Five Years Gone: A Standalone Contemporary Romance Read online

  “If you could update me at the end of the day, I’d appreciate it.”

  “Will do.”

  Trevor and I leave the office and return to our corner of the vast space. It’s an open concept with each team grouped together in glass cubicles. “He liked you.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “Ava… I want to be sure this is something you feel capable of taking on in light of what you shared earlier. We aren’t about emotional torture around here. I’d never hold it against you if you were to say it’s not going to work for you.”

  “I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I’m fine. I swear.”

  “Okay, then. I’ll leave you to it. Let me know if you need anything. My door is always open.”

  “Thank you. I’ll keep you both posted.”

  “Sounds good.” He moves on to talk to others in our group.

  Chapter Fifteen

  AVA

  I take a seat at my desk and pause for a second to catch my breath. Across the way, a woman on one of the other teams glares at me. What the hell is her problem? I return her stare and refuse to blink until she does. As she returns her attention to her computer, her lips are white with rage. I’ll have to keep an eye on her.

  “What’s up?” a young Hispanic man asks as he leans against the door to my cube.

  “Usual first-day madness. What’s up with you?”

  “Carlos Alvarez, at your service,” he says with a low bow. “The woman who used to occupy your cube was my work wife, and I’m interviewing for a replacement. I wondered if you might be interested in the job.”

  I’m instantly amused by him. He’s a total hipster in his skinny khakis, formfitting dress shirt and funky glasses. His dark hair is styled into a dramatic wave on top and shaved close on the sides. “What’s the job description?”

  He comes in and takes a seat in my visitor chair. “Coffee debrief in the morning, regular lunches, office gossip, Friday night happy hour and emotional support for all personal and professional drama.”

  “What number wife would I be?”

  “Two,” he says, his expression glum. “Tanya divorced me after a five-year marriage when she got a better offer from another company. She hit the road and never looked back.”

  I press my lips together so I won’t be tempted to laugh. “Answer a question for me, and I’ll consider your proposal.”

  “Anything for you.”

  “Blondie across the hall… No, don’t look! She’ll know I’m talking about her. I thought you knew how to do office gossip?”

  “Darling, I am the boss of office gossip.”

  “Why’s she glaring at me?”

  He leans forward and lowers his voice considerably. “Because she wants to be the one to heal Miles’s broken heart, but you were the one chosen to work on his passion project.”

  “So, they’re dating?”

  He snorts. “She wishes. To my knowledge, Miles hasn’t dated anyone since Emerson died.”

  That makes me incredibly sad for him.

  “Steer clear of Catty Caitlyn. She’s a venomous viper.”

  “Good to know.”

  “About our work marriage…”

  I already know I’d love nothing more than to be best friends with this entertaining, comical man, but I’m going to make him work for it. “I’ll consider a thirty-day probationary period. Bring your A game, my friend.”

  “Oh, it’s on like Donkey Kong.”

  I snort with laughter. “Get out of here. I’ve got interviews to line up at the Today show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

  “I didn’t realize you were a name-dropping bitch. Now that I’ve seen your mean side, I may have to reconsider my proposal.”

  “Or I could offer to bring you with me to the Today show… If you’re willing to carry my purse for me, that is.”

  He grins widely. “How do you take your coffee, my love?”

  “Large and full of cream.”

  He shudders dramatically before he sweeps out of my cube. “This’ll be a match made in heaven.”

  So far, other than Catty Caitlyn, I love this place. I take one second to dash off a quick text to Eric.

  Guess what project I’ve been assigned to? Star of the High Seas family group lawsuit publicity. Can’t make this up!

  He responds within seconds. Oh damn. Are you sure you ought to be doing that?

  Absolutely not, but it’s a great opportunity, so I’m trying to stay focused on that.

  Should you maybe ask the shrink if it’s a good idea?

  Yeah, probably. I’ll hit her up.

  Sounds like a plan. Can’t stop thinking about you and the best weekend ever (not counting parental meltdown).

  Me too.

  Dinner tonight to celebrate your new job?

  Sure, I’ll text you when I’m leaving.

  I’ll be waiting.

  He leaves me feeling happy and excited to see him and moved by his concern for me. The relief of no longer having to carry my heavy burden alone continues to be pervasive days after I unloaded on three different people. I feel a thousand times better now that Eric knows, and I appreciate that he didn’t run for his life from me after hearing about what happened with John. I wouldn’t have blamed him if he had.

  But he didn’t, and no matter what happens between us, I’ll always be thankful for that.

  ERIC

  I’m concerned about Ava being assigned to the family group project just when she’s starting to show signs of having survived her own trauma. The weekend with her was nothing short of blissful. I haven’t felt that good in well, ever… Even when things were fantastic with Brittany, it was never easy the way it is with Ava. I don’t have to think before I speak with her or weigh the potential for fallout if I express an unpopular opinion.

  It’s a fucking relief to be completely myself with Ava.

