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  “Lexa?” I ask and a hint of confirmation flashes in her eyes as I feel Joshua’s own eyes on me.

  “Yes. That’s what Adam called me.” Her smile widens and I return her handshake as recognition finally registers.

  “My dad always talked about you on our calls.” I feel a smile return for the first time today.

  Standing in front of me is the woman dad used to go on and on about, and I can see why. She is the definition of grace and confidence. He would never admit how close they had become. He always just left it at ‘We’re taking it slow,’ when I asked, but I knew she meant a lot to him.

  “He always talked about you, as well. I feel like I’ve known you for awhile. Your eulogy was so heartfelt, Emilia. Adam was lucky to have such a beautiful soul for a daughter. Your words epitomized the father daughter bond so many can only hope for.” I feel my mouth drop open at her words.

  I wish I remembered saying my speech now and I hope it comes back to me after the shock of today passes.

  “Thank you. Ms. Kelly, would you like to sit with us at the family table for awhile?” I ask, hoping she will agree.

  Sharing a glance with Joshua I don’t recognize, she declines. “I can’t stay today. Some things require my attention. I hope we can talk soon though. Talking to you makes me feel close to Adam again. I miss him.”

  Making her apologies, Lexa leaves as Joshua leads me into the next room. “I didn’t know Adam told you about her. I wasn’t sure how to introduce her.”

  “How about introducing her like I’m an adult who isn’t going to break.” I clip at him causing him to break his stride. Turning to me, I know he wants to scold me but he doesn’t. Instead he nods forward and ushers me into the room where many more sympathies wait for me.

  The clanking of dinnerware and buzzing conversation lulls as we walk in, then quickly resumes as we make our way across the room to Sylvia and Rosie. These women know me well, I think to myself as I look at the plate of food at my seat. They are making it hard not to want to eat with all of the food they’ve chosen for me.

  Taking my seat, I attempt a few bites from the choices on my plate. Meeting Lexa has lifted my spirits a bit and I almost feel like I can make it through the reception.

  Almost.

  “Sorry I can’t stay, Son. My flight leaves in a couple of hours.” Cordelia’s voice grates into my ears and Joshua stands to acknowledge his mother as she speaks directly to him, ignoring the three women at the table.

  “Thank you for coming, Mother. We appreciate it.” Joshua speaks for me and this time, I hate him for it.

  I don’t appreciate anything that woman has ever done. No, that’s not true. I appreciate her leaving. She shouldn’t be here today. We all said our goodbyes long ago.

  “I saw you talking to Alexandra Kelly out there. That whore has no business being here today.” Cordelia’s crass comment has no place in my mourning and I stand up to yell at her when I see Joshua rise as well.

  “Mother. That is untrue and uncalled for. Now, we thank you for coming. Have a safe flight home.” Joshua speaks low so only those at our table can hear as he watches me and I stare him down, barely restrained myself.

  Sylvia and Rosie sit on either side of me eating their food like it’s popcorn while watching a show and Cordelia plasters a fake smile on her wretched face to make her own version of a graceful exit, which is anything but.

  “Well, I must go. Tawny is getting ready to leave as well. You should say your goodbyes to her. It was so thoughtful of her to come here for you today, Joshua.” Cordelia’s words aren’t for Joshua. They are purely for my benefit. They are a reminder that there is someone else here for him.

  As she turns to leave, I look back at my plate and my shoulders slump once more.

  I’ve lost my appetite—again.

  37

  Joshua

  I haven’t been able to get my mind off of Emilia all day. I almost wish she was here in the office with me today, but I know it’s best for her that she take today and the remainder of the weekend to herself.

  Watching her deliver her eulogy at Adam’s funeral with me has been haunting me since those words left her mouth. I misread her so many times.

  I saw a petulant child instead of someone who just wanted her father’s love. I saw a cold-hearted woman instead of the person I pushed away until she no longer came back. Her eulogy gave Adam and all of us who were there, the closure we needed.

  Glancing at the message on my phone, this is the third text from Alexandra gushing about Emilia. I know she misses Adam more than almost any of us. Keeping a relationship private has many benefits but one downside is that Alexandra mourns almost alone now and I make a note to include her on some more things with Emilia. I think it will benefit both of them.

  As if reading my mind, my next text catches me off guard.

  Emilia: I’ve been thinking about it. I would like to invite Alexandra up to the cabin next weekend. To… you know…

  The gravity of Emilia’s request washes over me. I do know what she’s asking. It was what I wanted to suggest, but I wasn’t sure how it would be received. If Emilia is asking Alexandra along, then her and Adam did speak a lot more than I believed.

  A note in Adam’s will asked that his ashes be spread at his family cabin. He’s had that place since Emilia was a child and it is where her mother rests as well. The note was specific that only those closest to him attend as per my and Emilia’s discretion. No lawyers allowed.

  I could have pushed my authority and just said Alexandra would be there. I had mentioned it to Alexandra but she declined. She said it was Emilia’s time with Adam and she wouldn’t cause her any further pain while carrying out his final wishes.

  But this. This speaks volumes about so many different things.

