Chapter 6
Chapter Six
BLAKELY
Dear Diary,
What if he’s not a mistake? Or what if I’m his?
“I’m so glad that you have the time to take this walk with me.” I reached out and gripped my mom’s hand and pulled her out of the way of a passing biker who was not using the bike lane.
“I’m glad you’re here too, but let’s not get run over.”
My mom looked over her shoulder, and I could sense the glare on her face even though I couldn’t see it.
“I love riding my bike, I love people who are riding to save the environment, and to help their bodies, and just for fun. But I hate actual bicyclists.”
“Same. But if I say that, I feel like a jerk.”
“I will be the jerk for both of us. It’s like they didn’t see the huge sign that bicyclists were supposed to be on the bike path, not the walking path.”
She elevated her voice for that last part, and I held back a smile, since another bicyclist nearly ran into us. That guy just flipped us off, and my mother grinned, and flipped him off in return.
“Such a relaxing walk, isn’t it?” Mom said with a laugh.
I took her hand, and once again pulled her out of the way of another bicyclist. “Okay next time I’m just going to walk out in the middle of the road. I’m less likely to get hit by a car than one of these idiots in a helmet,” I grumbled.
My mom let go of my hand to wrap her arm around my shoulder. “I love you so much. I’m really glad you got my temperament instead of your father’s.”
I rolled my eyes. “Really? Dad’s the calm one. I thought you would want me to be the one who can actually sit through stress-inducing moments, and not want to wring their necks.”
“While that’s true, it’s really good for you to know your worth, and to hit back. Plus, you see your father at CU games. He’s a menace.”
“Sko Buffs,” I said with a laugh, as someone else cheered the same thing back. “It’s like a cult.”
“No, Denver Broncos fans are a cult. Even though it’s been a while since the Elway days. ”
“I’d much rather be an Avalanche cult member. Have you seen the thighs of hockey players?”
Mom rolled her eyes. “That is true. And they’re constantly moving. But the whole skating around on death blades and trying not to lose their teeth? I don’t know if that’s sexy.”
“Not all hockey players lose their teeth.”
“Enough of them that there are actual articles about how many teeth they have lost and there are leaderboards. It’s a little scary.”
“Well I promise I’m never going to date a hockey player. How’s that?”
“You know you shouldn’t make promises like that. Who knows, the next man you could see could be a hot forward for the Colorado Avalanche, and then you’re married and happy and a WAG.”
“Yes, because I really want to be a WAG of a hockey player.”
“It would be cute though. Because you could always wear cute little coats and scarves and mittens when you’re in the ice rink. It would really help with my hot flashes to visit you at the ice rink.”
“First of all, most hockey players are going to be far younger than me, because as soon as they hit my age, they’re ancient in the sports world.”
“Honey, you’re twenty-nine. Please stop calling yourself ancient.”
“Only in the sports world. I’m barely able to call myself an adult at this point. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not quite sure about that. You started a new job with a company that I actually admire. That sounds like an adult move to me.”
I held back my wince, but I didn’t blame her for the little jab. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get out of that situation.”
My mother, a high-powered attorney who had broken through glass ceilings for most of her career, pulling others in her wake, just squeezed my hand. “I adore you with everything that I am. And you are allowed to work for horrible bosses and try to do good things. And you do. I love the microloan programs that you are working with now. And the small businesses that you were trying to nurture before. And while your old boss didn’t let that happen completely, I know you tried your best. I’m just really pissed off that you wouldn’t let me go at him legally.”
I hadn’t told my mother everything that had happened behind the scenes, because while they hadn’t had to falsify any documents in order to get me fired, the ethics code and propriety statements that I had had to sign when I had been hired meant that there was enough leeway for them to get me out. Because of that dance with Aston. It didn’t make any sense, but in the end, I was in a better place. I just hated the fact that they had pushed me down to this point in the first place.
“It’s all in the past. I’m working with people that you like, and people that I admire, and we’re going to kick Howard’s ass in business whenever we can.”
“Now that’s my competitive daughter.”
“I try. ”
“So, we’ve talked about work, we’ve talked about the maintenance issues you’ve had at your place that your father will go work on.”
“I can handle them on my own.”
“Let us help. You’re our baby girl. It’s what we do.”
“If he wants to, but I can do things on my own.”
“I’ve always known you could, but asking for help is okay.”
“I really think you should look in the mirror when you say that.”
“Ouch,” Mom said with a laugh.
“That’s all I’m saying.”
“So, anything else we should know about? Anyone in your life that’s new?”
I narrowed my gaze at her, wondering if Isabella had mentioned anything. Of course my best friend wouldn’t. Just because my mom happens to adore Isabella, it didn’t mean that my best friend would break my confidence. However, my pause seemed to have done it all on its own.
