Chapter Nine
Melinda
I tremble at the realization that I’ve been totally played. This entire time, Nathanial was setting me up to blackmail me. Tears sting my eyes but I won’t let them fall, not in front of this maniac. The voice sounds oddly familiar but I can’t place it. It’s probably my mind playing tricks on me.
“Where’s my money?” The figure behind me,. pulls me back by my hair.
“Ouch!”
“Where’s the money, Melinda?”
Shock courses through my body as recognition sinks in. Holy shit.
“Viv?”
She rips her ski mask off and looks like a mad woman.
“I wondered when you’d notice, you stupid slut.”
“Viv? What? I don’t understand? Why are you doing this?”
“Shut the fuck up!” She paces frantically in front of me. “Where’s the money, Melinda? Do you think you can play me? You’ll be sorry. All these years, I’ve watched you. You rose to fame so easily as I struggled to get any work. Every time I tried out for work, you got it. No one compared to the beautiful Melinda Morgan. You got everything!” she screams and her voice echoes down the long, dark corridor. “And I continued to struggle and was passed over because everyone wanted you. You!” she yells, absolutely losing her shit. She takes a huge gulp of air and steadies herself. In a softer, more sinister voice, which honestly scares me more, she says, “So I took matters into my own hands. Nathanial was so easy to get on board. He’ll do anything for money. Planting a camera, drugging you, recording you, it was like second nature to him. Now, where the fuck is my money?”
She’s too close to me. I flinch as she is inches from my face and whoever holds me from behind has a firm grip of my hair. I can’t move and I can’t believe what I’m hearing. It was all a lie.
“Where the fuck is my money, you bitch?” Her hand slaps my face with a whack. Fuck, that hurt, but I won’t give her the satisfaction of knowing I’m in pain.
“Viv, listen to me. I have the money for you.” I try to reason with her. “But I want the pictures and tapes. You get what you want, and I get what I want. It’s an even trade.” My eyes plead with her.
“I never get what I want. Don’t you see that? All these years, I couldn’t compete with you. Oh, I tried, don’t get me wrong, but you always got the campaigns, the runway shows, the music videos—you got everything and now, I’ll make it so you are never hired again.” She takes a knife from her coat pocket and whoever is behind me grunts in agreement and yanks my head back even more.
“No!” I scream and struggle to free myself.
“Let her go.” His voice is ferocious as it booms through the corridor.
Both of them swing around, shocked.
“Who the fuck are you?” Viv asks and steps closer to me, her eyes wild.
“It doesn’t matter who I am. Get your hands off her.” Mason’s eyes are on Viv. He watches her closely. The knife is still in her hand.
“Oh, look, Prince Charming has come in to save the day. Except didn’t you know? Melinda Morgan can’t stay in a relationship to save her life.” Her laugh is maniacal.
“I won’t say it again. Let her go.”
“And what will you do, Prince Charming? It appears you’re all alone and outnumbered.” She steps toward Mason and instinct kicks in. I kick her as hard as I can in her leg and she stumbles. Mason lunges for her and snatches the knife off the floor.
“You fucking bitch!” she screams at the top of her lungs.
Mason has Viv by her arm and holds the knife to her throat. “Let her go,” he says sternly to whoever is behind me.
“No! Don’t you dare let her go, you idiot. I’m in control here, do you hear me? You work for me and do what I say.” God, this woman is a lunatic. The look in her eye is crazy as she continues to rant at the top of her lungs.
“Listen to me. The cops are on their way. They’ll be here any minute. It would be wise for you to release Ms. Morgan before they get here.”
Whoever’s behind me loosens their grip on my ponytail. I take the opportunity to jab my elbow in their gut.
“Oh,” the voice says and their hands release me.
“Melinda, come over here near me.”
I don’t hesitate. The tone of his voice isn’t one to fuck with right now. He’s pissed and trying to contain this situation.
“Mason?” a voice calls from down the dark corridor.
“Down here!” he shouts back.
Running footsteps get louder as they approach us. Everything happens so fast.
Harry and Sarah burst out of the darkness along with two police officers.
