Between You & I

by Susan Cairns

  Reid throws his head back and laughs. “The best kind of morning workout.”

  “I agree, but I think we should get dressed because I doubt we’re alone now.”

  “Good thinking,” Reid says, pulling up his pants.

  Taking a few steps to the left, he gives me enough room to find my thong and pick the rest of my clothes up off the floor. While he fixes himself—lucky asshole barely removed any clothes—I get dressed and try to straighten myself out the best I can.

  “Do I look okay?” I ask, flattening my hair.

  “You look gorgeous, like always.”

  “Not what I meant. What I need to know is if I look like I was just fucked three ways to Sunday?”

  “No, you look perfectly put together,” Reid says with a smile, crossing the distance between us then grabbing my hips. He leans down and places a soft kiss on my lips. “It’s getting late. You might want to head out to your desk if we want to keep this between us.”

  “What time is it?”

  “It’s eight,” he says before dropping another kiss on my lips.

  “Shit,” I manage to say against his lips. “I have a meeting with Miranda at eight thirty.”

  “You better go then.”

  “You have to stop kissing me then.”

  “I can’t, not after what you gave me this morning.”

  “Too bad, Mr. Mariano, I have a job to do and it’s not going to get done in here.” I give him one more kiss then pull out of his arms.

  Grabbing my blazer from the back of the chair, I swing it around my shoulders then tuck my arms through the holes. I smooth the material a couple of times to make sure it’s laying right, then I take the few steps to the door. Before twisting the lock, I look at Reid over my shoulder. He’s watching my every move with a smirk. I shake my head then open the door, slipping out into the bright lights and flurry of the morning.

  This week has been annoyingly busy, and I’m done with it. Tonight I’ve planned a small happy hour for Reid at Fran’s. The ass thought he could get away without sharing that today was his fortieth birthday! Thank god Miranda blew the top off of that, surprising him with a cake from the team. Which also gave me the opportunity to invite everyone out for a couple of drinks tonight to celebrate. Had I known, I would have planned a little better and thrown together something more official for him. Again, he’s an ass. But things will work out anyway. Until then, I’m stuck being Miranda’s runner bitch while sitting in on a planning conference call for the rest of the afternoon.

  Miranda hits the mute button on the phone then picks up the UPS envelope at the end of her desk. She hands it to me. “Can you drop this in the box for me? I don’t think we’ll be done, and they come for pick up at four.”

  “Sure, do you need anything else while I’m up?” I ask, sliding my chair back and standing.

  “No, I’m good, but thanks for asking.”

  “No problem.” I turn toward the door and pull it open quietly, even though the callers can’t hear me.

  I shut the door just as softly as I opened it and wait to let go until I’m sure it’s latched. Brian, the pseudo receptionist, is sitting behind his desk on the phone while a woman waits patiently in front of him. Ignoring them, I head outside to the UPS drop box and push the envelope through the slot, making sure it’s inside before going back into the reception area.

  When I enter the foyer, Brian’s voice captures my attention. “Who are you here to see?”

  The woman at the desk says, “Oh, I don’t need to see him. I just wanted to drop this off. It’s for Reid Mariano, my boyfriend.”

  I freeze, my eyes bugging out, as my head snaps toward Brian. His eyes lock with mine over the woman’s shoulders.

  “Um, okay, well I can call Mr. Mariano to come up and meet you?”

  “Nonsense, Brian,” I chime in. “I’ll deliver the cake to Reid.”

  “Are you sure?” the woman asks, turning around to face me.

  “It would be my pleasure,” I say, enunciating each word.

  “Great, thank you. He’ll know it’s from me. I had them put it on the cake, “she says with a wink, holding the cake out for me to take.

  I glance down and see the writing. Happy 40th Reid, Love Jennifer. “Isn’t that sweet. I’m sure he’ll love it.”

  “I hope so. He’s been working so much lately, we’ve missed each other for almost two weeks now.”

  “Well, that’s a shame.”