“There is somebody. Tell me about him.”
We made our way to a food truck, and I bought us both breakfast tacos and coffee. “Eat this and stop prying.”
“You’re lucky I love you, and that I love egg and potato and bean tacos.”
“I went with barbacoa, because eggs are disgusting.”
“You love deviled eggs.”
“That doesn’t count.”
“Now tell me,” Mom said, and I did my best not to get grease everywhere, knowing that the barbacoa taco was probably going to settle in my stomach later and I was going to regret it, but it was fine.
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s something if you’re hiding it. Who is he?”
“It’s not really a thing. It’s just coffee.”
“Coffee. Tell me more.”
“There’s nothing to tell. It’s just coffee and an introduction.”
“So a blind date?” she asked, curiosity in her gaze.
I shook my head. “Not exactly.”
“You know the more mysterious you act, the more I want to know.”
“You know it was so much easier when I was a teenager. I could tell you everything. And Dad of course. You guys have loved me and taken care of me my entire life, and I’ve always been able to come to you. But it’s weird now. Isn’t it?”
“Life is never easy. But it can be fulfilling and loving. And you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I pry because I love you.”
“I feel like I should embroider that on a pillow for you,” I said dryly.
“You can get it for me for Christmas.”
“I just might,” I said, before finishing my taco, grateful for the wet wipe that I had picked up from the truck.
“It’s a coffee date, and not our first date.”
“Oh?”
“Though I’m not sure the first time we had coffee counted. ”
“You’ve lost me,” Mom said as she rolled up her leftover foil.
I took it from her, and threw everything in the trash, as we continued our walk to the parking lot.
“It’s with Aston,” I said softly, and my mom froze.
“Aston Cage. The man you danced with?” she asked, and I was grateful that her voice was low. It wasn’t like the Cages were famous and people would know their names just by saying it out loud. But it felt a little too public. The Cages weren’t in the news anymore. There were countless other things going on in the world, but they had been for a time thanks to the whole secret family thing.
And I didn’t want things to get weirder than they already were.
“Yes. Just coffee. I don’t know what’s going to happen, maybe we’re just going to start over so things aren’t weird. But I don’t know if they’re weird at all now. Because it could be fine for him, and I could be the one freaking out.”
“So you are freaking out,” Mom said softly.
“Maybe? I don’t know. I really liked him, Mom.” I hadn’t meant to say that out loud, and frankly I hadn’t even been sure it was true until the words were out. My mom squeezed my hand, her face softening.
“I know, baby girl. But the timing wasn’t right. And I still am a little angry that he never called you.”
“He had reasons. I mean sort of big scandal reasons,” I said, my voice low.
“There are always going to be reasons, but there should be other ones to remind you that you have a life worth living.”
“It’s probably a horrible mistake.”
“Is he your direct supervisor? Or has any input on your hiring, firing, or paychecks?”
I shook my head. “No. The company is separated enough that Aston has nothing to do with me. Other than the fact that he may be in a meeting or two. James is the only one that is in charge of my career for now.”
“So there’s that thing. But it would still be dating a coworker. Is that allowed?”
“Yes. And the fact that I looked it up kind of worries me,” I said with a groan.
“No, you’re being careful. And I adore you for it. Now, it’s just coffee, right?”
“Just coffee. Today in fact.”
My mom’s eyes widened. “What? That’s not enough time.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, and looked down at my leggings and workout jacket. “You don’t think my sweaty self is good enough for a coffee date?”
“I meant enough time for me.”
Alarmed, I took a step back. “What? You’re not coming.”
“No, no. I meant emotionally. I’m going to need to go and vet him again. You know, get my team on the whole background check.”
“Mom,” I warned.
“I’m kidding. Kidding. Sort of. Your dad would want to do the background check. ”
“Yes, because he has friends that could actually do that.” My father was a retired firefighter who still worked with the stations and crew, just not active—which my mother and I were honestly thankful for. Growing up and being so afraid of what would happen to my father when he was out on call had always been a worry. But between his long shifts, and my mom’s equally long hours, they had somehow found a way to raise me, and be the best parents in the history of ever. I never felt any lack of time with them because they were always there when they could be.
“Just be careful, okay? I don’t want your future, your career, or your heart to be hindered by anything that the Cages could do.”
“They’re not evil.”
“I would hope not, since they’re Isabella’s family as well. Now, that’s another thing. Would Isabella be okay with you dating her half-brother?”
I grimaced.
My mom continued before I had a chance to answer. “You should tell her. Before the coffee date. No matter what has happened in your life, Isabella has always been there for you.”
“I know that. I just also know that things are awkward between them now. There’s no hate involved… I think. But things are weird.”
“That seems like a very large understatement.”
