by Calinda B
* * *
Where are you?
Visiting my father at the cemetery
I’m close by, wait for me? Meet me at the entrance.
* * *
How can I not smile at that? Just like that, Harlow makes me forget the moments spent with Cass, the heaviness of what went down, and even the time spent here with Dad. A simple text message from her lightens my whole mood. I say goodbye to my father and make my way down to the entrance of the graveyard.
I see her sporting a grin as big as mine, sparkles in her eyes. The darkness in my thoughts flies away; she’s my light.
“Hi.”
“Hey, gorgeous.” She’s stunning, and sexy as fuck with her long wild hair.
“Are you okay?”
“Just another day in TJ’s life.” I force a smile because I don’t want her to worry about me.
“Uh oh, why don’t I like the sound of that?”
I should’ve known she’d guess something was up. “It didn’t go well with Cassie earlier. So, I’m not sure if I’ve still got an invite to the party.”
“That bad?”
I nod. “Yeah. It’s, um... I don’t know what to think. Cass misinterpreted what I like in women and, well, it didn’t end on a good note.” Feeling bad for Cassie, I don’t want to go into the details. “Enough about that, though. How’s your dad doing?”
“Better.” In a blur of movement I’m pushed against the fence, and then her arms are enveloping me in a warm, needy way. “I missed you.” Her soft lips touch mine as she gives me a lingering kiss—one that makes me forget my own name.
“I missed you as well.”
“Only two days until you are mine.” The color of her cheeks changes to a darker pink with her admission.
“That’s way too long.” I laugh. “I’m yours already, and I think you’re, beyond any doubt, mine.” Even if we do have a huge barrier between us by the name of Cassie.
“I don’t want Cassie around you.” My respect for Harlow grows with her declaration.
”After the party, I won’t see her as much. However, if I break it off right after, then she might get suspicious.”
“You worry too much.”
“I want to be careful.”
“I’ll take care of it if you don’t want to do it.”
I know she can easily deal with the heist alone, and I love that she’s willing to help, but my dad got me into this, so I have to do it. “How about, we’ll do it together?”
“I like the sound of that.” Her arms tighten around me, giving me a healing hug. She has no idea how much I needed it. I hug her back for a few extra seconds.
Her arms hooked in mine, we start walking without any clue of where we’re going. My car isn’t too far from here, though. We’re happy to be together again. We’ve both had a rough day, so I think it’s time to head home.
“My car is down that street,” I say when we reach the narrow road.
“Okay,” she whispers in my neck before kissing my skin a second time.
“So, you said your dad was doing better, tell me more.”
She doesn’t answer right away, sucking in her bottom lip and then letting out a long moan instead. “I was there with him for a couple of hours, but he was in and out of sleep. The nurse said he’s doing better but still needs rest. It’s progress. Albeit, slow progress.”
“Any type of progress is good. Be patient, he’ll be okay. My dad’s watching over him.”
He’s watching over us all, I bet. I miss him every damn day. At least he placed Harlow in my life, which eases the pain. Her smiles, the way she looks at me, they’re slowly taking away the ache of not having the most inspiring person in my life.
“Do you think we should go to the Club tomorrow? I think it’s time to admit I’m in need of some intensive training. Unless there’s a copy of How to be a Diamond Thief for Dummies out there?”
She starts to laugh and pushes me away. “Use your brain, instinct, and some of your architect skills, and you’ll be all good. Stop stressing about it. I got your back.”
She has my back. I smile, but I won’t risk our liberty with my lack of knowledge. Tomorrow, I’m going to the Club and trying to talk with some of the members.
15
Today, I’m the one who leaves early. A simple note with two “kisses” waits on the table for Harlow to wake up to. She’s been crying in her sleep most of the night, so giving her quiet to sleep in is the best gift I can give her.
Driving my car, while eating an egg and bacon English muffin on the way to the Weirs Building, is almost relaxing compared to my night of sleep. Or, lack thereof. Parking in the building’s indoor lot, I take a few breaths, rub my eyes, and try to chill before heading up to the 100th floor.
For a second I wish that I could talk to Ramsey about this instead, but I’m not going to interfere in his recovery.
After a never-ending ride in the elevator, I’m welcomed inside the Diamond Club. Despite the fact that it’s early in the day, there are a lot of people. The barman nods at me and I order a shot of Jameson.
“Tough day?”
“Nah, not really. I need to talk to someone who might be able to enlighten me.”
“I take it you’re new around here?” I can see the questions popping into the man’s head, but I’m not interested in divulging too much.
“I guess you can say that. I’m Thomas’ son.”
“Your father was a good man. I’m sorry.”
“He was. Do you know who I should talk to first?”
“It depends on what you’re after.”
Because I’m not sure how much he knows, or how much I’m allowed to say, I give him a nod and take my shot before joining the table where, I think, my father would’ve sat.
“TJ, what brings you here?” one of the men asks. His voice almost gives me chills. He means business.
“Questions.” I pull out a chair and sit as the anxiety grows.
“Have you thought of a new plan?” A dark-haired man asks.
