Chapter 23

 

Three Months Later

“Christ, my feet hurt.” I collapsed on the couch with a soft groan. Steve muted the television and grabbed my legs, swinging them up and resting them on his lap.

He began to knead the bottom of my feet and I groaned with appreciation. “Damn, that feels great.”

“You know what I want in return, gorgeous.” Steve winked at me.

I reached into my bag that was lying on the floor and pulled out the bag of coffee beans. I tossed it into his lap and, still rubbing my foot with one hand, Steve picked up the bag of beans with his other hand and inhaled deeply.

“That’s the stuff.” He grinned at me and began to massage both of my feet again. “You working at the coffee house sure has its advantages, Mae.”

I smiled at him. “You and Russ have let me live with you for nearly three months. Free coffee is the least I can do.”

He shrugged. “We’ve liked having you live with us, Mae.”

I closed my eyes as his fingers kneaded the bottom of my heel. Since being fired from Knight and Associates, I had been working as a receptionist for a construction company during the day and working at my former coffee house as a barista in the evenings and weekends. With the money that I owed Liam, I hadn’t been able to afford even my shitty bachelor apartment. Russ and Steve had encouraged me to move in with them, and they had been kind enough to cut me a break on the rent.

I was just barely squeaking by, even with the two jobs, and my dream of owning my own coffee house had gone out the window. I sighed and stared up at the ceiling as Russ walked into the living room.

He collapsed in the chair across from us and loosened his tie. “How are my bitches doing tonight?”

Steve rolled his eyes and I threw a pillow at him as Russ laughed and took a swig of beer. “I’ve missed you too.”

“How was work?” Steve asked as I tugged my feet from his grip and sat cross-legged on the couch.

“Fine. Another charity event, another three hours sitting in the car waiting for Mr. Knight.”

I hugged my knees to my chest and Russ gave me a sympathetic look. “Sorry, Mae.”

“It’s fine. You can say his name in front of me, Russ. I’m over him.”

Russ and Steve both laughed and I gave them a dirty look. “Shut it. I am.”

“No love, you’re not.” Steve put his arm around me and squeezed roughly. “You’re just as in love with that dickhead now as you were when he fired your ass.”

“He didn’t fire me.” I protested. “Ida fired me.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Steve stood and took Russ’ beer, taking a long swallow before kissing Russ and heading towards the kitchen. “I’m gonna grab a beer. Do you want one, Mae?”

“No, thanks. I’m going to bed soon.” I called after him.

Russ and I stared silently at each other for a moment.

“How is he?” I asked quietly.

He shrugged, picking at the label on his beer bottle. “Quiet. I mean, not that he talked much before but he’s a goddamn mute now.”

I stared at my hands. “Who did he take as his date tonight?”

“No one. He doesn’t take anyone to these events anymore, Mae. You know that.”

I shrugged. “Yeah. But sooner or later he’ll start again.”

“Why do you want to know? It’s better to just forget him.” Russ said gently.

“I know. I’m just worried about him. He’s all alone.”

Russ snorted. “You’re worried about him. Christ, Mae. You’re too soft-hearted for your own good. You’re working two jobs, you’re practically starving and I could pack my entire wardrobe in the bags under your eyes, and you’re worried about the millionaire in his big, lonely mansion.”

“I’m not starving.” I protested.

“Whatever, Mae. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’ve lost like thirty pounds.”

I glared at him. “I’m just really busy and not that hungry, okay? And it’s more like fifteen pounds and trust me, I could stand to lose some more.”

Russ shook his head. “Get on the scale. If you haven’t lost thirty pounds, I’ll eat that entire bag of coffee beans.”

“Shut up, Russ.” I muttered.

“Seriously, Mae. We’re worried about you. You have to stop moping over Mr. Knight and get back out there. You’re a pretty girl. You’ll have no trouble finding someone.”

I sighed and stood up. “I’m going to head to bed. I’m tired and I’m working at both jobs again tomorrow. Good night, Russ.”

“Good night, Mae.” Russ gave me a worried look as I dropped a kiss on the top of his head and left the room.

Halfway to my room, I realized I had left my bag on the floor and I sighed and headed back. I could hear Steve and Russ talking softly, and I stopped outside of the room when I heard my name.

“She’s fine, Russ.” Steve said. “She just needs more time.”

Russ sighed and I eased closer to the open doorway.

“I’m worried about her.”

“I know you are, honey. She’ll be okay. She’s a tough girl.” Steve said soothingly.

“He asked about her tonight.” Russ said suddenly.

My heart began to beat so fiercely that I could barely hear them over the sound of it in my ears.

“I was driving him home and he was as quiet as he normally is. Then out of the blue, he asked me how she was. He hasn’t said a word about her in three months and he suddenly wanted to know if she was still living in that shitty apartment of hers.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I told him that she was living with us now because she was too goddamn broke to afford her own place.”