“Holy shit!” It’s Sarah and she’s frantic. “Mel? Viv? What the fuck is going on?”
“How did you find us?” I ask, now shaking uncontrollably.
Harry looks at me with a look of relief and then disapproval. “what were you thinking?” His eyes speak volumes without him having to say a word.
“These two over here”—he shoves Viv toward the police officers—“lured Ms. Morgan down here and have been blackmailing her for the last few weeks.”
The other police officer rips the ski mask off the person who had held me from behind. I immediately freeze when I recognize the piercing green eyes from the park.
“It’s him.” My voice is low and unsteady. “The man from my attack in the park.” I feel as though I want to throw up. The reality of everything hits me in waves. How could I not have seen through Viv? God, I can’t read anyone.
She and the green-eyed man are handcuffed and led down the dark corridor. We follow them out in silence. Mason has my hand in his, but he still hasn’t said two words to me. I know he’s trying to contain his temper.
Sarah finally breaks the silence. “Mel, what the hell is going on?”
Tears sting my eyes and I let them fall. I’m worn out and can’t hold them back any longer. Before I can answer, one of the police officers interrupts. “Ms. Morgan, we’ll need a formal statement from you so you’ll have to come down to the station right away.”
I flinch at his words. I don’t want to go or to relive this nightmare. Mason squeezes my hand to reassure me.
“I’ll go with you,” he says softly.
I turn to Sarah and wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly.
“I’ll fill you in as soon as I finish at the station.”
“Okay,” she says and releases me.
“Harry, will you drive Sarah back, please?”
“Of course.”
Mason
I finally let go of her hand when she goes in to make her statement. They wanted her alone, and I begrudgingly let her go. The emotions of the last few hours rush over me. The panic I felt, seeing her held against her will, rioted through me like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I desperately wanted to jump out and save her, but knew I needed to bide my time. Knowing Harry was on the way with the police, I had to stay cool for as long as humanly possible.
Viv is a God damn lunatic. She hid it well, according to Sarah and Melinda. There was never any indication of her crazy side in all the years she worked for them. In fact, they said she was a stellar employee, one of the best whom we now happen to know is bat shit crazy.
Part of me is so fucking angry with Melinda for putting herself in danger and the other part is relieved her nightmare is finally over. The cops have a lot to sort out. They’ve been told what she’s been blackmailed with and know to keep that under wraps. They’ll have to find Nathanial and bring him in.
“I’m finished.” Her voice drags me from my thoughts.
The flip in my heart when I see her causes me alarm. Jesus. What is happening to me?
I step toward her and take her hand in mine. Without saying a word, I lead her out the door to her waiting car. I know better than to say anything to her because I’ll lose my shit.
As I climb into the back seat, Harry and I exchange a glance.
“What?” she asks, her voice a little high-pitched.
“I’m glad you’re safe, Melinda,” Harry says and gives her a warm smile.
“Thanks,” she replies softly. “Please take me home.”
Like a sucker punch to the gut, I realize she no longer needs to stay with me at the Plaza and for some reason, that bothers me.
The ride to her place is silent. Warring emotions rip through me. I know if I speak, I’ll say something I could quite possibly regret, so I remain silent. I’m still pissed that she put herself in this situation, but the reality that it’s over and I can go home hits me like a ton of bricks. Pete meets us at the back entrance and lets us in unnoticed. He tries to make small talk in the elevator, but neither of us is in the mood.
“Thanks, Pete.” I nod as we exit.
We reach her doorway and both of us pause.
“I guess this is it,” she says as she turns to me and finally making eye contact.
“I guess it is.” My reply is strained.
“Thank you for everything. You saved my career and my life.”
She leans up and kisses me on the cheek.
“Just doing my job.”
I don’t move for fear of what my warring emotions will make me do.
I watch her as she turns and walks into her apartment.
“Good-bye, Mason.”
She closes the door and I feel as though I’ve been kicked in the teeth. I want to knock and tell her everything I feel for her, but my pride won’t let me. An inner torment begins to eat at me from the inside out.