  It speaks to Emilia’s relationship with her father and it speaks to her kind heart. I saw someone who was cold instead of this woman who is searching for her place. While I wanted the time alone with Emilia to mourn her father and my friend and mentor, together; having Alexandra join us is the right thing to do.

  Responding to her text, I tell her I will ask, then send off a quick message back to Alexandra telling her Emilia has requested she join us and asking her, again, if she’d like to come along.

  Alexandra: Yes. Just tell me when and where. Thank you, Joshua.

  Setting my phone aside, I take a deep breath and grin to myself. Things are finally falling into a comfortable place.

  “Is that smile for me?” Tawny’s voice surprises me. “Your secretary is away from her desk, I thought I’d come in since I made an appointment this time.”

  “Miss Davenfield. Please come in. You said you needed to discuss some of your father’s business.” I watch her face falter for a moment at my professionalism.

  Mr. Davenfield is one of Connor Realty’s top clients and he’s been grooming his daughter to continue his legacy. Personally, I think it is a bad move. Tawny is only interested in status, she wants to rub elbows with the city’s elite rather than sit in on business meetings and I’m convinced she only comes to meet with me because she has her sights on landing a husband to take over the company for her.

  “Yes, Joshua. As you know, my father is interested in purchasing the old airfield just outside of the city and, between you and me, he has plans to turn it into an entertainment complex with a casino, concert hall, dance clubs and a hotel on site.” As she speaks, I nod my head. Her father would be furious with her for sharing so much information so early when the property isn’t even his yet. “Well, I’m here to let you know he will be accepting bids in a few weeks for an investment and property company to run the project for him.”

  She sits back in her seat satisfied with herself and I try to keep my calm. In truth, I have no patience for this.

  “That is very exciting for your family’s company, Ms. Davenfield.” I notice her wince at her title. I know she wants to be Tawny to me. “But you could have told me this over the phone. I hate t o take time out of your busy day.”

  “Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I love spending time with you, Joshua. Besides, I wanted to confirm my attendance at your company’s award ceremony. I told Daddy all about it and he said it was a great idea, going together to show how solidified our two companies are.”

  Shit. That’s her play. I had forgotten how she weaseled her way onto the seating plan and backing out of this now is a slap in the face to her. I wouldn’t have worried about that, but it’s a slight to Mr. Davenfield and his company if I rescind the invitation I never actually offered in the first place. I have no good reason for not having a plus one to a simple awards dinner.

  I take a long moment to consider my response. Suddenly feeling more like prey than predator, I am not enjoying the situation I am sinking into. Tawny is fully aware that I hold no deep feelings for her and the awards ceremony is only two weeks away. I can maintain this as a professional relationship until after the dinner, then I will make sure to draw more noticeable lines in the sand.

  “We are honoured to have your company show their support for ours at the ceremony.” Before I get the chance to confirm it is only in a professional capacity, Tawny jumps out of her seat.

  “Oh, look at the time. I have another meeting across town to get to. Joshua, thank you for seeing me on short notice today. I’ll be in touch.” In a whirlwind of flowery perfume that makes my eyes water, she grabs her purse and makes a hasty exit and I don’t bother to walk her out.

  Dealing with her has drained me and I feel like I need a pick me up when I reach for my phone to reread Emilia’s text from earlier.

  And I smile all over again.

  38

  Emilia

  On Monday morning, when Faye suggested I become familiar with our business by assisting with a new project to centralize all of the company files into one large secure room, I groaned. Who wants to sit alone in a room with mountains of paperwork?

  Now it’s Thursday and I’m thankful for the solitude. I wasn’t quite ready for face to face small talk with everyone around the office after the funeral and I’m still not ready to talk to Joshua about the night in the shower. Between hiding away in here during the day and catching up with my schoolwork in the evenings, Joshua has kept his distance, only checking in now and then.

  The files have given me a chance to learn more about the company and its staff and I realize Sean was right that night in the bar. All four of them have been hired and are working for my father’s company. Looking deeper into their personnel files, I notice a couple of them have been reported to HR with minor unwelcome sexual advance issues. Furthermore, I see the complaints through HR have all been signed off as resolved, by Joshua.

  As I continue to read, I begin to feel sick. Something isn’t adding up and I wonder if my father trusted too much in Joshua to help him run his company.

  I spent the better part of the day taking photocopies of some papers so I can ask about them when the timing is right.

  As I work my way through employee expense claims, I hear the door to the filing room open and I call over my shoulder.

  “We’re reorganizing the company files. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just let me know and I can help you.”

  No one answers back and I turn my attention back to the folders in my hand as a quiet minute passes, then I hear footsteps stop near me.

  “Oh, I found what I was looking for. Hello, Feelya. Did you miss me? I missed you.” The sound of his voice makes my arms go heavy.

  I wasn’t ready for this.

  I know it isn’t Sean, this voice is deeper. In my stomach, I know who it belongs to and I don’t want to turn around. If he wasn’t blocking the exit, I would run out. Instead, I’ve filed myself into a corner.

  Memories of being cornered alone near the bleachers by four boys from my grade creep back into my mind. Feelya Emilia, they would whisper to me after that day.

