by Lynn Cahoon
“Wait. Mike was here when I was talking to Angie?” Taylor frowned; he hadn’t mentioned that last night. The guy was beginning to feel like a creepy stalker instead of a concerned lawyer. Maybe it was better that the gallery was being sold. This way, she could cut her ties with Mike without hurting his feelings any more than she had last night.
Brit didn’t seem concerned, though. “He watched the front for me while I took a bathroom break, but he took off when I came back. Said he’d talk to you later.”
“Weird.” Taylor glanced around the office. “Well, I guess in a few weeks this will be Jesse’s office. Has he said anything about keeping you on? You know, you don’t have to leave just because I’m persona non gratis around here.”
Brit shrugged. “Doesn’t matter one way or the other. But no, he hasn’t talked to me. I’m surprised he kicked you to the curb. You want to tell me what really happened in Wyoming?”
Taylor leaned back, tapping a pen on her grandfather’s desk. “I screwed it up. Have I always been a runner?”
Her friend laughed. “You’ve never let anyone get this close before, so it’s hard to say. I can count on one hand the number of guys you’ve dated seriously, and that includes Jesse. Me, on the other hand, I’m a free spirit.”
“Is that what they call it?” Taylor felt her lips curl. Talking to Brit always made her feel better.
“Depends on who ‘they’ are.” Brit made air quotes with her fingertips. “My last boyfriend called me a slut when we broke up.”
“He was a jerk.”
The front doorbell rang and Brit stood, a wicked smile on her face. “Doesn’t mean I wasn’t a slut.”
“Silly,” Taylor called after her friend as she left. Relationships were too hard. Art was easy. You found something you loved and bought it. You found things other people might love, and bought them. If they didn’t sell, then you were wrong. Love should be that easy.
A knock on the door brought her out of her musing. She looked up, half expecting Angie to be standing there in one of her wild outfits. Instead, Brit stood in the doorway, her face lined with worry. “What’s up?” Taylor asked.
“Jesse and his lawyer are here. Do you feel up to talking to them?” Brit lowered her voice. “Should I call Mike and have him come over before you meet with them?”
“No. I mean, don’t call Mike. I’m sure this is just something about the sale and my imminent departure. Send them in.” Taylor glanced at her reflection in the monitor, hoping she didn’t look as bad as she felt. “Stupid,” she said to herself. What did she care how she looked? Jesse had broken up with her last night. No need to pretend she hadn’t been upset. She took a deep breath and stood as the two men walked into the office.
“Thank you for seeing us,” the older man said. “I don’t think we’ve met before. George Baxter. I’m the Sullivan family lawyer.”
Taylor shook his hand and motioned to the two guest chairs in front of her desk. “Family lawyer? I assumed you were here about the gallery sale contract.”
A look passed between Jesse and George. “I handle their business issues, as well. Although this isn’t about the sale; we’ve come to ask for a favor.”
“I don’t understand.” Taylor ignored the lawyer and focused on Jesse. “After your tirade last night, you want a favor from me?”
Jesse wouldn’t meet her gaze.
George spoke again. “Miss DeMarco, we are here on behalf of Angie.”
Fear shot through her. “Oh my God, is she all right? I tried to call her just now. Is that why she didn’t come in to work?”
This time Jesse didn’t hold back. “Like you care? Like you were expecting her?”
Taylor’s hands shot up in frustration. “Seriously, Jesse, get over yourself. Just because I didn’t stay and cuddle after we made love the other night, doesn’t mean I don’t care about Angie. Why isn’t she here?”
George put a hand on Jesse’s arm, a gesture encouraging him to be silent. Now she was really worried. But she’d promised Angie she wouldn’t be the one who told Jesse. Maybe they didn’t know about her condition. If she was in the hospital, Taylor needed to say something. Her mind whirled as the two men sat quietly in front of her. Finally, Jesse nodded and the lawyer turned toward her.
“With the gallery sale in the final stages, we had hoped you wouldn’t make any staffing changes.” The man opened a briefcase and pulled out a pile of papers. “We’re willing to make some concessions in exchange for this request.”
