“So, how’s your week been?” he asks as I sit across from him.
“Had better, had worse,” I say without thinking first.
“Really? What’s been bad?”
Well, I can’t tell him about my brother. I’m trying to think on my feet, but nothing is coming to mind. Good lies require preplanning. Liam’s stare holds my attention. Look away, look away, or else he’ll know you’re lying.
“Oh, nothing really. Just work stuff, you know?”
“I sure do.” He leans across the table and takes my hand in his. “Everything at work has been so hectic. It’s five o’clock before I realize it, and I still have five more hours of work I could do.”
“Ugh, I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. It won’t be like this forever. Hey, before I forget, I wanted to ask you if you might want to go to The Alley tomorrow night.”
“The Alley?” I look at him confused.
“Sorry, it’s a theater downtown. I forget you didn’t grow up here.”
“You know, I would love to, but I already have plans. Well, not really plans. My boss wants me to work late, like really late, tomorrow. We have to finish up a room at a client’s house before they get home on Friday.”
“Okay. No big deal.”
The look on his face does not say the same.
“I’m really sorry,” I say, trying to defuse the tension between us. “Can we make plans for Friday?”
“No,” he says and then pauses. I’m about to say something when he starts again. “I have meetings all day on Friday, and I’ll probably have to be at the office late that night. Maybe we can get together on Saturday?”
“That sounds really great. I wish our schedules weren’t so tight lately.”
“Me, too.”
During the rest of our time together, we talk about other random topics. We both avoid anything to do with work or his family. I’m not sure when I should bring it up again, but we have to make a decision about when we’re going to tell June and the rest of his family that we’re seeing each other. Maybe after we have another real date this weekend, I can bring up the topic again. Then, hopefully soon, I won’t have to keep lying about my brother, and all the deceit can be over.
Wednesday
Today is turning out to be a fairly good day. Mr. Hargrove sent me on some errands in town, so I haven’t been in the office much. This is great because it means I haven’t had to worry about running into Cohen. It’s about three o’clock when I walk back into my office. My phone rings just as my tail end hits the chair.
“Hello?”
“June. Could you come into my office? There are a few things we need to discuss.”
“Sure.”
Mr. Hargrove wants to see me? I wonder what this could be about. He didn’t beat around the bush, and he sounded sort of serious. I’m heading toward his office when I see Cohen exiting just a few feet in front of me. He looks my way and nods, but then he turns and walks the other direction.
I walk into my boss’ doorway and lift my closed fist, ready to knock.
“June. Come in,” Mr. Hargrove says before my knuckles have a chance to meet the wood. “No need to knock. Close the door behind you.”
I do as I’m told, and then I take a seat in one of the plush chairs in front of his desk.
“I bet you’re wondering why I asked you here,” he says with no hint of happiness on his face.
“Yes, I am curious.”
“Some things have come to my attention. I was wondering if you could shed some light on them for me.”
“Um…” I pause, not knowing where this is going. “I hope I can do that.”
“First of all, where do you get off stealing the affection of one of our top client representatives?”
No way! He knows? What did Cohen say? I’m going to lose my freaking job, and then I’m going to kill him. I can’t believe he would do this to me! Is he punishing me for the things I said? All because I wouldn’t let him just string me along while he goes about living his normal life back on the West Coast?
My inner rant is continuing to ramble as my eyes venture to catch a glimpse of my boss again. He’s smiling? Wait, is he laughing?
“Oh, June, you are too easy.” He laughs.
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s all good news, June. I just like to mess with you.”
I think I just had a heart attack. My breathing has to be irregular.
“Cohen and the group at Bushing have commended your hard work and dedication. In fact, Cohen just brought in a letter stating what an asset you are to their project. In light of all your recent success with this client, I’ve decided to give you a raise. I know you haven’t been here long, but I want you to know how much we appreciate your organic style of thinking.”
I sit, dumbfounded and speechless. Mr. Hargrove is still grinning in my direction. I stare at him, wide-eyed. I think I’m having another heart attack. A raise?
“Earth to June. Did you hear me?”
“Oh, um. Ye-yes. I heard you. Thank you so much. That is amazing.”
“Well, you deserve it. We’ll talk about all the details later. Until then, get back to work, and keep impressing the crap out of everyone you meet.” He hands me a single piece of paper with some typewritten words.
Walking back to my office in slow motion, I read the letter. My face feels flushed by the end of the esteemed commendation. People in the office probably think I’ve been fired. The truth is that I’ve never seen a letter more full of positive attributes. They’re all about me, and the letter is personally signed by Cohen.
The remainder of the day passes without any further surprises. I work until the clock strikes five and then head home. I’m looking forward to a warm bath and some relaxing tunes. Quite the celebration, I know.
Thursday
Elevators stress me out and make me claustrophobic. I thought elevators were supposed to be sexy. Doesn’t every book worth anything have an amazing scene where something happens in an elevator? And by something, I mean, a really hot kiss at least. Of course, nothing that exciting is occurring for me at this moment.
