Law Of Attraction

by Darlene Fredette

  “I wanted to tell her the complete truth.” Steven held up his hands. “The timing just hasn’t been good.”

  Tanya tapped her foot. “What were you waiting for? You had enough time to charm your way back into her life. Were you waiting until after you had sex to tell her the truth?”

  Dread knotted her stomach “Can someone tell me what’s going on here?” Christina glanced from her sister to Steven.

  Tanya opened her mouth to speak.

  But Steven reached out and touched Tanya’s arm. “Please, let me explain everything to Christina. Just give us a few minutes alone.”

  “And have you twist the truth? Not happening.” She shook away his arm. “I didn’t think my sister would give you a second look, but she somehow let you manage to break her down. When she learns why you had her fired, she’d better kick your sorry butt to the curb.”

  Heart pounding double-time, Christina held a breath, waiting for the bomb to hit.

  Chapter Seventeen

  His whole plan hit rock-bottom. The rug had been pulled from under him and he fell hard. Steven’s hopeful new beginning was about to become a dreadful ending. “Christina, I wanted to tell you the truth and I tried many times, but something always got in the way.”

  “Excuses already?” Tanya’s sarcasm choked the air from the room. “Trust and honesty are important to my sister.”

  “Most definitely.” Christina nodded. “But do I really need to go through this now? I’d like to put the past behind me.”

  “You need to know the truth.” Tanya dragged her sister across the room to sit on the sofa. “Steven saw you with another man. His jealous rage is what got you fired. He told your boss you were sleeping your way to the top with this other guy…and with him.”

  Her entire body went still, then Christina’s face paled and tears misted her eyes.

  Steven felt his heart break. He stared at the floor. He couldn’t look at her without wanting to pull her into his arms.

  “This can’t be true.” Her voice was a low whisper. “I told you I would never do such a thing, and you said you believed in me.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Guilt hit him hard in the gut. He waited for her to meet his gaze and slowly his hands fisted. Steven was ready and deserved the wrath he was about to receive, but the fear of rejection terrorized him. He dreaded that at the end of his trial, he would be laughed at by the jury.

  ****

  Christina stood and lifted his chin to face her. “Sorry? That’s all you have to say?” She always wondered why he had been so ruthless that morning…after the night they had spent together. “You had me fired for something so stupid. Your error could have ruined my career. Did you know your actions almost caused me to fail the bar exam? I was so distraught, I couldn’t think straight.”

  “I acted without thinking.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I should have confronted Ben first. Once I knew the truth, I contacted management and explained I had made a terrible error in judgment.”

  “Ben?” She cocked her head to one side.

  “I had promised not to do anything about the promotion, but went to the office to put in a good word for you.” Shaking his head, he held up his hand. “I know, you didn’t need my help.” Steven ran his hand through his hair. “When I arrived, I saw you and Ben kissing, and assumed the worst. I confronted Ben after I accused you of sexual advancement. Ben said he was into you, but you didn’t return his feelings. He also knew you were in the lead for the promotion. He was determined the position would be his.” He growled out an oath. “One of the other staff members had to pull me off of him.”

  Christina rested her head in her hands, massaging her temples. “Not that I ever would, but if I had been desperate enough to consider climbing the ladder that way, I wouldn’t have chosen Ben.” She glanced up, biting her lower lip. “Did he bother to tell you he forced himself on me?” The shocked expression shadowing his face gave her great pleasure. “I told Ben I wasn’t interested, but he grabbed me and kissed me. If you’d have stayed a bit longer, you would have seen me push him away and threaten to expose his behavior if he ever came near me again.”

  She pushed away his reaching hands.

  “I need to tell you something else.”

  His stare pleaded, but she lifted her chin, resolved for this confrontation to be over. “No. I don’t want to talk to you.” She walked by him and opened the door, waving her hand for him to leave. “I’ve had enough. I’m done. Get out of my house…and my life.”

  Steven hesitated.

  With determined moves, Tanya stood and pushed him out, slamming the door behind him.

  Tears streamed down Christina’s cheeks.

  Tanya held her hand and guided her to the sofa. “I’m so sorry you had to find out this way. I should have talked to you after I spoke with Brian.”

  “What are the chances Steven would be Brian’s brother?” Christina laughed through the sobs and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

  “When I first met Steven, I thought he was so nice.”

  “Please don’t change your original opinion of him because of my past.” She didn’t wish for her sister to have animosity toward Steven. Her sister was about to become part of his family. “I’m sure he has always been sincere with you.”

  Tanya flopped back against the sofa cushions. “How can you defend him after what he put you through?”

  Unbelievable! “Weren’t you the one who told me five years ago to put on my big girl panties and get over him?”

  Tanya smiled, but kept patting her hand.

  “Well, I’ll dig them out of the dresser and wear them again.” Lying, but worth the effort to remove Tanya’s worry.

  “What is going on between you and Steven now? I want the truth.”

  “I should have told you about Steven when I saw him at Brian’s parents.” Guilt rested heavy on her shoulders. “I had agreed to pretend we didn’t know each other to avoid family issues during your wedding. I thought I could handle him.”

