by Ava Harrison
“What do you propose, Bailey?”
“Give him something to stay . . . habit-free for.”
I consider her words. Isn’t that exactly what I’m doing for her? I know there is a greater chance that the stress from the position she’s wanting to place him in could cause the adverse effect. He could start using more.
“Bailey, addicts turn to drugs to escape the hardships of life. His role of managing New York laborers would be rough. Don’t you think we’d be throwing him to the wolves?”
“I don’t need you to tell me how addicts work, Drew.”
Her fire drives me crazy.
My hands lift. “I’m not trying to educate you, Bailey. I’m only trying to consider Carter. I gave him the job at Silver to get him away from the slum bar where he had been working. It was the place that caused his current habits,” I offer in explanation. For some reason, at this moment, I want to level with Bailey. I want to tell her all of my secrets, and that is no good.
“Listen, I’ve known Carter for a very long time,” I admit. “We had mutual friends, and Carter became one of mine. I watched his downward spiral and did nothing, Bailey. Silver might not be the best place for him, but it’s safer than where he was. There, I can keep an eye on him. I can try to help.”
Her face softens. “So, imagine how good an actual restaurant job would be for him,” she says, almost pleading.
“But if he’s working daytime hours, that gives him too much time at night, Bailey. That’s why I try to keep him busy through the typical party hours. He’s less likely to use if he’s busy and tired.”
She blows out a harsh breath. “True. I never thought of that.” She gives a bit. “Can’t we give him the chance? Maybe with a more reliable income and more responsibility, he’ll have reasons not to use?”
I consider her points. Essentially, working this muscle job—as Bailey calls it—would be the perfect prelude to manager. And I have to admit, Carter would be excellent, assuming he remains sober. That would also keep him busy during the evening hours, and as far as income goes, he couldn’t make that kind of money anywhere else.
“Okay. He’s got one chance,” I say, and she smiles wild. “But you need to get him started on his recovery before the work begins.”
She nods her head. “How long do I have?”
“One month.”
She reaches across the table and places her hands on top of mine.
“Thank you, Drew. This means . . . everything.”
The feel of her skin on mine, coupled with the unearned reverence in her voice, has my body locking up. My eyes scan her face unabashedly, and a crimson blush sweeps across her cheeks. Her eyelashes flutter as her eyes cast downward, signaling she’s embarrassed by my perusal.
“Bailey, look at me.” My voice is hoarse as I try to control my basal reactions to this woman.
Her head tilts so that her azure eyes once again meet mine, and I smile.
“It’s your job to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. If you truly believe he’s the right person, I trust you. The best way to thank me is to make sure he doesn’t screw it up.”
She doesn’t say anything, but I can see the brief hesitation. She knows that what she’s promising means putting a lot of faith in someone she doesn’t really know all that well. The fact that she’s so determined speaks for the kind of person she is. Her heart is big, and she’s loyal—two characteristics that mean everything.
My phone rings, and I look down to see it’s my attorney, Ralph, calling.
“Excuse me for one moment,” I say to Bailey.
“Ralph, what can I do for you?”
“Drew,” he says by way of greeting. “That other property you’ve had your eye on is rumored to be hitting the market within the month. If you want this, you need to get a head start.”
“Can you book me a table for two tonight?”
“Since when did I become your secretary?” Ralph chuckles.
“Since I agreed to give you double your fee if you make this happen.”
“Consider it done,” he says before hanging up.
“I’m afraid I need to cut our day short. I have an urgent matter to attend to. Feel free to stay and order lunch. Have them add it to my tab,” I say, standing.
Bailey stands too. “Actually, I have some of my own business to attend to. Thank you anyway.”
We walk side by side through the restaurant until we’re out on the street.
“Allow me to call you a car,” I offer, but she shakes her head.
“I’ll be fine, Drew. When and where should I be next?”
A slight gust of wind blows between the buildings, and Bailey’s long, dark hair flutters around her head. A stray strand whips across her face, and without thinking, I step forward, running my hand across her cheek and placing the errant strand behind her ear. Her intake of breath lets me know I’m not the only one affected.
“Apparently, this is becoming our thing,” I say, smiling as I remember when I did the same thing at Silver.
Her lips part and cheeks darken, and it takes everything in me not to lean forward and capture her mouth with mine. She swallows, and my heart skips a beat.
She steps back, breaking the connection. “You better go,” she says, smiling awkwardly.
Every voice in my head is screaming to let her walk away because this can only end badly. Our demons from the past would have a field day with this. But for some reason, no matter how much I know I shouldn’t pursue this, pursue her, my mouth still opens.
“Tonight,” I say, and she frowns. “I need you to work with me tonight. The phone call was my attorney, and he was giving me the inside scoop that a restaurant I’ve been eyeing could be bought. I need to scope the place out tonight, and I’d like your help.”
“Dinner?” she says skeptically. “Is that a good idea?”
“Work, but yes, we’ll be having dinner.”
She bites that bottom lip, and I clench my fists to keep myself from reaching out to her.