Taylor glanced down at the page on top of the pile he had set in front of her. “I’m confused. What are we talking about? Where’s Angie?”
George took a crumbled sheet of paper from his suit pocket. “Angie received this yesterday by courier. You didn’t know?”
Taylor breathed a sigh of relief. This wasn’t about the cancer. There was something else going on. Probably some issue from Angie’s wild past coming back to haunt her. Taylor bit back a smile, wondering what trouble the woman had gotten herself into now. She was beginning to really enjoy working with the unpredictable Sullivan clan. Unfortunately, that was almost over due to her inability to keep her relationship with the new owner professional. The desire to smile left her, and she took the page from George.
Mike’s law firm’s letterhead struck her first. Oh, man, this can’t be good. She skimmed the letter releasing Angie from employment with the gallery and wishing her safe travels. She pushed the letter back to the lawyer. No wonder Jesse was hot. Mike must have overheard her and Angie’s conversation and taken it upon himself to solve the problem.
She thought about his call yesterday for dinner. He had to talk to her. Of course, once she’d misinterpreted the meeting and told him she just wasn’t into him, this subject hadn’t come up. It wasn’t the first time Mike had acted on his own rather than at her direction. Unless he’d called Dad and got his permission. She had calls to make.
“I didn’t authorize this termination. As long as I’m gallery director, Angie has a job here.” She glared at Jesse whose eyes widened. “Of course, your client has made it very clear I’m not being asked to stay on during the transition, so I can’t make any promises for after the contract is settled.”
George shot a glance at Jesse, who, to Taylor’s amusement, had the grace to look sheepish. “So she will continue on your insurance during the transition?”
Taylor stared at the two, wondering what they knew. Obviously, Angie had told them enough that they were fighting for her job and health insurance. Still, no one had said the word cancer, and it wasn’t going to come out of her mouth before she knew exactly what Angie had said.
Taylor tapped her finger on the desk. “This letter was a mistake. I didn’t authorize it. And if my father did, he will reverse the decision as soon as I talk to him.” She stared at Jesse, but her words were aimed at the lawyer. “Please tell Angie to return to her normal schedule and that everything we discussed yesterday is still in place.”
George nodded toward the stack of papers he’d set on the desk. “You don’t want to read our offer?”
Taylor shook her head. “There’s no need. This was a big misunderstanding on the gallery’s part. Angie is a vital and important member of our staff, and we need her here. She can take the day off, but the two of us will talk in the morning when she comes in for her shift.” She pushed the stack of papers back to George. “This is between Angie and me. There’s no need for lawyers.”
“You started it,” Jesse said.
Taylor saw George squeeze his client’s shoulder while he responded. “Now, Jesse, Ms. DeMarco has just explained this was a terrible misunderstanding.” He stood, pulling Jesse up out of his chair as well. “Thank you for seeing us. I’m sure Angie will be overjoyed at the news.”
Taylor felt tears fill in her eyes, but swallowed hard when she saw Jesse frown in confusion. Overjoyed wasn’t a feeling she believed Angie would be having for a long time. At least, not until the doctor pronounced her cured, which could be many
years from now.
She was going to kill Mike. If he’d gone behind her back to her dad …? Fury consumed her, but she had to keep it together for a few more minutes. She had to wait until Jesse and his hired gun were out of the room. She’d thought the fight last night was about their relationship. But no, he was sticking up for his mother.
The tears threatened again, but she pushed them away and stood, watching George stuff the paperwork back into his briefcase. Jesse might think she was a dragon lady, but she didn’t have to act like it.
She held her hand out to George to conclude their discussion. “Thank you for clarifying this mess. It’s nice to have a rational conversation with someone.”
• • •
Jesse sat quietly while George pulled the car away from the curb. He saw the look his friend gave him, but turned away to stare out the window.
“You can’t blame her, Jesse.” George maneuvered the car out of downtown’s main streets. They got on the highway heading toward the ranch to deliver the good news to the crew. “Sounds like her lawyer went rogue on her. I’d hate to be in his shoes when she calls him.”