I walk the few blocks back to the Plaza and begin packing. It’s time to get back to my life.
Melinda
Why didn’t he say something more? Why didn’t he reach for me? Why didn’t he…I can ask all the questions in the world, but I know the truth. I’m unlucky in love. Everything that happened between Mason and me was because of the situation we were in. Period. We were caught up in the danger, the close proximity to one another day after day, and my desperation to feel safe. God, I’m such an idiot. Why would I think it could be something more with him? He didn’t even stop me when I opened my apartment door. In fact, he barely said a word. I suddenly felt overwhelmed by the torment of the last few weeks. Sliding down on my couch, I let the exhaustion take over. I close my eyes and my heart aches with pain and I notice I’m trembling slightly.
“Stop it, Mel,” I admonish myself.
I jump when there’s a knock at my door. I won’t lie, I hope it’s Mason. I’m disappointed when I find Sarah on the other side.
“Well, it’s nice to see you too,” she replies, noticing my disappointment.
“I’m sorry. It’s just—”
“You hoped Mr. Hotness was knocking?”
I know my cheeks are scarlet as the blush creeps farther in to my cheeks.
“Mel, come on. It’s me. I’m not an idiot. You could feel the chemistry swirl around you two. But before we get to that, we need to talk about what the fuck just happened.”
She helps herself to a bottle of wine in my fridge, and I watch her as she pours two glasses.
“This definitely needs wine.”
She hands me a glass and I take it willingly. I need something to dull the ache inside me.
“Now, spill it.” She pats the seat beside her on the couch.
Two glasses of wine and forty-five minutes later, Sarah knows everything. I didn’t leave out a single detail. It felt good to get it all off of my chest.
“I can’t believe that lunatic was working for us. How did we miss it?”
I shrug. “I have no idea. I mean, she hid her crazy pretty damn well.”
“What about Nathanial? Have they found him yet?”
“No. Nothing yet. The detectives will call me when they do.” I pause for a moment before I speak again. “What’s wrong with me?” My voice breaks as the question falls from my mouth.
“Oh, my friend. Stop it.” she squeezes my knee. “Nothing’s wrong with you. You simply have to believe you’re worthy of the right kind of love, that’s all. It’s out there for you.”
“Is it?” I ask and my eyes plead with hers for the response I so desperately want.
“Yes, it is. You seem to pick the wrong guys, that’s all. I mean, Charles wasn’t all bad, but you outgrew him. Nathanial was hot, but he was a money grubber. You couldn’t see it because you had too much fun with him, but everyone else could. Now, let’s talk about Mason. Why isn’t he here?” She looks around as if he’ll pop out of my bedroom.
“He left.” I’m miserable as the realization sinks in.
“Why?” she sips her wine.
“Because the job’s over. He can go home now.” The reality of him leaving hits me hard in my stomach.
“Why didn’t you stop him?”
“Oh, come on. Are you kidding me? He lives in Florida. I live in New York. It could never work and besides, he left without saying a word. He simply walked away without even a backward glance. I think I read more into it than was actually there.” I twirl a strand of hair through my fingers, frustrated. “I need more wine,” I say dryly.
“I can help with that.” She pats my knee and heads to the kitchen for another bottle.
Her eyes shine as she pours me another glass. “I have an idea.”
I sip my wine and peer at her over my glass. “I’m afraid,” I respond with a half-smile.
“You should go to Florida. Go show him you want him. Make a move.”
“You’ve totally lost your shit, you know that?”
She swats playfully at me. “No I haven’t. Show him he means something to you. I mean, if you show up on his doorstep, he’s got to know you mean business. What do you have to lose?”
“My dignity when he turns me down.” I bite the side of my cheek when the truth of that statement hits me hard.
“You’re the one who’s lost their shit. You know damn well there’s huge chemistry between the two of you.”
“Yes, there was chemistry. But we were also in a situation that exacerbated that chemistry. I mean, we were holed up with each other for days. It was hard not to keep our hands off of each other. Now that we’re back to reality, it’s probably all gone.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it.”
