The One That Got Away Read online

  “Listen, the billings department asked me to send you down.”

  Of course, they did. “Yes, okay.”

  Sarah grimaced out a smile. “It will only take a minute. Would you mind popping down to see them straight away.”

  I nodded. What else was I going to do?

  The billings department was on the same floor, at the other end of the longest corridor you’d ever seen.

  When I finally reached the stark white offices, I rang the little bell and was soon confronted with an older woman I’d seen on more than once occasion.

  “Can I help you?”

  “Yes. My name is Cassidy Moore, I was told to speak to you.”

  The woman with spangly purple nail polish pushed her glasses up her nose and began tapping on the computer in front of her.

  Then she turned to me and said in a voice that made my spine shiver. “We didn’t receive your last payment.”

  “Ah...” That’s because I didn’t make it yet.

  It wasn’t because I’d forgotten, or didn’t have the time to do it.

  I didn’t have the money.

  “I know,” I sighed and lowered my voice. I didn’t want everyone to know how broke I really was, and how desperate I was about to sound. “I’ve been struggling a bit keeping up with the bills. I’m currently in between jobs, and it’s just been hard...”

  The woman’s gaze snapped. “We really need a payment soon, Cassidy, otherwise we can’t continue with Nathan’s treatment, and he would have to be discharged as well.”

  My mouth fell open with shock and her brown eyes filled with sympathy.

  “If you could just give me a few more weeks,” I begged, which I hated to do but would do anything for my brother. “Please.”

  The woman stared at me for a moment, and I was pretty sure she could see the desperation in my eyes. She sighed and glanced back at the computer, her gaze flicking over whatever information she was reading. “I’ll try to postpone the date on the invoice as much as I can, but I can only give you a few weeks. Understood?”

  I nodded gratefully and said, “Yes. Thank you. I know this shouldn’t concern you, you’re just doing your job. I promise I will pay as soon as I can.”

  The older woman suddenly reached over and placed her hand reassuringly on mine. I fought back the tears again.

  I took a deep breath and left the hospital just in time before the tears spilled down my cheeks again.

  I stood beside my car in the parking lot and began to tremble. I was in full-on panic mode as I climbed into my car and sat there. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t think about anything, except what a failure I was. I had bills piling up and my brother was depending on me.

  I couldn’t even get a stupid assistant’s job.

  I lowered my face onto the steering wheel and sobbed like I hadn’t done in a long time. The last time was when Liam had left me and...

  I growled at myself as Liam invaded my mind. Those memories still haunted me, just as much as they had ten years ago.

  I still remembered the first morning after he left. I woke up crying—much like I was right now—because my heart hurt so much I couldn't breathe. But I had to get up and pretend I was perfectly fine without him.

  “Get the fuck out of my head!” I sobbed.

  I couldn’t stay like this. It was ridiculous. I caught sight of myself in the rearview mirror and came to the ultimate conclusion.

  I was a mess.

  Again.

  Still.

  I wiped my face with the tissues in my car and took a few deep breaths to calm myself. I couldn’t drive in the state I was in, so I sat for a few minutes and contemplated my horrible life.

  When I was finally ready to go, I drove home.

  We owned the small house thanks to our early inheritance. We’d sold mom’s family home, and the money had been enough to let me buy this house, and left enough aside so that most of Nathan’s bills had been paid for, initially anyway.

  I’d moved Nathan and I into the new place as soon as I had been able to, and it had been our saving grace when money was tight. Not having to find a mortgage or rent.

  But the house was empty and the cold feelings hit me as soon as I stepped through the door.

  Empty like me.

  I dropped my bag on the couch and headed for my bedroom to change into something more comfortable than my coffee-stained interview suit. After dressing in my oldest, softest sweats, I scoured the fridge for something to eat.

  I planted myself and my leftover sandwich down on the couch and covered my lower body with my fluffy purple blanket.

  Ever since Nathan’s accident, I couldn’t sleep in my own room. The memory of that night still haunted me. Getting a phone call from the hospital to say my little brother was in emergency surgery after arriving at the hospital in a critical condition after a near-fatal car accident shook me to my core. Every time my phone rang at night I would get a nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach before answering. Given Nathan was possibly facing two additional surgeries, I was an emotional mess. I couldn’t lose him too.

  I devoured the sandwich in silence then turned on the television for a means of distraction. My brain was muddled, and if I could drown it out with some mindless television shows, then so be it.

  I heard my phone ring in my bag and I reached for it, although as much as I didn't want to speak to anyone, I had to answer. It could be important. “Hello?”

  “Hello, is this Cassidy Moore?”

  My spine automatically straightened and my eyes widened. “This is she.”

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Moore. This is Lindsay from the offices of Hartmann and Cole. I was instructed by Mr. Hartmann to contact you with regards to the paralegal position we have available at the firm.”

  Holy shit!

  “Paralegal position?” I stuttered. “I don’t remember sending my resume to you. Are you sure?”

