Never Let Me Go: The Complete Set

by Jessica Gibson

  “Sorry to bug you at work,” she sounded hesitant.

  “It’s no trouble. What’s up?” I was intrigued, Faith was never hesitant.

  “So, I don’t know how to even say this. Well, remember how Smith and I met in New York?” she blurted out in a rush.

  “I do.” I smiled into the phone. This was a different side of Faith.

  “Well, we’ve kind of been talking a lot. And well, he’s asked me to come with him to California for your friend’s wedding.”

  “Did he now?” I sat up in my chair. This was news to me. Smith Janner bringing a date to a wedding.

  “Yeah.”

  “So, why are you calling me about it?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.

  “I just wanted to see if it would be weird if I went with him.”

  “Not for me, it wouldn’t be. Have you spoken with Grace about this little revelation?” My tone amused.

  “No,” she sighed. “You know how she can be sometimes. I don’t want her to read more into this than is really there.”

  “What is this? Is it serious between you?”

  “I honestly don’t know. Do you remember me talking about a guy I met while I was there?”

  “Yeah.” My interest was piqued.

  “He was the guy. We met in a bar by chance. He took me home, and we spent the night together. I was shocked when he walked up with you at the restaurant.”

  “I think you need to talk to Grace about this, get her opinion. I think it’s great, Smith could use someone like you to call him out on his bullshit.” This day was getting increasingly better by the second.

  She laughed. “I don’t know what to think about it at this point. I’ll talk to Grace. Thanks for talking to me.”

  “Faith, you can always call me or drop in. I’m here whenever you need me. Any of you DeLeo women, for that matter.”

  “You’re a good guy, Logan,” she said before she hung up.

  Smith and Faith, this was going to be interesting. I leaned back in my chair and tapped the pen in my hand on the desk. I knew I was going to call him, the only question was how much crap was I going to give him. I made the decision and dialed the phone in stabbing motions with my pen.

  When he answered, I jumped all over him. “Was there anything you needed to tell me?” I laughed.

  “I take it Faith spoke to you?” he asked, his tone resigned.

  “She did. How long has this been going on?” I tried to smother the laughter in my voice.

  “Since New York. Any spare chance I have, really.”

  “Who would have thought you of all people would be in a relationship.” The smile on my face was a mile wide.

  “Shut it,” he growled into the phone.

  “You know, I don’t think I will. Smith Janner, settling down with one woman. Has hell frozen over?” This was way too much fun, I could almost see why he had enjoyed giving me such a hard time.

  “Give me a break here man,” he pleaded.

  “Like you gave me one?” I countered.

  “Fair enough. Okay, bring it on. I think I can take it.”

  “Do you see this going somewhere?” I was genuinely curious. I leaned back in my chair, the phone cradled in between my ear and shoulder.

  “I don’t know.” I could imagine him sitting at his desk pulling his hair out because he wasn’t used to having feelings.

  “Bringing a girl to a wedding is a big step, especially your best friend’s wedding. It’s saying something that you even asked her to go.”

  “I like her a lot. More than I should. She’s so brash.”

  “You mean she’s like you.” I laughed. Smith was a straight shooter, always said what he thought and to hell with the consequences.

  “Is that why I like her?”

  “Maybe, I don’t know. Ask yourself this, if you couldn’t ever see her again, how would you feel?” I knew for damn sure that’s how I felt about Grace. There was no such thing as a life without her anymore.

  There was a moment of silence. “Shitty.”

  “See, now aren’t you regretting giving me so much crap about moving here for Grace? Who knew it would hit you just as hard?”

  “Is this what love feels like? I’ve never felt it before.”

  “It’s odd, right? The feeling of wanting to out jump out of your skin if you can’t see her? When are you coming to Chicago? I assume you will be traveling together?”

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Come in,” I called.

  “I’m here now.” Smith walked through my door and dropped into one of the chairs I had on the other side of my desk.

  I dropped the phone in its cradle and grinned at him. “So, you do have it bad, don’t you?”

