“Joe had his phone pretty much glued to his ear. He was always answering his calls and texts.”
“Oh my god, Ki. I just remembered something. The night of the Stanley Cup, Joe was acting peculiar. He seemed agitated. He was nervous, pacing back and forth and shouting at someone on the phone. I’d forgotten all about that because of what happened to you.” Emotion flooded her voice.
I squeezed her hand with reassurance. “It’s over and done with, Zo. I’m fine. I know you hate talking about that night. If I could, I would erase it from your memory entirely to spare you all the pain and grief.”
“I know, Ki. It’s just…”
“Shh, angel. It’s okay. I’m right here beside you, and I am not going anywhere. Remember what the doctor told you? Focus on the here and now and what is right in front of you. I’ve got you, angel.”
“Ki, promise me something?” She pulled off her sunglasses and looked at me with those large doe-eyes of hers. Luminous lavender filled with tender emotion and love shone through.
“What’s that, angel?”
“Whatever trouble Joe is in; promise we’ll help him.” Her eyes pleaded with mine.
Her request was in earnest and came from a place of love for Joe. I knew I needed to tread carefully. I was explicitly warned by Jed to stay out of this one. I knew it involved our legal department so whatever Joe was facing wasn’t good. How could I possibly keep my promise to my wife and keep my word with Jed at the same time? Whatever I did, I was fucked.
“I promise, angel.”
I just prayed I could deliver that promise where Joe was concerned.
Zoe
Guilt filled me as I lied to Ki’s face. He had no idea about Joe or his crimes against me. If he knew, he would go ballistic and exact revenge on him. I had to go along with my father’s wishes about Joe’s apprehension by the FBI to protect the Otters Organization. As much progress as I had made with my father, it appeared he was the same ruthless man when it came to business. He’d do anything to protect those interests. And he made no exception for Joe Wharton. I still couldn’t believe he was behind my kidnapping and had my condo bugged all in the name of revenge. Just to get back at my father. My dad’s only crime had been to fall in love with my mother and marry her. This had been an affront to Joe since he loved her as well. I had no idea about the love triangle involving my parents and my old boss. I had just been a pawn in Joe’s revenge against my father. It had broken my heart thinking Joe would use me like that. I was still reeling from the list of crimes he’d been charged with and what Ki would say if he learned the truth that I kept hidden from him. Despite all of Joe’s wrongdoings, I still had a misguided sense of loyalty to him.
My anxiety ratcheted up several notches. Deceiving Ki made me sick. We had just gotten our lives back and now I had to deal with this shit. My father had put me in a tight spot with my husband. Even though the FBI had apprehended Joe, the investigation was still ongoing so nothing about it could be disclosed even though Ki was the new GM. I had to play along with my father’s demands as usual. It seemed like him and I had taken a few steps backwards in our relationship. That and the fact, he was seeing Vivienne. It appeared loyalty with my father was selective. Did he even care about the damage that woman had caused to my life or Ki’s? I didn’t know if I would ever be able to accept that woman back into our fold. I was sure that at some point my father would insist because they were both going to become grandparents in a few months. That was another issue Ki and I hadn’t discussed—his mother and where she fit into our lives or even if she ever would.
“Zoe, what’s wrong?”
Ki stirred me from the questions plaguing my mind.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just a little tired is all.”
“I’m not buying it. Come on, angel. Tell me what’s wrong.”
I sighed. Should I tell Ki the truth and go against my father? It physically hurt keeping this shit from him. As far as I was concerned, a part of me wanted Joe Wharton to burn in hell and he could take Ki’s mother with him for all I cared. My insides were all twisted up in knots over this situation and there was no easy way out. I had basically chosen my father over Ki by default.
“I was thinking about your mother and her role within our family.”
It wasn’t the entire truth but close enough so he wouldn’t try to wrangle the entire truth from me.
“I’ve been wondering about that myself. My mother and I have barely spoken over the past few months. I’m not allowing her to interfere with our lives anymore. I stood by while she came after you and that was inexcusable. I guess I was used to Vivienne’s tactics, but they had never affected anyone I loved, until you. For that, I am truly sorry, angel.”
