Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2)

by Virginia Wine

  I climb the stairs with a weight of worry upon my shoulders. I catch my own reflection in the bathroom mirror and all I see is.

  LIAR.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  ~Nathan~

  This is a piss-poor excuse of a day. First Bryer leaves early this morning for I don’t know how long. Clayton just sent me a text, asking me to meet him at the gym, a problem of sorts. John from M&M called and asked if I would stop by, he has questions to be answered. And Stan and his right-hand man called and mentioned Cash is on the move, and will get with me when they have new information.

  Arriving at the gym, I can see Clayton speaking with Graham, our newest addition, nice guy, good trainer, but sometimes air-head. And let’s not forget God’s gift to women. If I hear another word about his roguish good looks, I may have to hurt him.

  “What?” Clayton asks.

  “You called me, remember?” Setting my backpack on my desk. I turn to face him, my hands on my hips and a scowl on my face tells a different story.

  “Bryer leave today?” he asks.

  “Uh huh.”

  “Oh…kaaay.” He sits, grabbing his pen.

  I notice how annoying it is when he starts to tap it on his desk, I stare at it, wanting to rip it out of his hand.

  “Stand down, Nathan.”

  I guess he notices. “Fine, what’s so urgent?” Taking a seat, attempting not to be such an asshole, not meaning to unleash my stress on him.

  “I want to make Graham assistant manager, he would be helping me with the work load since you are split between the two companies.”

  “You think he’s up for it?” Arching a brow.

  “Abso-fucking-lutey.” He stands. “He’s closed most nights for me, and the next step will be training him how to order supplies and work up to more important things.”

  “Fuck, Clayton, I didn’t think I was dumping so much on you, I feel like a dick.” I humbly admit.

  “That’s not it. I have been busy with my personal life, and I want a little more time for that.”

  “Fair enough, man. Do what you need to do. Does this new personal life involve anyone I know?”

  “I’m whipped, I admit it, I couldn’t stay away even if I wanted to.” Drooping his head.

  In what? Embarrassment? I don’t think so. “Clayton, a real man doesn’t love a million women, he loves one woman a million ways.”

  “Wow, Oprah again, Nathan?”

  “I do what I can.” Slapping his back. “Set her heart ablaze, Clayton.” An encouraging word as I leave. The next stop may not be so easy. Looking over my shoulder, I throw out an idea. “Do you want to meet later?” I suggest, “Since I’m a bachelor this weekend.”

  “Let’s hit the karaoke bar like old times, have a few drinks.”

  “Fine, but I’m warning you, the consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.” I laugh as I step out to the cold.

  As I walk into M&M the frequent visits have become second nature to me now, I’m finally comfortable with the title and responsibility. I notice John in his office, a frown on his face as he types diligently on his laptop. “Bad time?” I ask.

  “Never,” he says, looking up. “I received the paperwork from your lawyers and the patents Cash has tampered with. This is quite the mess, Nathan, I want to go over our options with you.”

  I take a seat across from him and study his face, the stress obviously taken its toll.

  “Cash doesn’t own them, according to the lawyers, but he can still control them,” John says.

  “Exactly, and the foundation, are we monitoring the funds? I don’t trust him.”

  “Yes, I gave everything to your personal lawyers, not the M&M team. I’ll keep them in the dark and once we take back what’s ours, they’re gone.”

  “There seems to be a small window where the lawyers can step in and possibly crush the provisional patents, once they run out, before the official patents are filed. They will dispute the application before it hits the government offices.”

  “I like your thinking, we need to get his hands out of our pockets. I won’t allow it. Then fire his lying ass. And submit any fraudulent accusations we can come up with.”

  “That’s the goal, we just need to be one step ahead of him. I’m having the lawyers file a patent infringement lawsuit in your name in federal court. We can even involve the Federal Trade Commission and make his life miserable.” He smirks. ‘Sign here.”

  “Yeah, do it. I want blood, his blood,” I say.

