Chapter Seventeen
Lucian
I walk into the conference room to find Aidan and Max already there. “Sorry, I got held up by a last-minute call,” I say as I take a seat at the head of the table. Aidan smirks at me, correctly assuming it was Lia. She’s the only person that I set aside my well-organized schedule for. When she was in school during the day, with a lot of people around, I didn’t worry quite so much. Now she’s alone more, and I like to check in with her just to make sure everything’s okay. The only drawback of having something so precious in my life is the fear of losing it. I may drive her insane, but I’ll never stop taking care of her.
“How’s your beautiful girlfriend doing today?” Aidan asks while Max pretends to study his cell phone.
“Fiancée,” I automatically correct as I take a bottle of water from in front of me and open it.
Before I can take a drink, Aidan sputters, “When did I miss this? You didn’t tell me you proposed to Lia.” Turning to Max, he demands, “Did you know? Why am I the last to find out anything around here?”
“Calm down, drama queen,” I say dryly. “We haven’t told anyone yet. It just happened a few days ago.”
Max gets to his feet and extends his hand to me. “Congratulations, Luc. I’m happy for you both. Lia is a wonderful woman.”
Aidan, never one to be outdone, skips the handshake and pulls me to my feet and into a full-fledged hug. “Damn, that’s great, brother. She’s the top of the heap. You’re marrying up, for sure.”
“Um, thanks…I think. I appreciate the well wishes.”
“So, how did this all come about? The last time I mentioned it, you were somewhat hesitant to make that move. Hell, that hasn’t been that long ago. What changed your mind?” Aidan asks, looking curious.
I give a satisfied smile as I admit, “Lia proposed to me, and I said yes.” Maybe it’s unconventional, but I’m still thrilled that my woman loves me enough to let me know she wants me—forever. In another week, I’d have probably beaten her to it, but it means more to me than she’ll ever know that she did it first. I love her so fucking much it borders on obsession. To have her completely leave her comfort zone to do something like that blows me away.
“No shit.” Max sounds amazed, which I try not to take offense to.
“I’m in love with that girl,” Aidan deadpans. “She’s gorgeous, smart, sweet, and direct. She’s the perfect woman. You should marry her today before someone steals her away.”
“Like hell,” I snap, ready to kick the ass of any man who should dare look her way—including my friend.
“All right,” Max intercedes, “before we get carried away here, let’s get back on track. Our court date is coming up in a few days and I need to know where we stand. Aidan, what have you decided?”
Aidan, suddenly serious for the first time since I entered the room, says quietly, “I’ve decided not to contest Monique’s request for guardianship.”
His answer floors me, and I can tell Max feels similarly. Turning to him, I say firmly, “I have your back on this. Max and I will do everything in our power to see that you remain in control of Cassie’s affairs if that’s what you want.”
“That’s right, Aidan,” Max agrees. “I’ve been honest with you about the uphill climb that this could turn out to be, but please know that I’m prepared to make that without question or reservation.”
“I know I have both of your support, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that,” he begins, “but even though this is fucking hard, I think it’s the right thing. Monique and I had a talk last night and she’s promised she will do nothing to stop me from seeing Cassie whenever I want to. You know how vindictive she is. If I drag this through the court and piss her off, then she’ll want to make me pay.”
“Well, if you retain guardianship, there’s nothing she can do,” I point out.
“Yeah, but what if I don’t?” he asks and I have to agree with his logic. Monique would use her position to make his life a living hell. If she’s holding any kind of power, then you probably don’t want to piss her off. “There’s a really big chance she’s coming out of this in control of Cassie. Right now, I think I need to remain on her good side while I ponder my next step. If I see that she has Cassie’s best interests at heart, then I won’t do anything. But I’ll go after her if that changes.” Given she went after Lia at Leo’s on her graduation night, I heartily agree with Aidan here. Something is not quite right, so he is wise to use caution with her.
Max gets to his feet and checks his watch. “Well, that’s it then. I’ll wait until tomorrow to notify the judge, so, Aidan, let me know before then if you change your mind. I have a meeting with the Kenson attorney. I’ll brief you on it later, Luc.”
When the door closes behind him, I turn to my friend and ask, “Are you all right?”
“You enjoy talking about feelings a lot more since meeting Lia, you know that?” he asks, looking vastly amused.
“Fuck you,” I say, but there is no heat behind it. He’s right, of course. I was a much colder version of myself not very long ago. When he stands, then walks away with a wave, I wonder if he has any idea of the type of power he’s giving Monique. I want to believe for his sake that there is goodness inside her, but at this point, I only see her as adding to his pain. But we’re missing an angle here—I feel it in my gut.