  “What makes you say that?” He cocked his head to the side.

  “You’re here now when you don’t have to be for another three days.” I gave him a pointed look.

  “Okay, yeah, I have it bad. Whatever. Stop talking about it already. What are you, a chick now?” He shook his head.

  “No way, I’m not letting this drop. You deserve a little of what you dished out.” I jabbed a finger at him.

  “I know you’re right, but I’d really rather you didn’t give me crap. I’m feeling fragile,” he smirked at me.

  “Right, I’ll believe that never. When are you seeing her?” I rolled my eyes at him.

  “I just left her. She was on the phone with you in the car with me on the way here.” He unsuccessfully tried to smother the smile on his face.

  “You better hope that her sisters like you. Without them, you’ll be shit out of luck,” I said seriously, leaning forward on my desk.

  “So, I’ve heard. Any pointers?” He drummed his fingers on his leg. His anxiety was palpable.

  “Be honest. They can smell bullshit from a mile away. The fact that Faith likes you will be a plus, but you’ll need to prove that you’re worthy of dating a DeLeo daughter. Love will like you for sure, she’s a lot like Faith. Hope, not so sure, but she’s in a rough spot.” My tone softened at the mention of Hope.

  “Faith told me. What a dick. Who does that?” He looked angry.

  Smith and I had a similar upbringing and had the same thoughts on infidelity. It was probably why we both had stayed single for so long.

  “Has Faith mentioned when your big unveiling will be?”

  “My unveiling, huh? No, she hasn’t mentioned when she wants me to meet everyone.” He shook his head.

  “Well, in my case it was an ambush. So be on your game.”

  “Is it really so bad?” He looked nervous.

  “No, well, yes. But you’ll be okay. Once they like you, you’ll be golden.”

  “Come on, be a pal and take me out to lunch. I haven’t seen much past the inside of my hotel room.” He grinned.

  SO MUCH WORK, NOT ENOUGH time in the day to get it done. I sat at my desk with a pencil haphazardly stuck through my bun and another in my mouth. I didn’t hear Faith come in, I was lost in the haze of concentration.

  She cleared her throat, and I almost jumped out of my skin.

  “Sorry, I thought you heard me. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “So, what brings you by?” I studied her. She looked nervous, playing with the hem of her shirt.

  “Um, I have something to talk to you about.” She sat down in one of my chairs.

  I leaned back from my desk and motioned for her to continue.

  “Okay, so remember my mystery guy from New York?” she said hesitantly.

  “I do.” I was excited to hear where this was going.

  “It was Smith,” she blurted.

  “What? No, that can’t be right. You mentioned him before Smith joined us for dinner.” I was confused.

  “I met him in a bar. I was caught in the rain and ducked into the first place I saw. He was there, and well, we hooked up.”

  “Wow. I mean, really, wow.” My eyes were wide.

  “I like him, honey. I mean really like him.” Her
tone softened.

  “How many times have you seen him?”

  “A lot. He’s been coming here at least once a week.”

  “Once a week? Why didn’t you tell me this before now?”

  “I don’t know. I was nervous about him. I didn’t think you would approve.” She dropped her eyes.

  Me, not approve? Since when did she care about my thoughts on the guys she was hooking up with?

  “I like Smith a lot, Faith,” I said carefully. I just wasn’t sure if I liked him for my sister.

  “I’m glad to hear you say that, because he invited me to come to Shaileen’s wedding with him, and I said yes.”

  “Wow.”

  “You keep saying that.” She smiled weakly.

  “You don’t need my permission to date someone, Faith,” I said gently.

  “I know that,” she snapped. “Sorry, I’m just sensitive about this because he’s the first guy I’ve really liked in a long time. I need you to be okay with this.” She leaned forward and put her hands on my desk.

  “I’m totally okay with it.” I smiled brightly. Inside, I was hoping it wasn’t a lie. I wanted to believe this would work out for them. “Besides, it will be fun to have someone I know there.”