  “I’ll go for the jugular, Nathan. He won’t know what hit him, I’ll keep you updated as we go. But this might get messy, he’s underhanded and has no scruples. Don’t be surprised at how dirty he’ll play to achieve his goals.”

  “No question about that, I’ve experienced Cash at his peak. I know he has no limits, and would love nothing more than to destroy me, and everything I have, including my wife. John, I never thought I would say this, but if you have to stoop to his level of deceit, do it. “

  A surprised look briefly flashes over his face, and it was gone with understanding. He nods.

  Standing, I reach for his hand as he meets mine. “Do whatever it takes to bring him down,” I say as I leave, feeling numb. Once again playing the hand Cash has dealt me. What the hell do I have to do to get this prick out of my life, out of Bryer’s life?

  She warned me he was poison, I didn’t believe her, not to this extent. Maybe if I had, I could have taken a different approach, a defensive tactic, instead of offensive.

  Half the day is gone, and I still haven’t heard from Stan. That’s unlike him. As I dial his number it goes straight to voicemail. I call Bryer and get the same, maybe she’s still in the air. But that seems unlikely. A small part of me is fighting the inner turmoil of her independence and the fact she doesn’t need me as much as I need her.

  Clayton texts me to meet him at Koreana Karaoke and sports bar, I’ve never heard of the place. Once home I head to my office to look it up, get directions and see what he’s gotten me into. I’ll be the one up there singing, Clayton will be drinking and skirt chasing women all night. Unless the Gen thing is way more serious then what he’s let on. Tonight should prove to be interesting. I text him back.

  Nathan: “I left bail money on top of your refrigerator,” I say.

  Clayton: “Thanks, dude, you think of everything.” Smiley face icon.

  What the…

  I try both Stan and Bryer once more while I drive to meet Clayton, each not answering, which is peculiar, but not necessarily uncommon under their circumstances. I tuck my phone away, promising not to obsess over it.

  Meeting Clayton at Koreana’s and notice him waiting for me by the bar. He waves and has a mischievously wicked grin on his face. Hell he must have signed me up for Muskrat Love or some bullshit like that. If he did it will be his fucking song.

  “Follow me, oh and watch my back.”

  “What are we, the mod squad?”

  “That would be so awesome.”

  “Guess what I just did?”

  Clayton way too excited is dangerous. “Hard tellin’.”

  “Signed us up for a duet, it’ll be fun,” he swears.

  “Fuck, you didn’t.” Waving the waitress over.

  “Fraid so.” Clayton smirks.

  “Two beers. Oh and possibly two shots, I’ll let you know.”

  She winks and walks away.

  “Spill it, because if it sucks ass, you’re on your own, Clayton.”

  “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around by Stevie Nicks With Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers,” Clayton proudly informs me.

  “I call dibs on Tom,” I immediately say, Okay, not a complete disaster, but I’m not singing the chick’s part. “In the future, I’ll be picking out my own songs, and duets are now banned.”

  “That’s just fucking great,” Clayton whines. “You know I can’t sing, I need you to carry me.

  “Well then, this is your farewell tour, enjoy it while it last.”
I laugh as I see the two beers coming.

  She sets both down but doesn’t leave.

  “Can we start a tab? Or do we need to pay as we go?” Assuming this is why she’s still here.

  “Oh yeah, you can start a tab.” She lingers. “You guys singing tonight?” Resting her hand on my upper arm.

  Who knew that wearing a wedding ring wasn’t like kryptonite, I guess for some woman they just don’t care. But I do. And steer her Clayton’s way. “Clayton, he’ll be making his final performance.” A hand gesture towards Clayton, causing her to look his way.

  “We’ll see, won’t we?” he replies.

  There it is, Clayton not going after the bait, in fact, he’s ignoring her. The Clayton I know would have her number by now, and possibly dumping me for the night. I dare say he is smitten with Gen.

  “You’re not going to tap that?” I subtly ask with a shit grin on my face.