  And yes, I realize now, with the power of hindsight, that I was never completely myself with Brittany, which should’ve been a huge red flag. It’s nice to think that maybe I learned something from that debacle, which would give it meaning it’s lacked up to now. If the nightmare with Brittany was leading me to Ava, that also gives it meaning.

  The phone on my desk buzzes with a call from my assistant, Taylor.

  I hit the intercom button. “What’s up?”

  “Your brother is here to see you.”

  He is? Rob has never been to my office. “Send him in. Thanks.”

  I stand as Rob comes through the door, carrying two cups of coffee and wearing a conciliatory expression. He hands me one of the coffees. “I come in peace to apologize profusely for being a total asshole.”

  I take the coffee from him. I’ve already forgiven him, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let him off easy. What fun would that be? “I know you can’t help it sometimes.”

  “That’s what my wife said, too.” He makes himself comfortable on the sofa by the window and props his feet on the coffee table.

  I go over to join him. “I thought you’d be putting out fires at work today.”

  “The fire hasn’t struck yet. The media hasn’t caught wind of the governor’s marital meltdown. I believe we’re in what’s commonly referred to as the calm before the storm.” He glances at me. “I’m really and truly sorry for what I said about Brittany. It was totally out of line and uncalled for.”

  “Yes, it was, but it wasn’t entirely untrue.”

  “No?”

  I shake my head. “I’ve allowed myself to wallow in that pit far too long.”

  “What she did goes beyond egregious to downright cruel. You didn’t deserve what she did to you.”

  “No, I didn’t, but there were warning signs I chose to ignore.”

  “Please don’t tell me you’re blaming yourself in any way for what she did.”

  “Definitely not. I’m just pointing out that there were things I chose to ignore that with hindsight were a big deal.”

  “I didn’t come here to f
orce you to revisit that nightmare, and I’m sorry if something I said brought it all back. That’s the last fucking thing I’d ever want to do to you. I hope you know that.”

  “I do. It was heat of the moment. I’m over it.”

  “I’d understand if you wanted to punch it out the way we would’ve back in the day.”

  “Nah. I’ve got better uses for my hands these days than beating the shit out of you.”

  “A. You never once beat the shit out of me. B. Does that mean you’re using your hands on my sister-in-law?”

  “A. Yes, I did, too, beat the shit out of you, and you know it. And B. None of your fucking business.”

  “I knew it. I told Camille you two were getting busy.”

  I smirk at him. “We weren’t getting busy until my brother hurt my feelings, and she offered comfort.”

  He chokes on a mouthful of coffee and just manages to contain it before it would’ve gone all over the white dress shirt he’s wearing with a blue pinstripe suit and red tie.

  “So, thanks for that, and if you breathe a word of it to her sister or anyone else, I will beat the shit out of you, and I will make it hurt. That you can count on.”

  “I won’t say anything. I promise.”

  I trust Rob, Amy and Jules more than anyone in this world, and I believe him when he says he won’t spill my secrets.

  “So look at us,” he says, “married to and dating sisters. Kinda funny when you think about it.”

  “And a potential minefield.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “I feel like the stakes are higher for Ava and me because of you and Camille.”

  “Don’t put that pressure on yourself. We’re thrilled the two of you are hanging out. If it doesn’t work out, for whatever reason, that’s between you guys.”

  “You say that now, but if I were to screw it up somehow and hurt your sister-in-law, that’s apt to cause trouble for you with your wife.”

  “Are you planning to screw it up or hurt her?”

  “Hell no. But we both know how these things can go bad.”

  “It doesn’t always go bad, Eric. You know that as well as I do. Don’t let one chick ruin your sense of optimism. Ava is a great person. She’s nothing like Brittany. And you’re a pretty good guy, too. I told my wife that her sister couldn’t ask for better than my brother.”

  “You did? Really?”

  “Of course I did. Ava is lucky to have you, and by now, I’m sure she realizes that.”

  “Do me a favor and don’t add to the already considerable pressure on both of us by making it into something it’s not. Not yet, anyway.”

  He holds up his hands. “No pressure from me.”

  “What’s the latest with the parents?”

  “Haven’t heard a word from either of them. Amy was up there last night with Dad, and she said he’s surprisingly fine. She thinks maybe he’s known this was coming for quite some time and wasn’t as blindsided as we were.”

  “Lucky him.”

  “I know, right? I just can’t fathom why she would do it that way.”

  “Maybe she’s tried the subtle approach in the past with no success.”

  “Maybe,” he concedes. “It’s not like it’s a newsflash to any of us that they weren’t exactly happy.”

  “At least we know why he isn’t interested in reelection or higher office.”

  “That, too.”

  “How bad will it be when the press catches wind of this?”

  “As bad as it gets.”

  AVA

  I’m wrapping up my first day at FergusonMain when I get a text from Camille.

  Call me 911.

  What the hell? I find her at the top of my Favorites list and put through the call.

  “Thank God you got my text.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I just got a call from a reporter at the New York Post wanting to know if there’s any truth to the rumor that my mother-in-law, the first lady of New York, left my father-in-law, the governor, for the tennis pro at their golf club.”