  “Good. I was so worried you would say you thought this was a bad idea.” She looked relieved. For once, I saw my sister as someone other than the ultra-confidant person she wanted everyone to believe she was.

  My phone rang, I looked and it was Logan.

  “Hey, gorgeous.” I could hear the smile in his voice.

  “Hey, yourself. What’s up?” I grinned.

  “Want to get lunch?”

  I looked at my sister. “I’m with Faith right now.”

  “Small world, I’m with Smith.” His amusement at the situation was evident.

  “Are you now?” I looked at my sister. “We’ll be downstairs in a few.”

  “Wonderful. See you soon. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, baby.” I hung up.

  “We’re going to lunch with Logan and Smith.” Her eyes lit up at the mention of Smith’s name.

  “You really like him?” I cocked my head to the side.

  “Yeah, I really do.” Her smile was like the sun, radiant and warm.

  I pushed aside my worries and grabbed my stuff so we could meet the guys.

  Logan and Smith were leaned against the side of the car, arms crossed and huge smiles on their faces when we walked out of the building.

  Faith blushed when Smith pulled her in for a kiss. This was a whole new side of her.

  “Kitten, you look amazing.” Logan brushed his lips against mine, sending a shiver up my spine. “I especially love your hair accessory.” He pulled the pencil out of my bun.

  I snatched it away with a grin. “It’s been a busy morning.”

  Smith and Faith were getting into the car ahead of us, but Logan put a hand on mine when I started to climb in after.

  “Are you okay with this?” He searched my eyes.

  “Yeah, as long as he doesn’t screw with her heart, I’m totally okay with it.” I smiled brightly and kissed him before sliding into the car.

  “Grace, it’s great to see you again.” Smith had his arm draped around Faith in the seat across from me.

  “You as well.” I smiled.

  Logan slid in next to me, his legs touching mine on the seat. He put his hand on my thigh, not in a sexual way, just in an affectionate way. It didn’t matter his intent, the man could turn me on with a whisper.

  He caught my shift in expression and smirked. “I promise we’ll have fun after work,” he said softly so only I could hear.

  “I’m going to hold you to that,” I whispered back.

  “What are you two whispering about over there,” Faith questioned with a knowing look.

  My cheeks went beet red. “Nothing,” I said quickly.

  “Sure.” Faith laughed. Logan tightened his grip on my thigh.

  “Stop that,” I hissed. We would never get through this meal with him touching me all the time.

  “I don’t know what you’re referring to, Kitten. Stop what?” His voice was like silk, a predatory look in his eyes. His hand slid further up my thigh.

  “Do you guys want us to get out?” Smith looked amused.

  “No!” I squeaked. “Logan will behave.” I shot him a dirty look. I changed the subject. “Faith, have you decided what to wear to the wedding?” I knew this would get her going for a while.

  “Oh my gosh, I have so many options.” She started naming different dresses she had seen. “What do you think, Smith?” She turned and gave him an expectant look.

  “I’m sure whatever you wear will be amazing, darling.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

  “Grace, what are you wearing? You never told me.”

  I flushed at the memory of the shopping trip a couple of weeks ago. “A really beautiful dress that Logan helped me pick out.”

  “Beautiful does not begin to describe the way you look in it.” He brought my fingers to his lips.

  “Oh God, you two are disgusting. You know that, right?” Faith rolled her eyes.

  “You say disgusting, I say happy.” I grinned.

  Logan and Smith started up a conversation about the wedding and plans for after. I spent most of the time watching Smith and Faith. She had her body leaned into him, his arm snug around her shoulders. They seemed to be into each other in a big way. I made a mental note to call my mom later. It was time for Smith’s trial by fire.

  I WAS CUTTING IT CLOSE. We were slated to leave in the morning, and I still hadn’t finished packing. It didn’t help that half my stuff was still in the apartment I shared with Faith. I rushed around my room, well I guess it was my room, but I never slept in it. It was where most of my clothes slept, snug in their drawers or on their hangers.

