Chapter 57
KC
Igot to work extra early today to help thoroughly clean behind the bar area. I’m jamming out with my earbuds in while wiping out the shelves where we store the alcohol. I stand up to grab a fresh bar towel, and Carter is sitting at the bar, smiling at me.
“Sheesh! Give me a heart attack, Carter!!!” I take out my earbuds and set them on the bartop.
Carter's laugh is beautiful and carefree. “Well, I knew you’d have to come back up at some point.” He pats the stool next to him, silently telling me to take a seat. Oh, boy. My mind starts racing on what I could be in trouble for.
“Don’t look so scared, KC.” He lightly pats my back.
“I’m not scared. Just trying to think what I’ve done wrong that warrants this talk.”
He shakes his head. “Nothing. You never do anything wrong.” Carter leans in closer, whispering next to my ear, “You’re my best worker, KC.
Don’t let my guys know that though.” He winks, then looks at his watch.
Carter turns his body to where he’s now facing me.
“I’ve never asked about your past. You thought the reason was that I respected your boundaries.
It’s time I come clean… I had my people look into you, once you started here.
” Carter’s blue eyes glaze over. “I know about everything, Kailey Caine.”
My heart stops. Does he think I’ve been deceitful about who I am? “It’s not something I like to talk about.” I look down at the bartop and start to wring my hands.
His big hand closes around mine. “So, I wasn’t sure when Jared came back into the picture… how you’d be.”
I can’t help the happiness that breaks free across my face at the mere mention of Jared.
“And that’s why I’m having this talk with you now. I can see the change in you. I’ve watched and waited for it all to play out.”
He gives my hands a squeeze. “I’ve looked at you like a second daughter now for a while—a sister to Ajani. I care for you deeply, and only want the best for you.”
I wrap my arms around him. “I care about you guys, too. So much. I’m happy here.” I lean back and point around The Purple Room.
“Yes, you are, but you’re really happy now, KC. Your light that had been dimmed when you first came to me, is shining through now. Does it all have to do with him? Jared?”
I can feel the warmth spread across my cheeks as I start to answer his question.
“Not all of this happiness, but it is mostly due to him, yes. I’ve buried my trauma for a long time, living the way I thought I deserved…
” A tear slips down my cheek, and I wipe it away just as quickly.
“I miss Beth every day. I’ve realized death isn’t something you get over; you just have to learn to live with the loss, day by day.
I want Jared, Carter. I think that I’ve always wanted him, just didn’t think I deserved to be happy with him. ”
Carter is quiet for a beat before he responds. “I, too, know about death. I know that you’ve heard the whispers about what happened to my wife.” He leans over the bar and grabs two shot glasses and a top-shelf whiskey.
He pours a shot for me and then one for him. “I never got over her. Ajani reminds me of her every day. She was so lonely before you came into our lives. You’ve brought out a spark in her.”
Carter grabs his shot glass and points to mine. “You are family. I will always have your back and protect you. So let’s hope this Jared guy doesn’t break your heart, okay? I have a graveyard filled with the ones who have wronged me or my family.”
Uhm, I would like to think he’s kidding, but the serious tone, and that look in his eyes, is telling me he’s not. I clink my shot against his, and we both tap the bartop, then drink.
“Since you do know about my past, I want you to know it was never Jared who broke my heart.”
“Ah, yes. I suppose that’s true, but now’s a different story.” Carter leans back, studying my face. “How did Mathew King take the news?”
Gah. Well, this is a little embarrassing.
I chuckle nervously. “Well, Mattie and I were only ever really fuck buddies.” I wince as those words leave my mouth.
“But I did have to finally tell him that I’m with Jared.
He was mad, but then admitted I was going to be Jared’s if not his. So I guess it was bittersweet.”
He nods, but doesn’t look convinced.
One of Carter’s men walks up from behind, leans down, and whispers something into his ear. Carter waves him off and then stands up. “Duty calls, KC. Are you sure you’re happy? Because I can put the fear of God into him; all you have to do is ask…”
So this is why Ajani doesn’t date. I place a peck on his cheek. “I’m very happy. Promise.”
He kisses the top of my head, then starts to walk away with his men.
“Should I wait before telling the world?” I yell after him, my tone unsure.
Carter's feet stop midstep; he turns around and whips his hand through his hair. “KC, you tell the world. Don’t wait for anybody else’s timeline.” Then he walks away, heading to The Violet Room.
I know that I’ve considered Carter a father figure here in Chicago, but my heart is now full, knowing that he views me as a daughter too. Now it’s time to get this place all clean before we open later on.