  “According to what I saw on the doorstep a moment ago, you were handling him quite well.” Tanya paused, eyebrow raised. “How serious is it?”

  Christina didn’t respond, knowing her facial expression would reveal her emotions. Her feelings were too strong to hide.

  “Oh no.”

  “You’d think I’d learn.” She wanted to cry, but had expended enough tears over Steven. She was a fool to think they could move forward without fully understanding what had happened in the past. “How do I get over loving him—a second time?”

  Unfortunately, Tanya didn’t have an answer other than a tight hug.

  A day later, their bags were packed and they were ready to go. With only a day before the wedding, Tanya was excited to return home. They hadn’t spoken Steven’s name since the night Christina learned the truth. Tanya insisted the focus be on her and her wedding.

  Needing to privately think about her own future, Christina agreed.

  Trevor greeted them at the airport, having an hour free before his next flight. “Tanya looks relaxed for a bride-to-be,” he said after Tanya excused herself to go to the washroom.

  “Getting away from the wedding preparations was the best medicine, for her and Brian’s mother.” Christina laughed. “How are you? It’s been a few days since we talked.”

  “I couldn’t be better, and my happiness is all thanks to you. I asked my waitress friend out to lunch yesterday, and we had a great time. I’m thinking of asking her to accompany me to the wedding.”

  At least someone is happy. She squeezed his arm. “That’s great.”

  “And…” He hesitated. “I’m meeting with Steven after my last flight today.”

  “Really?” She raised a brow.

  “He called this morning. I wanted to tell him where he could stick his apology, but I remembered what you said about giving him a chance.”

  Had she really said that? She forced a smile. “I’m sure you’ll mend your friendship.”
>
  “If we do, any reconciliation will be because of you.” Trevor kissed her cheek, and then headed to the restaurant.

  Brian was waiting when the plane landed. Christina was thankful for her sister’s intervention with the wedding when he questioned Christina’s silence during the drive home.

  At the house, she retreated to the solitude of her room, claiming a headache. Tanya hadn’t left her side and as much as she appreciated her sister’s concern, she wanted to be alone. The fake smiles and pretence were taking a toll. Five years ago, she had fallen hard for Steven, and then after his betrayal, she insisted the turmoil of emotions couldn’t have been love. Spending time with him and sharing kisses reawakened the intense love she had locked away.

  Their past and present had been filled with games and misunderstandings. She had placed the complete blame on Steven, while deep down knowing her hands were also dirty. She should have taken his calls and listened, instead she had given up on him…and them—which she was doing again. Sadness engulfed her over their seemingly doomed relationship.

  With the need to stay busy, Christina offered to pick up the dresses from the boutique so Tanya would be home when their parents arrived. She chatted with Claude for a bit before heading back to the car. As she placed the dresses carefully across the back seat and closed the door, she noticed a renovated, brick building in the next block. The silver sign above the door read, Petersons’ Law Firm.

  Curiosity led her across the street to the business. She squinted to peer through the window. An elegant reception area was completely furnished with a large oak desk, dark brown carpeting, ivory painted walls, and several wing-back chairs with a brown-and-ivory upholstered design. Three rooms filtered off a small hallway. Heart racing with realization, she stepped backward, stumbling on the sidewalk. This was Steven’s new firm.

  The sky darkened above her and droplets of water hit her face. She ran back to the car, staring at the building through the swish of the windshield wipers as she drove away. The cozy office setting made her yearn for a smaller, more intimate practice where she could focus on family related cases other than divorces. Maybe assisting couples in adoption or securing their first home.

  A slow release of tension lifted from her shoulders. Christina couldn’t blame Steven for wanting to leave the big city rat-race when she secretly longed for the same. She wanted to be part of Steven’s future.

  ****

  After catching up with her parents, Christina joined Theresa on the patio. The older woman eyed her with interest.

  “There’s something different about you.” Theresa poured a cup of tea. “You look content.”

  Christina allowed herself to give a sincere smile for the first time in a long while. “A vacation has been long overdue.” Telling the truth felt so good. “Events from the past have haunted me for awhile. I ignored them, instead of facing them head-on.”

  Theresa tapped Christina’s hand. “Dwelling on the past is not healthy. Dawdling only delays the future. Sometimes you have to put yourself out there.”

  “I’m ready to forgive and move on, but I’m scared of the unknown.”

  “Listen to your heart.”

  Wise words. Christina stood and hugged Theresa. “Thank you.”

  As she got dressed for dinner, Christina’s cell phone rang on the nightstand. She checked caller identification. Unknown number. She frowned. “Hello.”

  “Christina?”

  She didn’t recognize the high-pitched voice. “Yes. Who is this?”

  “Rebecca. Rebecca Sharp.”

  Her hand trembled. Hang up! Hang up! “If you’re looking for Steven, you’ve called the wrong number.”

  “I know where he is. I want to talk to you.”

  Curiosity always got the best of her. “What do you want, Rebecca?”

  “I want to tell you that you’re making a big mistake leaving Steven.”

  Arrogant woman. How dare she stick her nose where it wasn’t welcome. “Well, thank you for your concern. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you.”

