by Lauren Wood
“Impossible,” he laughed. “Camille loves Mark.”
“Not Camille.”
HIs eyes grew wide as it sank in. “My little sister? My baby sister?”
“She’s hardly a baby,” I defended. “She’s twenty-five years old.”
“Don’t tell me how old my own sister is, Jack! I know how old she is! The question is, what are you doing going anywhere near her? Didn’t we warn you about this!?”
“You did,” I nodded. “I was just hoping if I came clean, and explained my intentions, which are good and honorable, that maybe you’d reconsider how you felt about it.”
They both laughed this time with the same scary, anger-fueled cackle that quickly faded into scowls.
“That’ll be all, Jack,” Lucas snapped. “Leave now or I call security.”
“But wait,” I argued. “What about…”
“I revoke my offer,” he said sternly. “And if I catch you anywhere near my sister ever again, I’ll use all the connections I have to make sure no one ever hires you for the rest of your life. So unless you want to be living off of your inheritance alongside your sister, I suggest you get the hell out of my office and get back on a plane to go far away from here.”
18
Jada
If I hadn’t taken the pregnancy test and confirmed my condition when I did, there still would have been no doubt in my mind about what was going on with me soon after. Over the next few days I was hit with a slew of symptoms from sore breasts to nausea and fatigue.
I was taking a much needed morning off to sleep in. But even after twelve hours of sleep, I was struggling to pull myself out of bed. I laid there listlessly, thinking about how the past month my mind was devoured by sexual fantasies about Jack. When he wasn’t with me fulfilling them, I’d lie in bed and dream about the next time we’d be together.
Now my thoughts were consumed with uncertainties about what would happen with us. What would happen with me? How would my body change? It was safe to assume Jack wasn’t going to step up to the plate with me and the baby. Who else would want me as a single mother?
When I set out to change my life, this wasn’t the change I was expecting. Sure, I always wanted to be a mom. But not like this.
I thought about how much fun it used to be to peek inside baby clothing boutiques and gush over all the cute little outfits. It was always the surest way to spark fantasies about motherhood, and when the time might come. Maybe that would still do the trick. The only thing different now was that the time was here. The baby I was dreaming of wasn’t theoretical anymore.
Out of curiosity, I finally got up and showered, got dressed for the day. I took a long walk around the best shops and looked over the cribs, books, clothes, and toys. There would be so much to do to get ready in the next nine months.
I tried to be excited, but everything with Jack was like a dark cloud over it all. I missed him so much it hurt. The moment he ended things, I knew it would hurt like hell. I just didn’t expect to find out I was pregnant with his baby while dealing with all of that heartache.
I couldn’t tell if it was the stress of that making me feel sick, or morning sickness. But a gross feeling in my gut kept building until I finally gave in to sitting in a nearby cafe for some tea and a snack. Once I was settled at my table, I glanced up to the window and felt a new sting in my heart. In front of me was a perfect view of the lake we took a walk by after our first dinner together. I could remember the way my body became so alive with the touch of his hand on mine, and then…that kiss.
Impulsively, I pulled out my phone to call him. I wasn’t ready to tell him everything I was thinking or feeling, much less about the baby, but I wanted to know how he was. I wanted to know if he missed me too. I was a bundle of nerves with each ring, and my heart leaped at the sound of his voice. But I quickly realized it was only his voicemail.
Great. Now not only was I knocked up by a man I had unrequited feelings for, I was knocked up by a man who wasn’t even taking my calls. It had to be my lowest low yet.
The time came for me to leave my cozy spot at the cafe and head into the office. There was a big meeting set for that day, including all of the executives. Just before leaving I buried my face in my hands with dread, remembering that Jack would surely be there. I longed to see him again, but sitting across from him in the meeting room, pretending that everything was fine…It sounded like a nightmare.
I couldn’t let him hold me back, though. It was a mandatory meeting and we had things to discuss about the campaign I had been working on. I sucked it up and headed in.
I showed up just a few minutes late, which of course everyone was surprised by. Almost as surprised as they had been over me requesting the morning off. My eyes instantly drifted to the empty seat in the room. Jack was the only one missing. It seemed he was running late too.
I was surprised when Lucas didn’t wait for Jack, and instead dove straight into reviewing the launch of my campaign. I explained that the first set of interviews were ready to go, and everyone seemed impressed with my report. That was something to cling to at least. I still had my career.
“Great job, Jada.” My oldest brother smiled. He didn’t seem worried that Jack still hadn’t arrived. “Now, onto another very important matter of business. Many of you know that a few promotions recently became available, and I’ve been spending the last couple of months deciding who’s ready to move up around here. I’m happy to announce that I have made my final decision on the newly vacant roles.”
Everyone in the room snapped to rapt attention, eagerly awaiting his announcement. But I felt even more uneasy about Jack’s absence all of a sudden. With the offer extended to him, surely he would be here for Lucas going over the promotions? Something felt off.
“I’m thrilled to introduce our new president, my brother, Joshua Meadows.”
