by Dawn Brower
“Yes,” Jessica said. “Let’s go see this new associate and see if he or she is able to assist me. It would be nice if I don’t lose everything I own.”
Not to mention the plans for her foundation. How was she going to transfer funds to start it if she was broke? She might have to consider putting those plans on hold even though they were close to finalizing it all. After she met with the lawyer, she’d reassess everything and then make some decisions. She closed her eyes and absorbed the many nuances and changes her life had developed. Not once had she thought she’d end up where she did or become the person she was. Her younger self would have laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. That naïve fool had believed she could conquer everything that dared to stand in her way. In some ways, Jessica missed that confident person she’d once been.
“It will all work out. Have faith,” Lana said and started to drive away from the hospital.
The drive wasn’t very long from the hospital. Before Jessica realized it, Lana was pulling her car into the parking lot outside of the Law Offices of Price and Brosen. She turned the car off after she’d slid it nicely into a spot near the front of the building.
It was time to start fighting for her future. Her defeatist attitude had to take a backseat or, better yet, disappear altogether.... Jessica took a deep breath and exited the car. Lana wasn’t far behind her. They walked into the office and were immediately greeted by the receptionist.
“Hello,” the woman said. “How may I help you?”
Jessica smiled. “I have an appointment with...” It occurred to her she hadn’t gotten the name of the new associate. She glanced at Lana and asked, “What was the new lawyer’s name?”
Lana frowned and Jessica suddenly found herself uneasy. What was her new friend hiding from her?
“Oh, you must be meeting with Olivia West,” the receptionist said. “I’ll let her know you’re here. What is your name?”
Jessica froze in place. The new associate was Preston’s sister? That wasn’t a good idea. She started to take a step back, but Lana held her in place. “Jessica Sousa,” Lana said. “Thank you.”
The receptionist nodded and picked up the phone to call Olivia. Jessica wanted to run and hide. Olivia didn’t like her. During the one encounter she’d had with her, she’d told her in no uncertain terms that she didn’t deserve Preston, and she’d never accept her as a permanent part of his life. That particular meeting hadn’t been that long ago, and Jessica didn’t want a repeat performance.
“What is wrong with you?” Lana asked.
“I can’t let her handle my legal problems.”
“Why the hell not?” Lana asked. “Do you think she’s a horrible lawyer? I doubt it. Matt wouldn’t have hired her if she was. Do you know her?”
Jessica nodded. “Not well, but we’ve met...”
“That’s putting things mildly,” Olivia said as she stepped into the waiting area. “But we’ll overlook your lack of details. It’s not important, is it?” She lifted a brow. “If you’ll follow me, we can discuss your problem.”
Jessica opened her mouth and wanted to upbraid her for being such a cold bitch, but held it in. She studied her for a brief moment. Her light brown hair fell down her shoulders and shined brightly. Olivia had blue eyes, and in almost every way was the complete opposite of her brother, but that might be to her benefit. Jessica made a split decision to stay. Olivia, as far as Jessica was aware, was good at her job. So she’d tell her about her issues and go from there. She turned toward Lana and said, “I forgot the box in the car. Can you retrieve it?”
Lana nodded. “I’ll be back in a few.” She spun on her heels and headed outside.
Jessica turned toward Olivia and asked, “Are you able to set aside our differences long enough to handle my legal problems, or do I need to seek a different attorney?”
“As if I’m incapable of defending someone I hate,” Olivia said. “I should be offended, but I won’t be. It’s a reasonable question. Come into my office and we’ll discuss your issues.” She turned toward the receptionist and said, “Amy, when Mrs. Sousa’s friend returns, show her to my office.”
“Yes, Ms. West,” Amy said. “Do you need anything else?”
“No,” Olivia replied. “That will be all.” Then she turned toward Jessica and ordered, “Follow me.”
Jessica hoped that Olivia would be able to help her. She was afraid there wouldn’t be much she could do. Her former accountant had dug a deep hole and threw her inside. It would take a miracle for her to find her way to the top again.
PRESTON HAD ONE HELL of a long day. His surgery had gone well, but now all he wanted to do was find some place to crash for a few hours of rest. That, unfortunately, wasn’t going to happen. He’d promised his sister he’d take her to lunch and catch up. Olivia had been all right with meeting later in the day to accommodate his schedule, so he’d reluctantly agreed. She’d insisted on meeting her at her office and then driving to lunch together. He wasn’t sure why and hadn’t cared enough to push her for details. Dealing with Jessica had drained him, and he didn’t want any more drama in his life. He’d have enough of it when he went to see her later in the day. There was something she wasn’t telling him and he planned on sitting her down and discussing it all with her. He was tired of her pushing him away. They were good together and he wanted to move forward with their relationship.
He slid his car into a parking spot outside her office building and shut the car off. His little sister worked in a law firm and was starting to make a name for herself. Preston was glad he didn’t have to worry about her. Olivia had been withdrawn growing up and had no real friends. If they’d lived in a different time, she’d have been considered a wallflower—late to develop and a bookworm. She’d had no patience for people, but once she’d gone to college she blossomed into a shark no one dared to cross.