  He looks confused. “The waitress?” Tilting his head in question. I’ve learned sticking my johnson in someone else’s pussy pisses of your girlfriend. “

  “Well said, bro.” Slapping his upper arm.

  “Plus, I have a low tolerance for clingy girls,” he says

  “That makes sense. Gen is so far from Clingy, I’m assuming you’re the clingy girl in the relationship?”

  “Yeah no shit, Sherlock.”

  I just lean back and laugh, in-love Clayton is definitely going to be fun. My turn, pay backs are hell.

  “Clayton and Nathan,” the announcer says over the mic. “Let’s start this night off right.”

  “First, Clayton? Fuck me.” I’m going to kill him. “Two shots,” I yell, waving my hand at the waitress, she immediately notices and shrugs the universal sign, what do you want? “Tequila, hurry.” We shoot them, and slowly make it to the stage. I feel the heat of the shot start to take effect, and give Clayton the fuck-you stare down.

  He shrugs. “Wipe that ugly look off your face.”

  After that nightmare is over, I order another round, meanwhile I write on one of our used cocktail napkins, Meet me at the Texaco Station men’s room, ~Clayton. And have the waitress deliver it to a table of guys making certain they know who Clayton is.

  He’s likely to kick my ass but whatever I get will be worth it. I see the table of men, leaning in, fists balling and pointing at Clayton.

  They roll up the napkin and throw it at Clayton.

  He attempts to catch it assuming this is some male bonding ritual, but misses it and it lands on the floor.

  I wait for him to pick it up but he doesn’t. I’ll just have to enjoy this one by myself. I actually do get one song in, by myself and it’s fun, choosing something the audience would know and join in. Bon Jovi’s Living On A Prayer. Switching to water as Clayton orders another. “So, Clayton, tell me what’s going on with you and Gen?” Drinking Clayton has always been a fucking show.

  “We have great chemistry,” he starts. “She’s so damn beautiful she drives me half mad.” Shaking his head. “She plays hard to get, or she is hard to get, I’m not sure. But I want her to be mine.” Taking a swig of his now almost-empty beer. “I guess I’ll have to work a little harder,” Clayton says.

  “You don’t have to be perfect, man, just a perfect man for her.” His eye reaches mine and the crinkle in them shows me he’s a goner. “When do you see her next?”

  “Soon, it’s kinda’ up to her, I’m supposed to call her tomorrow.” He smiles.

  “Fucking –A. Go for it, buddy.” Seriously, I would love for my best friend to find happiness, I know how it’s changed me for the better, I want that for him.

  “Why is there so much blood in my alcohol system?” Clayton slurs.

  “You’re coming home with me, bud.”

  Four missed calls, Bryer left a message she arrived safe, and Stan said he was working on something important and would call tomorrow.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  ~Bryer~

  Two hours without a word as we sit in first class. Cash has yet to utter one damn word. I don’t know what game he’s playing but there’s always one when it comes to Cash. I watch him drink his glass of champagne yet, the silence is consuming me.

  I feel like a woman in way over her head. Drowning here. And the only one here to save me is the one causing me to drown. “I’m still confused Cash, why the hell am I here?” Looking over to meet his eyes for the first time.

  “I don’t recall you being such a potty-mouth, Briar. I told you, business. We’re fine…”

  “That just shows how much you don’t know me, and that’s a bullshit answer and you know it.”

  “Bryer, when a man says they’re fine, they actually mean it.” He is able to ruffle my feathers, but that doesn’t mean I have to show it. I know him, there’s not an ounce of honesty running through those cold veins. I can feel the hopelessness in my very core. What the fuck did I do? Shame washes over me, knowing I lied to the one man I love, and I’m here with the one man I don’t trust. “That’s not an answer, Cash.” My eyes flashing in fury.

  “All in due time, Bryer.” The smugness dripping off him like liquid.

  On the verge of committing justifiable homicide. “Cash, one last time, this is strictly business. Are we clear?”

  “Crystal.” Finishing the last drop of his champagne.

