AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s not the same, and I can’t risk losing her respect on top of my marriage.
“I appreciate it. Work’s just busy for Steven, and since he’s getting home late it seems pointless for me to be rushing home at night during the week.”
“You’re not hearing me, Grace. Asher and I are gifting you the apartment. You will be running this business soon. I don’t need it anymore.”
I shake my head. “Marion, that’s insane. It’s an apartment in Boston. And not just an apartment. It’s beautiful…it’s too much.”
Marion’s blue eyes shine. “Asher and I agree; we would rather see you enjoy the things we are going to leave you while we are alive. You, my dear girl, are the light of our lives. You’ve made us so proud. Accepting this will be a gift to us. Please, let us do this for you.”
No longer able to contain the emotion, the tears flow down my cheeks. I stand up, walk to the other side of the desk, lower myself next to Marion, and embrace her. She rubs circles on my back as I cry against her shoulder. She doesn’t know that I’m crying because this is going to give me the freedom to walk away from Steven without looking back.
Financial freedom, financial security, and a place to call my own. A place for me to start my next chapter.
“Thank you,” I whisper, the words burning my throat. I straighten myself and wipe the tears from my eyes, trying to regain my composure.
“Thank you,” Marion says, her controlled face returning. “So, tell me about our newest client, Cassius. What do you think of him?”
I glance down at the papers on my desk. What I think is that he’s a dream come true and also a nightmare. Finding him a match will be my own personal nightmare in the making. “He seems like quite the catch. I’m meeting him for dinner tonight to go through the vetting process. I suggested to Rachel that I think he needs someone older. Definitely thirty and up.”
Marion bites back a smile, and I know she approves. “That’s an interesting idea. What else do you think?”
I settle into my analysis. This I’m good at. This is how I need to shine to show Marion that she is right to leave her business in my hands.
“Someone who has her own career. A woman who is an equal. He will have his hands full taking over a family business when two of his siblings are older and may be vying for the position. And let’s not forget the competition. Jonathan is going to give him a run for his money.”
Marion nods. The Hanson family owns another big liquor company and has an office in Boston as well. They have also been trying to break into the tech business like the Jameses. The researchRachel provided detailed the rivalry between the two families.
“Wonder how long it takes for Jonathan to call you about this.” She purses her lips to stifle a laugh.
I dated Jonathan in college. He’s actually a friend of Steven’s, and while things were never serious with Jonathan, he can be very possessive when it comes to me. We remained friends after dating and he introduced Steven and me, unintentionally.
In the beginning he tried to stop our relationship, but I sat him down and pointed out very gently that he wasn’t interested in a serious relationship and Steven was. To this day he would still flirt with me in front of Steven, driving my husband mad, but I know it’s all superficial. He just enjoyed teasing Steven.
“I doubt Jonathan will even hear about us working with Cash,” I reply. Although, I know damn well he probably will. The most eligible bachelor in Boston, and Jonathan’s rival, will be someone that he is monitoring. He’ll definitely find out and he’ll probably storm into my office to complain. The idea doesn’t really bother me. Perhaps I can drive Steven mad by dating Jonathan for a bit. Once the divorce is finalized, obviously.
“Where are you going for dinner tonight?”
Again, I find myself biting back a smile. Certainly not somewhere inconspicuous. “Lucia’s.”
Marion nods. “Good. Then word will get out that we are handling the James family business. Good job, Grace. It’s exactly where I would have selected.”
I smile. “Cash actually suggested it. But I would have if he hadn’t.”
Marion hums to herself. “Looks like Cash is trying to make a statement as well. Good for him. I wonder if he knows about your history with Jonathan.”
I shake my head. “That’s highly unlikely. He’s a lot younger than we are. Besides, why would he concern himself with my past boyfriends?”
“Maybe it’s more that he’s concerned himself with his enemy’s past girlfriends.” She eyes me, almost as if she’s surprised the thought hadn’t crossed my mind. And it should have.
Suddenly, my mind spins. Is it possible that Cash knew who I was all along? I mean, he’s managed to steal the position of CEO of a family business when he was third in line. Someone who has the wherewithal to do that would definitely have a list of weaknesses of their enemies. Not that I’m a weakness of Jonathan’s. It’s not like I’m some prize. But I was probably Jonathan’s only significant girlfriend.
And we are still friendly.
The entire thing seems almost a little too convenient. Maybe I put too much stock in the feelings Cash claims to have for me. Maybe his anger over my marriage is just an annoyance that he can’t one-up Jonathan. It certainly makes more sense than him falling for me so quickly.
My mind moves through these uncomfortable thoughts. The reality is that I should hope it’s true. It will keep me angry and allow my feelings for Cash to cool. He isn’t the romantic idea of a man that I’ve conjured up in my mind; he’s a coldhearted businessman. Obviously.
“Maybe you’re right, Marion. Well, it will work to both of our advantages then. I’m going to finalize my research and prepare for tonight. Thank you again. For everything.”