  “As I mentioned, I was told to contact you, and arrange an interview with Mr. Hartmann at your earliest convenience.”

  Yes!

  “Yes, of course. When would be a good time? I am pretty flexible at the moment.”

  That was the understatement of the century.

  “Very well. Would tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock work for you?”

  “Yes, that is perfect.”

  “Our address is 235 Montgomery Street. Do you require directions to our offices?”

  “No, I have a pretty good idea where it is, but thank you. Do I need to bring anything with me?”

  Like my blood? I’d do anything to get a paralegal position right now.

  “That won’t be necessary. Mr. Hartmann has your resume on file, and he’s really looking forward to meeting with you.”

  How that was possible, I had no idea.

  “And I’m looking forward to meeting with him as well.”

  “Very well, he’ll certainly appreciate your optimism. We will see you tomorrow.”

  “Thank you so much. Have a great day.”

  “You’re welcome, and the same to you.”

  I heard the call disconnect, and my hand dropped down onto my lap, still holding my phone. I couldn’t believe it. I had an interview at a law firm as a paralegal!

  I hadn’t even sent them my resume, so how...

  Then it occurred to me, and the thought made me shiver. Liam had said he would find me a job more suited to my skills.

  And he had.

  For once, Liam had come through for me.

  I grabbed a nearby pillow and hugged it to my chest.

  I wanted to believe that Liam had changed. That he was doing this out of the goodness of his heart. Because, despite everything I’d gone through, a part of me still believed that deep down, he was a nice guy.

  But my history with him made me doubt his ability to care, especially about me.

  Nonetheless, I didn’t want him to do me any favors. I didn’t want to owe him anything.

  But as I glanced over at my dining room table,
piled high with medical bills, a wave of gratitude washed over me. Sometimes swallowing your pride was the only option.

  Maybe, just maybe, things were changing for the good.

  Now all I needed to do was get through that interview.

  Chapter Four

  Liam

  “Where did you find that woman?” Eric asked when I answered my phone the next afternoon.

  “Who are you talking about?” I asked, hoping he wasn’t referring to Katie, as she had been tormenting me enough.

  “Cassidy Moore.”

  At the mention of my former girlfriend’s name, my shoulders relaxed, and I sat back in my chair. “Did you interview her?”

  “I did, and I must say, she is pretty phenomenal.”

  “I told you,” I said with a smile.

  If there was one thing I knew about Cass, was that she was indeed incredible, but hearing it from Eric was gratifying.

  I wasn’t delusional, with judgment clouded by the past.

  “She’s smart and witty, and that resume of hers is perfect. There was only one thing wrong with her, though.”

  “What?” I asked, holding my breath. Whatever it was, I sure we could work something out.

  “She wasn’t working for me!”

  I rolled my eyes and couldn’t help but smile at Eric’s laughter on the phone.

  “I’m glad you found her impressive. When does she start?”

  “Tomorrow. Lindsay is drafting her employment contract now, seeing as I know she is a perfect fit, because you recommended her. I trust your judgment, obviously. So, thanks, Liam. I appreciate the referral. This position had been waiting for someone as special as Cassidy, and I’m grateful you sent her my way.”

  “You don’t have to thank me, Eric. I’m just glad she’s a good fit.”

  “Oh, ain’t that the truth. I asked her about the Freeding case I’d been working on, in general terms, of course, just to pick her brain and observe her thought process. She gave me a quick solution, which was so obvious, yet clever and insightful.”

  I smiled proudly, “She is.”

  “Beautiful, too.”

  No, Eric. Don’t go there. Don’t make me drive to your office and beat the shit out of you.

  “I’m glad I could help,” I said simply.

  “Are you up for a drink after work?” Eric asked.

  My jaw clenched and I shook my head. “I already have plans, but maybe next time.”

  “Sure. See ya.”

  The call disconnected and I stared blankly for a few minutes, trying to figure out my next move. A knock on my office door had me reeling back to the present moment and I glanced at Jenna as she walked in the door.

  “Hey.”

  “I brought your lunch, as requested,” she said, placing the brown embossed box on my desk.

  “Thank you.”

  “Is everything okay?” she asked. “You seem a little distracted.”

  I considered my options, then forged forward. A woman’s opinion couldn’t hurt. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course. You can ask me anything.”

  I took a deep breath, which made Jenna frown and she turned and closed the door behind her.

  “What’s going on? Did Katie do something?”

  “No, this isn’t about Katie,” I muttered.

  “Okay. Then what is this about?” Jenna asked.

  “Do you believe that things happen for a reason, that people are inserted in your life at a certain time?”

  “I guess,” she shrugged and I glanced at her expectantly, hoping she would give me more than she had. “I’m not really the whimsical type. Sure, things happen for a reason, which is unbeknownst to us at that specific time, but I also believe that by the choices we make, we alter our path and make it how we want it to be.”

  “So, we’re in complete control of our own destinies?”