  My phone buzzed on the dresser.

  Mom: What time today, honey?

  Me: Give me an hour? Are we having Hope grab him or am I?

  Mom: Okay sweetie. Better be you. Hope is not exactly the best person for that job at the moment.

  Me: I’ll text when I have him.

  Mom: See you soon xoxo

  I sighed and sat on the bed. My heart hurt for Hope. I wanted to fix it so she wouldn’t ever have to be sad again. I hated that she was going through this.

  I grabbed a few more things and threw them into a bag before snatching my phone off the bed again.

  Me: Hey baby, can you tell me where Smith is staying?

  A few minutes later, I got his reply.

  Logan: I assumed it was with Faith. He’s here now with me. Did you need him?

  Me: It’s his turn in the hot seat.

  Logan: Poor bastard. You DeLeo women are a force to be reckoned with. When do you need him downstairs?

  Me: Fifteen minutes. I’m still packing. No lectures :P

  Logan: Who me? Okay get your stuff done, and I’ll have him waiting. Hurry home to me tonight.

  I smiled at my phone and threw it back on the bed. Hurricane Grace was in full force as I tossed things into bags. Procrastination was a bitch.

  Twenty minutes later, I had Smith in my passenger seat looking incredibly nervous.

  “So...” he started.

  “Nervous?” I shot him a grin.

  “A bit. Logan’s been giving me the four-one-one on your family,” he said carefully.

  “Oh yeah? And what did he say?” I glanced in his direction.

  “Just that if I don’t have the support of the DeLeo women it was pointless to try and date Faith.”

  “He’s not entirely wrong there. But Faith is strong willed. She would probably date you even if we hated you.”

  “Do you?” he asked, his knee bounced anxiously.

  “Do I what?”

  “Hate me?” His tone was soft.

  “Don’t be stupid, Smith. I like you just fine. I just want to be sure my sister isn’t going to be a casualty of your lifestyle.” I eyed him a
s we sat in traffic.

  “My lifestyle?”

  “Okay, play dumb if you want. I know the kind of life Logan led, and he’s told me some stories about the two of you. I just need to know you’re serious.”

  “Would I be here if I wasn’t,” he snapped.

  “Don’t take it personally.” I smiled. He was already giving me the right answers.

  “How can I not? You’re basically telling me I’m a man whore who isn’t worthy of your sister.”

  “First of all, no one is worthy of Faith. She’s one of a kind and far too good for anyone. Second of all, I’m not saying your past is who you are. I know people can change, Logan is living proof. My question to you is how badly do you want this to work?”

  We pulled up in front of the restaurant with the question hanging between us.

  “Come on then, let’s get this over with so I can go home to my man.” I grinned and climbed out onto the street.

  “Out of the frying pan and into the fire,” he mumbled as we walked inside.

  My mom was sitting at a table with Hope, Grayson sleeping in her arms. “You must be Smith. Faith has told me a lot about you.” Her smile was warm and inviting.

  Smith smiled and sat across from her. I slid in next to Hope.

  “I’m Love, this is Hope.” She gestured to my sister who gave a weak smile. I squeezed her hand.

  “Smith, but you already know that.” He folded his hands on the table, trying to appear calm.

  “Is this a casual thing you have with my daughter, or do you see a future?”

  “I can see where Faith gets it from.” He smiled. “I honestly don’t know. This relationship thing isn’t something I’m used to. I’m sort of playing it by ear.”

  My mom nodded. “But you like her enough to endure this?”

  “Yes. I really do.”

  We all fired off questions. Wanting to know more about him. By the end of it, I was satisfied for now. He was honest, and that was all I could ask for.

  When we emerged from the restaurant, Faith and Logan were talking by Logan’s limo.

  Smith wrapped Faith in his arms and kissed her. “Was it that bad?” she asked.

  “No, not that bad,” he murmured.

  I motioned for Logan to follow me and headed toward my car.

  “Seems like he made it through okay.” He slid into the passenger seat.