Toad

by Cambria Hebert

  “It’s okay to be happy again,” I said quietly. Even as I spoke, the words hurt. I couldn’t help seeing Aerie in my mind. I ached for her. If this conversation wasn’t so important, I would rush back down the hall and lock myself in the room with her.

  “I know, and I am. But it’s time to let you be the man I raised you to be.” He smiled, albeit sadly. “I kept my promise to your mom. You turned out better than either of us could have imagined.”

  “Gee, thanks,” I muttered.

  He laughed. “Keep the job. Make a name for yourself in music. They’re lucky to have you. You’re the best damn songwriter they're ever gonna see.”

  “But school.” I objected. My, how quickly things changed. I went from trying to get away from it to trying to keep it close.

  He waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it. I can probably get the rest of the semester credited to you since you’ll be writing an album.”

  “Seriously?”

  “You will probably have to come back and take the final exams in each class.” He warned.

  “I can do that.” I nodded vigorously.

  “We’ll work out something for your final semester, then. Maybe online classes. Or once the album is done, you and Aerie can come back here while you finish.”

  “Aerie, too?”

  “If she’s special enough for you to love, then I know I’ll love her, too.”

  I rushed forward and hugged him.

  I was a huggy kind of guy.

  “I love you, Dad.”

  He chuckled and hugged me back. “I love you, too, son.”

  I pulled back. “You sure you’re okay with this?”

  “I am.”

  I hugged him again. The weight of a thousand pounds lifted off me. Having his approval meant more than anything. Now that I had it, I knew I could rock this album.

  “Hey, Dad?”

  “What now?”

  I looked at him seriously. Now that I knew things were going to be okay between us, I wanted that for him and Ten. “Some of that stuff you just told me? You should tell Ten.”

  “Ten?”

  I nodded. “He thinks you’re embarrassed of him. He thinks you don’t want people to know you’re related.”

  My father’s eyes widened in shock, and then a look of what could only be described as regret filled his face. “Thanks for letting me know.”

  I nodded, about to say something else, but Dad cleared his throat and patted me on the shoulder. I turned, seeing Aerie hovering in the doorway.

  I grinned wide, about to fill her in, but the smile died before it barely formed.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked, closing the distance between us.

  Her eyes searched mine. They were apprehensive, and her skin was colorless. “The hearing for the annulment has been set. I have to go back to L.A.”

  Aerie

  The law offices of Bright & Wilde were located in downtown L.A., not far from Solberg Records. We used a private car service to get there and the confidentially located back entrance that was off the street, away from prying, busybody eyes.

  Nate sat beside me, black shades wrapped around his eyes and a baseball cap turned backward on his head, hiding his beautiful red hair. We weren’t exactly sneaking around, but we were hiding from the press.

  If Nate’s father suggested he was the one I was “cheating” with, then it would be far too easy for the rest of the world to come to that stupid conclusion as well.

  As much as Seth wanted a statement of some kind for the press, I deferred, deciding I was going to do exactly what Byron Ryan wanted and keep my mouth shut. I planned to let speculation mount, rumors swirl, and conspiracy theories abound. I’d say it all in the music and give an exclusive interview after it released.

  Maybe it was the coward’s way. I mean, I definitely didn’t want to say anything about my life. Not that I wanted people to think I was a cheater with a raging STD either (aka a frog with warts), but choices had to be made.

  I was choosing me.

  To hell with what everyone else thought.

  And on a business side, it would be good for album sales.

  Seth was a little put off when I informed him of the decision. For two reasons:

  1. His phone was never going to stop ringing.

  And…

  2. Like the rest of them, he wanted to know what was going on.

  Maybe I’d take Nate’s suggestion and send him an edible arrangement. He seemed to think that was like the best thing since Fruity Pebbles. Well, that and corndogs.

  Mac knocked on the heavily tinted window, and I reached for Nate’s hand. Lifting mine, he kissed the back of it and then moved beside me. “I’m going first.” He cautioned, popped open the door, and started out.

  Expecting me, Mac had his hand out. Nate glanced at it and then slid his into it. “Wow, this is really full service.”

  I giggled.

  “Sir,” Mac said. “That was meant for Aerie.”

  Shedding his jokes, Nate turned to the bodyguard. “I won’t put her out of a car ahead of me. What kind of man do you think I am?” His eyes bored into Mac’s.

  Finally, Mac inclined his chin. “A good one, sir.”

  “Call me Nate. Sir is for stuffy people.” Nate reached in and helped me out of the SUV. Tucking his arm around me, we went quickly into the elevator Ben was holding open.

  The receptionist didn’t even bother to get up when I strode into the lobby. She glanced up. Then her eyes slid right to Nate. I felt myself bristle, but he gave my side a squeeze.

  “He’s expecting you,” the receptionist said, still looking at Nate.

  I paused, my heels going quiet so my voice could be heard. “Do you have something in your eye?” I asked sweetly.

  She pulled her stare from Nate and looked at me. “Uh, no.”

  “Would you like to?” I intoned, feeling my freshly painted nails dig into my palm.

