Thirty-Four

Faith slept like shit that night. Throughout the day, her head pounded like it had a high school drumline following her around. She had a war going on inside of her, and she was afraid of which side would win. If Selby hadn’t called last night, Faith probably would have ended the game on her own but hearing Cherish’s name brought into it just sent her spiraling out of control.

The odd thing was that the battle within her was no longer about Selby and Edwin; it was about Edwin and Cherish. If he was sleeping with her sister, did it really matter? This was just a game about sex, not a relationship. Wasn’t it? What difference did it make who else Edwin was doing the dirty deed with if it was just sex? After all, it’s not as if Faith had an exclusive right to him. That wouldn’t be at all fair considering she went home to Selby every night. There was no commitment, no future planned out. Edwin didn’t check in with her. That’s obvious from how often he’s called me since I left Brevard. She didn’t check in with him, either. Faith took a deep breath.

Yet, if all that was true, why had she kept checking her phone all week expecting to see some form of communication? She had never been jealous before, had never had these feelings. But she was jealous, she realized. She didn’t want to share Edwin, especially with her sister.

Faith picked up her phone. But is Edwin sleeping with Cherish? The truth was, Glen suspected Cherish was cheating on him. There was no real proof, however, even if all the signs pointed to it. She set the phone back down. This was not a conversation to have over text.

“I’ve finished the equipment inspections, and we found what was missing.” Faith glanced up as Patricia McClusky handed her some chicken scratch on forms. “I’ll say this, we’re definitely organized now.”

Well, at least I can do something right. “Now, all you have to do is stay on top of it. Kent’s going to hire a couple of more girls to help out in here, so you’ll have your own office team.”

Patricia shrugged. “I’ll take the help, but I don’t work too well with other girls.”

Faith debated within about talking to the fiery redhead about her suspicions concerning the office affair, but really, it wasn’t her business. She took a look around at the people who made up the small office. The truth was, her only concern was the business Morgan had recruited her for. This was work, and she had crossed the line and mixed her personal life with her business world, and that wasn’t going too well. “Just keep it all business, and you’ll do great. Besides, you’ll be the girl in charge, so that’ll make it all the better.”

“Thanks. I’ll give these to Kent.” The redhead smiled as she turned to leave.

Faith watched her walk away, her mind shifting back to her own office dynamics. Even if Cherish wasn’t sleeping with Edwin, she was still the office manager and, in a way, Faith’s boss. Yet, Faith had been acting as if she was her own boss, especially since starting her foray with Edwin. No wonder Cherish is so pissed at me. I leaped right over her. She knew she had to fix that when she returned home. She had allowed her selfishness to trump what was right. It might not calm things, but it would be a start. She had to regain some semblance of order out of this chaos even if she didn’t necessarily agree with all of it.

The day passed, and Faith lost herself in tidying up the loose ends of the tasks Morgan gave her. She had organized Kent’s office and crew and had them running efficiently. With any luck, he could keep it going this time. Patricia seemed determined to help him and do her fair share, which was probably due to her feelings toward Kent more than any ambition on her part. It would boil down to the fact that Kent just had to want to be the boss more than he wanted to be their friend. Edwin could teach him that balance.

Faith shut down her computer and reached for her phone, which she kept on top of the desk. She was about to check for messages but stopped herself. Why bother? He hadn’t texted all week. Why would he start now? She tossed the phone in her purse and pushed herself away from the desk.

“Ready to blow this Popsicle stand already?” Faith turned and saw Kent walking over to her.

She shrugged. “I’ve done all I can do. It’s up to Patricia now to keep it flowing.”

Kent nodded as he glanced over to where the redhead sat thumbing through applications. “Do you think she can?” His face held a soft hopefulness as he stared at Patricia.

“If she doesn’t get too distracted, yes.” He turned and glanced at her, a puzzled look on his face. She shrugged. “Office romances are never as secret as you think they are. Trust me on that.”

Kent shifted where he stood, putting his hands in his pockets and then taking them out again. Finally, he just stood there and nodded. “Thanks for all your help this week.”