A shred of hope begins to glimmer at the base of my belly. Maybe it’s all the wine I’ve downed, but a part of me wants to believe what she’s saying.
“Mel, you are my very best friend. I wouldn’t steer you wrong. This is different. No one’s looked at you the way he does. I saw it with my own two eyes, and it wasn’t because of the situation.”
“Then why did he leave?” I question softly.
“Because he’s probably thinking the same damn thing you are,” she shrieks in excitement. I’m not sure what’s she so worked up about because I don’t find any of this exciting.
She’s up now, her glass of wine in hand, and walks to the windows overlooking the park. When she turns back to me, she has a huge grin on her face.
“You both believe that it was situational, and you both are too scared to say anything, so you let each other go. God, it’s like a damn movie. Can’t you see that this is perfect? You need to go to him, Mel. This is your chance to have everything you want, I know it!”
It’s hard not to catch her enthusiasm.
“I can’t go right now. We have the launch in two days.” I know I’m making excuses, but I really do have to be here for the launch.
“Then go right after. You know Sam will send his plane for you if you call him. You could be on a flight the next morning.”
Mason
I left before Sam could send his plane. I couldn’t stand to be in that godforsaken city any longer. I needed to breathe and I needed to get as far away from Melinda Morgan as possible. I vowed to never let anyone have control over my emotions again and if I stayed close to her, she would definitely have control. I can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen. I was on the first flight back to Florida on the same day everything came crashing to the end. The job is over and so is any relationship with Melinda.
Against my better judgement, I turn on the TV and catch the latest episode of Extra, knowing I would see Melinda. She had the launch of her new line, and from the looks of it, everything went well. I’m happy for her. She’s worked hard for her success and knowing we didn’t let anyone take that from her gives me a little peace.
“You’re watching Hollywood gossip?”
“Fuck off.”
“And there it is. I thought New York might have changed you.” Gabe sits beside me and hands me a beer.
I accept it and take a long pull from the bottle.
He eyes me cautiously, then looks at the TV again.
“It looks like New York might have made you worse.” I watch him take a pull from his bottle. I’d love nothing more than to open up to him about the turbulent emotions running through me but my pride won’t let me.
“It may have,” I grunt.
“She’s hot as fuck.” He says when Melinda appears on the screen.
I want to punch him, but I refrain. He has a point. She is hot as fuck, but she’s more than that. God, what is wrong with me? I shift on the couch.
With his eyes still on the TV, he says, “Sam wants us to head over to his place tomorrow. He wants an update on what happened in New York and is also having a little get together. Noon. Don’t be late.” He stands and strides into the kitchen.
I roll my eyes. The last thing I want to do is make small talk with a bunch of Sam’s uppity friends. Okay, that’s not really fair. They’re my friends too and when I was a lawyer, I had no problem hanging out with them. Since I’ve removed myself from that world, I feel as though I don’t necessarily fit anymore. Which I’m sure is all in my head. I groan and take another pull of my beer.
“You up for dinner?” Gabe peeks his head out the kitchen.
Fuck. I am hungry, and if I’m honest, I could use the company. I nod.
“Good. Let’s go then,” he grins at me.
“Where?”
“Boys night out. We haven’t had one in a while.”
I smirk. He’s right and right about now, I could use one. Oliver lifts his head when I bend down to pet him.
“I’m ready.” I stand, set my beer on the table, and follow Gabe out the door. “An Uber?” I question.
He laughs. “Better safe than sorry. Get in.”
The driver pulls up to Bern’s, one of Gabe’s favorite hangouts. I know right away, we’ll head directly to the bar, which is fine with me. I need something strong to drown my rioting emotions.
“Well, well, well.” I stiffen at the voice. Gabe and I exchange a glance before we turn toward it.
“If it isn’t the Tanner brothers out on the town,” she oozes and steps forward. Damn, I wish we could have made it to the bar before running into my ex-wife.
Tight lipped and with a polite nod I say, “Sheila.” It’s all I can manage.
“Is that all you have for me? You can’t even give your ex-wife a hug?” Gabe steps quickly between us and prevents her from reaching me. I need to buy him a shot for that move.