  Nate made a sound and ushered me away. Glancing back over his shoulder, he told the girl, “I’m limited edition.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  The door to Walter’s office was open when we approached. I told Mac and Ben they could wait outside, so they took up position by the door, and Nate shut it behind us when we went inside.

  “Ms. Boone,” Walter said, standing from behind his desk and smiling. I had to give it to him. He only slid a cursory glance at Nate before returning all attention back to me. “Thank you for coming in.”

  “The annulment hearing is in two days. Of course I’m going to be here,” I said, blunt. It wasn’t like this was some social call.

  “Yes, well. There are just a few things I wanted to go over with you before we meet at the judge’s office.”

  “So it’s not a court thing?” Nate asked.

  Walter glanced at him. “And you would be…?”

  “Nate Roth,” he replied, sticking his hand out for a shake.

  Walter returned it but seemed confused. “And why are you here?”

  I opened my mouth, but Nate beat me to it. “Because Aerie is.” Then, as if he realized he wasn’t done speaking, he said, “And because I’m here to make sure you do your job and don’t screw her over.”

  I pressed my lips together.

  Walter bristled. “This firm is not in the habit of screwing people over.”

  “Then why isn’t this thing done already?” he commanded.

  Apparently, that intensity he used to make me want him… He could also channel it into intimidation.

  I had no idea he could be so…. alpha.

  Well. Not true. I guess he proved that the night he fought the men with that gun.

  Suffice it to say, I liked this side of him. Nate Roth was a complete package. Every quality that could make a girl swoon was wrapped up right there beneath his skin, just behind his emerald eyes.

  “I don’t discuss legal cases with people who are not my clients.”

  “Who’s paying whom?” Nate wondered.

  Walter
blanched, and I hid a smile.

  “Forget it.” Nate went on, his tone completely changing. “I want some answers.”

  I straightened, stepping in front of Nate.

  “He can still see me, princess. I’m taller.”

  Over my shoulder, I delivered a withering stare.

  He held up his hands. “Fine. Go ahead.”

  “You have my permission to speak freely in front of Nate. He’s my… support system.”

  But, oh, he was so much more than that.

  “Very well.” Walter went back behind his desk. “As you are well aware…” He began, sitting down. “Will Solberg has been actively fighting the petition for annulment.”

  Nate made a rude sound and sat down. I took the chair beside him.

  “I finally managed to get a hearing set, as you requested. And I managed to do it slightly before the mandatory thirty-day waiting period here in California.”

  I hadn’t known about the thirty-day thing.

  Walter seemed to read it on my face and sniffed. “As you can see, my firm and I have been doing everything possible to get this matter cleared up quickly.”

  I sat back, feeling a little guilty. I had been pretty, erm, rude to him before. “I’m sorry, Walter—”

  “Nope,” Nate said, putting his arm out across me as if we were about to be in a collision and he was going to protect me. “You’re not apologizing, not for being clear on what you want. This is a shitty mess, and you have every right to be upset.”

  “But—”

  “Isn’t that right, Walter?” Nate intoned.

  He met Nate’s eyes, then looked back at me. “Of course.”

  “Anyway.” Walter cleared his throat. Nate’s arm dropped, and his hand reached for mine. “The day the hearing was set, I received a notification from Mr. Solberg’s attorney. He has a witness who will be testifying that you were indeed of sound mind to agree to matrimony.”

  I gasped. “He’s lying!”

  “Can you prove that?” Walter asked.

  Tears filled my eyes, and I shook my head.

  “What kind of proof do you need?” Nate asked, the voice of reason while I was falling apart.

  “Something to discredit this witness… or proof that you were indeed incapacitated. A blood test from the next day, a breathalyzer. Something that would prove you were under the influence.”

  “I don’t have that!” I exclaimed.

  “It’s okay, princess.” Nate said softly, then turned back to my lawyer. “Who is this witness anyway? A friend of theirs? Maybe we can talk to them—”

  “You cannot do that. It will only make her look guiltier.”

  “Guilty of what?” I gasped, a hiccup rocking my body.

  “Of lying. Of trying to manipulate the courts regarding something you did and changed your mind about.”

  I gasped again.

  Nate surged to his feet, planting his body in front me. “Let’s get one thing straight right now, Walter,” he snarled. “You work for her, and as such, you don’t suggest she’s lying or insult her. If you do anything of the sort ever again, all of California is going to know what a crook you are.”

  “I’m no such thing!” he spat.

  “Maybe not. But the idea will be out there. And as a lawyer, you know all about reasonable doubt.”

  Silence filled the room, and I brushed at the tears falling down my cheeks. Ugh. I needed to be better than this. Stronger. Falling apart now was not an option. It wasn’t crown worthy either.

  I took a deep breath and stood. Nate reached for my hand, and his fingers slid through mine.

  “I certainly never meant to imply you are lying, Ms. Boone.”

  “I understand, Walter,” I said, my voice strong. “You’re just telling me how it looks. I can assure you, whoever this witness is, Will is paying them to lie.”

  “Without proof—” Walter began.

  “Yes. I know. Who is this witness? Are you at least allowed to tell me his name?”