They already know how bad I’ve failed my dad. How fun is this?
“Yes, it is supposed to happen tomorrow.” I think about what I came here to ask in the first place. “Harlow has her abilities. She was able to get into my place without a key, and she’s mentioned being able to open any lock out there.” She has mad skills, I have no doubt about that.
“Right. She has a real talent.”
“I have no idea what I’m going to do to help her. Is there a way you guys can help me find my ability? I’m useless otherwise.” I hate having to ask for this, but this situation has put me into the unknown.
“Unfortunately, that isn’t something we can do. You’ll find your way with time, after you get more experiences under your belt. Some men get what they want by charming women, blinding them to what they are truly doing. Others are night owls, and can enter any property without anyone noticing. That was your father’s skill.”
The revelation takes my breath away, like a big punch has been thrown against my throat. “Are you serious? That’s what my dad did?”
The man smiles, proud. “More or less as he aged, but in the early years, nothing could stop him. He could disconnect any alarm system without trouble. It was as easy as tying his shoes for him.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Nobody is forcing you to follow in your father’s footsteps, TJ.”
“I know.”
We sit here, their eyes on me, and I have nothing more to say. I’m asking for a damn miracle; they can’t save me. At this point, only Harlow can.
“Look, son, we know you didn’t know anything about this world not so long ago. Everything might look scary at the beginning, but that’s what this is, a beginning. If Harlow is up to it, let her lead, and learn from her. She has years of experience and she’s smart.”
I know she is smart, also brilliant and unafraid to take the lead. If this is only going to be a one-off deal, and I don’t want to end up in jail because o
f it, then I should forget about my pride and follow the leader. “I’ll talk to her, but I don’t think I have another option.”
“Apart from that, is everything okay? How’s your mom doing?”
“She’s getting better, little by little. Veronica keeps an eye on her.” Thomas probably would’ve added more details, but I don’t, as I’m not in the mood to share.
“We’ve been worried about her.”
“You can contact her. I’m sure you know how and where to reach her.”
“Of course.” He smiles. “I’ll call her myself.”
“Thank you.”
“Your dad… you’re a lot like him. I’m sure you know that already.”
I nod. “I have to go. I’ll contact you when the deal is done.”
“Harlow will tell you the procedures.”
Of course, something else I have no clue about. The official procedures. I want to bang my head against the wall. So many things I have no idea about. This feeling sucks.
I’m out of here.
In my mind, I’m trying hard not to be frustrated, but I came here to learn, what to do and how. And I’m leaving with fucking nothing. My pride is out the window. In the best of worlds, I would’ve been able to help Harlow with the heist so that we truly are a team—but I’m a newbie. A novice who needs to learn.
How pathetic!
Running off the elevator, I bump into a tired looking Harlow.
“TJ.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I came for you. I wanted to be there, with you, when you talked to them.”
“I’m… well…” Taking a deep breath, I start again, “They didn’t enlighten me so, while I will do my best to help you tomorrow, but I don’t think I’ll be of any help.”
There, I said it.
“Shut up, Thomas Junior. Please. I know I must sound like your mother, but right now isn’t the time to try and impress me by showing off how smart you are. It’s about us being a team, about building this thing between us. It’s your time to lean on me. Watch and learn.”
Her frizzy hair is a mess on top of her head, her eyes are tired and puffy, but her words remind me of my mom indeed.
“You’re right, Harlow. I’ll be on my best behavior from here on out, and grateful to learn from the best.”
“Shut up.” She rolls her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitches. “Sorry, I haven’t had my coffee yet. We ran out. So, if you’re done here, do you mind if we grab breakfast somewhere?”
“Sounds great. I’m starving.”
“Coffee, here I come.” Harlow grabs my hand, entwines our fingers, and then heads out of the building with no more wasted time. “I had a shit night, and a rough morning. How did it go for you?”
“It was okay. They were nice enough. Didn’t get the answers I wanted, though.”
She presses her lips on my hand. “We’ll be fine, trust me.”
“I do.”
Walking hand in hand is always tricky because of the risk of being caught by Cassie, or someone in her entourage who might report back to her. Normally that would be way more drama than I’m willing to face, but this moment with Harlow is worth every bit of the risk. Let’s just say this is me being careless. We aren’t exactly in the neighborhood of Cassie’s residence, anyway. Yes, that’s my good-spirited mind trying to make me feel better.
“Do you want to visit your dad after?”
“Yeah, I was going to head over. You don’t have to come, though. I know it brings back memories, and I don’t want you to hurt. Have you heard from Cassie today?”
To be honest, she hadn’t even crossed my mind yet today. At this point, I’ve known Cassie long enough to know I could show up tomorrow at the party with roses and everything would be okay, though. But what if it isn’t? What if this time, our differences have become too much for her to handle? Deciding nothing is impossible, I’ll be proactive and move forward with the farce.
“Nothing’s changed since yesterday. I’ll have to do something today, though. To make sure I’m still welcome at the party tomorrow.”
“It wouldn’t be a problem for me to get it, regardless. Just so you know.”
