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“What was she studying?”
“Undeclared. She was still satisfying her general education requirements when the accident occurred but the arts seemed to be of interest to her, according to her guidance counselor.”
Boston raised an eyebrow at Richard, impressed that he’d managed to ferret out information from a confidential source. “Anything else?”
“And leave nothing for your reading pleasure tonight? Those are the highlights.”
“Very well. No boyfriend lurking in the wings?”
“None that I could find. Nothing serious.”
That pleased him. “Excellent. I wouldn’t want to have any unfortunate altercations with other guys. That means she’s all mine,” he murmured, wanting to go home immediately. Richard’s expression made him realize he was acting out of character again and he straightened. “Good work. That will be all,” he said, dismissing him.
Richard paused at the door, turning to say, “I need to say something…”
“Are you going to say something that will piss me off?”
“More than likely.”
Boston exhaled sharply and motioned for Richard to continue. “Go on, get it over with.”
“I’ve been with this family for a very long time. Long enough to see you change over the years.” Boston didn’t like the direction of Richard’s point but out of respect for the older man, he allowed him to keep talking. “Ever since GiGi did what she done to you—“
“I don’t want to talk about GiGi. That’s part of the past that I don’t even think about anymore.”
“That’s horseshit and you know it.”
Startled, Boston stared at his long-time, right-hand-man. Recovering, he narrowed his gaze in warning. “Careful…you’re treading on dangerous ground.”
“I know that. But I’ve been watching you self-destruct for a long time and it’s finally gotten to the point where you’re out of control. What are you planning to do that poor girl? She’s not the one you’re angry with — you’re angry with GiGi. Take it up with her. Not Julianna. She’s a sweet kid.”
“She’s no kid,” Boston growled. “And since when are you her champion? You hardly know her.”
“True. But I see how you are with her and I think she’s different. I think she makes you feel different and that scares you. Anything that scares you, you beat into the ground. I don’t want that to happen to her. What can I say, I have a soft spot for the girl.”
“Keep your soft spot to yourself. She’s mine.”
“Calm down. I’m old enough to be her father. I’m saying this for your benefit. You used to be a good man, Boston. But it’s been a while since I can say that.”
“Where’s this coming from?”
“You know…I think it’s when I heard myself giving the poor girl some crappy advice.”
“Which was?”
“I told her to do whatever you asked her to do, no matter her feelings about it. That was plain wrong. Her feelings matter and a long time ago, I wouldn’t have had to tell you that.”
Yeah, that was true but that man was long gone. The fact that Richard was trying to resurrect him was a sign that maybe Richard needed to retire.
“Julianna will be pleased to know she has such an ardent champion,” Boston said, leaning back in his chair. “Is that all?”
Displeased with Boston’s lack of acknowledgment, Richard’s mouth firmed into a tight line and he shook his head. “Stubborn as your old man but at least he had the sense to admit when he was wrong.”
“Yes, well, we all have our faults.” Boston flicked at a piece of lint on the felt on his desk and fixed his employee with a hard stare. “Here’s the deal…Julianna isn’t your concern. But to ease your conscience, she’s a consenting adult who is being fairly compensated for any inconvenience our relationship may cause. And contrary to what you may think…I’m not a monster.”
“No, you’re not a monster, but you can be a real asshole. I’ve seen you in action when you’re determined to grind someone into the ground. I’m afraid that you’re going to break her spirit because she’s the type who will never bow down to someone like you. Ever.”
Richard’s frank opinion rang with truth and Boston couldn’t deny it. There was strength to Julianna but he could break her if he wasn’t careful and he had no wish to break her. At least not yet.
“You’ve been a loyal employee for many years,” he stated. “So I’ll forgive your momentary lapse in reason. But don’t make a habit of it or else you’ll find yourself working for someone else.”
Richard laughed at him, saying, “You forget yourself, son. I work for you because I choose to. Keep it up and I’ll walk on my own. I’ve said my piece. It’s up to you what you do with it. One final thing,” he said, going to the door. “What do you think your father would’ve thought of your little arrangement with Julianna? I’ll leave you with that thought. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Boston opened his mouth but Richard had already closed the door behind him. The thing was, Boston knew in his heart of hearts that he’d never truly fire Richard. He’d been his father’s best friend and Boston had known Richard his entire life. If anyone knew Boston, it was Richard and there was no denying that truth.
But he was still pissed because no one liked to hear when they were screwing up. Not even if they deserved it.
Richard was right, he’d been punishing other people for what GiGi had done for a long time. Didn’t feel good to have that truth pushed in his face.
But he wasn’t about to let Julianna go. And he didn’t care what he had to do to hold onto her.
Good God…he realized with a laugh. He was officially an asshole and a jealous-obsessive type.
Well, he’d never been one for labels anyway.
He wanted her. That’s it. He’d deal with the why later.
-7-
“I still don’t understand…how did you make this happen?” Tom asked from the Skype screen, the quality of the feed a little glitchy due to the distance between California and New Zealand. “I mean, I’m not complaining, this place is off the chain but…it’s gotta be pretty expensive.”
Julianna bit back surprisingly happy tears for her brother. “The insurance came through,” she lied through her teeth. “I had to really go after it but when they realized I wasn’t going to give up, they gave in and approved the facility.”
“It’s funny, how did you even hear about this place? And why didn’t you mention it before? I could’ve at least helped with the paperwork. You shouldn’t have to take on the lion’s share of all the work.”
“It’s no trouble. I wanted to do it. And now it’s done so all’s well that ends well. Stop worrying and start focusing on healing that spinal injury. I want you back on those slopes as soon as possible so I can finally beat you fair and square.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure I’ll be strapping on skis anytime soon,” Tom said and Julianna’s heart nearly broke for his quiet pain. Tom had been such an athletic guy, that to be sidelined like this was a cruelty beyond words. “But hey, you never know. Maybe this place can work a miracle, right?” he added in an attempt to lighten the conversation. She nodded. Please God…grant us a miracle. Tom paused then said, “Thanks Sis…I really appreciate what you’ve done for me. Not many people would’ve put their life on hold for a broken brother.”