I nodded just before my alarm went off, and I sighed.
“I have to head back and get ready for more coffee. ”
“Call Isabella. And have fun, okay? If you’re willing to give it another chance, he seems like a wonderful man.”
“I don’t know if he is or not. But I want to find out. And that’s what worries me.”
“Just breathe. And know that your father and I know people just in case,” she said, so seriously, I had really hoped that I saw humor in her gaze.
We made it to our cars, said our goodbyes, and I called up Isabella on my way to my house to get ready.
“This is Isabella,” she said on the other line, and I frowned.
“Why are you working today?”
“Yes, I understand, I can give you a call back.”
“Is he in the office with you?” I asked, because there was only one he here. Her boss. It seemed that Isabella and I were great at finding shitty bosses. At least I had resolved that issue. I just hoped Isabella could.
“You’re right, I’ll give you a call right back.”
I sighed as I got onto the highway, my knuckles a little white because I hated traffic, and it seemed that I was constantly in between eighteen-wheelers.
It only took a few moments for my phone to ring again. I answered quickly, still nervous.
“Hello,” I said, and Isabella let out a dramatic sigh.
“Sorry about that, my office door is closed. I’m fine. I just have to fix a couple of mistakes at work.”
“Your mistakes?” I asked, though I knew the answer.
“Of course not. And while I would say that I never make mistakes, I can. Not often, but I do.”
“I’m sorry, babe. You shouldn’t be at work right now. ”
“I shouldn’t, but it’s life. I need a paycheck. Now, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said, taking my exit. “I just wanted to let you know that I, um, am getting ready to go to coffee with Aston.”
Isabella was silent for so long, I had a feeling that I had made a terrible decision. Everything was far too complicated, and I should probably just text Aston back and say no. And walk away.
Only part of me really didn’t want that.
“Good,” Isabella said after a moment, and I nearly jerked the wheel.
“What?”
“Good. I don’t know him. He seems like a nice guy. And it’s all weird and awkward when it comes to dinners and the fact that he’s my brother and I don’t even know him. But you kept thinking about him, and while part of me wanted to hate him for not calling you back, we both know why he didn’t.”
I sighed and pulled into my neighborhood.
“I know. Maybe it’s just going to be coffee. I don’t know. But if there was something, I’m afraid that if I let this go, I’m going to regret it. And I already have so many regrets.”
“Well don’t be me and live in those regrets, okay? And just know that if he hurts you, I am his sister now, so it means I will have more access to him to kill him.”
“Don’t tell me things like that,” I said, laughing.
“It’s true though. And if things don’t work out with you two, it won’t be too awkward, because I don’t even know him. That just means I won’t have to get to know him.”
“See, that means I shouldn’t do this. I want you to know your family.”
“Well I’ll figure it out. You should get to know him too. It’s not all about me, you know.”
“I’m okay if it was,” I said honestly. I pulled into my garage but kept talking on Bluetooth while I sat in the car, not wanting to end the call accidentally. My Bluetooth hated my phone.
“Enjoy yourself. People say he’s a good man. And apparently, I’m surrounded by brothers now, and we’re outnumbered. I could use someone on the inside. You know, one on my side.”
“Now I’m a mole?”
“No maybe a double agent. I like that.”
“I really don’t want to get into the middle of your family drama, but I feel like I’m already there.”
“It’s why I love you. Just go have coffee. It’s just a stimulant. You’re fine.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too. But, when details come out about your coffee and anything else, we may have to work with some code names or something,” she said dryly.
“Deal.”
We said our goodbyes, and I quickly got out of the car, and got ready. I only had twenty minutes to shower, sort of do my hair, and put on makeup.
It was just coffee after all, but I still wore linen pants and a cute top. I had chopped off a few inches of my hair recently, so now it went right past my shoulders, and took less time to blow dry, thankfully. I didn’t curl it or spend any excess time on it, because I didn’t want it to look like I was truly trying too hard. Just maybe trying a little bit.
I slid my feet into sandals, grabbed my bag, and made my way to another coffee shop that was in another suburb of Denver. We weren’t going back to Taboo, not near our office. No, this was going to be different. It had to be different.
I pulled into the parking lot, and saw Aston already there, standing outside the coffee place in worn jeans and a Henley. Women passed him and couldn’t help but glance at him. But he wasn’t looking at any of them. Instead he just stared off into the distance, toward the Rocky Mountains, and I wanted to know what he was thinking.
There was just something about him. And yes, I was making a mistake.
There were so many reasons not to do this. Not to get out of this car, and not to have coffee.
And yet, I wanted to.
So I got out of the car, took a few steps toward him, and when he turned in my direction, his eyes darkening, something twisted inside, something soft, and I let out a breath and smiled, and made my mistake willingly.