“What did he say?”

“He was surprised that she was broke. He seemed to be under the impression that she had come into some money. Did she say anything to you about an inheritance or something like that?” Russ asked.

“No.” Steve replied.

“Anyway, he wanted to know if she had found another job. I told him she was working two jobs and that she was doing just fine.”

“Are you going to tell her that he asked about her?” Steve asked curiously.

“No, I don’t think so. He didn’t really react to anything I said and I don’t want her to get her hopes up, you know? She needs to move on.” Russ answered.

When Steve didn’t reply, I heard Russ move across the room and sit on the couch beside him. “Do you think I should tell her?”

“No. I don’t. It’s not like they’re going to start dating again. Whatever happened between them must have been pretty ugly.”

“Yeah.” Russ sighed. “She won’t tell me what happened. I’ve dropped hints to try and get her to open up about it but she won’t budge.”

“She won’t tell me either. And I’ve straight out asked her to tell me.” Steve admitted.

I heard Russ’ soft groan and knew Steve was massaging his neck. “Will she be okay, Steve?”

“Yeah, honey. She will. She’s tough.”

I turned and made my way through the dark hallway to my bedroom. I collapsed on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Liam had asked about me and although I tried not to think too much of it, my heart felt a little lighter for the first time in months.

* * *

 

I finished writing out the cheque, my gaze lingering on Liam’s name, before signing my name at the bottom. I stuck the cheque into the envelope and licked it, closing it firmly before writing the address of Knight and Associates on the front. My payment was due to Liam next week and I wanted to make sure I got the cheque in the mail tonight after work. Each month I was tempted to hand deliver the cheque to his house but I had resisted. One, there was no bus out to his house and I couldn’t afford a cab, and two, what would be the point? Our time together was done. Just because I yearned to see him again didn’t mean it was a good idea.

The good idea was staying as far away from him as humanly possible. And while I was at it, maybe I could stop compulsively googling him. I sighed and slipped the envelope into my apron pocket. I had ten more minutes on my break, and I sipped at my cup of water. My feet were hurting and my back was aching and I still had another two hours before my shift was over. I loved working at the coffee house, but the 14 hour work days were killing me.

“Get used to it, Mae.” I muttered to myself. “You’ve got at least five more years of this.”

The owner, Hilda, plopped into the armchair next to me. “Hey, Mae.”

“Hi, Hilda.” I started to stand and she put her hand on my arm.

“Sit down, darling. You’ve still got ten minutes left on your break.”

I relaxed in the chair as she stared thoughtfully at me.

“We’re selling the business, Mae.”

My mouth dropped open. “What? I’m really sorry to hear that.”

Hilda laughed. “I’m not. And neither is George. We’ve been running this place for fifteen years, and we’re more than ready to retire. We’re moving to Florida and baking in the heat.”

“Good for you.” I smiled warmly at her. “I’m going to miss you though.”

“We’ll miss you too. Listen, George and I have been talking and we want to give you the opportunity to buy the business.”

My mouth dropped open for a second time and she grinned with amusement. “Close your mouth, darling. It’s terribly unladylike.”

“I – I don’t know what to say.” I stuttered.

“Say yes. You love this place and you’re excellent with the customers. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders and you know the business inside and out. I know about your plan to start your own shop. Why start from scratch when you don’t have to?”

I felt a thin sliver of excitement go through me. I stared at the coffee shop, picturing in my head the changes I would make, and imagining what it would be like to own the place. I allowed my small, sweet daydream to continue for another minute before I forced myself back to reality.

“I would love to buy the place.” I said hoarsely. “Unfortunately, I can’t afford it.”

Hilda sighed. “I’m sorry to hear that, Mae.”

She hesitated. “There isn’t someone you know who would be willing to invest? The business is solid.”

An image of Liam flashed in my head and I paused before shaking my head. “No, there isn’t.”

I gave her a look of regret. “I wish I could afford this place. It’s my dream, you know?”

“I do know.” Hilda leaned forward and squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry, Mae. You’re young and determined. You’ll have plenty of time to save up and start your own business.”

“Thanks, Hilda.” I tried not to let my dejection show. It would take me years to pay off my debt and save up for my own business, and I had no one to blame but myself.

I glanced at my watch. “I’d better get back at it. Good luck in selling the business, Hilda.”

“Thanks, darling.” Hilda gave me a troubled look as I walked back to the coffee bar.

* * *

 

“Russ, there is no asparagus in here.” I rummaged through the fridge as Russ chopped up the chicken.

“There is. I think it’s at the back.”

I moved the package of mushrooms and a head of lettuce that had seen better days. “Ah, here it is.”

