Meet Cute(82)

“I won’t take much of your time, then. I’m sure you’d like to be home and so would Emme.”

I nod as I take a seat, and Beverly places two sets of documents in front of me. It’s a small amendment to the trust, making it easier to transfer funds. I sign the papers after Beverly reviews the changes.

“How are you handling everything?” Beverly asks as she slips my copy into an envelope.

“It’s been…intense to say the least.”

Beverly stands along with me. “I realize now is probably not an ideal time to bring it up, but I’ve mentioned before how much we’d love to have you on board here. We would most certainly be able to accommodate flex hours so you can put in the time necessary to support Emme in this very transitional stage. There’s no pressure, but I hope it’s something you’ll consider.”

“Kailyn has mentioned it recently. It’s definitely something I’m looking at quite seriously.”

She smiles as she walks me to the door. “That’s great to hear. It’ll mean wonderful things for Kailyn, having you on board.”

“I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand what you mean.” Did she tell her boss about us?

“It’ll help advance her career, and of course yours eventually, so it’s a win for everyone, really. If that’s what you decide. No interview would be necessary and your salary would be competitive. Of course, we can talk about this at a later date, once you’re feeling more settled.”

“Right. Of course.” I don’t hear much after that. I’m too busy mentally filtering through all the conversations Kailyn and I have had about switching firms. My throat tightens with the realization that she’s been pushing for this the entire time.

Has she used me as a power play? It seems likely with how driven she is and how much she seems to want partner. Here I thought she was looking out for me and Emme, but really she was looking out for herself.

I pull at my tie. It feels too tight, like it’s choking out the air in the room.

“Daxton? Are you all right?”

“Fine. Thank you. It’s been a difficult day.” All I can focus on is how the one person I thought was truly on my side has been playing me all along.

I step out into the hall and find Emme in the same place I left her. Beside her is Kailyn, dressed in one of her pencil skirts, legs encased in patterned hose, one red heel hanging off the end of her foot. Their heads are bent close, fingers laced together.

“I need to talk to you.”

They both look up, smiles fading.

“Are you okay?” Kailyn asks.

“I’d like a moment with you in your office. I’m sorry, Emme. I promise I won’t keep you waiting much longer.”

“Did something else happen?” Emme asks, nervous again.

“I’ll be back in a minute.” I motion in the direction of Kailyn’s office.

It’s quiet in the building, well after hours now. Kailyn smooths her hands over her hips and follows me down the hall, quickening her pace to keep up with me. She puts a hand on my arm. “Emme told me what happened, we’ll get it figured out.”

I step away from her touch and wait until she’s inside the office before I close the door and spin to face her. “What kind of game are you playing?”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You know what, it doesn’t even matter. You used me and my sister to further your career.”

“What are y—”

I take a step forward, hands clenched, anger and devastation colliding. “Don’t lie to me right now, Kailyn. Don’t do it. I trusted you. I let you into my life, into my sister’s life, and for what? What do you get if you bring me over to your firm?”

“It’s not—”

“What do you get?” I yell.

“Whatever Beverly sa—”

“Save the bullshit,” I snap. “You sure fucked me in lots of ways, didn’t you?”

“It’s not what you think, Dax. I care about you.”

I ignore her imploring tone and push for the facts, because those are what I need right now. “What exactly were you offered to bring me on board here?” It all clicks together. “Partner? Is that it? You get a partnership?”

She sighs and closes her eyes. “Yes, but—”

“Stop. You don’t get to throw a ‘but’ in there. So all the time you’ve been spending with me, with Emme, it’s all been about you making partner.” Jesus. I feel like I’m going to throw up.

“At first I wanted to make sure you weren’t out to get Emme’s money. She was my top priority. I didn’t know you, didn’t know your circumstances or what your motivation was.”

“And after that it stopped being about Emme’s trust being safe and it started being about you making partner. I get it.”

“It’s not that simple, and you know it.”

“Isn’t it? You could’ve told me what was going on. You didn’t need to keep that from me if that’s not what this was about.” I motion between us and then reach for the door. “I hope you’re happy with yourself. You’ve just broken a little girl’s heart and it was already in pieces.”

“Dax, please, you need to hear me out on this.”