by E. L. Todd
“I won’t.”
“And you need to prove it to your family. Participating in a program and getting a sponsor is a good way to prove it to Hank.”
“I really don’t want to be around a bunch of losers all night.”
“What makes you think you’re any different than them?”
She glared at me.
“You’re going.”
“Whatever,” she snapped.
“It’ll be good for you.”
“You know what will be good for me?” she yelled. “Seeing Joey. I want to see my son! It’s been over a month.”
I grabbed her by the shoulders and steadied her. I knew she was about to have a breakdown. “I’ll talk to Hank and see if we can arrange something.”
A tear fell down her cheek. “I just want to see him. Even if it’s for just a moment. I want to hold my baby.”
I hugged her and rubbed her back. “I’ll talk to him.”
“Please,” she begged.
“Okay,” I said. “Okay.”
“Thank you.”
I pulled away. “I need to get to work. Have a good day.”
She wiped her tears away. “Okay.”
I gave her a nice smile before I left.
When I got to work, Ryan was standing in front of my office, looking pissed. His arms were crossed over his chest and he was glaring at me. I unlocked the door and walked inside.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Callahan?”
He stood next to me, the anger still plastered on his face. “So you’re with him?”
“Yes, I already said that.”
“And you were playing me the whole time?”
I was starting to get mad. “We went on one date, Ryan. That was it.”
“So? You intentionally mislead me.”
People were walking by my office so I shut the door. I didn’t want anyone to hear this conversation. “Ryan, I’m sorry. What more do you want from me? Nothing happened between us. I didn’t kiss you and I didn’t mislead you. We went out, and we didn’t hit it off. Unfortunately, I hit it off with someone else. I apologize for hurting you. I really didn’t mean to. I think you’re a great guy and I would like to get back to normal.”
He put his hands in his pockets while he stared at me. His eyes still shined with hatred. I’d never seen him act that way before. He was known as the office sweetheart. I clearly had made the wrong decision when I agreed to go out with him. “Fine.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “I hope you accept my apology.”
He didn’t speak.
I opened the door then waited for him to leave.
He stepped toward me then came close to my face, staring me down. The threat in his eyes was unmistakable. For the first time in my life, I actually felt scared. I didn’t know what he was planning but I knew it was something bad. He looked like he was after blood. He left my office and didn’t look back.
I returned to my computer and stared at the screen, trying to digest what just happened. My heart was beating fast in my chest and it was starting to slow down. I thought about walking to his office and apologizing again, but I knew it was pointless. Besides, I didn’t do anything wrong. We went out once and it didn’t work out. He could deal with it.
When lunchtime arrived, I went into the break room to make a coffee and grab the salad I packed. Jeffrey was sitting at the table, reading from a magazine. He smiled at me when I walked in.
“Hey, pretty lady.”
I stilled at the comment. Jeffrey had never spoken to me like that. I didn’t respond.
He stared at my body. “You look nice today.”
“Thanks.”
He tossed the magazine aside and patted the table. “Why don’t you take a seat?”
“I have to get back to work.”
“Come on.” He smiled at me. “We should get to know each other a little better.”
He and I never made an effort to talk and we had worked together for years. This behavior was very odd. “Thank you but I really need to get back to work.”
He stood up and came close to me. “We could come back to my office…”
“Excuse me?”
Jeffrey continued to smile. “Hey, I won’t tell anyone. But I know how much you like anal.”
My hand shook because I wanted to slap him but I kept it back. “Don’t talk to me like that.”
“What?” he asked incredulously. “Come on. It’ll be quick.”
I abandoned my lunch and stormed out, my hands shaking. I couldn’t believe that asshole talked to me like that. I had no problem reporting it to my supervisor. When I walked into my office, I picked up the phone.
“Hey,” Connor said from the door.
“I’m busy,” I snapped.
He came inside and sat on my desk.
I thought this behavior was even weirder. “Get off my desk.”
“I will if you hop on.” He patted his thigh.
What the hell was going on?
Connor grabbed a strand of my hair and tucked it behind my ear.
I slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me!”
He stepped back. “Hey. I just wanted to invite you over tonight. It’ll be fun.”
“Get out of my office!”
“What did I do?”
I slammed the phone down and marched to Ryan’s office. “What the hell did you do?”
He smiled at me, clearly pleased with my reaction. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I slammed the door and walked inside. “Why are all the men hitting on me?”
He shrugged. “Maybe they think you’re easy.”
“And why would they think that?”
He shrugged again. “I have no idea.”
I shook my head while I stared at him. “You’re unbelievable. I said I was sorry and I meant it. I didn’t mean to hurt you. But now you’re just being spiteful. I’m going to report you to Mr. Garrison.”
“That’s fine with me. What proof will you use?”
“The men in the office.”
“And do you think he’ll get rid of three lawyers instead of one receptionist?”
“I’m not a receptionist,” I snapped.
“You’re still easily replaceable. We, the best lawyers in the state, are not.”