The sorrow in his voice broke my heart all over again. I was so tired of all the strife our families had caused us. I just wanted a peaceful existence with Ki and our child. That was why we escaped to Capitola every chance we got. It was our refuge away from the rest of the world. A place where just the two of us existed—soon to be three. I’d be damned if I allowed anyone, family included, to interfere in our lives any longer.
Ki gazed off into the horizon, lost in thought. He avoided looking in my direction. I didn’t want this to come between us. We’d had enough obstacles hurled in our direction to last a lifetime.
“Ki, fuck them all.”
Anger got the better of me.
Ki turned his head with a look of surprise on his face. Clearly, he hadn’t expected that reaction from me. I’d been quiet since my time at the hospital. It was still hard to believe I had ended up in the psych ward. All because of my extreme grief thinking I’d lost Ki. Anyone in my position probably would have felt the same way. It was humiliating being evaluated as to whether I wanted to take my own life. I had been so distraught I had thrown a glass and cut myself. Pure and simple. Why would no one believe me? I stayed the required seventy-two hours. That place was a nightmare and one I never wanted to see again. I was in worse shape coming out of there then going in.
“You know that is impossible, Zoe. Jed is my boss and his girlfriend is my mother. We have to make peace with that fact whether we like it or not.”
“Well, I do have a choice. I can fucking quit. I refuse to allow anyone to control or manipulate me anymore. I’m sick of all of them.”
“Zoe!”
I knew that reprimand all too well. Both Ki and I turned in the direction of my father as he walked toward us with his suit coat slung over his shoulder, followed by an impeccably dressed Vivienne.
I got off my chaise ready to do battle with my father and the she-bitch known as his mistress or whatever the fuck she was to him. Ki stepped beside me, slid his hand around my waist, and pulled me against him.
My cheeks turned bright red while Vivienne smirked at me with that feline face of hers. I was itching to slap her senseless. I felt Ki’s grip dig into my side, giving me a warning to let him handle this.
“Jed, there is such thing as calling before you show up.” Ki gave my father a pointed look while ignoring his mother entirely.
“This has nothing to do with you, Connery,” my father growled at Ki.
Ki took a step forward, not afraid to go toe to toe with my blustering father. Not a smart move but I applauded him anyways.
“Jed, you do not come into my home uninvited and shout at my wife. Do I make myself clear?”
My father’s steely gaze locked eyes with Ki. My heartbeat wildly in my chest as the two men glared at each other. Neither gave an inch. This very protective side to Ki surprised and delighted me. He finally stepped up to be the man I needed him to be. I was so proud of him I could burst. My only concern was he might take a swing at my father and lose his job.
I put my hand on Ki’s arm and gave him a reassuring squeeze to let him know I was in his corner. I fervently hoped he was ready to tell my father and his mother to go to hell.
My father ignored Ki and turned to me instead. “Zoe, I need to speak to you privately.” Hi
s tone was grave. I frowned, uncomfortable, especially with how Vivienne was hovering in the background like the Queen of Sheba.
“Whatever you have to say to Zoe can be said in front of me or not at all. I am not letting her out of my sight,” Ki challenged my father.
My eyes pleaded with Ki, who was rightfully pissed. “It’s okay, Ki. I know what he wants,” I said quietly.
The confused expression crossed Ki’s face. I shivered. This was the moment of reckoning. He looked at me like I betrayed him once again. My heart sank in my chest.
“That’s my girl. You know when to keep your mouth shut.” My father beamed like he had won this round.
“Zoe, what is he talking about?” Ki’s voice dropped to low and menacing.
“He doesn’t know yet? That’s priceless,” Vivienne cackled.
“What don’t I know, Zoe?”
I swallowed hard. “Joe Wharton didn’t disappear. He was arrested.”
“For what?” Ki pressed.
“He was responsible for my kidnapping amongst other crimes. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you. The FBI was still investigating him, and I was told to say nothing until the sting operation was over. I handed over evidence that indicted him. They picked him up when you were in the hospital. I’m sorry, Ki.”