“Hi, Sheila, it’s great to see you,” he lies and embraces her quickly. He pats her on the back—once of those ‘you’re not really a friend, I’m simply being friendly’ hugs.
“What are ya’ll up to? Do yant company? Gina and I are out tonight without our husbands.” she winks at me and I cringe. How in the world was I married to this woman? I wonder if she was as flirty with other men when she was with me? Who fucking cares. I’m glad she’s gone. She turned into a living nightmare.
“No thanks. We’re here on business. Have a good night, ladies.” Gabe saves the day. He turns and I follow with another nod to the ladies.
“Jesus, how were you married to her?” The bartender notices Gabe, they exchange a nod, and two old fashioneds are whipped up and set in front of us.
“To that woman no longer being my in-law.” Gabe smiles and releases a deep laugh.
I life my glass to him. “And no longer my wife.” We both take a long, slow sip of our drinks.
“What the hell happened to her?”
“Honestly, I don’t think anything happened to her. I think she was good at hiding that side of her. Like Jekyll and Hyde, she hid that part until it overtook her.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t see it.”
“Me too. I was too caught up in my work to notice much.” I twirl the drink in my glass and allow the reality of that sink in.
“Touché, brother.” He downs the rest of his drink in one gulp. Gabe’s been single a long time. He’s what you’d call a workaholic. He could have whatever woman he wants, but they’d compete with his mistress, which is his work. Most women don’t like to compete, so Gabe makes it easy for them. He doesn’t date seriously, and they all know that going in. “Why don’t you share what happened up there. I saw the way you looked at her, even though she was on TV.”
I shrug, not really wanting to share, but I know this is why he took me out. I sigh heavily.
“She got under my skin.” I give him enough to appease him, or so I think.
“I can see that. Did you get under hers?”
I down the rest of my drink and hold it up to let the bartender know we’ll have another round.
“Fuck. I don’t know. I’d like to think so. The chemistry was off the charts, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The sex was—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up a minute. Do you mean to tell me you had sex with Melinda Morgan? The Melinda Morgan?” He runs his hand through his hair before he takes a gulp from his new drink.
“Dude. You’re kidding right?” He eyes me. “You’re not kidding. Holy shit. She’s the most beautiful woman in the God damn world. What the fuck does she see in you?” He punches my arm in jest.
A laugh erupts from me. “I have no idea. It must have been because we were together twenty- four-seven so the close proximity got to her—to us.” I stir my drink.
“Dude, you’re fucked. You’re never gonna get that woman out from under your skin.”
“I’m afraid of that.” I gulp down my second drink. Better to be drunk than living in my current reality.
Four old fashioneds later and a hearty steak dinner, I’m ready to go home.
“I’m done,” I admit to Gabe.
He smiles over the last sip of his cocktail. “Can’t keep up, big brother?”
“You know I can drink you under the table any time, but I’m done for tonight. I don’t need to be a shit show at Sam’s tomorrow.”
“I concur. Let’s get out of here.”
Our Uber ride home is short and silent. Neither of us say a word. I’m lost in memories of Melinda and know tonight will be another sleepless night. Only this time, I won’t sleep because she’s not in my arms. My sleepless nights subsided when she was beside me.
“Dude, you’ve got it bad.” Gabe punches me in my arm again as I climb out of the car.
“Fuck off.”
“And he’s back,” he says and stumbles toward the front door.
Melinda
I fidget and can’t sit still as I look out the back doors at the gorgeous view. I flew in early this morning and need to distance myself from the city for a while. Nathanial was brought in and charged. He admitted everything in hopes to bargain a better plea deal. I’m still reeling at the realization of his manipulation and lies. How could I have not seen it? Honestly, I didn’t want to. In retrospect, I saw the red flags but chose to ignore them. I was so tired of being a loser when it came to love, I was willing to overlook almost everything to save face. God, I’m pathetic. I sip my coffee.
“Are you okay?”