“Fuck you.”
He smiled. “Have a good day.”
“This is so unfair.”
“And I know exactly what unfair feels like.”
I glared at him then stormed off. I was so angry for the rest of the day I could barely concentrate. A few of the guys stopped by my office, handing me money in an envelope in exchange for sex. I yelled at them until they left. Beforehand, all the guys were great and left me alone. Now I was a beacon that attracted them. I loved my job here but now it was ruined because of Ryan. I hated that asshole.
When my shift was over, I practically fled the building. I didn’t watch where I was going on the sidewalk. I didn’t go to the gym like I normally did because I was too angry. When I came home, I slammed the door then flipped my table over.
Beatriz stared at me, her eyes wide. “Bad day?”
I paced the room, gripping my hair.
“I take that as a yes.”
“Shut up.”
She flinched.
“I’m going to bed. Don’t bother me until your meeting.”
“We don’t have to go tonight.”
I walked into my bedroom and slammed the door shut. I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling, trying to calm myself down. There was a way to fix the situation. There always was. I just had to think of a way, outsmart Ryan. Now I wished Scott had ripped his throat out.
My phone rang and I looked at the screen. I was surprised to see Hank’s name. “Hello?”
“Hey, how are you?”
“Fine,” I lied. “What’s up?”
“Well, Joey keeps saying your name.”
That made my anger disappear. “Really?”
“Yep. He misse
s his auntie.”
“That’s so adorable.”
“Well, he gets it from me.”
I laughed. “Can I see him?”
“I was hoping you’d come over tonight.”
I thought for a moment. “Hank, I wanted to ask you something.”
“What’s up?”
“Can Beatriz see him?”
He paused for a long time. “I already said no.”
“She really misses him, Hank. Can she just see him for a moment?”
“No.”
“She’s going to an AA meeting tonight. You can meet us afterward. Please.”
He sighed. “I want Beatriz to get better but I have to protect my son.”
“I understand that but nothing is going to happen. We’ll both be there. And we’ll meet somewhere. She won’t know where you’re staying.”
He was quiet.
“I’m begging you. She’s been crying about it for days.”
“Okay,” he said. “Only five minutes.”
“Thank you so much. Thank you.”
“Yeah.”
“We’ll see you after the meeting.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you at Pete’s Coffee.”
“See you then.”
I hung up and went into the living room. “Beatriz, I have good news.”
She stared at me incredulously. “Is that how you look when you’re happy?”
I rolled my eyes. “Hank said you could see Joey after your meeting tonight. But only for a few minutes.”
She covered her face. “Really?” Tears started to fall immediately.
I nodded.
“Thank god,” she said. “I’m so happy.”
I smiled at her. “He’ll be excited to see you.”
“I hope my baby hasn’t forgotten me.”
“Of course not, Beatriz.”
“I have to find something to wear and pick him up a gift.”
I smiled at her enthusiasm.
A few hours later, we left the house and went to her AA meeting. She signed in then we moved to the back row. Everyone talked about their addiction and why they were there. Beatriz stood up and told her story, breaking down in a flood of tears. Everyone listened. I clapped loudly when she was done, proud that my baby sister was moving past the incident. We stuck around for cookies and juice until she got her first token.
We left the building and walked to the coffee shop. I could tell Beatriz was nervous by the look on her face. She was fidgeting, dropping Joey’s gift on the ground a few times.
I patted her back. “It’s going to be okay.”
She nodded.
When we walked inside the coffee shop, Joey was sitting in Hank’s lap, playing with his toys on the table. Tanya was sitting beside him, looking angrier than usual. Beatriz blinked her tears away when she approached the table. I stood beside her and kept quiet.
Hank stared at her for a moment, saying nothing.
Beatriz looked at Joey, who was concentrating on his toys. “Honey?”
He looked up. “Mommy?”
Beatriz burst into tears. “Honey, I missed you.” She reached for him, but Hank kept his hands on Joey. He picked him up and gently put him in her arms, making sure she wouldn’t drop him. I thought that was extreme but I said nothing.
Beatrix held Joey in her arms and cried, patting his head.
Hank stared at her, his eyes becoming teary.
Tanya glared at Beatriz.
“Mommy, why are you crying?”
Beatriz sniffed. “I’m just so happy to see you.”
Joey pulled away. “Where have you been?”
“I—I’ve just been busy.”
He turned to his toys. “Look what I made.”
“They are wonderful, baby.” She grabbed the bag from the floor and handed it to him. “I got you something.”
“Ooh! What is it?” he asked excitedly.
“Open it,” she said with a smile.
He tore the bag apart and pulled out the Lego box. “Cool!”
Beatriz sniffed when she saw the joy on his face.
I felt my eyes become blurry from watching.
“Thanks, Mom!” He shook the box then looked at the pictures on the back. “Are you coming to my birthday party?”
Beatriz looked at Hank, asking for his permission.