  “I wouldn’t use that word, but yeah. We make choices, and it takes us where we decide to go,” Jenna replied.

  “What if we don’t have control?”

  And that was how I was feeling at the moment. Completely out of control. Like some god-like being was toying with me. First bringing crazy Katie into my orbit in an attempt destroy me, then the only woman I’ve ever loved to do who knew what.

  Jenna frowned. “Life can’t just run away with a person. You’re always in a position to take the reins if it’s taking you somewhere you don’t want to go.”

  I didn’t know what to say to that, so I gazed out in front of me.

  “Are you sure everything is okay?” Jenna asked again.

  “Do you believe in second chances?” I asked.

  She scrunched up her face. “It depends on the situation, really. If someone screwed me over, I wouldn’t bother giving him a second chance.”

  That sounded pretty brutal. “How come?”

  “Because people rarely change their ways. We’re conditioned to return to our default settings, the way we were raised.”

  I damn well hope not.

  I glanced up at her, a little surprised by how black and white Jenna was being about this topic. “So, people can’t change?”

  “I guess they can... if they want to. But they have to really want to change, and I’ve never come across anyone who’s done it successfully,” Jenna muttered.

  “You’ve met some shitty people in your life,” I pointed out.

  “Yes, I have.”

  I gave her a half smile. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “It’s not your fault,” she shrugged.

  I had one more question, and in light of the Katie catastrophe, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer. “Do you think I’m a good person, Jenna?”

  Jenna cocked her head and red hair fell over her shoulder. “You seem okay, I guess. I don’t really know you outside of work. But you believe in people, and you give them what they’re owed.”

  My eyebrows rose on my forehead and I stared at the prickly receptionist who guarded our front desk.

  “That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,” I pointed out.

  “Where’s all this insecurity coming from?” she asked, stepping closer to my desk.

  “I don’t know. I guess, it’s just everything. Katie and the case, the press. It’s getting to me. She’s making me out to be this terrible person who harassed her at work, made inappropriate comments about her body and what I wanted to do with her. I guess I needed someone to say they don’t believe I’m the monster some people think I am.”

  “Well,” Jenna said and shot a quick glance out the window, “there aren’t protesters outside the building demanding your arrest, so I think you’re still fine.”

  “That’s oddly comforting,” I sighed.

  “I do what I can,” she shrugged. “But you know, Mr. Ross, you shouldn’t allow people to make you feel inadequate and unsure of who you are. You’ve always been a decent guy, treated people with respect, so if you need me to testify for you, be a character witness, I’ll do it. You never laid a finger on me, or ever made me feel anything but comfortable.”

  “That means a lot to me.”

  “I mean it, Mr. Ross. You don’t deserve to go through this because she fucked up.”

  I nodded silently and watched as Jenna turned to the door. “I’ll let you eat your lunch in peace and hold all your calls.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Any time, Mr. Ross.”

  Jenna left my office and I glanced down at my lunch, not even remotely hungry anymore. Hearing Jenna say those things to me was comforting, but as Eric had said, things were going to get worse before they got better. It was only a matter of time until that happened.

  I forced myself to eat and while I did, I contemplated calling Cass. I wanted to know how her interview went from her perspective and congratulate her on getting the job.

  Despite everything that had happened in the past, I was proud of her for nailing the interview and even giving Eric a breakthrough in his
case.

  She was made for a career in law. She had the kind of mind that would thrive in an environment like that. She analyzed a situation from so many different angles it made my head spin, which was probably why she was still upset with me.

  She kept mulling things over in her mind until it drove her crazy.

  I lowered my gaze, seeing the corner of her resume peek out from under the files stacked on my desk. Considering that a sign, I reached for my phone and retrieved the sheet of paper. I dialed her number and waited while it rang, anxiously tapping my fingers on my desk.

  “Hello?”

  My stomach tightened at the sound of her strong, sweet voice.

  “Hey, it’s Liam.”

  There was a moment’s pause, and I wondered for a second if she was going to hang up on me.

  “Hey. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.”

  “I know I shouldn’t be calling you, but I wanted to know how your interview went.”

  “Oh, it went great. Mr. Hartmann is a really nice guy. He’s so smart,” she said. “But I guess you already knew that, right?”

  I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “I did. We’ve been friends for years.”

  “That’s great,” she said simply. “He was impressed with my resume, and he asked my advice about a case he was handling and in the end... I got the job. Mr. Hartmann even gave me a signing bonus, which I honestly didn’t expect.”

  “I’m really happy for you, Cassidy,” I told her.

  She deserved all the good fortune and happiness in the world, especially after everything she’d been through, mostly because of me.

  “So am I,” she agreed and there was a pause at her end. “Listen, I appreciate what you did for me. If it wasn’t for you, then I would still be unemployed.”

  “You aced that interview all on your own.”

  “I can take care of myself you know.” Her tone had an accusatory edge to it and I wanted to reassure her straight away.

  “I know that, but... we both know you needed my help, so a ‘thank you’ is in order.”