  “It is, so I have a big weekend planned for him. But don’t tell him. It’s a surprise.”

  “My lips are sealed,” I say, giving her a big fake-ass smile.

  “Thank you for doing this.”

  “Not a problem, but I have to get back in there. I hope you and Reid have a great weekend.” I turn away, finishing the conversation.

  Thankfully Brian buzzes me in. I assume it’s because my arms are full, but it’s probably because he knows I’m on a rampage and trying hard to keep myself in control. Fucking girlfriend. Nice play, Reid, nice play. At least now I know why we never did anything on the weekends. I’ll fucking show him.

  While I stomp through the office, the people who see me coming jump out of the way. I’m not sure if it’s the look on my face or the sound I’m making as I move, but I’m grateful. I’m also glad that I don’t run into Casey, because I know as soon as I see her, I’ll lose it.

  Reaching Reid’s office, I take a deep breath then look through the door. He’s standing behind his desk, facing his computer.

  “Happy birthday, Mr. Mariano,” I say, stomping over to him then lifting the cake over my head and slamming it onto his desk.

  Without a word, I run back to Miranda’s office and duck in fast just in case he followed me. I fall into my chair with thoughts running wild in my head. Fucking Reid Mariano! I should have known something was going on. This was just too good to be true. Things like this don’t happen to me, not without repercussions.

  “Are you okay? You’re looking a little flushed.” Miranda’s voice pulls me out of my head.

  “Actually I’m not feeling well all of a sudden. Do you mind if I head back to my desk?”

  “Not at all, we’re almost done here. I can finish up.” She waves me off.

  “Thanks, Miranda. If I don’t see you again before I leave, have a good weekend.”

  “You too,” she replies as I stand and quietly go back out the door.

  The rage inside me sends me practically running back to my cube. I’m not sure how many people saw my very open display of anger toward Reid, so I keep my head down until I round the corner and fall into my chair. I don’t have time to wallow here, so I pack up my computer, phone, and grab my lunch box, then I make my quick escape.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Reid

  “What in the ever loving fuck just happened?” I ask myself as I watch Taylor fly out of my office.

  Two-seconds after I find out my dad is being rushed to the hospital because he’s having a heart attack, Taylor stomps into my office with the most fake smile I’ve ever seen and slams a cake on my desk before running out the door. I’m stunned, in shock, and can’t even move, my now-silent cell phone still pressed up against my ear. The sound of my mother crying on the other end circles through my head, along with the sight of an angry Taylor retreating from my office.

  As I finally pull my phone away from my ear, I give my head a good shake to snap myself back to the present. That’s when I look at the massacred cake on my desk. The top must have been snapped on well, considering the force it was slammed with; it didn’t even pop off. I have to turn the cake so the words are facing me and squint to make out the smeared words. “Happy 40th Reid, Love Jennifer!” What the hell? Who does that?

  “Oh shit!” I finally realize what this means—Taylor knows about Jennifer, which means Jennifer probably knows about Taylor. I was planning on telling Jennifer this weekend that it was over and I was moving out, but fuck, this is not how I saw things going.

  Doing
the only thing I can think of, I grab my laptop off the dock and stuff it in my bag, then I grab all of the papers from my desk and do the same. After a quick scan, I make my way to Miranda’s office, passing Taylor’s empty cube on the way. Thankfully Miranda’s sitting behind her desk with the door wide open.

  “Hey, Miranda?” I ask.

  “Oh, Reid, come on in.” She waves me in, probably seeing the worry written all over my face. “What’s going on?”

  “I just got a call from my mother.” I walk in the room, pulling the door closed. “My father’s had a heart attack. I’m not sure how bad at this point, but I have to get to Chicago.”

  “Oh my gosh, yes, go. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll fill your staff in and have Taylor cover any meetings you have set up with clients.”

  “Are you sure?” I ask, sounding unsure.

  “Yes, your family’s more important that this place. Go be with your dad. We’ll handle things here.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it more than you know.” I turn to the door, grabbing the handle when Miranda’s voice stops me.