“No,” Tanya said. “Your mother will be busy, Joey.”
“Oh,” Joey said sadly.
Hank looked torn. I could see the indecision in his eyes. “She might be able to make it,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
Beatriz breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to Joey and stared at him, running her fingers through his hair. I saw the love in her eyes when she looked at her son. I admit my sister made a mistake but I knew she loved him more than anything. She was miserable without her family.
“We should go,” Tanya said.
“Just give me one more minute,” Beatriz begged.
Hank looked at his sister. “It’s okay,” he whispered.
“No,” Tanya snapped. “Her five minutes is up.” She reached for Joey and took him away.
Beatriz started to cry again, this time from agony.
Hank stared at her with a forlorn expression.
Tanya grabbed her purse than walked outside.
Hank stared at Beatriz. “I’m sorry.”
She wiped her tears away. “I just want to hold him. I miss him so much.”
“I know,” he whispered.
“And I miss you.”
Hank averted his gaze.
“I’m trying, Hank,” she said. “I haven’t been drinking. I’ve been sober for weeks. Janet keeps an eye on me. She’ll vouch for me. And I’ve been going to AA meetings. I’m doing everything I can to get better. Please don’t take my son away.”
He fidgeted with his hands. “I—I don’t know, Beatriz.”
“Please,” she begged. “I promise I’m better. I made a mistake and I’ll regret it forever. But please give me another chance. I need my son. I need my husband.”
Hank sighed. “We’ll see how it goes.”
“Can I see Joey more often? Please let me come to his birthday party. Please. I need to be there for his third birthday.”
“I’ll monitor your progress through Janet. We’ll go from there.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“I don’t want to take him away from you,” he said gently. “I’m just trying to protect him.”
“I understand,” she whispered.
He nodded.
“I miss you, Hank. I really miss you.”
Hank stared at the table.
“I love you so much. I’m so sorry about everything. Please give me another chance. Don’t divorce me. I’m different. I swear I am.”
“Beatriz…I just don’t feel the same way anymore.”
She covered her face.
“I’m sorry.”
“You might if we tried.”
“I don’t want to try.”
She sobbed.
The sight broke my heart. My sister lost everything. It was clear that Hank would never give her another chance. And I completely understood his reasons. I couldn’t fix this for her. “We should get going,” I said gently. I patted her shoulder.
She nodded.
Hank nodded at me, silently thanking me.
Beatriz stood up then walked to the door without looking at Hank. She stepped outside and waited on the sidewalk.
I looked at Hank. “If there’s anything still between you, I hope you can forgive her and try to work this out.”
He said nothing.
“Thank you for letting us come by.”
“You’re welcome.” He stood up and hugged me. “Keep me posted.”
“I will.”
He pulled away then opened the door for me. We walked outside then joined Beatriz.
Hank looked at her and nodded. “Have a good night.”
“I love you,” she blurted. The tears fell down h
er cheeks.
Hank looked at the ground.
“I just want you to know that,” Beatriz whispered.
Hank sighed then looked at her. He placed his arms around her and held her for a long time. She cried into his shoulder, sobbing hysterically. I walked away to give them some more privacy. Hank held her until she stopped crying. I knew he still loved her if he was willing to give her such affection. He finally pulled away and looked at her. “I’ll always love you, Beatriz. I want you to know that.”
She nodded.
Hank walked away.
I placed my arm around her shoulder and walked her home. She was still crying quietly. When we got inside, I led her to the bedroom and tucked her in. I stroked her hair until she closed her eyes and fell asleep. When I stared at her face, I imagined the agony she must be feeling. My sister put herself in this situation but I hated seeing her in pain. It killed me.
I went into my bedroom and got ready for bed.
My phone rang and I smiled when I saw Scott’s name. “Hey,” I said.
“Hello, beautiful. How was your day?”
“Horrible.”
“Tell me.”
I told him everything that just happened with Beatriz.
“Wow…that’s a bad night.”
“Yeah,” I said with a sigh. “It breaks my heart.”
“Do you think they would ever get back together?”
“I don’t know. Hanks seemed pretty hurt.”
“Well, I can’t blame him.”
“And he doesn’t trust her. All of that would have to be repaired before anything happened.”
“Has your sister been drinking?” he asked.
“No.”
“Well, maybe we should set something up.”
“Like what?”
“When I wanted to date you, I had to trick you. You should do the same.”
“That isn’t my style.”
“Give Hank a chance to see how much she’s changed,” he said. “Their son doesn’t have to be there.”
“I guess I could try…”
“It wouldn’t hurt.”
“But I don’t want to betray Hank’s trust.”
“You could have just brought Beatriz to his sister’s house but you didn’t. I think he’ll understand you mean well.”
“I’ll give it a shot.”
He sighed over the phone.
“Are you in bed?”
“Yeah. Are you?”
“Yeah. I wish you were here.”
“Me too. You’re an excellent cuddler. The best I’ve ever known.”