AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He even attended Holly’s baby shower. Cary, an amazing stepdad to Holly’s son, was thrilled they were adding to their family, and Sloan and Kimber decided the party would be better as a Jack and Jill. Jake and I had fun celebrating with everyone… And then Jake booked us a couple’s massage at a swanky hotel and we rejoiced in our lack of responsibility.
There’s been kissing. I mean, how could there not be? Getting a lip-lock on my boyfriend is a perk of being in a relationship with Jake Ballentine.
We fooled around that night at the hotel, driving one another crazy the way we had in the spring whenever things between us got hot and heavy. Except, we haven’t taken it further. I’m not ready and Jake respects that, given how badly our first time together ended. If we waited when we were fake dating, then delaying that bit of gratification the second time around doesn’t feel like a compromise.
The first time I let Jake unbutton my shirt, he was so apologetic, so sweet and sensitive to how I’d react to his touch that I couldn’t help wondering if I was upfront about my scar in the beginning if the shock would still have chased him off.
But had I done that, would Jake have finally chased down his dream or found that his passion lies in opening a music venue of his own?
See? Shades of gray. What happened happened and I can only hope that we’re building from it instead of letting the past drag us back down.
The elevator is quick, and I step into the conference room with a minute to spare. Three members of the board of directors for the charity gala sit at the far end of the mahogany table. One at the head and two close to the bank of windows. The men have their suit coats unbuttoned and their elbows on the table. The woman leans back in her seat with her legs crossed. She has a pen poised for writing and a yellow legal pad in front of her, though each of them has a leather folio or something to take notes on, too. I think she’s merely prepared. Opposite those board members is Gavin, wearing a white coat and a pleasant smile. They all turn. The only person surprised to see my ex here is me.
I’d received a message from the chairman, telling me that they had something to discuss regarding the benefit and asking me if I’d join them today.
The board members stand and shake my hand, inquiring about how I’ve been. One hugs me. He and my father were close. Gavin keeps his distance, but motions for me to take the chair beside him.
“We’re delighted you could join us, Paisley,” the chairman begins. “I’m sure you received the letter Deborah penned after the gala this spring that each of our contributors received in the mail. The generosity of contributions was astounding. It was a record year for the hospital. A great deal of the credit goes to you.”
“Me?” I press a hand to my chest.
“Many of our benefactors made specific mention of you when we’ve delved into their reasons for giving.” Deborah, the other woman, speaks up. “You’re an integral part of the community, and it makes them feel you have a stake in the hospital’s success.”
“Of course, I have a stake in it. My dad’s name is on the invitation. I’ve had heart surgeries at Brighton General.”
“I didn’t know you were a patient,” Deborah says with thoughtful concern. “Why didn’t I know that?”
“It was when I was a child,” I reply.
I’ve spoken little about my health for the better part of a decade—around the time I stopped wearing tops that showed my scar so that I wasn’t discussing my medical prognosis with curious strangers.
“We’d like you to entertain the idea of giving the keynote at next year’s gala.” The chairman suggests I speak about my dad’s legacy. “And we’d like you to consider taking an upcoming vacancy on the board.”
“I, um, I’m flattered.” Of course, I’ll accept! I want to yell. This is an incredible opportunity. “But what’s Dr. Laughton’s opinion?”
I look at Gavin, who nods in agreement with the chairman’s offer. When the meeting concludes, we all shake hands and I’m told how much they’re looking forward to the spring. The board members file out, leaving Gavin and me alone.
Without an audience. I hope he’s comfortable enough to give me an inkling of his true feelings. Unlike other doctors who cruise through their department’s fundraisers, making appearances and not much more, it’s a cause Gavin is fully behind. Cardiology is his life’s work. He didn’t stumble, refusing to support a charity that bears my family name. He puts in a good deal of time for the benefit in the weeks leading up to the event.
“I’m humbled, but are you sure you are okay with this?” I ask.
“Yes. The board came to me first. They expressed open apprehension about our personal situation.”
“They did? I can withdraw my name. No one will be the wiser—”
“You should take this, Paisley.” Gavin interrupts. “I have feelers out to other hospitals.”
“I don’t want you to have to leave on my account.”
“I’m exploring my options. Nothing is set in stone. This year has been difficult.” He huffs. The crooked smile on his face fades. A telltale sign he must have a lead on a new job, but he’s hesitant to put his faith in it coming to fruition. “I heard you are back together with Jake Ballentine.”
Oh, that lovely rumor mill.
“Yes, we’re seeing one another again.” I won’t lie. The secret trapped between us, that I didn’t leave the perfect wedding to the faultless groom for the corrupt strip club owner I was having an affair with, is bad enough. “Gavin, I’m so sorry. I didn’t set out to hurt you. I was living someone else’s life. The life of the woman who you are supposed to marry someday. Afterward, I didn’t realize that anyone in Brighton was tormenting you. I hate to sound conceited, but I thought the rumors were all about me, or at least that your reputation was above reproach, and that it would blow over faster for you than it did for me. I left because you deserved better.”
“For as embarrassing the situation has been, I see that now… And it’s not about Jake, in particular, Paisley. I want someone who wants me. I’d like the chance to start over and be happy… The way you are with Jake… I don’t know if I stay in Brighton that my sister will get over her animosity towards you. And I’m unwilling to let that bring me down to the place I was at the night she made the scene at Royce’s and upset me.” Gavin toes the carpet. “I won’t risk destroying my career over another near-disaster. After what the two women I was closest to put me through, twice is ample embarrassment.”
“I saw the surveillance video of you and Jake outside the boutique. It didn’t have any sound. Can I ask what you discussed?” Gavin doesn’t owe me an explanation, but I’ve always wondered how Jake talked him into putting the rock down.