  “Don’t you dare hang up on me! I didn’t go to all this trouble to track down your assistant and convince her to give me your number for nothing.”

  “I’ll give you another minute.” Christina watched the second hand tick on the clock. “Starting now.”

  “Steven is sexy, smart, and successful. Women fall at is feet, but he pays them no attention. He hasn’t been in a serious relationship since you, and yes, that includes me.”

  Her pulse skipped a beat, but she kept her voice cool. “I’ll file that tidbit of information.” An exasperated sigh came from the other end of the phone.

  “He wants you. He loves you. And you’re a damn fool if you let him go.”

  Her heartbeat raced. “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because he’s my friend, and he’s hurting. You’re breaking his heart. So, he’s made mistakes. No one is perfect. I saw the look on your face when you saw us together. You care, so tell him. Don’t be stupid just to save your foolish pride.”

  As much as she wanted to deny the other woman’s comments, most of them hit home. “My relationship with Steven is not your concern, but thank you for calling.” Christina ended the call and sat on the bed, stretching her weakened legs. She had thought the worst when she saw Steven and Rebecca together, just as Steven had done seeing her with Ben. She slapped a hand to her forehead. They were two peas in a pod.

  Christina had already made a decision about her future after sitting in her car, listening to the pouring rain and staring at Steven’s business, but she was still apprehensive. A small voice deep inside questioned Steven’s true feelings. Was Rebecca telling the truth or messing with her? Christina needed to know.

  ****

  As expected, her parents got along well with Brian’s family, with the exception of one missing member during dinner. Steven’s absence came with an excuse of business commitments, but a reassurance from Theresa promised his arrival tomorrow.

  His nonappearance during dinner and cocktails afterward disappointed Christina. She wanted to talk to him tonight, before she lost her nerve. What was one more day when your future was at risk?

  Her peaceful sleep was broken by a noise outside her bedroom door. She checked the clock, a few minutes before five. Waiting for a knock, she held her breath, but no sound came on the door. The light of an early sunrise shimmered through the curtains. Christina slipped out of bed and opened the door to an empty hallway. Just as she was about to close the door, she spied a single red rose lying on the floor with a small envelope attached. She glanced down the hallway, but saw no one.

  Christina sat on the edge of the bed, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the rose at the tip of her nose. She opened the envelope and unfolded the note inside. Recognizing the handwriting, Christina’s heart skipped a beat.

  Dear Christina,

  My actions are inexcusable and I’m truly sorry for the pain I’ve caused. I wish I could turn back the clock and think before jumping to conclusions. I then destroyed your trust once again by not telling you the truth about the past. I fear I have lost you. You told me to stay out of your life, and I will respect your request, even if doing so causes my heart to break a small amount each passing day.

  Love,

  Steven

  Tears swelled in the corners of her eyes. She folded the noted back into its envelope. Steven was giving up on them, but he was only doing so at her demand. Hopefully, she still had time.

  ****

  The past few hours had been a scurry of people coming and going throughout the house and backyard. Theresa’s garden was transformed into a breath-taking wedding scene. A huge, white tent enclosed the reception area. The tables were covered with lavender tablecloths and the chairs were also covered in the same lavender fabric with a large bow tied at the back. Strings of white lights hung about the yard, throughout the trees, and along the arbor where the vows were to take place.

  Christina found her sister i
n her room. Tanya wore a path in the carpeting, impatiently awaiting the ceremony to begin. They talked as they dressed and then joined their father downstairs where he stood, waiting to escort Tanya to the altar. As she walked a slow pace down the aisle, Christina smiled at family and friends, but her attention was drawn to the best man. Steven, who took away her breath in a black tuxedo, held his position beside his brother. She caught Steven’s gaze and remained connected until the orchestra played the wedding waltz.

  After the ceremony, everyone lined up to congratulate the newlyweds, and soon afterward the caterer served dinner. Christina was so happy for her sister. Brian rarely let go of Tanya’s hand and gazed lovingly into her eyes. The blissful look on Tanya’s face gave Christina hope that her own future of happiness was only a few feet away.

  Being positioned on either side of the newlyweds, Christina and Steven were separated most of the evening. She anxiously awaited the special best man and maid of honor dance, where she knew they would be paired together.

  While she waited for the bride and groom to have photographs taken in Theresa’s garden, Christina chatted with a few of the guests, Claude and his very pregnant wife, as well as Trevor and his date, but remembered nothing of what was said.

  The crowd applauded when the bride and groom returned and then completed their solo dance. A grinning Tanya waved for the rest of the immediate family to join them.

  Steven approached Christina and bowed his head. “You don’t have to dance with me.” His voice was low.

  Not likely. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her. “It’s just a dance.” She longed to be close, to be in his arms forever. They swayed to the slow melody. Steven rested his hands on her waist, maintaining a safe distance between their bodies. His lips parted to say something, but she silenced him with her finger. “We need to talk, but not here in the middle of the dance floor.”

  “I’m staying in the guesthouse. It’s probably the most private spot to talk.”

  Exactly the location they needed. She nodded. “I’ll meet you there in ten minutes.”