Prologue
GRIGGS
“Tell me the truth,” I still my facial expressions when Chet begins to smirk. “is this your way of shirking the case?”
“You caught me,” I clench my teeth, grinding my jaw with contempt as I continue to load my files into my briefcase. “thanks for putting the rumors to rest.”
“Griggs Black will go down as one of the most valued attorneys in Halthorne history, and it’s looking like the biggest fool too.” Chet leans back in his chair, the one he hopes will be at the head of this table one day.
“Thank you, I appreciate your support. At this moment, all I can say is I’m going to miss this, not everything or everyone, but I’ll be back before Chet can screw it all up.
” I flash a wicked grin as the group gathers in the conference room, waiting patiently as Chet frowns while furiously trying to think of a comeback.
Before he can get a chance my assistant, Val, stands, stopping the exchange. “I speak for everyone here when I say we’ll be counting the days until you return, sir.”
“Thank you,” I nod as I close my things, grabbing them from the table and walking toward the door. “but two weeks is all I need.”
Val is on my heels as we make our way to my office. “Is there anything I can help with?”
“Actually, my best friend is managing things on the other end but thank you again.” I hold the door open for her.
She continues, sitting across from my desk as I slide into my chair. “Maria has all your files, your calendar’s clear for a month, just in case.”
“Sounds good, but I won’t be longer than I’ve already stated.” I turn to my laptop and start it up. “I’ll have everything with me if anything does come up. Please, do not stand by and allow Chet to screw up my cases.”
“I understand; I have it under hand.” Val snickers before quickly clearing her throat. “Ah, excuse me.”
“Oh, hell. Like we haven’t laughed at Chet before.” I chuckle as I silently hope she thinks I’m laughing with her instead of dwelling on why I’m going home.
“Again, I'm here if you need me for anything.” Val slowly stands, waiting for me to answer.
I glance at her and realize she’s still not moving. “I’ll be fine, honestly.”
“You’ve booked your ticket?” She raises her brows in question.
“No,” I hesitate because delivery is everything. “I’m driving.”
“Please tell me you’re not taking that rolling death trap?” Val sputters when I raise my brows, finally bristling with indignation as she makes her escape before saying something she considers inappropriate.
“Works every time.” I laugh loudly, returning to my email.
I finish up a few files for the rest of the afternoon and get others in order. Although it’s only two weeks, anything could happen, and I want the firm prepared. By late evening, I’m ready to clock out.
One would think I was retiring instead of taking a vacation, even if I’ve only taken three since starting here ten years ago. I understand the questioning glances and whispers around the water cooler because I keep things close to the chest.
Yet, it doesn’t make the rumors of why I’ll be gone any less disturbing. It’s simple; I’m going home. Although I’m dreading why I have to go, it’s not even close to the conclusion of the rumor mill.
I grab my briefcase, taking one last look around before leaving the office like I have hundreds of times, but this time it’s bittersweet. Once I’m back, I’m sure there’ll be a thousand questioning stares and more whispers, but it’s nothing compared to what they talked about three months ago.
“Now, what in the hell am I going to do with the rest of this mess back home?” I exhale as I step from the elevator, trudging toward my ride. I open the door, sliding into the backseat; the driver knows where to go from here.
My cell phone rings as we pull out from the parking lot. I start to ignore it but can’t once I check the number, and I’m so glad I did.
“You are a pain in my ass; what do you want now?” I blurt as soon as I accept the call and press the receiver to my ear.
Boisterous laughter rings in my ear. “Do you always answer the phone that way, or was that just for me?”
“No way, I save that shit just for you!”
“So, I hear you're moving back home.”
I shake my head; word travels fast. “How in the hell did you hear about those rumors? Surely you’re not privy to idol gossip or buy into that ole nonsense.”
“It’s all over the place; that’s what happens when you’re from a small town and you’re a big shot lawyer in a big city.”
“Right, I wasn’t thinking clearly.” I mutter, not feeling the ‘rumor mill’ of a small town. “Please tell me there’s not going to be a “welcome home” parade.”
“You wish.” He chortles. “So, when in the hell can I expect you, asshat?”
“Sometime tomorrow, I need to finish packing and make arrangements for once I’m there.” I lean my head from side to side, stretching my neck and hoping to release some built-up tension in my shoulders.
“You’re staying at the house, right? The renovations are finished, and it has everything you need except food.” He pauses. “Unless you have an issue with the new neighbor.”
“Why would I?” My brows knit, knowing he’s not telling me something or he has something up his sleeve.
“Kids,” Raith grumbles. “There are two next door now.”
“Since when do the neighbors have kids?” I grew up in this house, and our next-door neighbors had two children: one of whom has been my best friend since leaving the womb and is on the phone with me now.
“They sold it; we haven’t had time to catch up since you were last here, and a lot has changed.” His voice breaks, mentioning our dad, and so does my heart.
“I know, and I’m sorry about that; it's been a long time since I've been home to stay for a visit.” I tighten my jaw, not wanting him to know how much this trip is bothering me.