Ki shook his head in disbelief. I had been lying to him all this time and my treachery was written all over his face. I went to reach for him, but he pulled away like I scorched him. A sob escaped me from his rebuff.
His eyes turned dark with rage and whirled around to face my father.
“You allowed your only daughter, who is carrying your grandchild, to be near that fucking maniac, knowing he was the one responsible for her kidnapping and you did nothing?”
My father smirked at Ki with a knowing smile. “Don’t be so smug, Connery. Zoe was in no real danger. There were FBI agents ready to move in at any time.”
“Get out of my house,” Ki ordered.
“Ki…please listen to me,” I pleaded.
“Not another word, Zoe. I mean it,” Ki warned.
I recoiled. His tone was cold.
“See how you like it being cut out of his life,” Vivienne snapped, giving me a venomous look.
“Mother, take your boyfriend and get the fuck out my house.”
“Son, come on. I didn’t betray you. It was Red here.” Vivienne nodded at me. Her sharp eyes were pinpricks filled with triumph. Once again, Vivienne lorded her power over me. Nothing changed with these two. They were both manipulating assholes who deserved each other.
“Come on, Vivi,” my father cajoled his girlfriend. The thought made me physically sick. My father had morphed back into his former self. I shouldn’t be surprised. I watched as my father gave us one last backward glance and escorted Ki’s mother out the way they came in.
Ki stood with his back to me. No doubt shell-shocked with my father’s revelations and insinuations of my disloyalty to him and not to my own husband. His demeanor cut deeply.
“I need air.” Ki stated.
He left me standing alone along with my guilt. I could only hope and pray that fate would be kind to me.
Chapter 21
Zoe
It was nearly dark, and Ki still hadn’t returned. I had texted and called him several times, but my attempts were left unanswered. I kept vigil outside on my chaise longue covered by a blanket, staring out at the horizon as the last vestiges of the sun set to the West. A cold bowl of half-eaten pasta sat on the table beside me. My hunger had all but vanished when Ki had left. A cool breeze blew in from the coast, sending goosebumps all over my body. I wasn’t sure if I was just cold or if it was some type of omen of things to come. I was itching to call Flynn, but I resisted the urge. Things with him and Jesse were already complicated enough without me adding fuel to that fire. My life had gone from bliss to complicated in a nano second with our families once again acting like a wrecking ball, reducing us to smithereens. What did I expect, keeping secrets from Ki? I knew this would blow up in my face no matter what I did.
The doorbell rang unexpectedly. My first thought was Ki had come back, but he had his keys with him. I got up and padded through the cottage and looked through the peephole. To my relief, Flynn stood on the other side of the door. I unlatched the lock and swung the door open. My eyes went wide when I saw who was next to him. Jesse. I hesitated a moment as we stared at each other before I relented and waved them in. I shut and locked the door. They followed me silently into the kitchen.
I broke the awkward moment by speaking first. “Is this about Ki?” I swung my gaze to Flynn, avoiding Jesse altogether. I had enough going on without provoking Flynn’s girlfriend in a verbal sparring match. I had to give her credit for the speech she delivered at the hospital, condemning Cami Adams and dispelling rumors that Flynn and I were having an affair. I’d seen a glimmer of my former friend that day. I honestly thought too much hurt and betrayal had passed between us to ever become friends again. I could settle for an indifferent truce with Jesse Ward. It was the best I could do given our history.
“I heard from Ki.” Flynn’s blue eyes fused with mine in a silent understanding.
“Where is he?” Worry laced my voice. I shifted on my feet, swollen and tender from the pregnancy. I slid onto a stool at the breakfast bar to get some relief.
“Sit down,” I insisted and motioned for them to join me at the adjacent table. Flynn pulled out a chair for Jesse. Always the gentleman even to the woman who made my life a living hell. The very girl Ki had bought a ring for and had intended to extend a proposal to. Could this love triangle be any more fucked up? At least Ki and I maintained our friendship with Flynn, and we tolerated Jesse for Flynn’s sake. She was unavoidable since she was part of Flynn’s life. Our lives were inexplicably intertwined—the good and bad. My mind was too tired to think about her anymore tonight. The only thing that mattered was Ki coming back home. The rest was plain crap.