  “Reid?” She waits for me to turn and acknowledge her. “Give me a call and let me know what’s going on, okay?”

  “Yeah, I’ll call you as soon as I know myself.”

  “Thank you, and I hope your dad’s okay.”

  “Thank you, so do I.” I turn back to the door and pull it open then practically run through it.

  After a sprint through the reception area then the parking lot, I’m throwing my things across the center console of my Jeep as I slide behind the wheel and bring it to life. I’m trying to think of what to do first. Do I call Taylor and let her know what happened? Will she even pick up or care? Or do I call Jennifer to see if she can help me get a flight booked? I decided on the latter and wait for my Bluetooth to connect to Jennifer.

  “Hey, you,” she answers on the first ring, so I’m guessing she doesn’t know about Taylor.

  “Where are you?” I ask frantically.

  “On my way back to work. Why? What’s wrong?”

  “Listen, my dad had a heart attack, and I need to get to Chicago. When you get back to the office, can you check to see when the next flight leaves? I’m on my way to the condo right now to pack.”

  “Oh my, um, do you want me to come with you? I can turn around and meet you at home.”

  “No, it’s okay. Please can you just check the flights and text me when you find one?” I ask, feeling like an asshole for doing it, but I’m desperate.

  “Yeah, I’ll find one and let you know. Do you want me to book it for you?”

  “No, just get me the time, airline, and flight number. I’ll get a ticket when I get to the airport.”

  “Okay. Reid, please call me when you get there so I know you made it safely.”

  “I will. I just need to get there.”

  “All right, I’ll be back at the office in about ten minutes and I’ll let you know.”

  “Thanks, Jennifer.” I press the button on my steering wheel, ending the call without letting her say goodbye. I slam my hand on the center console as I weave through traffic. “Fuck!”

  Fifteen minutes, that’s all it takes for me to get back to the condo. I tear out of my Jeep and sprint inside, running right to the bedroom. I grab the carry-on suitcase from the top shelf in the closet and slam it on the bed, then I go back and grab clothes. I’m not even paying attention to what I throw on the bed or if it will even fit. When I think I have enough to make it a few days, I shove everything into the case as best as I can then zip it closed. Whatever I don’t have, I’ll pick up when I get there.

  Just as I’m about to pick up my things and run out the door, my phone pings with a new text:

  Jennifer: Southwest to Midway, 6:45, you don’t have much time, but there are seats available on the flight.

  Without responding, I slip my phone into my pocket and head out. It’s nearing rush hour, so I only have about five minutes to get on the highway before I’ll get stuck and miss the flight.

  Twenty minutes later, thanks to luck or divine intervention, I’m standing at the ticket counter in the airport, getting ready to hand over my credit card to pay an obscene amount for a flight that barely reaches cruising altitude. The ticket agent smiles at me as she finishes my transaction, handing over the slip for me to sign, then trading it for my receipt, card, and boarding pass. If security is light, I should have a few minutes to call Taylor before I take off.

  Stepping up to the short line at TSA, I have a minute to think. I cannot believe how timing has fucked up my entire life. If Taylor hadn’t been in reception when Jennifer arrived, then Brian would have called me to get my own cake and avoided this whole situation. If my mom had called five minutes later, I could have explained to Taylor, or at least had the chance to try to speak to her.

  Stepping up to the conveyer belt, I slip off my shoes then belt before taking everything out of my pocket and placing them in the bin, then I shove my carry-on through the size requirement hole. I move forward, hand my boarding pass to the agent then step through the metal detector. He hands my paperwork back with a nod, and I move to the end of the lane to pick up my stuff. I slip my belt into the front pocket of my bag then drop my shoes on the floor to slip them on.

  Swiping my finger across the screen of my phone, I bring it to life and click right into the contacts to find Taylor’s name. The first attempt goes right to voicemail. I can’t tell if she ignored me or if her phone is actually off. Taking a different approach, I text her, knowing that she actually uses the read receipt function.

