One String (Lighter Ones)

Chapter 32

Ricky

Two weeks later

My office doesn’t have a window, not even one the size of a porthole. Nevertheless, it is a room with a door, not a cubicle. With my suit coat hanging on the back of my chair, I stare at the information on my desk, completely in awe that I am sitting where I am. This is almost everything I want in life.

The missing piece is no doubt on the third floor. I can’t blame her for not speaking to me two weeks ago in Justin’s hospital room. I haven’t tried to call or text her. That doesn’t mean I haven’t written at least a hundred different messages, only to delete each one. I said things to Marilyn that no one deserves to hear. If I were into therapy, I might learn my reasons for pushing her away.

It doesn’t take a psychology degree to know that I was freaked out about putting my career on hold while simultaneously worried about the future of my sister, my best friend, and my family farm. Marilyn told me not to make any rash decisions.

I’ve lain awake at night, thinking about how she was right. If only I’d taken the time to talk to Dax, Dad, and Randy Sheers. For some reason, in my mind, I was the only one who could save the Sheers farm. I was so focused on the fucking trees, I didn’t see the forest.

Maybe my desire to move beyond Riverbend wouldn’t allow me to see the positives it has to offer, friendships and family.

Being able to both help Justin and begin my career seemed like an unachievable dream. I lean back against the desk chair and look at the small office. I have a bookshelf and one other chair facing my desk. There is one plant on the corner of my desk from Mom. She always was into plants.

In a nutshell, it’s the best fucking office in the world.

A knock on the door pulls me back to the present. “Come in.”

I sit taller as Bryce Perkins enters. “Dunn, I have some forms I need you to complete.”

Reaching for the stack of papers, I say, “It was nice of you to personally deliver these.”

“As the co-chair of the talent acquisition team, I thought it was best that the two of us have a few words.”

I gesture to my other chair. “Have a seat.”

Bryce lifts his chin, turning a circle and scanning the entirety of my office. “It’s nice they could clean out this broom closet for you.”

“More than nice. It’s perfect.” I look down at the forms. They seem pretty straightforward. “What would you like to discuss? I’m busy acclimating myself with the files from Mr. Stevens.”

Bryce is still standing. “Leave Marilyn alone.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

I stand on my side of the desk. “Is controlling Marilyn in the job description of co-chair of the talent acquisition team?”

“This isn’t about control. I told her what we all saw at the dinner. You used her. I warned her. She didn’t listen. At least she listened when I told her that after you break her heart, I’ll be the one to put it back together.”

With each of his words and phrases, I clench my jaw tighter. “Keep dreaming. I know for a fact Marilyn isn’t interested in you.”

“We have a date next week on Valentine’s Day. I’d say your information is outdated.” Before I can respond, he says, “Just stay away from her. If you don’t, I’ll tell the partners that I’ve received complaints about you being inappropriate with senior female employees.”

“Are you threatening me?”

He smiles. “I like to think of it as a friendly reminder.” He turns away. “Oh, and have those forms to Jen, my assistant, by four this afternoon.” He leaves the door open in his wake.

“Fucker.”

Valentine’s Day.

Shit, I’ve been too busy to even know what month it is, much less a holiday. Throughout the day, my attention deviates from the project before me to thoughts of Marilyn.

I try to tell myself that Bryce is better for her. He has a better job. He’s been here longer. It doesn’t matter how many stupid reasons I come up with; I can’t shake the feeling that he’s not the best man for Marilyn. He can’t be.

I am.

The question is if it’s too late.

Near the end of the workday, I find myself on the elevator, pushing the number three. Stepping onto the third floor, I approach the receptionist’s desk and flash a smile at Klara. “Hello, Klara. Is Ms. James in?”

Klara smiles as if she remembers me. “It’s been a while.” She points at me. “Letter guy.”

“Guilty,” I say, lifting my hands.

“Let me check to see if she’s busy.”

Nodding, I step back. As Klara touches buttons on her headset, the door to the back hallway opens and Marilyn emerges. For a moment, I’m starstruck, knowing I am an idiot to have pushed her out of my life. From her deep brown hair, her striking eyes and gorgeous smile, down her sensual curves and her shapely legs, I want her.

Before I can step forward or even speak, Bryce comes out of the door, laying his hand in the small of her back.

“Ms. James,” Klara calls.

Marilyn steps away from Bryce’s touch.

I can’t stand to see any more as I turn away and hit the button for the elevator. Facing the silver front, I stand stone-still until the door opens. I quickly step inside, only turning to see Marilyn’s frown as the doors close.

An idea comes to me. The problem is that I will never be able to get Marilyn to my apartment. I kept it, with my three days a week in Carmel. By the time I make it to my apartment, my mind is made up.

Just like I didn’t need to save Justin by myself, for my plan to work, I’m going to need help. Today is Wednesday, but Friday night will have to do. I hit the contact and call my sister. She answers on the first ring.

“Devan, I need your help.”