“He’s alright, Zo. He wouldn’t tell me where he was, but he wanted to make sure you weren’t alone. He just needs some time is all he told me.”
“He wasn’t answering my calls or texts.” I sighed.
“Give him time,” Flynn said softly.
“Thanks for coming all this way. Are you hungry? I can order a pizza from Pizza My Heart,” I offered.
The popular pizza joint used to be our regular hangout. We’d order the special along with a few pitchers of beer and make a night of it. Nothing fancy. Just four friends spending time together. Little did I know back then how things would turn out. I truly missed those simpler times when we weren’t frenemies.
Jesse stared at me intently. I couldn’t fathom the reason. The atmosphere became uncomfortable in the small space.
“Something you want to say, Jesse?” I ensured to keep my voice neutral. I didn’t care to provoke an argument or exchange barbs like in our past discussions, if you could even call them that. She looked healthy and vibrant as opposed the last time I’d seen her. The cancer had played havoc with her health. Flynn told me a few weeks ago she was officially in remission. When I heard the news, I was genuinely happy for them. No one deserved to suffer cancer. After Ki’s near-death experience, I realized each day was a gift. I tried to take nothing for granted.
Part of my therapy was to be direct when confronted with an issue. In this case, it was Jesse’s stare. Those big, brown eyes of hers were so expressive and filled with so many things she wanted to say but something was holding back.
“Go ahead and tell her, Jesse.” Flynn urged her. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Zoe, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am.” She stopped speaking a moment to control the tears threatening to fall. Her voice filled with emotion. She wiped away a teardrop and took a breath then continued, “Flynn and I have been going to counseling to repair our relationship. Part of that is to atone for my past actions. I’m so very sorry I allowed Vivienne to manipulate and control me and for the role I played in your breakup with K
i. I was supposed to be your best friend and have your back, but I was scared of the damage Vivienne could do to my reputation when she got a hold of that video and threatened to expose the sex tape to the press if I didn’t do what she wanted. I admit at the time I was only thinking of myself and not how it would affect you or Ki. I can’t even begin to explain why I went after Ki, only that I was so angry, and I wasn’t thinking straight. That part of my life was an entire blur if you must know. My biggest regret is losing my best friend. That is a loss I’ll never get over. I’m not asking for any forgiveness because given the magnitude of my sins, I am surprised you even allowed me to walk through your door tonight. For that I am grateful. The bright spot in all of this is Flynn and I are officially engaged, and my cancer is in remission,” Jesse said it so softly like she was embarrassed to admit the good that entered her life.
Her apology left me stunned. Maybe it was just the thing we needed—forgiveness. My thoughts turned to the press release she did to dispel the rumors about Flynn and myself. I applauded her for standing by Flynn, knowing he still had feelings for me. I knew for me it had been a lapse of judgement when I thought I was going to lose Ki and got caught up in moment with someone who cared about me and who was physically there for me. It was no excuse, but love wasn’t black and white—it was varying shades of grey to add to the mix of colors. Our hearts had great capacity to love as well as to hate. I’d known both powerful emotions. Hate was like an encompassing darkness. It was needed to show us the light of love and how to forgive and move on to live our lives the best way we can.
“Jesse, I don’t know what to say…” I was lost in her words as they sifted through my mind like a reel in a film. I saw the good and the not so good times with Jesse, my friend, then with Jesse, my enemy. I wanted to release our past once and for all. A sudden shift in my awareness made me see Jesse in a different light. I saw a girl who needed my love not my contempt. An unusual feeling came over me—peace. I drew a deep breath. My heart expanded to encompass Jesse Ward, wholly. Tears filled my eyes. Words got lodged in my throat, and I was unable to form a coherent sentence. Instead, I slipped off my stool. Jesse matched my actions. We stood a foot apart waiting for other to make a move. Somehow, we came together. I held on tightly to my friend as our past vanished with only the present as our guiding light.
On Ice, A Hockey Romance Page 18