Her frankness makes me laugh because, of course, I know she can get it without me—without getting caught—but for my father’s sake, I’ve got a need to be involved.
“Send her red roses with a cute ‘I love you’ note, and you’ll be safe. Girls love receiving flowers. It’s romantic and thoughtful.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll do that. Anything to be on the safe side.” As we walk into a restaurant, Harlow lets go of my hand to talk with the hostess while I’m thinking about the flowers I need to send Cassie. Maybe I should order some for Harlow, too.
“I haven’t been here in such a long time, but the place hasn’t changed at all.”
It doesn’t look old, it’s a simple classic deli where families and friends get together for a good breakfast. The smell in here is mouth-watering. Bacon, pastries, and pancakes all mixed together. So tempting are the scents that I think I’ll order one of each, with a big glass of milk.
“Some places never change, so we always feel like we’re home.”
“Well, it hasn’t changed at all since my high school days.” She chuckles.
While Harlow is gone to the restroom, I order flowers to be delivered to Cassie’s place this afternoon, and a set to be delivered to the apartment for Harlow tonight. Everything will be alright. Cassie’s never been that difficult or the type to hold grudge for too long. Let’s hope that hasn’t changed.
Harlow returns with a glow surrounding her. She’s fixed her bun and seems to have freshened up. She’s gorgeous. She was earlier, too, of course, but now she’s… more, and I want all the more with her.
16
My mind’s restless.
While Harlow passed out at nine, on the couch, I’ve been wide awake all night thinking about nothing and everything, haunted by Dad’s letter, Cassie’s face. All the wrongs associated with stealing are tying my stomach in knots. Then there’s the small issue that, after committing a crime, I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed Cassie doesn’t notice her rock missing right away. It wouldn’t be good to have her suspicious of me or Harlow. I think that’s what scaring me the most. The possibility of getting caught.
With the rising sun, I give up trying to rest and decide to get out of bed. It’s a waste of time at this point. Tucking the comforter in around Harlow, I move to the living room and turn on the sports channel while getting in my daily push-ups. Though my body aches, I’m determined to reach my one-hundred goal, so I push through the pain.
By the time I’m done with my workout routine, I’m covered in sweat and more tired than ever. Starving, I inhale an apple and a bowl of oatmeal. My stomach wants more but this’ll do until Harlow gets up. For now, I drape my six foot tall body across the couch, unable to move. Maybe testing my endurance and pushing my muscles wasn’t such a good idea after all. Even if it did feel good.
“TJ, wake up. It’s three in the afternoon.”
What?
“TJ, come on. I thought you would be up by now.”
“Harlow?” My mouth is dry and it’s hard to speak.
“You’ve been unconscious since I woke up this morning. I’ve been to visit my father, and even got my hair ready without you waking up.”
Watching her as I’m waking up, she reminds me of Julia Robert’s early days, like in that Pretty Woman movie. Cassie made me watch it the first time we were dating. Harlow’s stunning, and I can’t help thinking I’m a lucky man.
With a grin on her face, she pushes my legs together and plops down next to me. “Come on, enough sleeping, old man.”
“Sorry. Couldn’t sleep last night, I had too much going on in my mind.” To say the least.
“I slept like a baby.”
She had, too. All night I’d stared at her, studied her beauty and listened to her breathing hoping it would calm me into sleep. My turn to be a
mused.
“Yeah… twenty minutes after eating dinner you were passed out. I had to carry you to bed. You never noticed the transition.”
“I guess we take turns being exhausted.”
That smile on her face is the reason my heart started beating faster right at this moment. My fingers run up and down her leg.
“TJ, don’t be such a man. You need to shower. Shave down that five o’clock shadow you’ve got going on here.” The tips of her fingers reached for my beard. “Unless you want to keep this sexy look, of course. I wouldn’t object.”
“Did you just call me sexy?”
“I wouldn’t dare.” There’s a sparkle in her eyes as her lips twitch and then a lovable giggle comes out of her mouth. “You know you are. Come on.”
“I do not.”
“The first time I saw you walk into the Club, you had a fearless look, like you meant business. You shut me off within five minutes and then left, leaving us all speechless. That was sexy as hell.”
“And you came to my place regardless. Sounds like I didn’t make myself clear.”
“I did the right thing, and we both know it.”
The conversation warming up, it’s making my palms sweat. “I’m glad you did. You changed everything.”
She leans toward me but I don’t know what to expect. The warmth of her breath and the tenderness of her lips are what I get when she kisses me for a brief moment before pulling away.
“We’re almost there.”
This isn’t fair. What I wouldn’t do to erase Cassie from recent memory. I want Harlow all to myself, right now. Not later. Now.
“You are cruel, and love being like that.”
“Yes. Trust me, it’ll make everything better in the end,” she says with a playful wink before pinching her nose. “Seriously, though. You need to bathe. Those flowers you got me aren’t hiding your stink.”
“Shower it is.”
I was going to shave, but now I’m not so sure. Who do I want to please? Cassie or Harlow? That’s the question, and the answer is oh, so fucking easy. Harlow.