Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(75)

She tries to shrug me off, but she’s unleashed my inner Ashton and I’m all too happy to be here to deliver her own worst nightmare.

“Look, that’s definitely Neil, but hmmm, that girl …” I look closer as Piper starts to shake. “Nope, that’s not you, but I think she must be a friend of yours. She looks a lot like the reporter that was at the Raven press conference. Strange, right?” I move back and scowl at her.

“Fuck you,” Piper replies.

“Nope, f*ck you. You thought you were so much better than me. You treat people like they’re beneath you, but you’re the one who’s beneath us all. Once upon a time, you were a nice and decent human being. I don’t know what happened to her, but you should work on finding that girl again. In the meantime, get the f*ck out of my office and go back to work. I’d hate to have to file a complaint since you’re still on your thirty-day probationary period.” I return to my seat, ignoring her presence.

I could screw her royally by going to any of the partners and claiming she did something. But I won’t because I’m better than her. Knowing that right now she’s feeling even an inkling of what I went through is enough. In the end, I’m better off. I got the job and I found real love. I might have lost Jackson, but at least I know what it feels like to really be loved.

“I won’t—” Piper starts to say, but I put my hand up and shoo her out.

“I’m done here. I suggest you be smart for once in your life and get out of my sight. I have work to do.” I turn my chair and look out the window.

Vindication. Piper deserves to be alone and miserable. After the hell she’s caused in my life, I should only be seeking revenge, instead I almost feel sorry for her. She’s going to live a sad and lonely life. But … not my problem.

I hear clapping coming from outside and when I spin my chair. Taylor is standing there clapping. “Bra-f*cking-vo, my friend. That was spectacular.”

“She had it coming.”

“Ummm, yeah, she did. I wish you would’ve slapped her.”

“Who are you and what have you done with my sweet, Midwestern assistant? The one who would’ve told me I should just pray for her,” I ask.

“I killed her,” she winks and walks into the office.

The text alert pings on my phone and I open the message.

Jackson: Did you know a one-minute kiss burns 26 calories?

I sit and focus on my phone wondering what is going on and why he wants me to know this tidbit of information.

Me: I did not know this, but thanks—I think.

Jackson: I think you should come over and burn some calories before your flight.

I laugh and look at the phone. He’s incorrigible.

Me: You need help. Thank you for my flowers.

Jackson: I mean it.

Me: Mean what? The card or the kissing?

Jackson: Both.

Me: I’m sure you do. I can’t … I wish things were different.

Jackson: Me too, baby. Call me when you land. I love you, Catherine.

I put the phone away and Taylor sits there smiling at me. I completely forgot she was there.

“Sorry, it’s Jackson,” I explain.

“I figured as much. Can I ask you something?”

I already have a feeling it has to do with Jackson, but I allow her anyway. “Sure.”

“Do you regret choosing the job?” she asks earnestly.

The question I can’t really answer because regret isn’t really what I feel—it’s sorrow. “No, I don’t regret it. I think it’s more like I wish we could go back in time. Things would be different, but then again who knows? Because if I was offered the position and I turned it down I would regret that. Especially if things didn’t work out between us, and let’s face it … my relationship with Jackson hasn’t been easy. So maybe us not being together allowed me to follow my dream without having to question what to do about him.”

Taylor smiles. “I get that. When I moved here to follow Quinn, I kept thinking what if we broke up once we got here? But then I figured I’d be in New York City and I had the job here so I knew I’d be okay.”

“I’m glad we are able to part as friends though. It doesn’t hurt any less knowing that we both love each other and can’t be together, but at least I’m not leaving thinking there’s a wife somewhere. I can think of him and smile instead of wanting to punch him in the junk.”

My heart still yearns for him. I don’t know if that feeling will ever go away but at least I can have a tiny part of him. If or when he meets someone, I don’t know how I’ll handle it. The idea of him being with anyone else is too much right now.

“I’m proud of you, Cat.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I wink as Taylor and I laugh. We finish up packing my office, then it’s time for me to leave. I’m having dinner with Ashton and then my flight is early tomorrow morning.

“Okay,” I say and take a deep breath. “Be strong. Don’t take any of Elle or Piper’s shit. My phone is always on and available to you,” I say as my lip quivers. I hate saying goodbye. “You’re one of the best people I know and I’m so proud of you.”

Tears fall from Taylor’s eyes and she nods. “Don’t ever doubt yourself, Catherine. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. I hope you know how much I’ve learned from you. Thank you for not only being one of the most incredible people to work for, but also one of my best friends. I’m going to miss you so much,” Tay chokes out and hugs me.