.
Seeing Jack here now, all those feelings of guilt and hate for him began to surface again. And why did I have the feeling that Jack had more secrets than there were fleas on a stray dog? What else was he hiding?
“The only secret I have is the one I should have told to the whole world, after what you did to my sister.”
He took a step closer, this time without an effort to camouflage his oncoming anger.
“You better not start spreading any lies about me, Trish, the way Chloe did.” He wa
s only a breath away from me, towering above me. His eyes shone with annoyance as the violent temper I recognized glossed over. “Look what happened to her.”
What the hell?
Was that a threat? “What did you do?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Chloe was in a car accident. You drove off the cliff. She drowned in that car because of you. I always wondered what she was trying to say to you before she disappeared underwater.”
“How do you know all the details?”
He shrugged. “I’m guessing, Trish. I’ve seen the newspaper articles. The reporters were very thorough in covering the death of the daughter to one of the best lawyers in Washington.”
And I knew very well that my father had ensured privacy, and there were a few general reports only — all approved by the family before the papers went to print, and none containing the details Jack was aware of.
My heart was hammering in my chest to the point it was hurting. I turned around to leave, but Jack grasped my wrist. “If things don’t work out with Wagner, I still have the same number. You were always the one I wanted anyway, not your sister.”
I think I’d rather be buried alive.
I ripped my hand away without replying just as I saw Axel turn the corner. I hurried toward him, trying to appear as composed as possible.
“Hey, everything all right?” he asked.
“Yes, Jack had to go take care of business.”
“And leave a lady all on her own? That’s not polite. I’m gonna have a word with him.”
“It’s all right. He didn’t strike me as someone you would hang out with anyway.”
“That’s because we don’t hang out. We do business from time to time, that’s all.”
I held onto Axel’s arm as he led me through the hallway that surrounded the entire ballroom. I didn’t like him and Jack doing business together, and wondered just how well they knew each other. Curiosity as to why Jack wasn’t working for his father was twitching in the back of my brain.
“So, how long have you two known each other?” I asked.
“A while, I guess. I’m pretty sure we met just before Trevor was born.”