I turn and smile at Sydney, who happened to turn out to be one of my favorite people in about five seconds flat. I now know why Sam fell madly in love with her.
“Yes.” I pause before saying quietly, “No, not really. What am I doing here?”
Her smile is warm as she fills my almost empty coffee cup.
“You’re going after what you want,” she says with a wide grin. Her hand falls to her swollen belly. “I feel like I’m having twins.” She laughs and plops down at the kitchen table.
“Are you?” I ask, my eyes wide.
“No. I’m merely huge.” She shrugs, then giggles.
“You are even more stunning than ever, Mrs. Andrews.” Sam pops into the kitchen and kisses his wife on the forehead.
I stare longingly at them. They have everything I have ever wanted.
“You’re doing the right thing, Melinda.” Sam catches my gaze.
“How do you know?” I ask, unsure of this entire plan.
“Because I know Mason. And from what Gabe tells me, he’s having a difficult time being away from you. Now, I have some work to do. Everyone will be here at noon. John has everything ready. You two enjoy the next few hours.” He kisses Sydney again and leaves the kitchen.
“He adores you,” I say wistfully.
“He does. We’ve come a very long way,” she confesses.
“How so?”
“Our marriage was arranged in the beginning.”
My eyes widen in disbelief. My mouth gapes and I close it immediately. I’m stunned into silence.
“I know. It’s hard to believe that now, but it was. I married him to help him out and to get myself out of debt. Gabe was the only one who knew. It turns out we fell in love.”
“I can’t believe it,” I say as I take the seat beside her.
“It’s true. I fell hard for the infamous Sam Andrews and it turns out he fell hard for me too. When it’s right, it’s right.”
“I feel like I don’t know what’s right anymore,” I admit. “I can’t seem to stay in a relationship to save my life. What if I’m here and he doesn’t want anything to do with me?”
She reaches out and places her hand over mine. “I don’t think that will be the case.”
“I hope you guys are right.” I squeeze her hand gently.
Bear comes in from out back where he has been happily sunning by the pool. I pet his head and love the feel of his soft fur under my fingers.
“Does Gabe know I’m here?” I ask, curious about Mason’s younger brother.
She nods. “He does. I think he and Sam are overly excited about their little scheme.”
“I’m not sure if I’m excited or want to vomit.” I twist a strand of my long hair between two fingers and wonder if I made the right decision. What if he rejects me?
“Probably both.” Sydney laughs, then struggles to get out of her seat. “One more month to go. I can’t get any bigger, can I?”
I stand with her and laugh. It feels good to be in the company of another woman. After spending time with Sarah the other night, I realized how much I miss girl time.
“I planned manicures and pedicures this morning. One of each for you and a manicure for me. I thought it would be a good idea to keep you occupied.” she smiles at me with a twinkle in her eye.
“You were so right about that.” I follow her out the front door to the waiting Mercedes Benz.
Mason
My head throbs. Those damn old fashioneds got to me. I’m not up for a get-together at Sam’s today, but know he won’t take kindly if I don’t show up. We might be friends, but he’s also one hell of a shrewd businessman. I owe him a breakdown of everything that happened in New York. I barely slept last night so feeling shitty is part hangover and part lack of sleep. As I turn on the shower, memories of Melinda and me in the shower flood in. Damn. I can’t get away from her. Everywhere I turn, I’m reminded of her. I let the memories wash over me and they hit me hard, like a punch to my gut.
Every curve of her body is engraved deep within me, the way her skin felt on mine, the taste of her lips and the taste of her on my lips. Fuck. I step under the hot water and let it burn my skin in an effort to erase the memories. This woman has infiltrated every fiber of my life, and there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do about it.
“Dude, we need to leave in forty minutes. What are you doing in there? Jerking off?” I hear Gabe from outside my bathroom door—well, his bathroom door that I use while I’m homeless. I should jerk off. It might make me feel better, but I doubt it. Nothing will erase Melinda Morgan’s memory from me, not even an orgasm of my own making.
I step out of the shower and the water drips onto the floor. With a towel wrapped around my waist, I wipe the steam from the vanity mirror.