  “Oh shit. How’d they get your number?”

  “I have no idea, but I’m freaking out. I can’t reach Rob, and I have no idea what to do.”

  “What did you say to the reporter?”

  “I hung up on him, but he’s been calling me once every minute.”

  “Take the call and tell him you’re not authorized to comment on the Tilden family or anything having to do with the governor. All inquiries will need to be directed to the governor’s office. Don’t say anything but that.”

  “Say it again. I want to write it down in case I brain-freeze.”

  I go through it again, slower this time so she can get it all down. “It’s really important that you don’t let him trick you into saying anything else.”

  “Okay.”

  “You can do this, Camille. Take some deep breaths.”

  “He’s calling again.”

  “Take the call, tell him what I said, then hang up and block him.” That won’t stop him from calling on a different phone, but it’ll eliminate the one he’s calling on now. “Call me back after.”

  “Okay.”

  The line goes dead, and I put down my phone, wishing I could handle the call for her.

  “Miles and Alex don’t approve of us taking personal calls on company time.” I look up to find Catty Caitlyn standing in my doorway. Her arms are crossed over her substantial breasts, and her mouth is pursed in a mean little sneer.

  “That was a client in need of emergency media advice, not that it’s any of your business.”

  “What client do you have who needs emergency advice? You just started.”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

  “I’m sure Miles would like to know.”

  “I’ll be happy to tell him that I represent members of the Tilden family in their dealings with the media, but if you want to tell him first, be my guest.”

  Her mouth falls open and just as quickly snaps shut before she turns and stalks off. Round one most definitely goes to me, but I have a feeling it’ll be the first of many rounds with Catty Caitlyn.

  My phone rings, and I pounce on the call from Camille. “Did you do it?”

  “All set. My hands are still shaking, though.”

  “You need to find Rob and let him know about this ASAP. If one reporter knows, others do, too, and they need to be ready.”

  “I’m going to call him again right now. Thank you for your help.”

  “No problem. You helped me win a round of passive aggression with the resident bitch in my office.”

  “Didn’t take long to get entrenched in office politics, huh?”

  “In my defense, she started it.”

  Camille laughs.

  “How was your day?”

  “Much less eventful than yours, until the Post called.”

  “Let’s catch up later. Go call Rob.”

  “I’m going.”

  I put down my phone and finish typing the report I promised Miles by the end of the day. So far, I’ve booked him and Dawkins on the Today show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning and Morning Joe. I have emails into thirty other top media outlets and will be adding them to the schedule as I hear back from the various producers who book guests.

  I send the email to Miles, copying Trevor, and then gather my belongings. On the way out, I stop at Trevor’s open door to let him know I’m leaving.

  “Hope you had a good first day,” he says.

  “I’m now on a first-name basis with a producer at the Today show. I think you could call it a good day.”

  “Excellent. Does this mean you’ll be back tomorrow?”

  “I’ll be back.”

  “See you then.”

  I step out of the office into pouring rain and decide to splurge on a cab. On the ride home, I dash off a text to Jessica, updating her on the project at work and asking her opinion.

  She responds by calling me.

 
; “Hi there.”

  “Hey, I got your text and I’m on the run, so I figured I’d call. Can you talk for a minute?”

  “Yes, I’m in a cab.”

  “Funny! Me, too. So tell me more about the project they’ve put you on.”

  I tell her about Miles, the fiancée he lost in the attack and the management of publicity requests for the family group since the lawsuit was filed.

  “Did you know one of the partners had suffered a loss on the ship when you took the job?”

  “I did. I told my direct supervisor, Trevor, that the guy I was involved with at the time of the attack was deployed that day and I haven’t heard from him since. He offered to let me off the hook on the project with Miles, but I told him I didn’t want that. I didn’t want special treatment, especially on my first day.”

  “I can understand that, but are you sure this project is healthy for you when you’ve begun to make such positive steps forward?”

  “In a way, it sort of feels like I’m contributing to the cause by helping out the family group, even in a small way. Does that make sense?”

  “It does.”

  “But I don’t want a setback at this point. Like you said, I’ve begun to feel better and… things with Eric have moved forward rather significantly.”

  “Is that right?”

  “I told him about John, and he was so understanding and sweet. We slept together over the weekend, and it was great.”

  “I’m happy for you, Ava. These are all very positive steps in the right direction.”

  “It feels good to be optimistic again.”

  “I’ll bet it does.”

  “So you don’t think I’ll be screwing things up by taking on a project that strikes a little too close to home?”

  “Only you can decide that for certain. I would give it a few weeks to be sure it’s not going to make anything worse for you. Your boss, Trevor, gave you an out. If you need it, don’t hesitate to take it.”

  “I won’t. I so appreciate your input.”

  “Happy to help any time. Are we still on for Thursday?”

  “I’ll be there. Thanks again.”

  After we end the call, I check my texts and see one from Eric. Leaving the office. What’s your status?