Joshua stood with a smile and cordial nod while everyone clapped. A hard lump formed in my throat. That was the role Lucas had offered to Jack. Had he decided so suddenly to turn it down?
I was on the verge of tears. Jack swore he did have feelings for me, but just needed time and space to think over the offer of president in the company. I had just found out in the worst way possible that the decision had been made, one way or another. So why hadn’t he called or come back to me? Even if things were still over with us, wouldn’t he have been man enough to tell me in person before I had to hear it in the boardroom?
I choked it all down and tried to appear happy for Joshua, joining in applauding him with everyone else.
“That means there are two executive vice presidents positions to fill,” Lucas continued. “And I am so excited to extend one of those seats to my little sister, Jada Meadows.”
I looked up to Lucas in alarm. “What? Me?”
Everyone continued clapping, congratulating me as Lucas announced Camille would be taking the other seat, of course. I was so stunned. I never expected my siblings to want to promote me.
But my excitement did little to curb my concerns about Jack. I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“Wait a minute,” I blurted. “Thank you, Lucas. And everyone. I’m truly honored, obviously. But I have to ask…Where is Jack?”
Lucas shot a look at Joshua. Both of them grew tense, clearing their throats nervously. It took a long time before either of them could bring themselves to answer. Meanwhile, Victoria flashed me a sympathetic expression from the other side of the room. She was the only one who understood what a loaded question it was for me, along with everything I was going through.
“Jack Landson, as most of you know, agreed to come on with Heartstring for a few months as an advisor. But his time here at the company did not prove to be…fruitful in the ways we had hoped. We rescinded the offer previously made to him.”
“But—but where is he?” I asked again.
Lucas hung his head for a moment. “I regret to say Jack won’t be returning to Heartstring in the future, as a consultant or in any other capacity, pers
onal or professional. And I have it on good authority he has left town.”
It felt like he had thrown me down to the ground and started furiously stomping my heart. I was trying so hard to hold it together in front of everyone. But an awful eruption of anger was rapidly building inside, threatening to explode in all the worst ways.
Rapid thoughts fired off in my brain. I remembered the look on Jack’s face the last time I saw him, the things he said to me. I remembered everything about our time together. Did it automatically equal us having a future together, or him having a future at the company? Absolutely not. But I could not bring myself to believe Jack would have let things happen this way—taking off without a word, leaving me to find everything out like this. He was the one who told me not to believe everything his sister said about him, so in that moment…I wasn’t going to.
“Hold on a minute.” I jumped to my feet, turning all eyes on me. “There’s no way Jack would have just left like that.”
“You don’t know Jack like I do,” Lucas barked.
“And you don’t know him like I do,” I shot back. “Tell me what’s going on. I know he wouldn’t have taken off without talking to me. Did you do something, Lucas? Did you run him off?”
He forced a smile. “I would now like to dismiss all non-family members from the room, as it seems we have other things to discuss.”
“Why did you give me this promotion?” I demanded, not bothering to wait for everyone to leave. “Was it supposed to be some kind of consolation prize after you chased Jack away?”
“Jada, calm down,” he begged, looking pissed.
“No, I’m not going to calm down. I’m leaving. I can’t stand to be in here a moment longer with all these secret dealings going around behind my back. You didn’t even ask me about the promotion before announcing it to everyone! I’ll be at home. If anyone decides to tell me what’s really happening here, you know where I live.”
I nodded to Victoria on my way out. Lucas and Joshua seemed shocked by my behavior and were tossing around questions and theories. Just before I got out of ear shot, I heard her tell them, “Uh…guys? I think there’s something you should know about Jada…and Jack.”
19
Jack
For all the times I had traveled to tropical locations, I had spent very little of my time in those places enjoying the simpler pleasures of the beach. But I was in a strange mood that inspired me to change into my linen pants, slip off my shoes, and take a long walk along the edge of the water.
Something about the ocean inspired deep thought, especially when you were taking it in alone. I stared off across the waves and reflected on everything that had just happened in New York. Maybe it was better that I left when I did, and that I had no plans of ever going back. Maybe Lucas and Joshua had done me a favor.
After a long walk, I went back to my room to shower and change into a fresh suit for an early dinner meeting. I had been called in to do some consulting for a new start-up. It wasn’t that interesting of an idea, and it was easy work. Easier than I typically liked, because there was no challenge or problem-solving on my end. I knew the stuff they needed like the back of my hand. The good news was it gave me plenty of time to decompress.
After the meeting, several of the guys invited me to a club with them. They ogled all the girls there that night, each one dressed in a shorter, tighter dress than the one before. They were all young and pretty enough to be models, and they were all very interested in the rich businessmen from out of town.
They made no effort to hide their attraction either. The guys were lined up at the bar, and as the women walked past they each looked us up and down with their best “come fuck me” expressions.
A girl at the end of the line smiled at me. I smiled back just to be polite, but I shouldn’t have. Because it made her walk right up to me and introduce herself.
“I’m Katalina,” she said, batting her lashes.
“Hope you’re having a good night, Katalina.”