Instead, I’m on my way up to work, standing in the front corner of the elevator with middle-aged men on every side. I can feel Cohen’s eyes staring a hole in the back of my head. When I walked into the elevator, I noticed him toward the back. Paying him as little attention as possible, I positioned myself in the opposite corner and stared at the junction of the two metal walls.
I know it might seem ridiculous, but after our dinner on Tuesday, I need to put up some serious walls. I will not let this guy think he can walk in and out of my life as he pleases. And if he thinks giving me a good review—which I deserve by the way—is going to soften me back up, then he’s got another thing coming.
When the elevator dings, several people file out. I stay stationary in my corner, not chancing a glance at Cohen. I’m feeling proud of myself for standing my ground when I hear soft footsteps coming toward me. My entire body stiffens, but nothing happens. The elevator dings again as it opens on our floor.
Attempting to be casual, I say hello to a few people on the way to my office, but I never stop walking in the direction I’m heading. Constant movement and lack of direct contact with Cohen will be my saving grace today. I close the door to my office, sit in my desk chair, and take a deep breath.
I shake the mouse, so my computer comes to life. I check my email and notice immediately that we have a meeting scheduled with Cohen and a few other associates at eight fifteen. I had some practice with ignoring Cohen yesterday, so I should be in good shape.
After gathering some needed items, I walk into the conference room with a smile on my face. I’m hoping my face yells confidence and happiness although I’m quite sure it just reeks of falsehood. Cohen is sitting at the far side of the table, clicking away on his laptop. He doesn’t even look up when Mr. Hargrove and I start speaking to one another. I make an effort to positi
on my chair, so I’m not tempted to look his way during the meeting. Now, I would actually have to crane my head around like an owl to catch a glimpse of him.
The meeting is going well. We’ve set up goals to accomplish many important steps. Then, I hear a small dinging noise, and a chair moves quickly. I’m about to turn to see the cause of the commotion when Cohen comes into view. He is frantically pushing buttons on his phone. Never once taking his eyes off his phone, he crashes into a chair and stumbles for a few feet before catching himself with one hand against the glass-lined wall. He gives a quick glance around the room as if he’s just realizing that he’s still in a meeting. His eyes are filled with a disconcerting look.
“Excuse me. I-I…need to make a phone call,” he says, not waiting for a response before leaving.
Silence fills the room until someone cuts through the tension, picking up the discussion where we left off. I can’t make myself listen. My mind is going over what would cause Cohen to act so erratically. Even though I’m not wasting my time on a relationship with him right now, his demeanor does have me worried. What was he not telling me the other night? Does it have anything to do with his sudden distress?
Friday
Cohen never returned to the conference room, and I haven’t seen him the rest of the week. Once again, my email and text messages are free and clear of Cohen’s name. I don’t ask Mr. Hargrove any questions. If Cohen wanted me to know what was going on, he would tell me, right?
As I’m leaving work on Friday evening, I decide to text Caroline, letting her know that we’re going out tonight. If Cohen isn’t calling, then I’m going out. Why should I stop enjoying myself because he came into my life? I’m not going to wait around for him to come to his senses.
Going out tonight. Put on your party dress! —June
Are you sure? I don’t know if that’s a good idea. —Caroline
Since when do you not like to party? —June
I’ve had a lot on my mind, but if you’re up for it, I guess I could join you. —Caroline
It seems like Caroline might need a little cheering up as well. Her moods have been so extreme. What’s up with her?
A couple hours and many tweezed hairs later, Caroline and I are walking out the door on our way to Club Red. I’ve heard from several different people that this is the place to go for a good time. Not to mention, they have free cover for ladies along with some awesome drink specials.
As I slide into the driver’s seat, I decide to ask Caroline more about the guy she’s been dating. “So, what’s been going on with you and the mystery man? Will I get to meet him soon?”
“Probably not,” she says, looking out the passenger-side window.
“You aren’t thinking of ditching him yet, are you?”
“No, we’ve both been busy with work. You know, real life gets busy.”
“Yeah, but maybe you should call and see if he could join us tonight,” I say she’ll say yes.
“We already tried to make plans for tonight. He has some late meetings or something.”
Caroline doesn’t seem too interested in talking during the rest of our ride to the club. After I park the car, we stand in line, waiting to show our IDs in exchange for an invisible ink stamp.
Once inside, I take in the surroundings. Lining each side of the dance floor are round black booths situated around tall black tables. In the middle of each table is a bright red ashtray, illuminated by a small spotlight. There are people everywhere—dancing, drinking, talking, kissing. Yes, Caroline and I could get into some trouble tonight.
“Let’s get some drinks, and then see if we can grab a table!” I shout over the music.
Caroline simply nods, and we walk toward the bar.
Friday
I wasn’t too keen on going out tonight. I haven’t seen or talked with Liam much since I had lunch with him on Wednesday. We’re supposed to go on a serious date this weekend, but we haven’t been able to nail down a time that is good for both of us. I know he’s busy with work, so instead of focusing on him, I remind myself to have fun.