Jesse thought about what he’d seen last night at the restaurant. Taylor had looked focused, tapping the table, relaying something serious to Mike, who looked like a wounded bunny. Until Jesse went over and made a scene. The bastard had looked happy then. No, Jesse corrected himself, hopeful. Jesse’s outburst had made the guy look hopeful. Had Taylor been telling the jerk she wasn’t interested? And Jesse had misinterpreted the conversation?
“I wish she’d at least looked at the papers you drew up.” Jesse sighed. “I’m going to have to fix my mistakes all on my own, huh?”
George chuckled. “Typically, that’s how life works. You make the mess, you clean it up. But it was a good strategy. I’m sure she’ll work with you on this. The girl seems to have a good head on her shoulders for business.”
Jesse glanced at his watch. “I’m flying out again tomorrow to meet with sponsors. Can you work on fast-tracking this sale? I’d like to get the contracts signed next week when I get back.”
“Getting antsy to take on a new enterprise?” George turned the vehicle onto the road that would take them to the ranch. “When are you announcing your retirement?”
Jesse sighed. “Barb wants me to wait until December, after the Vegas finals. I’d rather walk away today.”
“Barb knows what she’s doing. Besides, if you win, you might be able to keep some of those merchandising contracts for a few years.”
Jesse stared out the window, not seeing the pine trees and forestland surrounding the road. “That’s what she tells me. George, you ever just get tired?”
“Every night, but I don’t think that’s what you’re talking about. This thing with Angie got you spooked? People live through cancer all the time. And if her doctors caught it early …”
Jesse held his hand up. “Can’t talk about Angie right now. Just can’t. But what I was thinking about was always being ‘on.’ I’m not a real person; I’m the bull rider. Sometimes that gets into your head, you know?”
George parked in front of the cabin behind the rows of cars that had arrived for the emergency family meeting. He turned off the engine and looked at Jesse. “You’ve never just been the bull rider to the people who really matter. You’ve been Jesse. And those are the people you have to hold close while you’re transitioning. I won’t blow smoke at you—you’re going to have a tough time letting go of the limelight. But you can do it.”
“Thanks.” Jesse paused for a second, his hand on the door handle and his gaze on the cabin.
“I’m one of those people in your corner. So any time you need to talk, call me. I won’t even charge you the standard billable hour rate for the call.”
Jesse chuckled. “Glad to know.”
The men walked up to the ranch house to give everyone the good news. Angie’s job and insurance status were intact. That should have made Jesse feel better, but a black cloud still weighed heavily on his heart. He needed to correct his mistake before he lost the chance forever.
Chapter 15
A red-faced Mike sat in the leather chair in front of Taylor’s desk. Her father sat in the chair across from Mike. The lawyer pounded the desk. “You aren’t thinking this through. Her condition could raise your premiums. Do you want to lose your policy completely?”
“What I want is a lawyer who advises me, not runs to my father to go over my head every time he overhears a conversation.” Taylor had already talked to her dad. Mike had made it seem like Taylor was on board with the firing of Angie. When they’d met, Taylor had told her father the entire truth. That way Mike couldn’t throw her under the bus. Like he was doing.
Mike changed his tactic, turning to Rich DeMarco. “Sir, you have to realize what I did was for the good of the gallery. If Taylor expects to get the backing in place to force a sale to her, rather than this cowboy, she needs a strong package. And having the cowboy’s mother there wasn’t helping her proposal.”
Taylor bristled, but saw her father’s hand motioning her to calm down. Before the meeting, Taylor and her dad had agreed on a plan. Now Taylor just had to keep her cool while Rich worked it out.
“We appreciate your valuable advice over the years, but I agree with Taylor, you stepped over the line with this action. I’m afraid we won’t need your services any longer.” He pushed a business card toward Mike. “Please transfer our company and personal files over to Samantha Jones at this address. She’s now our attorney.”
