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I step inside the office and stand away from Emily, as Mitch sets his sights on me with a stern glare. “I have no idea what she’s talking about.” I was twenty-five when I started working for Mitch, Emily was seventeen. If Mitch knew I was the one that took her virginity he’d sack me, I’ve worked too hard in gaining his trust to be slung out onto the street now. I swallow and shove my hands into the pockets of my suit. It saves me from wiping my sweaty palms on my trousers from nervousness. I feel her eyes on me, but I can’t look at her.
“You can leave now Troy.”
“Sir.” I nod.
I never heard anymore. I made my way from the office and to the other side of the house, away from him and Emily. The look of betrayal hurts me more than I want to admit.
I close my eyes.I want to rid the memories, but my mind strays back to that very day.
“Letme help you with your things.” I ask from the bottom of the stairs.
“No thanks.” I climb the stairs anyway and grab some of her things and take them down. “I said no thanks.” She huffs as I meet her at the bottom.
“Don't be so stubborn. I’m not going to let you struggle with luggage.”
“Why not? Don’t make out like you care.” If only she fucking knew how much I do care about her.
“You know I do.” He grabs my arm then looks around him.
“No, you don’t.” She shrugs out of my grip and runs back up, grabbing her last bag. “Just leave me alone Troy. In fact, I never, EVER, want to see you again. How could you do that?” Her voice is loud. I’m not sure where Mitch is. She steps down and drags her two cases behind her but stops again suddenly, whirling back around to poke her finger into my chest. “First, you treat me like nothing after you have sex with me, twice, and told me that you loved me…”
“Shhh.” I try to quieten her down, placing my finger over her lips. I don’t need Mitch hearing this, but the sharp sting of her slap on my hand has me pulling it away.
“Don’t shush me. And then you don’t even stick up for me. I fucking hate you.” She grinds out through gritted teeth. She lifts her hands, I go to grab them and calm her down, but they flatten against my chest, and she pushes me away. She shoves me so hard that I stumble backwards.
She spins around, picks up her handle and makes her way out of the house. I know I can’t stop her now. All I can do is watch her leave.
It seems allI ever do is watch her leave.
My eyes turn heavy from the ache that’s beating a pulse inside my head, probably tension. A tension that only seems to exist when Emily is around. So instead, I give in and let my eyes close, soon falling asleep.
CHAPTERSEVEN
EMILY
The funeral came and went in a blur. I wasn’t even sure I acknowledged what was happening around me. I didn’t go to the wake. Yes, I should have done, but I couldn’t face it. I would have had to watch Troy lap up all the attention since he was my father’s business partner. I’m not sure if anyone remembers he even had a daughter.
Today though, today’s the day of the will reading. This I can’t get out of. I have no idea what’s going to be said in there because I never spoke to dad about his wishes or even his possessions. I probably should have done but honestly, I’m more concerned with the fact that we were on talking terms again. It was all I really wanted anyway. What girl doesn’t want a relationship with her dad? I didn’t want him to think that’s the reason why I made an effort to patch things up, his money never bothered me.
I sent the funeral arrangements through to Troy, like he requested. I could have paid for it, I really wanted to, but he had access to the insurance documents and the available money. As much as I didn’t want his help, why shouldn’t he? He planted himself in his life, the least he can do is help. With the money he has he can pay for it without the help of the insurance money.I haven’t spoken to him at all. I’ve ignored all the phone calls he’s made to me and never returned them. I can’t speak to him, not after the hospital.
Threadingmy arms through my Armani suit jacket I tug it onto my shoulders, then turn to the mirror to straighten it. Kellie walks up behind me and places her hands on my shoulders smiling sadly back at me. “Are you ready for today?”
“I think so,” My shoulders are stiff, aching with all the tension that’s rolling through me. “Who am I kidding?” I exhale loudly. “No, I’m not.” I sigh turning on my heel and face my best friend, assistant, and whatever else she is. This woman keeps me in order, in more ways than one.
“It’ll be fine.” Kellie soothes. “You’ll go in there and listen to the will, if there’s something you don't like, then you contest it. That’s your right.”
“I’m not sure I have the energy for all that. If I could get away with not going I would. He’s going to be there isn’t he?”
“You know he will be.” Her lips form a thin line in sympathy as she states the obvious.
I sigh again. “I’m not sure I’m ready to face Troy Parker again.”
Kellie hugs me tight for a minute or so, giving me all the comfort that I’m craving for. Then, with her hands softly on my shoulders, she gently pushes me back, giving her some space to dip her head to look me in the eye. “Listen to me, Emily Lancaster. You’re going to walk in that office and hold your head high, say a silent fuck you to Troy Parker, then listen to what your dad’s left you. Troy will be laughing on the other side of his face when you get Lancaster Inc.” I’m quite happy for Troy to take over, all I wanted was for my father to recognise that I have ambitions of my own and not riding his coattails.
“Then you’re going to get in your car and drive back here and I'll have a bottle of wine ready for us to share. We’ll drink the rest of the day away. How does that sound?”
My gaze roams over her face and I smile softly. This girl has been my best friend since college and is more than a shoulder to cry on. She’s my crutch. She’s listened to me moan and bloody whinge like crazy about my father, about his business, then about my own dreams and him not supporting me, and even about Troy. “I think it sounds perfect. Have I ever told you you’re the best?”