Lia
“But don’t you want a big wedding?” Rose asks, looking perplexed. “I can handle everything for you.”
Pointing to my rounded stomach, I say, “Look at me. Do you think I want to roll down the aisle in front of a bunch of Lucian’s business associates?”
“We just wouldn’t invite them then,” she insists.
Giving an exasperated sigh, I say, “Then who would be there? I don’t have many friends. Lucian and I want to get married at his parents’ home. The pool area is beautiful and it’s enclosed so the weather wouldn’t be a factor.”
Rose takes out her iPad and looks at me expectedly. “So, when and how many people are we talking here?” When I name the date we’d decided on, she shrieks, “Shit!” Do you know how long it takes to get stuff like this organized? At this rate, we’ll end up getting your catering from the Dairy Queen.”
“I’m almost seven months pregnant, Rose. If I don’t do it soon, the baby might pop out while I’m saying my vows. Besides, Luc said that Leo would be happy to handle the food. I think he’s already talked to him about it.”
Rose sits her iPad aside and folds her arms on top of the table. “I knew you’d end up with him.”
I eye her over my caffeine-free latte, trying to decipher what she’s talking about. “Hmmm?”
“Lucian. The first time I saw you two together, it was like witnessing a real-life fairy tale. He was so protective and possessive of you. That night we all had dinner together at Leo’s, I watched him watch you. He kept staring as if he couldn’t believe you were real. Then you would smile shyly at him and his eyes would go so soft and gentle. He might not have been able to admit it, but he loved you.”
“I loved him, too,” I admit. “The feelings were so overwhelming that they’d terrified me, but I couldn’t fight it. He was beautifully proud, but so broken inside. Just like me. He’s fixed parts of me that I didn’t think could ever be healed and I believe I have done the same for him.” I don’t tell her that I consider one of my greatest accomplishments to be that he rarely has nightmares anymore. They had become worse for a while after he’d stopped using cocaine, but now they rarely occur, and even then, never to the level they used to. I know he still struggles to handle extreme stress without his old crutch, but even with the Monique situation, his eyes are clear and his resolve stronger than ever. He occasionally smokes, but he hates it so much that I don’t see that becoming a regular occurrence.
“Let’s change the subject before I dwell on the fact I’m a lonely spinster,” she jokes. “So, have you given Lee an answer yet about his business proposition?”
Unable to hold back my grin, I bounce excitedly in my chair. “We talked a few days ago. I’m going to do it.”
“Holy early delivery. Stop jumping up and down,” she says, looking alarmed. “If that sucker flies out of Lucian’s box, I’m running the other way. I love you, girl, but friendship only goes so far.”
I look around me in confusion, thinking Lucian must be somewhere near. “If what comes out of his box?”
Rose pats my hand cooing, “Ohhh, you’re having a blonde moment. That’s so sweet.” Carefully enunciating each word she says slowly, “Well, you see, if your baby…comes out of your vagina, which I’ve nicknamed Lucian’s box since he owns that thing, then I’m going to leave you here alone. But, since you’re my BFF, I’ll call 911 on my way out. Got it?”
“Ah.” I grin. “I’m all clear now. Thanks for the detailed explanation.” Winking at her, I add, “And if you’d experienced the Lucian Quinn treatment, you’d be happy to dedicate your body parts to him.”
“Honey, I’d do it now, although I want it to be known for the record that I stopped masturbating to him the moment you two got serious.”
“Er…thanks.” I blink. “Was that right about the time you developed a thing for Max?”
“Have no idea what you’re talking about,” she singsongs before saying, “Now tell me about the new job thingie. When do you plan to start?”
“Lucian and I have discussed it and if all is well, I’ll start part-time when the baby is a couple of months old. Lee is insistent upon having a full nursery in my office there so the baby can come with me as often as I like.”
Looking genuinely happy, Rose says, “Lia, that’s wonderful. It’s perfect and I’m thrilled for you. You’ve worked your ass off to get to where you are and no one deserves this more.”
Feeling the usual round of tears not far off, I choke out, “Thank you; that means a lot to me. I just…don’t want to feel like I’m taking the easy way out. You know, letting Lee find me a job when I could do it on my own.”
“Now, you just stop right there,” she says sternly. “You’ve never taken the easy way out in your whole life. And I’ve heard enough about Lee Jacks to know that he doesn’t give free rides. He may be sentimental enough to want to do this with you, but if he didn’t think you were capable, he wouldn’t have made this kind of offer. Anyone who talks to you for a few moments can see how intelligent you are and Lee is far from stupid. He knows damn well you won’t rest until you’ve helped him make the company a success.”