“It’d be a lot better if you’d buy me a drink,” she smiled.
I laughed, because as I looked her up and down, I knew I had no business refusing a woman like that. She was hot as hell with a perfect body, and her body language left no room for mistaking what might happen if I bought her a drink. She made it obvious we’d spend the night together.
“I think I’m done for the night,” I told her. “But let me introduce you to a friend of mine.”
I set Katalina up with one of the other guys and headed back to my room. I so desperately needed about five more drinks, but I didn’t want to be around anyone. Especially women. Every single one that hit on me was just a stinging reminder of who I left behind. Jada.
The next morning, I blew everyone away with a big presentation. They were all begging me to come on full time, but I told them I had business elsewhere. And I did. I was taking every gig I was offered, spanning from one end of the world to the other. I planned to spend the rest of my life seeing every place I could, making more money than me or my sister would ever need. I had my window to settle down, and it blew up in my face. That’s what I got for being so hesitant about the job offer, and about Jada.
Once again, everyone wanted to take me out that evening to celebrate. But I opted for a solo party in my room. I tore into the mini bar and downed as many as I could stand, trying to drown my sorrows. I ordered room service, opened another bottle, and flipped on the television. Some party animal I was.
I woke up the next morning with a hell of a hangover, the remote still in my hand and the TV still blaring. I had slept through the noise all night. I flipped it off and reached for some aspirin and water before ordering breakfast.
In nothing but a robe, undershirt, and boxers, I decided to wait for my food out on the balcony. The rhythmic waves in the distance were a horrible reminder of the state I was in. It was like with each one crashing in on the shore, I heard the reminder…You loved her and you lost her. With each wave, each beat of my heart, I was still without her. My chest filled with a lump that made it hard to breathe without crying. I hadn’t cried since my mother died, and I wasn't about to give into the urge then. Thankfully, I didn’t have to.
Just over the railing of the balcony, a car pulling into park caught my attention. I soon realized why. I watched as Joshua and Lucas got out of the front seats and marched towards the front of my hotel.
What the hell are they doing here? It’s not enough that they ran me out of the city, away from their sister, who I was in love with, and my own sister. Away from the job they offered. Now on top of it all, they’ve come to…what? Rub it in?
A knock came to my door a few minutes later. I answered to see Lucas, Joshua, and the room service staff all standing there in a row. I wished I could pick and choose which ones I let in, taking room service and dismissing the rest.
“This is a surprise,” I said as I tipped the guy who rolled in my cart of food.
Lucas looked me up and down, and I knew what he was seeing. My shabby robe and boxers with slippers. The stubble on my face. My messy hair, and no doubt my odor. I was in desperate need of a shower.
“You look like shit,” he concluded.
“Thanks, old friend. So, to what do I owe this pleasure? Did you guys show up here to beat me up?”
Joshua circled the room, kicking around the empty airplane bottles on the floor. Lucas took a seat on the edge of my unmade bed and let out a heavy sigh.
“We need to talk,” he said.
“You came all the way here to talk?” I smirked. “You know, they’ve invented this thing called the telephone. They even have portable ones now that fit in your pocket.”
But they didn’t laugh. Lucas and Joshua exchanged a look that was starting to scare me. They would need to come all the way here to see me in person if the news was bad enough.
“Is something wrong?” I fretted. “Is it Izzy?” My heart pounded harder. “Is it Jada? I know you don’t want to hear her name on my lips, but if something�
��s happened…”
“It’s nothing like that,” Joshua assured me.
“You might want to sit down,” Lucas told me. I plopped down right next to him and watched him brace himself to spit it out. “You should know that…Well, Jada is pregnant.”
My jaw dropped. What they maybe did or didn’t know was that I was the only person Jada had ever slept with. And with the timeline of it all, I knew at once that I was the father of her child. That explained Joshua and Lucas showing up like this. They would surely beat me to a bloody pulp now. I knocked up their little sister.
“I’m so sorry you guys,” I offered, raking my hands over my face. “I didn’t mean for anything of this to happen.”
To my surprise, Lucas reached out and put his hand on my back to comfort me. We were quiet for a long time as I let this news sink in, while they watched my every move, making their judgments and assumptions about my reaction.
I didn’t know where to start. I had to go back, but I didn’t want them to hate me. I wasn’t going to leave Jada stranded with my child. Even if Lucas wanted to take care of her and everything himself, it wasn’t his right to deny me a chance to do the same.
But I quickly realized I didn’t need to worry about any of that.
Lucas’s eyes burned into mine intently. “Do you love her?”
“I do,” I exhaled. “I really, really do.”
He nodded and looked to Joshua. The two of them seemed to exchange some kind of silent deliberation before Joshua walked over to me.
“Then you have to come home,” he said. “That’s why we’re here. To bring you back.”
“Truthfully, we would have taken you home at gunpoint if we had to,” Lucas joked. “But it’s easier if you come willingly. It does make things interesting, to know you love her.”
“I promise to take good care of her, if she’ll have me back,” I assured him, my heart feeling lighter already with the prospect of seeing her again soon.