  A car is waiting for us, the driver gathers our luggage and we proceed to the hotel, concerned he may take me to his home here, but we check into our separate rooms, although attached, I breathe a small sigh of relief.

  “Meet me for dinner at 7:00 in the dining room,” he orders. “We will organize our strategy.”

  I nod and turn to leave, not waiting for any assistance, reaching my room, I close the door behind me, resting my body against it as I take in a deep breath. I’m wound so tight, I try Nathan’s phone but it goes straight to voicemail, leaving a message I arrived safely.

  Reckless behavior gambling with the most important thing in my life, trust. Without a doubt, this has to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. I try Nathan once more before meeting Cash, straight to voicemail, he must be out with Clayton. I turn my phone off, for many reasons.

  I see Cash before he sees me. He’s looking at his phone then takes a long pull from his beer. How he has the power to cloud my judgement still mystifies me.

  “You’re cute when you’re angry,” he says, looking up at me.

  “Then I must be Miss America.” Huffing out an angry breath. “Pushing my buttons already, Cash?”

  “Or maybe you want to seem tougher than you really are.” He suggests, unable to fight his smile.

  “No, this is pretty real, you are a train wreck ready to happen.”

  “Sit, Bryer.” As a glass of white wine is set on the table.

  “Somethings never change,” I say, taking the seat, ignoring how I feel about the order just given.

  “Agreed.” Never wavering from his intense stare, his amber eyes shrewd as always.

  He pulls out a file from his monogrammed croc attaché case, and sets it between us, sliding it in front of me.

  I open the file and there is a color presentation along with several thumb drives. The images are my own work-out clothing line I designed prior to Cash acquiring the company. It’s still doing well, but the presentation cover says Niemen Marcus Group with all their contact information. I’m speechless, and amazed that this is really a legitimate business prospect that could be an opportunity of a lifetime.

  “Impressed?” His cockiness knowing no bounds.

  “You’re unpredictable, I’ll give you that.”

  “It’s cut-throat competition, Bryer, we need to go in guns blazing.”

  “It’s a compelling opportunity,” I say, noticing he’s looking very pleased with himself.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment, Bryer.” Raising a brow.

  “And you kept this a secret because?” I let that hang in the air.

  “It wasn’t concrete ‘til this morning. We have an a
ppointment at nine am tomorrow. I have a copy for you too. Study it tonight I need you to be solid on this, assertively sell this product and the company itself, but, Bryer, most of all, I need you to sell yourself, your knowledge, your expertise. Your confidence is what will make this deal, or not.”

  After a long time of cautiously looking into his back-stabbing eyes, I take a long breath, beating down the doubt that usually follows Cash like a shadow.

  “Hungry?” he asks.

  Switching gears like he’s driving a car, and I’m the car. “Fine.” Feeling as if I’m crossing imaginary boundaries, by sharing a meal. I overlook turning my phone back on when I came back to the room exhausted. The next morning I text Nathan. Playing phone tag with each other will not go over well I’m afraid.

  Heading in for an early meeting, love you, miss you talk soon. Hoping the text will soothe all the missed calls between us.

  The conflicted feeling too raw to dissect at this minute, but lying to him is eating away at me, I have to figure out a way to tell him without Cash knowing. Cash told me this trip was business, and something about the paperwork that I know I could have, should have, signed back home. He’s lying. The scary part is if you are around Cash, it’s easy to become a liar yourself.

  I watch Cash straighten his tie before walking into the office of several buyers from Niemen Marcus, they all stand. Cash with his dramatic flair leading the show as always. Two men and one woman, guess which one Cash just caught his attention. I offer a comforting smile, shaking everyone’s hands and taking a seat next to where I assume Cash will be seated. But no, he’s next to the only other woman in the room. I watch as she drinks him in. There should be a cross and bones label on his chest, poison. I watch as he opens his expensive brief case.

  “Allow me to offer you each an I-Pad for your convenience. Please tap on app called presentation.” The men each take theirs, a slight raise of the eyebrows showing how impressed they are. Cash personally sets the third on the table by his catch of the day.