Mike’s eyes widened. “You’re firing me? Over this?”
“According to our new attorney, you’re lucky we aren’t filing charges against you with the law board. But I convinced her that you were a longtime family friend and, as such, probably had our best interest at heart.” Taylor leaned back in her chair, waiting for the reaction.
She didn’t have to wait long.
“This is because you’re sleeping with him. Taylor, he’s a player. You don’t know how many women he’s had in his bed.” Mike turned his attention on her. “You’re just the flavor of the month.”
That stung for a few seconds, but she knew Mike was hurt and lashing out. Hadn’t she thought the same thing about Jesse? Now Mike had to go explain to the partners at his firm why he’d lost the DeMarco family and the gallery’s business. That conversation wouldn’t be pleasant; not at all.
“My personal relationships have nothing to do with this decision. I’m sorry, but your services are no longer needed.” She stared at him, waiting for him to leave.
“You are cold-hearted. All I ever wanted was to help you, even when you came up with this crazy scheme.” Mike stood. “I’ll send over my final bill this afternoon.”
He walked toward the door and her father called after him. “If you’re smart, you won’t be charging us for that problem yesterday.”
Mike didn’t answer, slamming the door as his farewell message. Taylor sighed and looked at her father. “Thanks for being here, Dad. I can’t believe he even pulled something like this. I was mortified when Jesse and the lawyer showed up yesterday.”
Her dad stood and held his arm out. “I think you need a hug.” She fell into his arms and held back her tears. She wasn’t sure why she felt like crying. Pick a topic, she thought. Jesse, Angie, Mike’s betrayal, losing her job at the gallery … it could be any or all of the above.
He sat her down in one of the chairs. “We do have to clear something up, though. If you want to buy the gallery, we won’t sell to him. Your mom and I thought you’d be pleased with having the freedom to travel and explore the world. We didn’t want you to feel stuck here in Boise, running a small gallery.”
Here was her chance. She could stop this entire problem with one word. Well, three. Don’t sell to Jesse. Okay, it was four. Last night, she’d made her decision to walk away. Her life wasn’t just the gallery, it needed to be more. And this was one way she could force herself to change. Instead, she smiled. “Dad, I want yo
u to sell the gallery. And you and Mom are going to do just that. I’m looking forward to finding a new path.” As the dark cloud lifted from her father’s face, she thought that maybe, just maybe, she might even mean the words.
When her father left her office, she dug into the monthly reports. She’d let the paperwork slide for the last week or two. Her boy trouble had left her too busy to do her job. And by God, as long as it was her job, she’d make sure she walked away with a clean conscience. Besides, she would probably need this reference for her next appointment. No need to burn a bridge and hope her contacts in the art world would keep her solvent.
She paused a moment, then went to the website for her favorite airline. Glancing at the calendar and adding two weeks for complications, she booked a flight to Paris without a return ticket. Taylor would figure out the details later, but for now, she had her first stop on her freedom tour. Her parents would be happy for her. Too bad she didn’t feel the same way.
Her stomach growled, and she glanced at the clock. She’d been reviewing the ongoing contracts for over two hours. Time for lunch. Today, she was going out. Might as well start feeling like the unemployed bum she would be in less than a month’s time. Learn to relax, as Brit would say.
Angie was on the phone when she entered the front of the gallery.
“I’ve got to go,” Angie whispered into the phone. She quickly hung up and stood to greet Taylor. “Thank you for bringing me back.”
Taylor felt the tears well in her eyes. Then Angie threw her arms around her, and Taylor was engulfed in a warm hug. One or two of the unwanted tears fell down her cheeks. “I didn’t do anything; I just stopped someone else from being a jerk.”
Angie brushed off a stray teardrop. “You stood up for me. And I’ll never forget that.”
Taylor smiled. “I should be thanking you. Mike was off the rails and out of control. If Jesse and your lawyer hadn’t told me, I would have thought you’d quit. The guy had become too controlling.”
Angie studied her with a look on her face Taylor couldn’t decipher. “Love can make you act crazy.”