Preston walked into the office and Amy greeted him. “Hello Dr. West. Olivia is finishing up with a client. She told me to let you know she’d be out shortly. Also, she made reservations.”
Of course she did... “Wonderful. Do you know how long she’ll be?”
Amy shook her head. “I don’t expect long. She’s been huddled in her office for over an hour now.”
That told him nothing. He nodded at Amy and said, “Thanks. I’ll have...”
A voice echoed through the room and caught his attention. He turned his head and met Jessica’s gaze. What was she doing there? What would she need to see a lawyer about? She couldn’t be there for a social call. His sister didn’t make it a secret how much she disliked Jessica.
“I’ll be in touch with you in a couple days after I go over everything,” Olivia said. “It might take a while to unravel it all, but I’m hopeful we can clear it up.”
What did Olivia need to fix for her? That didn’t sound like it was anything good. Worry filled him and he wanted to grill them both until he had the answers. The chances of either of them telling him what he wanted to know were slim though. Both women were stubborn as the day was long.
Jessica didn’t glance at Olivia. She kept looking at him as she replied, “Thank you for your help.”
“No thanks necessary,” Olivia said. “It’s my job.”
They walked farther into the reception area. Preston wanted to ask them what the hell they were talking about. Why was Jessica meeting with Olivia? Lana rushed out after them. “Sorry, I had to take that call.” She turned toward Jessica and asked. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes,” Jessica said. She didn’t say a word to Preston as they exited.
He narrowed his gaze and studied the two of them as they left. He’d question Jessica later, and if she didn’t tell him the truth, he’d ask Lana. It occurred to him that he might have someone else to ask. He focused on Olivia as she approached. “Since when is Jessica one of your clients?”
“Since today,” she replied. “Is that a problem?”
“No,” he said. “If she needs help, you’re the best person
to do it.”
“Good,” she said. “Because I wasn’t going to stop being her lawyer because you said so.”
Preston’s lips tilted upward. He loved his sister and her fuck-you attitude. “What does she need a lawyer for?”
She brought her finger up and wiggled it at him. “Shame on you trying to get information out of me. You know better.”
He sighed. It was a long shot, but he had to try. Olivia wouldn’t be able to disclose anything even if she wanted to. She had to protect her client’s privacy. “Yeah,” he agreed. “She’s just...”
Olivia sighed. “You’re still hung up on her?”
His sister had not made it a secret that she didn’t like Jessica much. She’d believed he could do better than her. “If you hate her so much, why are you representing her.”
“That’s business.” She pushed him toward the exit. “Personally, she’s a mess that you don’t need. But lucky for me, messes make me money. Forget about Jessica Sousa. She’s going to bring you down.”
“That’s easier said than done.” He frowned. “I love her.”
Olivia curled her nose up in disgust. “You’re so weak, but you’re my brother and I love you.”
He laughed. “Love you too, sis.”
“Come on,” she urged. “I’m starving, and you promised to feed me.”
He led her to his car and they left to go to the restaurant. Preston almost wished he could postpone their lunch to another day. He wanted to go to Jessica’s house and confront her about her mess. She must have a huge one if she needed Olivia’s help. Thousands of different scenarios were running through his mind. He didn’t like the idea of the woman he loved being in trouble. She should have come to him. Maybe he could have helped or the very least been someone for her to lean on.
“You can’t even give me a hint?” he asked as they were walking toward the car.
“On what?” she asked. “Oh, you’re still thinking about her?” She sighed loudly. “No, Pres. I wish I could, but it would be giving you privileged information. Ask her and maybe she’ll tell you. All I can say is she is going to need all the help she can get.”
That’s what he was afraid of... Damn it.
His stomach dropped out from underneath him. Fear knotted deep inside of him and wouldn’t let go. Jessica looked so worn out and tired lately. Were the legal problems the reason she seemed so distracted and distant? Could that be the reason she kept pushing him away? He had to figure it all out, and if confronting her was the only way, then so be it.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Jessica fell down onto her bed, her face hitting her pillow. She was exhausted. The day had been too long and wasn’t even close to being over. She wanted to fall asleep and pretend everything was perfect. Was it too much to hope that it would start to, at the very least, get better?
Lana had dropped her off and told her she’d check on her later. She’d been distracted ever since they’d left the law office. Her meeting with Olivia had gone surprisingly well. Once she’d explained the problem, Olivia had dug in and started to go through all the bills in the box. She seemed to think the credit card companies would write it off after she proved her identity had been stolen. She said the boat purchase might be harder to remove.
Either way, her credit would take a major hit from the chaos. She might not be approved for anything for a while until it was solved. Having someone working to clean up the mess made things easier though... For the first time since she found out that her accountant stole from her, she felt as if things might be all right—at least financially. It was going to take some time to weave her way through the maze of bills.
The real surprise had been seeing Preston at the law firm. He’d have even more questions now, and she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to tell him. It would make things easier if she explained it and let the chips fall as they may. She wasn’t ready to see him look at her with sympathy and pity flashing from his eyes. Would he even want her once he realized how truly damaged she was?