“I’ll pick you up at eight. You’ll want to wear a cocktail dress.”
She winces. “I don’t exactly have a cocktail dress.”
I reach into my pocket and pull out a wad of one-hundred-dollar bills. Not bothering to count it, I extend the money to Bailey.
“I’m not taking your money,” she says, appalled.
“It’s a business expense, Bailey. For the job you’ll have to do, you’ll need a new wardrobe. My accountant will get with you on all that tomorrow with the rest of your paperwork. I’ll have him add this to the mix.”
She doesn’t look convinced, but when she finally reaches out to take it, she stumbles. I grab her hand, and without thinking, I pull her toward me to steady her.
She squeaks as her body meets mine.
Her head tilts up so that our eyes meet, and I can see the desire there. No matter how hard she tries to deny it, it was definitely there.
I know I need to let her go now that she is steady, but with her tucked in my arms, I can’t seem to.
“Drew.”
The way she says my name, breathy and wanton, makes me swallow hard.
“We . . . we can’t,” she says, turning her head as she battles with her own emotions.
My hand goes under her chin and pulls her gaze back to mine.
Her breath hitches, and her chin quivers at our proximity. She stares at me, then takes the lead and does us both a favor by stepping backward.
I had no damn business offering anything to Bailey. She’s smart to step back.
“I need to go,” she says, holding her hand up to signal a cab. “I have a lot to process, and I can’t think right now,” she admits.
“Bailey, I—”
She cuts me off. “No. Please . . . don’t say anything more, Drew. I’ll see you tonight,” she says, before opening the door to the cab that has just pulled up in front of her.
“I’ll be there at eight.”
She offers a small smile that
I’m taking as an olive branch. I return it with a smile and a nod as she lowers herself into the cab and drives off, leaving me to contemplate what the hell I’ve just done.
17
Bailey
Since I never ate earlier, I decide to grab lunch from a corner bistro near my sister’s law firm.
It’s a ballsy move popping in on her at work after what happened between us at the club, but I really need to see her, and this is the one place she can’t really avoid me without making yet another scene.
“Hi, Bailey,” Sarah, the receptionist greets pleasantly, clearly not being in the know that I’m currently on the outs with Harper. That or the girl has a future in theater. With her porcelain skin and silky brown hair, she’d be perfect. I shake my head, trying to concentrate on the reason I’m here.
“Is Harp around?” I ask, lifting the paper bags to show I brought an impromptu lunch.
She smiles. “She is, and she’s currently free. Go on back.”
“Thanks,” I say, making my way down the hall to Harper’s corner office.
I slow because as much as I tried to convince myself that everything is normal, and this is just our regular monthly lunch date, I know damn well I’m the last person she wants to see. This is going to be awkward as hell, and in truth, no matter how close I am to my sister, I’m not ready for this.
Her door is cracked, and her head is bent over her desk, reading a document. I rap my knuckles on the door two times, and she looks up. When she realizes it’s me, she frowns, and my shoulders sag.
“Can I come in?” I ask, lifting the paper bags once more. “An olive branch.”
Her lips form a straight line, but she nods, giving me permission to enter. I shut the door behind me, creeping toward her desk slowly.
“What are you doing here, Bailey?”
I sigh. “I came to talk. I knew you wouldn’t answer your door if I went there.”
“You’re right,” she admits, and I want to cry.
Having my sister, who’s always been my biggest supporter, not want to see me, tears me up inside.
“I needed a job, Harper. I had to quit the office.”
“You said that.” She sits back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “But you never did say why.”
I sit in the chair across from her and spill all the sordid details. When I’m done, she clucks her tongue and unfolds her arms.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I wanted to take care of myself, Harper. And you and I both know you would’ve wanted to press charges, and honestly, I can’t handle that.”
She doesn’t say anything for several minutes. Her eyes never leave my face, and I begin to fidget under her intense stare.
“Why did you get Cal involved?”
I blow out a harsh breath. “I knew he had connections to Drew. I’d gotten my third eviction notice and was starting to panic. Silver is one of the hottest clubs in the city. I knew I’d be able to get back on my feet very quickly,” I say, and before she can cut me off, I dive back in. “And I know I can handle it, Harper. It’s been two years.”
“Let’s pretend you aren’t an addict.”
“Former,” I snap.
“Semantics, Bailey, and you know it,” she says, not kindly. “That still doesn’t answer why you’d go behind my back and put Cal and me at odds with each other. We’ve already had problems, Bailey. You only made it worse.”
I cringe at that knowledge. I didn’t have a clue they were in a bad place.
“He was my last hope,” I whisper.
“You should’ve come to me,” she says, slamming her hands down on the desk and causing me to jump. “Dammit, Bailey,” she says, running her hand through her hair roughly. “I just . . . can’t do this right now, okay?”
I nod my head vigorously, trying hard to stave off the tears threatening to fall.
Harper’s face softens slightly, and she says, “Give me some time.”
I stand, placing her lunch on her desk and turn to leave, but she calls out.