  Reid: I have to talk to you. read: 6:15 pm

  “Wow, that was fast,” I say to myself, garnering a look from the guy walking next to me.

  Since I know her phone is on, I go back to my contacts and select her number again. This time it rings once, twice, three times, then voicemail picks up again, so I leave one. I’ll be boarding soon and need to turn off my phone for a while. Maybe by then she’ll have listened to it and decided to call me back, or at least will pick up the next time I call.

  “Taylor, please let me explain. I know things seem bad, but it’s not as bad as you’re thinking.” I take a deep breath and blow it out. “Listen, I don’t know if Miranda told you or not, but I’m heading to Chicago. I’m actually getting ready to board the plane right now, so I won’t be able to answer if you call me back. Please call me back. I’ll try again when I get there.” I pull the phone away from my ear to hit the end button.

  Just as I reach my gate, an announcement comes over the speaker calling for early boarding. I’ll be in the last group called, so I take a seat to the left of the check-in counter and wait, but waiting is killing me. I want to call and check on my dad. I want to call Taylor again. The only thing I don’t want to do is call Jennifer. I should have seen this coming and ended it before things blew up in my face, but of course, dipshit Reid had to wait until shit hit the fan. Since I really shouldn’t do either—Mom’s busy waiting to hear about dad and I’ve already called Taylor—I fire off a text to Jordan, letting him know my flight information.

  A little more luck comes my way when they announce that boarding has opened for everyone, so I file myself into the check-in line. I follow a family that settles in the seats right over the wings, so I keep going until I’m alone in the back. After tossing my bag into the overhead bin, I drop into the seat then lean my head back, closing my eyes.

  The sensation of my phone vibrating in my pocket makes me jump, so I lean to the side and pull it out. It’s Jordan, letting me know he’ll be there to get me. Great, at least I can get all this shit off my chest before I have to deal with what’s waiting for me. I power down my phone and stick it back in my pocket—no point in waiting until the last minute. Then I buckle my seat belt and lean my head back again, allowing myself to get lost in the mess of thoughts running through my brain.

  The flight lasts as long as I thought it would, and because I decided to sit in the back of the plane, I h
ave to wait for the same family I passed to get all of their shit together so I can get off. While I’m standing there, I could help the kids get their bags from the overhead bins, but I don’t. I turn my phone back on instead. Nothing. No ping for a voicemail or text message.

  Reid: I’m here, be out in a few minutes.

  Jordan: Just pulling in, I’ll meet you at the curb.

  The line starts to move as I’m putting my phone away. On the jetway, I manage to maneuver around the crowd and break free into the chaos of Midway Airport. Rolling my suitcase behind me, I weave around people making their way to the baggage claim and head right out the door. As promised, Jordan is sitting at the curb with his four-ways on, getting looks from the security guard.

  “Hey,” I call to him.

  “How was your flight?” Jordan pushes off from where he’s leaning against the passenger door and moves around the front of the car.

  “Short, uneventful, but they had booze, so that’s a plus.”

  “Great, so you’ve been drinking. Just what Mom needs right now,” he says, glaring at me over the roof.

  “How is he?” I stop next to the back door and pull it open to toss my suitcase in.

  “They were getting ready to take him to surgery when I left.”

  “So it’s worse than I thought.”

  “Bypass, quadruple. The doctor said it’s a routine procedure, but they don’t know how much damage was done during the attack.”

  “Fuck!” I slam the back door before pulling mine open.

  “Take it easy, this isn’t your piece of shit,” Jordan bitches as he slides in next to me.

  “Sorry, fuck, my day went from worse to shit all in a matter of five minutes. First mom calls to tell me about dad, then Taylor walks into my office with a cake from Jennifer.”

  “The hot blonde?”

  I nod.

  “You’re fucking her, aren’t you?”

  I nod again.

  “I knew this was going to happen. I could tell when you were talking about her. So why didn’t you tell me?”