  My worst nightmare greets me with a sickening sneer as I turn to meet Brent as his eyes rake across my body.

  “Hello, Brent. Sean mentioned you worked here. Are you looking for a file?” I’m surprised at my calm tone. I know it won’t last for long and I hope his stay is short.

  “I heard Faye telling a staff member you were in here working on a new project and I thought it would be a good time to stop by and say hi. You know, when we won’t be interrupted.” His answer sends chills down my spine and I feel myself falter.

  “W-well, I’m here and you g-got t-to sssay hi. I sh-should g-get b-back -” I feel the weight of my body slump as a stutter I thought I had overcome long ago, makes its return and Brent’s smile widens.

  “Ah. There it is. Such a sweet st-st-stutter", he mocks, "I always meant to ask. Did I give you that stutter, Emilia?”

  “N-no.”

  Taking one step too close to me, he forces me to take my own step back as the stench of his cheap cologne fills my nostrils. “Hmmm. I think I did. I like your stutter, Feelya. You know, when Sean said he saw you at The Hole, he wasn’t lying when he said you looked good.” His eyes travel to my chest as he begins his conversation with my breasts. “Work just got interesting. Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and remind you that we all work here now. There are four of us and one of you.”

  “Things have ch-changed, B-Brent. I own this company nnnnow.” I try to claw back some of my strength, but I feel like the oxygen has been sucked out of the small room.

  “That’s not what I hear. Word around the water cooler is that my buddy, Joshua owns it. I hear he owns you too.”

  “Wh-where did you hear th-that?” I blurt out. No one should know about that. Joshua told me he wouldn’t say anything to anyone.

  Brent only offers me a hard laugh in response as he takes another step into me and I feel my back push up against some files on the shelf behind me.

  “Oh, Emilia. The things I would do to you if I owned you…” his disgusting voice trails off as he lifts his hand to brush the hair away from my face and my entire body freezes momentarily before I drop my files and knock his hand away.

  A dark flash of anger sweeps across his face and I suddenly become fearful of my enclosed surroundings when he leans hard into my face.

  “Things can become very difficult for you around here. You have no idea how far up my reach goes. Don’t make me show you what happens when-” biting out his words, he’s instantly cut off.

  “Ready for lunch, Ems?” The door flies open and Rosie’s big smile instantly drops as she takes a step into the room and squares off with Brent. “What the fuck is going on?”

  “Relax. We were just catching up on old times. I was telling Emilia about everyone in our class who works here now.” Brent attempts to backpedal and steps out of my space giving me a moment to catch my breath.

  “That’s not what it looks like. It looks like-” Rosie knows everything about me and everything about our high school years. I insert myself quickly into the conversation to stop her from saying what she knows.

  “That’s wh-what happened Rosie. We were just c-catching up.” I feel my body relax now that she is in the room with me. Brent looks at me and I nod curtly for him to leave.

  The smug asshole actually thinks I’m covering for him. I’m protecting Rosie. Until I know just how far up this goes, I don’t want her telling everyone she knows everything as well. I don’t want her dragged into this. It could be her job on the line.

  As the door closes behind Brent, Rosie turns to me, incredulously. “Ems. Why didn’t you let him have it? I’ll back you up.”

  “Just leave it for now. Promise me, Rosie. I need to look into a few things first. Just don’t say anything. I found some things in their HR files. I just need some time to figure some things out. Please?” I plead, thankful my stutter left as quickly as Brent did.

  The minute she takes to size me up before responding feels like an hour.

  “Fine. I’ll leave it. For now, but only because I’m hungry. Come on, I’m buying. We are celebrat ing.” She beams at me.

  “Really? What are we celebrating?”

  “I just closed a big deal on a chain of three restaurants around the city and I’m taking you to Krayve to celebrate.” Now she’s almost giggling.

  “Isn’t that really expensive? We can go somewhere else. I’m not a high maintenance girl, you know.” I laugh.

  “What? No way. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” She leaves me hanging and I bite.

  “Miss what?”

  “My client. He has a meeting now with my competitor. You know, the hottie I told you about? Maynard. Anyway, he’s telling him he just signed the contracts to go with us instead and-”

  “-and let me guess… They’re meeting at Krayve?” I feign ignorance.

  “Yes.” Her giddy answer makes me shake my head.

  I usher Rosalyn out of the room as she recounts her meeting and I reach across the wall to turn out the lights mentally telling myself that I will ask Faye to hook me up with some help for the remainder of the week so I don’t need to be in here alone.

  Joshua’s signature on those pages is a bad sign for this company and for me. If he is backing his buddies up then it’s true that he knows everything about what happened and he’s been playing me. I’ll need to tread carefully to get the answers I am looking for before I decide what to do.

  For now, I’m happy I thought to ask Alexandra to come along this weekend. I’ll be able to learn more about her and she’ll unknowingly act as my buffer with Joshua. The cabin is extremely remote and I’m still not ready for a repeat of last week with him especially now that I’ve seen his signature signing off on multiple sexual harassment reports.

  These are the times I wish I could sit down and talk to my dad.

  39

  Joshua