KEPT_ A Second Chance Fairy Tale(10)

“Just tell me what the hell is going on and why Lucy Monroe is here.”

Lillie sighs in frustration first, then finally starts talking. “Corbin phoned me yesterday morning. Early. You know if Corbin Mercer is up making calls before ten o’clock on a Sunday morning, someone’s dying or something’s up. So I answered.”

“And?” I prod.

“From what he told me, he had initially visited Ms. Monroe Saturday, returning something to her—”

“Her driver’s license,” I interrupt, and she nods once. “Keep talking.”

“Yes, so, he said he wanted my opinion before he offered her my position. He really liked her and thought she’d do a good job.”

“He doesn’t get to make that kind of decision without my input,” I voice loudly, in turn causing her to wince.

“Don’t yell at me,” she snips. After shaking off her nerves, she powers on. “He said she was out of work, and thought maybe if I agreed with him to hire her temporarily then you wouldn’t be as upset because you trust me.”

“Trusted, you mean.”

“Oh, come on!” she scoffs.

Leaning in and placing both hands on my desk, I only get a few inches closer to Lillie, but it’s enough so she gets my point. “Upset doesn’t begin to describe what I am, Miss Miles. I’m fucking livid.”

“Are you sure, Mr. Holden?” she slips out sarcastically, returning my formal address. Her eyebrows are raised, assessing my reaction. “I mean, you appear as happy as I’ve ever seen you.”

“Lillie…” I warn with a growl.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Mike. Give the girl a chance.”

“There are things she doesn’t know, Lillie. Things I’ve worked like hell to ensure she never finds out,” I needlessly explain.

“And she won’t, as long as you don’t tell her.”

Sitting back in my chair, placing my hand over my mouth and taking in a breath, I look up and see Lillie smirking at my expense.

This shit isn’t funny.

“I’ve not met her yet, but from what Corbin told me, I’d say she’s a bit of a…”

“What?” I’m resentfully curious, so I prod.

“Character? Is that the right word?”

“Character?” I repeat, not understanding.

“Nerd. Oddball. Whatever you people call them these days. He said she’s got spunk. And, like I’ve told you already, he’s convinced she’ll do a good job.”

Now it’s Lillie who needs clarification.

“No, Lil. Did you see her? Blonde hair, big eyes, nice build, and a great fucking smile. This isn’t Corbin convinced she’ll do a good job. This is Corbin convinced she’ll look great trying to do a good job.”

“You just complimented a woman, Michael,” she says quietly, as though amused. “I’ve never heard you do that.”

“Yes, you have,” I reply with indifference I no longer feel. I did just compliment the woman I’ve not forgotten about since finally seeing her in person.

Fuck.

Lillie smiles wide before trying to prove her point. “No, sir. You haven’t once said anything nice about any of the women who’ve traipsed through here. You see something in Lucy, too.”

She’s right. I do.

First, I see painful memories I’ll have to live with forever because of who was once in her life, and because of the way I chose to live mine. Second, I see a woman who could hold the key to undoing all I’ve worked to secure. Even with the brief snapshot I have from watching her at Tryst, it’s clear she possesses a compelling personality with animated charisma. And I’ve all but admitted to myself she fascinates and intrigues me.

She can’t be here.

“I’m assuming, with all her vast experience in office and law, she’ll know what she’s doing?”

“You don’t need a law degree to get coffee, take notes, or plan a person’s calendar, but you already know this.”

“Does she have suitable clothes for events? Dinners, meetings, those kinds of things?”

“I haven’t inquired, but I can,” Lillie promises, writing down my list of questions.

“And a car… Does she have transportation?”

“I’ll find out,” she assures. Putting her pen down on my desk and straightening her back, Lillie asks, “Can you do something for me?”

“I’m not already?” I ask the obvious. When her face drops and she looks slighted, I realize I’ve probably pushed her too far. “What’s it you need, Lil? I’m listening.”