“Bailey.” I turn back toward her. “Are you still working at Silver?”
“Not exactly. As of this morning, I’m Drew’s assistant. He removed me from the bar and has me managing the operations of two restaurants he’s looking to open.”
Her brow raises. “Are you sleeping with him?”
“No!” I snap.
“Then why the hell would he try so hard to keep you under his thumb? What other reason would he have to make you his project manager? You don’t have experience with that, Bailey.”
I stand taller. “Maybe he believes in me.”
She scoffs. “Drew doesn’t do nice things for anyone. Don’t delude yourself.” She shakes her head. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m really angry, but as mad as I am at you, I’m not being fair.” She lowers her head. “No matter Drew’s reasons, what he’s done for you is huge. He’s removed you from possible temptations and given you a chance to really make something of yourself. You won’t even need a degree with this on your résumé. It’s a gift, and as much as I don’t like Drew, as long as he keeps his hands to himself, what he’s done for you is a good thing.”
I nod. “I won’t mess it up.” I walk toward the door, and before I leave, I turn my head back to my sister. “When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here.”
She doesn’t say anything, so I let myself out.
Before leaving my sister, I texted Carter to meet me. I was pretty vague with details, but I figure once I get him to where I’m going, it’ll be worth it. As I round the corner, Carter’s tall and lean body comes into view. Lifting my hand, I give a little wave and pick up my pace.
“Hey.” I lean up on my tiptoes and place a kiss on his stubbly cheek.
“You wanted to meet. What’s going on?” His eyebrows knit together, and he points at the church behind us.
“I thought maybe you’d want to come with me.”
His eyes dart back at me, the line thickening between his brow.
“What the fuck is this, Bailey?” he huffs out.
“You asked for help, Carter. I told you I would.”
He lifts a hand to silence me. “I asked for help? That’s not what went down.”
“After what I witnessed, Carter, yes. You need help.”
“God, a bit presumptuous, don’t you think? It was one slip, Bailey. If I needed or wanted help, I’d ask, thank you very much.” He folds his arms protectively across his chest. “I’m not an addict. I can stop. It’s not like I need it.”
The words ring so clear to me. It feels like ice crashing through my veins at the stark reminder of what I once was and how he doesn’t see it. But I know better than anyone that until you see yourself for what you really are, and the problems you really have, you will never be open to help.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. Clearly, you don’t need it. I was wrong.” I turn on my heels and walk toward the church, leaving him behind.
“Hey, wait,” he calls out, but I don’t stop.
He grabs my elbow and stops me, spinning me on my heel. I level him with my best what can I do for you expression.
“Stop, Bae. We need to talk about this.”
“Talk about what? I misunderstood the situation, Carter. I thought you wanted to completely quit, but I see you don’t have an addiction, so no need for help.” I turn and take a couple of steps before turning back to him. “Drew knows you’re using at the club.”
His face went pale before anger took over. “You told him?” he accuses, looking as though steam is about to come out of his ears.
I frown. “You might not know me that well, Carter, but I thought we were friends. You should know I would never rat out a friend. He knows all on his own. You sneaking around isn’t as undercover as you thought.”
With a little shake of the head, he replaces his thin lips with a practiced smile. “I’m sorry, Bae, we’re cool.” He shuffles on his feet before speaking his fear out loud. “Is he going to fire
me?”
I shrug. “No clue. He gave me permission to offer you a huge promotion, but it came with the stipulation you get clean first.” I level him with a stare. “But since you don’t think you have a problem, I don’t see how that promotion is going to work. I can’t hire you and have him catch you using. I have to be able to depend on whoever I appoint to this position.”
“A promotion? Seriously?” he asks, looking at the ground.
“Yeah, but like I said, I’m not sure it’s going to work.”
He looks at the ominous church standing beside us and then peers into the city traffic.
Flashes of colors rush by as the traffic flows. Lifting his left wrist to his line of sight, he checks the time on his watch.
“I actually have some time. I have some stuff to do before work, but if you wanna go in, I’ll join you.”
I gnaw at my upper lip as I gauge his behavior. I hope he’s not just doing this to appease me. I can’t stand the idea of losing my only friend, but if he isn’t ready to get help, this won’t work. “You’re sure that’s what you want? It can’t be about a promotion, Carter. It has to be because you want to change your life.”
“I do. This whole thing just caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting it.”
“I get that, but if I’d have told you before, would you have actually shown up?”
That’s the issue. I should’ve told him. The bottom line, if he wasn’t ready, that should’ve been my sign that this morning was born of the embarrassment about last night. Every addict was eventually able to shake that off and brush their behavior under the rug so that they could use another day.
“Yeah, totally.”
I frown, not buying that at all. He’s doing this solely for the promotion, which isn’t the right reason. But he’s here, and maybe attending the meeting will help convince him to finally take that leap. I can only hope the combination of a meeting and a promotion will do the trick, though it’s unlikely.
“Then let’s go,” I say.
“Love ya, beautiful,” he says as he leans in and presses a kiss to my forehead. “I promise, I’ll try.”