“You’ve got to get your shit together,” I tell myself in the mirror.
“Now you’re talking to yourself?”
“Gabe! What the fuck. Give me a goddamn minute.”
“Dude, you’ve got it bad.” He chuckles outside the door.
I do have it bad and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.
In the car on the way to Sam’s, I’m frustrated.
“Mase, why don’t you call her?”
“And what would I say?”
“Tell her how you feel. That would be a good start.”
“Right, so she can laugh in my face and shut me down. No thanks.”
“How do you know she’d shut you down? Everything you’ve told me leads me to believe she’s probably dying to hear from you.”
“I don’t think so.” My voice sounds strained, even to me.
“Who’ll be here?” I ask, changing the subject.
“The usual suspects. A couple people from our office—”
I cut him off, “Your office.”
“From my office,” he continues. “Sydney’s sister and her fiancé and I think that’s about it. At least that’s all I know.”
“I can’t wait,” I reply sarcastically.
We ride the rest of the way in silence. I’m miserable because I don’t feel like mingling with anyone today. I want to be on my couch with a beer and Oliver. Pathetic, I know, but it’s exactly what I want right now.
We pull up to Sam’s and it appears there’s more than a few people from Gabe’s office here. About twenty cars line the driveway.
“Fucking great.”
“You’ll be fine. Relax.”
I can’t relax. The only thing that’ll help me relax right now is a stiff drink.
“Hey, John.” Gabe shakes the older man’s hand.
“Mr. Tanner, nice to see you.”
“Gabe. Please. We’ve known each other too long for formalities. You remember my brother Mason.”
“Of course, good to see you as well, Mr. Tanner.” He bows slightly before he shakes my hand. “If you’ll both follow me. Mr. Andrews is waiting for you in his office.
“Gabe. Mason. Come in, have a seat.” Sam points to the chairs in front of his desk.
“Sam,” we say in unison.
“Let’s cut to the chase so we can get to the party. Why don’t you fill me in on everything that happened in New York?”
For the next half an hour, I give them the run-down, minus a few details.
“I see,” he says and taps his pen on his desk. “And did you ever find out what they blackmailed her with?”
“That’s not for me to tell. You can ask Melinda yourself, if you really want to know. Let’s say client confidentiality for this one.”
He raises his eyebrow at me. “Perhaps I will.” He makes eye contact with Gabe and they exchange a look.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for Melinda. It means a lot.”
“You really didn’t give me much of a choice,” I say.
“No, I guess I didn’t. You did owe me.” He stands and walks toward the door. “Shall we?” They exchange another glance. I shake my head in frustration and wish I could leave and didn’t have to mingle.
“Gabe. Mason. It’s so good to see you both.” It’s Sam’s very pregnant wife Sydney. I lean down and give her a kiss on the cheek.
“You look lovely,” I say in her ear.
“I look fat.” she laughs.
Sam’s adoration of his wife is written all over his face.
“Make yourselves at home,” she says as she heads up the stairs.
“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I’m going to check on my wife.” He takes two steps at a time to catch up with her.
“I need a drink,” I say and turn to head down the corridor to the kitchen. No matter how many times I’ve been here, I’m always impressed with Sam’s home. It’s homey and lived-in for how big it is. I think Sydney has brought more of that comfort to it with her mere presence.
“What will you have?” the bartender asks as I step up.
“Whiskey neat.”
“Same,” Gabe responds.
“How long do I have to stay?” I ask and look around at the crowd. There has to be about forty people here, and I don’t know half of them.
“At least an hour. Don’t be a douche.”
I grab my whiskey and head to the French doors out back. That’s when my heart stops. Holy. Shit. It can’t be, can it? Her back is to me and her hair hangs loose the same way Melinda’s does. My heart slams into my chest.
“Go get her, bro,” Gabe says from behind me.
“Wait. What? You set this up?” I’m shocked. I’m even more shocked that Melinda is about thirty feet away from me.
“I plead the fifth.” He raises his hands and takes two steps back.
“That’s a cop out and you know it.”
He shrugs and walks into the crowd.