  “He’s from the chapel where you got married. I believe he’s the man who actually performed the ceremony.”

  My stomach sank. I lifted my chin. “I don’t even know where the ceremony took place. Do you know the name?”

  “I have it right here,” he said, opening a folder. “It will be listed on your marriage certificate.”

  I recalled the day in the office Will showed it to me. Though, it was more of a flash. I’d barely had a chance to look at it.

  “Could I see that, please?” I asked, reaching for it.

  Walter picked up the paper and handed it over.

  The Palisades Sands of Time Chapel, the certificate read. What a stupid name for a chapel. My eyes blurred a little as I looked down, realizing how much this piece of paper had cost me.

  What a stupid mistake.

  What was I thinking?

  “J.,” Nate said. “What’s your middle name?”

  “What?” I asked, glancing at him.

  He pointed to my signature on the certificate. “What’s your middle name?”

  “Oh. It’s Joeline.” I gasped. Lifting the paper closer to my face, I stared at the signature. Right there in black ink was my name…. Aerie J. Boone.

  Except that was not my signature.

  “I didn’t sign this,” I announced. My finger stabbed at the paper, and I looked at my lawyer. “This is not my signature.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not following,” He replied.

  “That’s why he didn’t let me look at it closely. It’s why he never showed it to me again!” I mused, excitement making my voice high.

  “What’s going on, princess?” Nate asked. I felt his palm on the small of my back.

  I turned to him and smiled wide. “I didn’t sign this paper. That is not my signature.” I turned back to Walter. “That nullifies this entire marriage. I didn’t even sign!”

  “Could you please explain? Is your legal name not Aerie J. Boone?”

  “Yes, it is. But I never sign my middle initial. Never.”

  “Perhaps you did that night and don’t remember? Your memory seems to be a little spotty.” He suggested.

  “Watch your mouth,” Nate growled.

  “I really don’t have to take these threats.” Walter sniffed.

  “Then stop saying stupid shit,” Nate retorted. “And people say I’m the moron.”

  “Memory or not, I can guarantee you that I did not sign this. It’s all wrong. Even if for some reason I did put a J., I don’t write them that way.”

  I handed the certificate to Nate and leaned over Walter’s desk to grab a piece of paper and a pen. In one second flat, I scrawled my signature, the one I always used, on the paper and then just below it, signed again, this time using the letter J.

  “See!” I said, triumphant. I took the certificate from Nate and laid it right beside the one I’d just written, pointing to the two signatures.

  “That is not mine.”

  Walter stared down, and Nate leaned over the desk so he could do the same.

  “They are different.” Nate observed. The second the words left his mouth, he burst up with a huge grin on his face. “You aren’t married. You never even got married!”

  He came at me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and spun me around. I laughed. Nate stopped turning and let me slide down his body, green eyes boring into mine.

  “You’ve always been mine,” he whispered, then kissed me.

  Everything felt right in the world in that moment. It was perfect.

  Until Walter cleared his throat.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt this happy moment, but this isn’t going to be enough.”

  “What!” Nate and I both said at the same time.

  “I can see the signatures are different. However, without proof that you actually didn’t sign…”

  “What about a handwriting expert? They can prove it wasn’t me. Will probably drugged me, took me to the chapel, and then forged my signature!”

  “I c
an definitely get a handwriting expert to concur with your allegations.”

  I made a sound of distress.

  “But?” Nate demanded.

  “But that will take several weeks. The hearing in two days will have to be postponed. It will give Mr. Solberg more time to find witnesses…”

  “So you’re saying he can legally trap me into a marriage I didn’t even participate in?” I exclaimed.

  “Oh, hell no,” Nate growled.

  “For now at least. Possibly enough to make an annulment inviable. There is always divorce…”

  “No!” Nate and I both shouted.

  Walter sank into his desk chair as though he were tired.

  Yeah, well, buddy, join the club.

  “You can question the witness, get him to admit he’s lying.” I encouraged.

  “I can do that. But if he doesn’t admit it, it still comes down to your word against his.”

  Nate made a frustrated sound and paced to the window, fists at his sides.

  “I don’t have to remind you that confronting Will Solberg about any of this can only be used against you at the hearing.”

  I nodded, understanding.

  “And that if you and your boyfriend here are seen anywhere together, it will make it look like you’re trying to get out of the marriage because you are having an affair and don’t want to split assets or be liable for alimony.”

  “Dudes who take alimony are lame,” Nate intoned from his position by the window.

  “Yes, well, Mr. Solberg’s alimony would be millions of dollars,” Walter quipped.

  Nate cursed. It was pretty creative, and even Walter smiled.

  I sank back into a chair. Not only was Will controlling me, threatening my future, my bank account, and my reputation (what was left of it), but now he was keeping Nate and me apart.

  “What do you suggest, Mr. Bright?” I asked, defeated.

  “I know this is very hard—”

  “No.” Nate turned from the window. “You have no fucking idea.”

  The lawyer swallowed. “I will call in a handwriting expert and see how fast I can get an analysis.” He gestured to the certificate and my actual signature. “But it will be a few weeks.”