“Take a breath. Feel something for someone else’s circumstances.” I feel my body stiffen, and Lillie lifts her hand to keep me from talking. “I’m not saying get involved with her personally, but show her some compassion.”

“I’m showing compassion every month when I send the money to help her and her son.”

“Anyone with money can write a check, and you know it. Having a career will help her more than your checks ever could.” Lillie tilts her head, her eyes growing curious. “Can I say this in a way I think even you could understand?”

“By all means,” I grumble as she takes a breath.

She purses her lips at my rudeness, but pushes on. “Be nice,” she states plainly. “Don’t treat her unfairly because of who she is or what happened to her. She did nothing wrong, yet you’re already exposing her to your self-loathing and unwarranted guilt.”

“She’s young, inexperienced, and needs more training than any of the more qualified applicants.” I point to the stack of resumes sitting on the end of my desk. “She’ll need clothes, probably a car, and daycare for the hours we work. What the fuck was Corbin thinking?”

“He was thinking he could save you.”

“What the hell from?”

“Well…” she says hesitantly. “Yourself, Mr. Holden.”





Lucy

SHE’S YOUNG, INEXPERIENCED, AND NEEDS more training than any of the more qualified applicants.

Funny thing about open doors—you can hear every word on the other side without static or filter.

Corbin had just explained the role Lillie would play in showing me how to do her job before she retires in two weeks.

I had been relieved to know it wouldn’t be him or his partner training me.

I had been looking forward to learning from a ‘champ’, as he referred to Lillie.

I had even been excited about going with him to get coffee, then taking a tour of the building as my next step in orientation.

Had been. Not anymore.

“What’d you just hear?” Corbin questions in a gentle tone as he steps up behind me.

She’ll need clothes, probably a car, and daycare for the hours we work.

The tears of insult swelling in my eyes are obvious, so there’s no point in hiding them.

“I heard enough,” I whisper, not from embarrassment, but to control my angered emotions. I’ve just been rudely insulted by a man I’ve never met.

“Mike’s different, Lucy. He’s just…”

Turning my gaze to Corbin, not wanting to hear him make excuses for his partner’s flawed character, I decide without needing another moment to think.

“This job isn’t for me, Mr. Mercer,” I voice, still standing at the door.

“Luce,” Corbin calmly tries to pacify.

“Lucy. My name is Lucy,” I correct.

Releasing a frustrated breath, Corbin lifts his head, then drops it to the floor. “Lucy,” he pronounces quietly. “He didn’t mean–”

Before he can offer any more explanation, I push the office door open to its fullest. Lillie stops talking when Mr. Holden’s head lifts in my direction and he removes his dark-rimmed glasses.

“Lucy!” Corbin calls out, but it’s too late. I’ve entered the dragon’s lair, and I’m not afraid of getting burned any more than I already have.

“Mr. Holden,” I address. I don’t know him, so I can only assume the look on his face is one of shock. “I’m not a charity case.”

“Lucy…” Lillie whispers, looking up at me standing beside her. I haven’t met her yet, but it’s clear she already knows who I am.

I don’t let her interruption deter my anger. Looking back to Mr. “Rude”, I seethe, “There’s no job worthy of being insulted on the first day—better yet, the first hour I’ve arrived. I’m not perfect–”

“Stop talking,” he snaps, sitting back in his chair and crossing his hands over his waist. “And sit down.”

“No, I won’t stop talking or sit down.” I power on with confidence. “I’ve met a lot of assholes, Mr. Holden. A lot. You may think in my lowly young and inexperienced years I haven’t, and it’s your right to state your opinion. However, in turn, I’ll state mine.”

“Oh, sweet Jesus,” Lillie shockingly murmurs as she turns around, looking behind me to what I can only imagine is a just as shocked Corbin.

My spirit begins to break and my nose starts to sting. The words I wasn’t meant to hear are finally penetrating.

In reaction to my hurt, I push, “You’re ridiculous! You don’t even know me!” I take a breath, thinking there has to be more to this than I understand. “Did my mother-in-law put you up to this? Has she gotten to you?”