Finn kept his word and didn’t call until later that afternoon. I’d showered, changed, and steeled myself for what needed to be done.
He seemed surprised when I asked him to meet me down in the Commons but agreed readily. When I stepped out of my apartment and saw Curtis there, I jumped back, slapping a hand to my chest.
“Sorry, Ms. Evans,” he said. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
It was back to Ms. Evans again. Probably because I was so cold with him this afternoon. “It’s fine. I was expecting Dustin. Or…no one?”
He barely smiled. “Better to be safe than sorry.”
He walked me to the elevator and I felt compelled to say, “I’m just going down to the Commons to talk with Finn. You know, if you…need to be somewhere else.”
“Nothing comes to mind. I’ll stick with you.”
“I don’t—” The elevator doors opened and I broke off, flustered.
I didn’t want him to see or hear my talk with Finn. I didn’t want to do it anyway but I had to. And if Curtis was there? What if they didn’t believe me? Or…maybe they would. Maybe it would be just enough for Mark, Finn, and Curtis to give me space until I could figure out the next step.
My heart wrenched. As much as I didn’t want them to believe me and my hurtful words, I needed them to.
Curtis tucked his hands behind his back as we rode down. I fiddled with the strap of my purse and waited. Just before we got off, I glanced at him.
“Could you promise me something?”
He looked over as the elevators doors opened. “Yes.”
“Will you please make sure my family and Paige and Finn are safe? No matter what happens.”
He didn’t blink. Didn’t even question the suddenness of the request. He just dipped his head in a nod. “No matter what happens.”
My heart beat faster and faster as we walked. Through the doors to the Commons, down the path where a coffee kiosk and bistro chairs sat, to Finn standing and waiting.
I resisted the urge to scan the area for cameras. I knew they were there. I knew Mark could see. And so could Curtis and the half-dozen other people enjoying a walk or an afternoon latte.
Finn killed me with his smile. He took my hand before I could protest and rubbed his thumb on my knuckles. With a nod at Curtis, he turned me toward the kiosk.
“Coffee?” he asked.
I glanced back and saw Curtis had found a space just past a few tables where he could watch the kiosk, us, and the other paths in the Commons all at the same time. He caught my eye just briefly and it hit me hard.
He knew. He knew I was lying. But he was going to let me do this anyway.
If I could count on him to keep his mouth shut, then this might just work.
“I’m…” I looked up at Finn and then away when I saw the hopeful look in his eyes. “No coffee, thanks. Let’s just talk.”
I walked to the nearest table and sat. He seemed surprised but didn’t say a word as he joined me. I wanted to stand up and pace. That’s what I normally did. But this had to be quick and direct. I couldn’t get distracted or it might all fall apart.
“I shouldn’t have said what I did before in your apartment,” Finn began.
I waved my hand. “It’s not a big deal.”
He reached out, caught my fingers before I could evade and held my hand on top of the table. “No, it is a big deal. I was…upset. But I know you’re dealing with a lot and it’s hard finding a balance. So, I’m sorry.”
I’m sorry, too. I was so sorry. I wished I could tell him that. That I could whisper to him it was all a ruse and he had to go along with it to keep safe. But I had to make him believe it.
I gave him a small smile but pulled my hand back. His sigh reached my ears.
“You see what a mess this has become,” I told him.
“A mess.” He repeated the word like it tasted bad in his mouth.
I nodded. “Trying to have a relationship after all that’s happened. After what’s still happening. It doesn’t make sense.”
Finn straightened in his seat, arms folding across his chest. Defensive. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying this isn’t working.”
“It’s working pretty damn well for me.” He glanced around, and I could tell he was strategizing, trying to decide what to say. How to say it. “Charlotte, maybe we should go upstairs.”
“You won’t listen to me up there,” I murmured. And that was at least partially the truth. He’d listen to the tone of my voice instead of my words, and he’d know I wasn’t committed to what I was saying. And then he’d try to convince me otherwise. If I didn’t stay strong, I’d probably let him.
He curled his hand on top of the table, inches from mine. “I’m listening now.”
I tucked my hands in my lap. “I can’t do this. Us. We can’t be together.”
“Charlotte—”
“You said you were listening.”
“I am but you don’t really mean what you’re saying.”
I stood, clenching my hands together to keep them from shaking. “Do not tell me I don’t mean what I’m saying.”
“That’s not—Charlotte, wait.” Finn got out of his seat and reached out for me.
When I narrowed my eyes at him, he gritted his teeth and pocketed his hands. “Don’t do this,” he said.
“Finn, please. Let’s not make this harder than it has to be. We still have to work together. It’s—”
“Bullshit. Like I said before. This is ridiculous.” He ran a hand through his hair. “No, wait—don’t go. Okay, listen.”
My heart cracked a little at the plea in his tone. His face softened and he stepped up to me. If he touched me, I might break. I’d break down and let myself be wrapped in his arms.
“Something is going on and I can only imagine what.” His jaw clenched. He held my gaze. “But you have to know you can trust me.”
“Finn, it’s not about trust. It’s about what’s best for both of us.”
“Now you’re trying to speak for me. You have no idea what’s best for me.”
I squared my shoulders. I had to go soon. I couldn’t keep this up. “You’re right. I have no idea what’s best for you but I know what’s best for me. This is over.”
His entire body froze, even the expression on his face. It almost looked like he hadn’t heard me. Until his eyes dropped.
“You said you were falling in love with me,” he said.
My heart broke. I had. And I’d meant it. And that was probably the biggest thing keeping him from believing me right now. I wouldn’t believe me either.
“It’s still not working,” I said.
“We can work on it, then.”
“No, we can’t. Let’s be professional. Let’s do our jobs. That’s all we need to do.”
He shook his head. “Charlotte.”
“I’m done, Finn.” I took a step back. My eyes burned with tears, throat ached with emotion. “I need to go.”
“Charlotte,” he said again, voice only a whisper.
I forced myself to ignore it. Forced myself to walk by him, nod to Curtis, and head straight for my apartment. If I broke down in there, no one would know. I could curl up with the pain in my heart and sleep. Or cry. Or both.
Until I made a new plan.
Curtis and I didn’t speak. I had no doubt he’d seen what happened but I didn’t care anymore. The more believable I made this, the better chance I had of throwing Mark off.
Inside my apartment, I set my purse on the table by the door. My phone rang from within and I pulled it out, already knowing who was on the other end.
“Hello, Charlotte,” Mark said when I answered. “You did a good job.”
“I did what you asked. Leave my family and my friends alone.”
His laugh made chills race up my arms. “Feisty. I’ve often wondered what kind of person you’ve grown into, Charlotte. And I have to admit, I like a little spunk. But you’d better keep your mouth shut. No one needs to know we’ve been talking. You keep it that way and everyone will be safe.”
“I didn’t tell anyone anything. I just…” I swallowed and told him the truth. “I want this to be over.”
“So do I. But I have to lay low until things settle. But don’t worry, I’ll be around. I’ll still be watching. And soon…” His voice went soft. Almost wistful. “We’ll be together.”
Cringing, I waited for him to end the call. I’d never get back together with him. But he had to believe that I would. That was the only way this would work.
After Mark was off the line, I set aside my phone and walked numbly to my bedroom. Kneeling, I snatched the box from under the bed and walked it back to the living room. I lit the fireplace.
With tears running down my cheeks and a hole in my heart, I tossed the tie in the fireplace and watched it burn. Flames licked at the material.
I watched it until there was nothing left. Until all I saw was fire, until all I felt was an all-consuming rage. Mark had made me ruin my relationship with Finn and he was going suffer the consequences.
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