I pulled the asparagus out of the fridge and put it on the counter. I was just starting to cut the ends off when my cell phone buzzed. I reached for it, glanced at the screen, and gasped loudly.

“Mae? What’s wrong?” Russ frowned at me.

“N-nothing. I – I have to make a phone call. Please, excuse me.”

I fled the kitchen to my bedroom, shutting the door behind me, and dialing the number with shaking fingers.

“Hello, Mae.”

“You said you deleted the picture, you son of a bitch.” I snarled.

“Yeah, I lied.” Neil replied cheerily.

“We had a deal!” I shouted at him. “I give you the money, you delete the picture!”

“Shut up and listen to me, Mae!” Neil shouted back. “Or I swear to God, I’ll send this picture out tonight!”

I took a few deep breaths as panic settled in my stomach like a stone. “Neil, I – “

“I need more money, Mae. Another fifty thousand.”

“I don’t have it.” I said immediately.

He sighed. “I don’t care. I need the fifty thousand or everyone in this city will see that picture.”

“You got me fucking fired by sending that goddamn picture of me kissing Liam to that stupid gossipy bitch Gloria! I don’t have the money. I can barely afford to eat.”

“Then ask your boyfriend for it.”

“He’s not my boyfriend. You destroyed that relationship, remember?”

“Fine. Then I’ll send the picture to him and get the money myself.” Neil replied.

“No!” I shouted. I could hear the panic in my voice. “I – I’ll get you the goddamn money. Just, give me some time.”

“You have until Friday. I’ll pop by the coffee shop and get it from you.”

“How do you know I’m working at the coffee shop?” I whispered.

“I’ve been keeping tabs on you, Mae. I still think there might be a chance for us to get back together.”

“Fuck you, you crazy asshole!” I screamed.

“Friday, Mae. I’ll come by around seven. Have the money for me or I send the picture to Gloria.” Neil hung up and I stared blankly at my phone before throwing it across the room.

My heart was pounding madly in my chest, and my breath was rushing in and out of my lungs in hard gasps. Today was Sunday. I had five days to get another fifty grand. It was impossible. Neil was going to send that picture to Gloria, and Liam’s reputation would be ruined and it would be all my fucking fault.

There was a weird buzzing in my head and there didn’t feel like there was enough air in the room. I couldn’t seem to slow my breathing down, and I panted harshly as my knees started to shake.

Dimly I was aware of Russ gripping my arm. “Mae! Mae! You’re hyperventilating, honey. Sit down on the bed. C’mon…”

He half-dragged, half-carried me to the bed and I collapsed on it. I started to lie back and he put a rough hand on the back of my neck and pushed my head between my knees. “Deep breathes, honey. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Nice and slow.”

I took deep breaths, listening to the sound of Russ’ voice, until the buzzing in my head had stopped and I no longer thought I might faint.

“Better?” Russ asked quietly.

I nodded and he helped me sit up. I stared starkly at him, my face pale and my lips trembling, and Russ kissed me lightly on the forehead.

“Tell me what’s going on, Mae.”

“N-nothing.” I whispered.

“Bullshit. I heard you shouting and you just about fainted on me. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I can’t.” I said dismally.

“You can.” He replied firmly. “I’m your friend and I love you, and we’re not leaving this room until you tell me what’s wrong.”

I took a deep, shaking breath and gave him a look of misery. “I’m being blackmailed.”

* * *

 

“I don’t think you have much of a choice, Mae. You have to tell Mr. Knight.” Russ said half an hour later. We had moved to the kitchen and he poured me a cup of steaming hot tea.

“No.” I stared into the tea. “This is my fault, Russ. If it hadn’t been for me, Neil would never have gone after Liam.”

“It’s not your fault. How many times do I have to tell you that?” Russ sat next to me and took my cold hand in his warm one. “What if you don’t give him the money? Is the picture that bad? What exactly were you and Mr. Knight doing?” He asked delicately.

“I told you before - I’m not sharing that with you.” I said crossly as I pulled my hand from his.

“Alright.” He said soothingly. “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry.” I sighed. “I know you’re only trying to help.”

“You have to tell Mr. Knight.” He repeated softly.

“I can’t!” I cried. “Liam is already angry with me. If he finds out that my ex-fiancé has this picture, he’ll hate me. I can’t live with that. I can’t have him hating me. Don’t you understand that?” I was starting to hyperventilate again and Russ gave me a look of concern.

“Okay, calm down. We’ll figure out something.” Russ rubbed my back as I dropped my head into my hands.

“I’m not dragging you into this, Russ.” I whispered. “I’ll talk to Neil on Friday. I’ll convince him not to release the picture even without the fifty grand.”

“I don’t think that’s going to work.” Russ replied.

“It has to.” I said softly.