The moment I realized that, a big weight lifted from me.Damn, if my spilling everything didn’t help.As my therapist pointed out, I had no reason to feel responsible for my father getting caught.I was just doing my job, and if another forensic accountant had been on the job, they would have found the same thing.
My feelings were all tangled up with worrying Lucas might leave me again.Might.That was a big word.But Lucas had apologized for what he did years ago, and my therapist reminded me that living my life in fear wasn’t living.
She was right.I was in love with Lucas, and I wasn’t going to ruin it over something that quite possibly might never happen.Hadn’t Lucas shown me over and over how he wanted me and only me?His responsibility to his sister was a part of who he was.
Cutting my family out was the first step.I wanted to be with Lucas.I loved him, and we were good for each other.Setting the pen and paper aside, I picked up my mug.Ugh, there was nothing worse than cold coffee.
My doorbell rang.Who could that be?Lucas said we needed to talk today, but it was early.Thank goodness, I’d dressed when I got up.
Checking to see who it was, I was surprised to see Cassie and Marcus with others I couldn’t quite make out behind them.
I opened the door.“Good morning.”
“Good morning,” Cassie said with a big smile.“We bring gifts.”She gestured to the coffee holder in Marcus’ hands and held up a big bag.I glanced behind her to see Emma and Asher smiling.
“Come on in.”The group walked in.“I wasn’t expecting company today.”
“I said we should have called ahead,” Emma said.
“How did you know where I live?”I didn’t remember telling them.
“Lucas mentioned you lived close to him,” Asher commented.“And I may have peeked at your address when Miles wasn’t looking.”
I tried to scowl at Asher, but all I could do was laugh.My heart was light and full of joy.“Let’s take this inside, and I’ll get some plates.”
My living room was filled with food, coffee, and people.This is what I’d been missing at my other job.Not that I didn’t talk with my co-workers, but none of them were close like this.The Fantasies, Inc.group was different.They were more like a family than co-workers.
“Do we need to convince you to come to work for Fantasies, Inc.?”Marcus asked.
“Marcus.”Cassie slapped his arm.“My man here has no tact.”
“It’s okay.I’m considering it.”
“What do we need to do to persuade you?”Asher asked.
They thought I needed to be talked into staying at FI?I wondered why.I was about to ask when the doorbell rang again.
“I bet that’s Lucas,” Cassie said.
“Probably.”I opened the door without looking.
My father stood there with my mother and sister.I was about to tell them to leave when my father pushed me back and stormed into my home.The others stood, but Marcus and Asher instantly pushed Cassie and Emma behind them.
I took a deep breath.This was my fight.“Please leave.”I was trying hard not to lose my temper.They had no right to be here.I’d told them I was done with them.“I didn’t invite you in.”
“I want you to recant your story.”My father’s angry voice carried around the room.
“It’s in the hands of law enforcement, so there is nothing I can do.I’m assuming you made bail.”Of course, he had.My father had high-powered lawyers.But that didn’t mean he had the right to come here and harass me.
“Yes, I’m out.And I’ll make your life a living hell, if you don’t fix this.”
“That sounded like a threat.”
Lucas!I glanced around my father to find him standing in the doorway, his body tense as if he was ready to fight.
“Oh, Lucas, you’re here.I’m so happy.”Kendall slithered up to Lucas and tried to put her arms around his neck.
“Save it.”Lucas intercepted her arms and pushed her away.“I’m here for Valerie.”