The crowd is crazy in this place. I’m trying to walk in between people without touching anyone indecently. It’s quite a challenge. When we reach the bar stools, a small area opens, giving me a full view of the bar as it stretches out to our right. That’s when I see him sitting casually on the edge of his seat.
Liam is drinking a clear liquid that I’m sure burns as it goes down his throat. His eyes brighten as she approaches. A leggy blonde with boobs the size of Alaska puts her hand on his shoulder as she throws her head back, laughing. Could she be more over-the-top? I can’t hear their conversation, but it’s obvious they’re having a good time together. He must enjoy her type. Just when I think I couldn’t be any more disgusted, a redhead appears behind him, and he turns, smiling at her. Wow, just wow.
Tears sting my eyes, but I can’t let June see my distaste. If she found out my feelings for Liam now, I’m sure it would earn me multiple I-told-you-so conversations over the next few months. Not to mention, I would have to explain why I lied to her for the past two weeks. I wrinkle my nose a few times to ward off the wetness that threatens to land on my cheeks.
“Are you going to sneeze?” June questions.
“No, I just need to go to the restroom. I think the smoke is getting to my eyes. I’ll be right back.” I get up from my seat and make my way through the crowd.
I walk the long way around to the small hallway, so there is no danger of Liam seeing me. I don’t want him to feel guilty for being himself. I should have known that nothing good would come from dating June’s brother.
I push open the restroom door, find the first open stall, and throw myself against the back of the swinging door. I will not cry. I will not allow him to make me feel this way. I am a strong, capable woman who does not need a man to make her feel worthy and fulfilled. As I am chanting these sentences over and over in my head, tears are streaming down my face. I don’t believe a word of it. I am, in fact, crying, and I do feel sad.
In this moment, I am weak, and suddenly, I’m scared of my next interaction with Liam and with June. I take some tissues from my purse and dab my eyes. I’m dreading what I will see in the mirror once I get the courage to walk out of this stall. As I pull open the door, the dark painted brick walls of the restroom come into view, and June is standing against the sink counter, picking at her nails.
When she looks up, her eyes instantly cloud with worry. “What the crap, Caroline? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I just have a lot going on with work and everything. Plus, I think I got something in my eye, and I can’t get it out,” I lie.
She sees right through me. “Like I believe that for a second. I knew something was up when you were talking about smoke out there. This place is nonsmoking. Spill it. What’s wrong?”
“Listen, do you mind if I go home? I’ll take a cab. You stay and have a good time.”
“Are you sure? I really don’t like seeing you this upset.”
“I just need to go home and get some sleep. I think I’m running on fumes at this point.”
“I’m going home with you, and we’ll make some hot tea,’” she says, eyeing me with caution. “I just ran into my brother at the bar. Let me tell him that we’re leaving. I’ll meet you at the car.”
“No, really, June. I just want to have a moment of alone time. Tell Liam hello for me,” I say as the tears threaten again. “I’ll see you later at the apartment, okay?”
June wraps me in a hug. “Hey, it’s alright. Whatever’s going on will work out in the end.”
I wish I could tell her I don’t think that’s true, but I keep my mouth shut.
I walk to the street, hail a cab, and slide onto the worn upholstery. As I tell the driver where to go, I lean my head back on the seat, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. My heart is erupting in my chest, begging for the release of a good sob, but I try to hold off until I get home. This is a perfect example of why I never gave my he
art away in college.
After a short time, the cab pulls into the parking lot of my apartment complex. I slip the proper fare to the driver and get out of the car. I walk slowly across the sidewalk to the set of glass doors. Suddenly, a hand grabs the handle and opens the door wide. My eyes trace across the crisp white long sleeve up to his shoulders before I meet his gaze. My face instantly turns hot, but it’s not from blushing. I am furious. Liam is standing beside me, grinning. What the hell is he so happy about?
I walk through the door with purpose, trying to leave him behind.
“Caroline, wait. Are you okay? June said you were upset, so I came over to make sure you were alright.”
“No, Liam, I am not alright. I started off my night by trying to enjoy some time with my best friend, and instead, I got to watch her drunk brother flirt with hot girls at the bar. So, I would definitely say that I am not alright!”
He looks stunned. I hope his face gets frozen in that position, so no other girl ever wants to give him the time of day. When he steps toward me, I take a step back.
“Don’t even think about touching me.”
“Caroline, you have to listen. I’m not drunk. I was only drinking water. Have you ever seen me drink alcohol? Those two girls are just friends from work. I know it sounds like an excuse, but it’s true. We had some great meetings this week, and things wrapped up a little earlier than we thought today. We just wanted to go out to celebrate for a little bit.”
I give his statements some thought, but my anger is too loud for me to hear any logical reasoning. “Meetings? Right. Is that what you call them? Do you refer to all your dates as meetings, so you don’t have to feel guilty about leading girls on?”
Crossing Paths Page 14