“I'm damn happy to have you back, even for a few days.” Raith lowers his voice on the last few words. “By the way, the weather is gonna be perfect for a cookout; I hope you packed your appetite.”
“Fine, you’ve got me.” I glance at the clock on the console, it's late, and I have a million things left to do tonight when I get home. “It's a date.”
“Umm, I’m not sure my wife would approve, but you can come to hang out with us.” Raith thinks he’s funny, but I’m hilarious.
“Oh, yeah.” I swallow hard, making a little unwanted noise. “Haven’s a helluva sweet treat; I can hang all night with her.”
“Fuck you, you’re uninvited.” He grumbles.
“Haven wouldn’t agree.”
Raith growls, “I will bust you in your nads, dude.”
“I swear, your mom dropped you on your head when you were little,” I grunt, and Raith roars in laughter.
“Just admit it, you love me, and you know it.”
I shake my head. “You're still an asshole.”
“How dare you! I am offended, fucker.” He laughs even louder.
“I'm headed home; I'll text you when I'm on the way.”
“Sounds good, and Griggs,” Raith releases a low breath. “If you need anything, I got you.”
I swallow past the knot in my throat as dread fills my gut. “Thanks, Raith.”
“No problem, and don’t forget it.” He ends the call as I run my knuckles over my cheek, composing myself for now.
It doesn’t take long before I walk through my door, happy to be home. After changing, I grab a beer and start packing. The place is too quiet, so I flip the television on for background noise, and every channel’s airing details about the suit we finalized yesterday.
“I’d hate to think what it would’ve been like had it not gone in my favor. This is exactly why I wanted to finish it; people will be scurrying for the details of the sealed documents.” I growl and continue to pack.
“So much for nondisclosures; this will hang over the company while I’m gone as reporters push for more information.” I snatch the remote off the table and click the soapbox off. “Alright, that’s enough of that tonight.”
My father was an attorney, and there’s been nothing else I’ve wanted to do since I was ten years old; I’m not sure what I’ll do without him in my life.
I’ve had several failed relationships; sometimes, finding the right person for this life is hard.
Having someone that understands the demands of this job isn’t easy.
“Whatever, it’s too late to overthink every part of my life. Especially when I have such a long drive ahead of me to do it.” I freeze mid-stride at my words. “Damn, it’s not like thirty-five is old, and I’ll never find someone. It’s as if I’m putting myself in the eternally single category.”
“Alright, enough of this bullshit.” I slam back my drink and toss the bottle. “It’s time for a shower and some sleep; that’s enough of this sad-sack shit. I need a clear head for tomorrow.”
I tossed and turned most of the night; there was so much on my mind I just couldn’t sleep. So, I decided to get up and get on the road a few hours earlier than I had planned.
After eleven hours and hundreds of miles, I spot the ocean in the distance. Something catches my attention just ahead on the right; it’s that big green sign announcing I’ve finally arrived, and a smile spreads across my face.
“Cherry Grove,” My chest tightens. “I’m home.”
I left this slice of heaven disguised as a beach when I was eighteen. I’ve only come home to say goodbye to my parents for a few days. Honestly, I don’t think I could’ve stayed longer during those times.
“I should’ve visited them more, given them a grandchild or something to have looked forward to besides waiting for me to call once a week to check in.” I shudder inwardly at the thought.
My next exit is coming up; I flip on my signal and switch lanes. Slowly, I take the right lane toward the end of an era. As an only child and attorney, I knew I would be tasked with this part of my parents' lives, but it didn’t mean I had to like it.
“There it is.” I think as the beach air hits me full force as I make my way down the Coastal Highway.
Route Seventeen has long been the first sign that I’m home, and just as I begin to take in the Carolina blue skies, another road sign draws my attention.
It’s the street to my parent's house, reminding me why I’m back.
“Damn.” My stomach churns as an overwhelming sadness comes over me. “So much for thinking I could oversee this on my own.”
Turning the signal light on, I pull into the driveway, stopping in front of the house. There’s a garage, but I had the cleaners store personal items in it for me to go through before tossing anything.
“Maybe I’m being sentimental, but this place looks amazing.” A warm feeling spreads through my chest as I stare at my childhood home. I drag in a deep breath, expelling it as my lips tremble.
I knock the kickstand down, climb off my ride, and stretch. As I reach my hand into my pocket, it dawns on me what I need to do first. “Shit. Keys.”
I sent them to Raith, so the crew I hired could get in to renovate the house. I’m hoping it’ll sell faster with the new work; mom kept the place nice when she was alive, but dad had let it go once she was gone.
Raith’s parents lived next door, but they recently sold their house. Right now, I hate the thought of making small talk with someone I don’t know, but I need to run over and grab my keys.
“Taylor! Get back here, son!” A woman yells before I can see where it’s coming from. I freeze as I watch a gorgeous honey brown-haired woman running out from between the houses, chasing what I imagine is a child because I can’t see a thing over the hedges except for her fisting her towel.