Bella’s bark brought her back to the present. She’d been locked in the laundry room for most of the day and wanted attention. Jessica couldn’t blame the dog. If she’d been enclosed in a room without anyone else around, she’d go stark raving mad. At least a whole house gave her different scenery from time to time. Unfortunately, she had no energy. The doctor visit and Olivia’s open dislike had worn her out.
“Not now, puppy,” she said. “I need to rest.”
The dog wasn’t having it. She barked even louder, piercing through her. Jessica rolled over and looked down at Bella. “You’re not going to let me have any peace, are you?” She wagged her tail in response.
“All right,” Jessica said. “You win. Would you like to go for a walk?” Bella barked. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
She rolled off the bed and walked down to the kitchen where Bella’s leash rested on a hook. Bella sat down by her feet and patiently waited as Jessica hooked her leash onto her harness. “All right, let’s go see what kind of trouble we can find.”
They headed toward the front door. Jessica swung it open and started to exit. She stopped short when she saw Preston with his hand raised to knock. She’d hoped she’d be able to avoid him a while longer, but it appeared as if that was a futile wish. He wasn’t going to back down and if she were being honest, she didn’t really blame him. If it were him, she’d keep pushing too.
“I was on my way out,” Jessica said.
“I see that,” he replied. “Do you feel like company?” He gestured toward Bella. “She looks eager to walk.”
He had no idea... Bella could be persistent when she wanted something. “Yes,” she said. “I mean, you’re welcome to join us if you want to.”
That was lame. She was done fighting and didn’t see any reason not to let him have what he wanted. As they strolled, she’d decide how much she wanted to tell him. He’d want something, and she’d have to give him at least a small bit of information if she hoped to get him to back off. Or maybe not...she could call him out on his own misdeeds. He had sent Lana to spy on her, after all.
“Good.” He reached around her and pulled the front door closed. “Lead the way.”
They strolled down the sidewalk in silence. It was nice for the short time it lasted. Jessica should’ve known it would not be much of a reprieve. He’d come by for a reason, and it wasn’t as if he hadn’t given her much warning.
“Why did you see Olivia today?”
There it was. The one thing he had to go on. Olivia must not have told him much, or he’d have asked a much harder question. What she had to decide was how much of it to tell him? In some ways, this was easier than telling him about her medical issues.
“It’s not a big deal,” she deflected. “Olivia is handling it. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Is that Jessica speak for it’s none of my business?”
“Take it however you want.” She shrugged. “I’ve been telling you for a while now not to bother with my problems.”
He wanted to know what was going on with her. She understood it even though it bothered her. Preston meant well, and she couldn’t very well fault him for caring about her, but sometimes it was easier to revert to her bitchy self. She hated hurting him. He didn’t know she was right on the edge of giving in to him. It would be so nice to fall into his arms and let him make it all better. Jessica was barely hanging on.
“I can’t do that,” he said quietly. “It’s not in me to walk away when I think I might be able to help. You mean too much to me.”
“Is that why you sent Lana to spy on me?” she asked with disdain. “You thought it was your right to dig into my life when I have repeatedly told you to back off?”
He blanched. “I...” He stopped and rubbed his hands over his face. “There are no excuses for that. I was so worried and I didn’t think about how you might feel about it. Can you please let me in? I’m going crazy here.”
She should feel sorry for him. Hell
, in some ways she did. It couldn’t be easy loving her. Preston, at heart, was a kind and caring man. While Jessica, on the other hand, was more rotten than good—they were as opposite as two people could be. Yet here he was standing next to her, begging her to be with him.
“Concern doesn’t override my need for privacy,” she said softly. “At least Lana didn’t betray me. I know I can trust her.” Jessica glanced up at him. “You though, I’m not so sure I can. You crossed a line, and it might be a while before I can open up to you again.”
He flinched as if she’d slapped him. “Oh, God,” he muttered. “Please don’t say that. You’ve pushed me away so much... I made a mistake; we can work through it. You mean the world to me, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
Jessica sighed. She was being too hard on him. He didn’t even know the extent of her secrets. All he’d done was care about her enough to take an active interest in her life. If she’d been honest with him from the start, perhaps he wouldn’t have asked Lana to do anything. In a roundabout way, he’d given her the one thing she needed most—a friend.
“I don’t know,” Jessica said, then bit her lip. “My life is in shambles, Pres. You should run away from me and put as much distance between us as you can.”
“There isn’t a thing on this Earth that would make me do that.” He reached for her and cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand. “Whatever you need, I’ll be here for you.”
When he said things like that it broke her heart. “I don’t deserve you.”
Jessica pulled away and headed away from him. She didn’t have it in her to speak any more. He was so sure of himself, and she was everything but. Preston wanted her and was willing to fight for her. She was a walking, ticking time bomb. Push her the wrong way and she would explode—destroying all those around her. She didn’t want to be the reason Preston’s life fell apart. In time, it would if she stayed in it. If she was certain of anything it was that. Preston caught up to her, but she kept a fast stride and remained silent. After a while he couldn’t remain mute and said what was on his mind.