“I love you,” I sob. She gives me a smile that looks a bit watery too before stuffing a wad of napkins in my hand.
“Here, clean yourself up. I’ll go get you another cinnamon twist, how does that sound?”
“Can I get extra icing on it?” I ask, knowing that I sound like a child asking for sprinkles. But the baby needs some sugar right now…who am I to deny her?
Rose throws her shoulders back and straightens her cardigan. “Damn straight you can, even if I have to resort to extreme measures to make it happen.”
When she opens her purse, I blurt out in alarm, “Please don’t use your gun!”
Every head in the coffee shop turns in our direction. She rolls her eyes at me before pulling a twenty-dollar bill from her wallet. “I meant a bribe, big mouth, but thanks for the attention. I look good today so I might as well own it.” With a toss of her red hair, she walks toward the counter, looking like equal parts sinner and saint. And she comes back with enough icing to add ten pounds to my butt. Best. Friend. Ever.
Lucian
“Monique is taking Cassie to Colorado,” Aidan says as we stand on the rooftop of Quinn Software. I’ve no desire to smoke today, but he’s burning through enough for both of us. This is it, I think. What I always knew it would come to. Monique has been far too accommodating since assuming responsibility for Cassie. Aidan has continued to visit as usual with no arguments from the other woman. She’s been like some fucking Girl Scout—which I knew couldn’t possibly last.
“For how long?” I ask as I mull his words.
“She says just for a week to see how she does. You know I told you that she’s been spending the weekends with Monique at her apartment and doing fine. I guess her doctor thinks this would be good for her. You know, be out for a bit longer since she’s adjusted so well. Monique says her father’s health isn’t good and he can’t travel here yet so he wants her to bring Cassie there for a few days. Some kind of big family reunion.”
“If you’re uneasy about it, then why don’t you accompany them?” I ask, thinking it sounds like hell, but Aidan’s opinion differs from mine.
“Monique doesn’t want me to this time. She thinks Cassie will do better if I’m not there. When we both visit her at the same time, Cassie tends to interact only with me. Apparently, when I’m not there, she talks to Monique. I guess she’s afraid of that same thing if I go and she really wants for her father to spend some time with Cassie.”
“Makes sense,” I say. About as much as any of this fucked-up situation, but I keep that to myself. “Is Cassie doing as well as she was? Making progress?”
Looking pleased, Aidan says, “Yeah, she is. She’s still not like she used to be, but during every visit, she tells me some of the experiences she’s remembered. She seems almost serene now for the first time since I’ve known her. You know, she always had a sort of wired energy that you knew was just beneath the surface. If you said something that she took the wrong way, she was quick to explode. After the first few times, I learned to mind my words unless I was in the mood to argue. I don’t feel that anymore, though. I would have never imagined she could be as relaxed as she is now.”
“Could be a result of the medication,” I add. “Her father never got her the help she needed back then. I know she took some anti-depressants, but they weren’t that effective.”
“My parents want me to cut ties and walk away from her. They feel I’m never going to find a good girl like Lia as long as I’m helping Cassie.” Dropping his cigarette, he stomps it out before rolling his eyes at me. “Thanks to your upcoming marriage, they’re suddenly dissatisfied with my single status. I believe their last words were, ‘Please find someone who you can actually bring home to meet us.’”
Wincing, I say, “Ouch, that’s pretty rough for them.” I love Aidan’s parents. I spent a lot of time there during my childhood. His mother was always involved in every school function and his father was the Cub Scout leader for years. They dote on their only son and I can only imagine what their opinion would be of Monique. I can also understand why they would feel the way they do about Cassie.
Grinning, he adds, “I guess they’re getting tired of my casual relationships. I’ve never brought anyone home before and they obviously know why. Do you think they’d be satisfied if I adopted a dog?”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Not unless it can bark grandma. Seriously though, don’t you think Monique was kind of a waste of time?”
He shrugs. “It was just uncomplicated sex, bro. She knew I wasn’t going to propose and she never tried to change my mind. I have too much shit going on without worrying about that shit. Sometimes you just want your dick sucked without having to work for it.” The smirk on his face says that he’s joking—at least partly. For his sake, I hope a lot.
“I have no idea why you’re not married.” I try to keep a straight face. Fuck, I have no room to talk. I liked an uncomplicated dick-sucking myself at one time. We talk for another few moments before we go our separate ways. I’m whistling as I walk to the elevator while Aidan is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Cassie—always fucking Cassie.