“Faith, you ready?” Morgan called as he peeked his head in the door.

She waved at him as she slid her purse over her shoulder. Turning back to Kent, she said, “No problem, that’s why I was here. I’m only a phone call away if you need anything or have any questions.” He said he would take her up on it if he needed help as he slipped back into his office. Faith said goodbye to Patricia, leaving the girl her phone number and wishing her luck.

As Faith passed through the door without looking back, Morgan was waiting for her by his truck. “Ready for some food?”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Selby locked the door to the bookstore and made his way to his car. However, after stowing his briefcase in the passenger seat, he decided he wasn’t ready to go home just yet. Three nights walking into an empty house had been bad enough. He wanted to postpone the fourth as long as he could. He glanced over at Joe’s Bakery, but decided he really wasn’t in the mood for company either. Scanning the downtown, scene he decided clubs were out, as well.

Shoving the keys in his pocket, Selby crossed New Haven and decided to see where his feet would lead him. Maybe he just needed to walk.

The afternoon—early evening? He never knew which category five o’clock fell into—held a slight breeze that tugged at the small maples that lined the street. Selby walked with his hands in his pockets, watching the people as they browsed the antique shops and specialty stores. Couples walked hand-in-hand as they leisurely strolled the sidewalk. Some sat whispering at small tables outside the cafés that lined the street as the bar scene crept into its night life. He wanted someplace quiet and not so crowded. As he passed the Gentleman’s Cigar, he decided that was the place for his mood. A cigar, a scotch, and his thoughts were the perfect combination for a brooding evening.

He picked out a Romeo and Juliet and allowed the girl behind the counter to cut and light it for him as he ordered a Glenlivet neat. He wished he had thought ahead and brought his book, but at least the place was quiet. Two men sat at the bar, chatting up the female bartender while watching CNN. Other than that, the place was empty, just what he needed.

He found a comfy chair, made himself cozy, and took a long pull on his cigar. As he exhaled, he pictured all the stress of the week leaving his body along with the smoke. It didn’t work. How would he convince Faith to end her game with Edwin? It could only lead to a disaster. He never should have allowed her to play with anyone at work, especially with Cherish there. There was too much potential for something to go wrong, and the situation with her family was tense enough as it was. Clubs and bars were one thing, but fucking someone at work was never a good idea.

He sipped his drink as he stared at the wall, the smoke from his cigar wafting upward in a thin stream. He was at a loss as to what was the right way to go about it. Getting Faith to loosen up and explore her fantasies was his idea, after all. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated the depth she would go in that exploration. She was having fun, that was a definite, but she also seemed to be getting too emotionally charged with it, and he wasn’t ready to share her heart, yet. But how could he get her to slow down without appearing to be the jealous husband he constantly assured her he wasn’t?

“I never pictured you as a cigar smoker.”

Selby glanced to his left and watched as Edwin Coldwell walked around a sofa and joined him, his own cigar and drink in hand. It had been a while since Selby had seen his wife’s boss, and he had forgotten what a powerful build he had or how black his hair was, so much so it almost shined. He could see why Faith was attracted to him. What woman wouldn’t be? He was tall, dark, and handsome. Right now, it just made Selby sick.

He shrugged. “I haven’t in a while but felt like enjoying a peaceful night out.”

“And I’m disturbing it.” Edwin made to stand. “My apologies. I’ll let you be.”

As much as Selby wanted the man to walk away, he waved him back into his seat asking him to stay. “By peaceful, I meant I wasn’t in the mood for the club scene.”

“Wouldn’t your deck to the ocean be suitable for quietness?”

Selby took a swig of his scotch, delaying his answer. He really didn’t want to tell this man how he dreaded going back to an empty house. “Sometimes a change of scenery is refreshing.”

Edwin settled back, sipping his own amber liquid as he nodded. “I will agree with you there. How’s Faith doing in Tampa?”

Selby glanced at him a little confused. “Haven’t you talked to her since she left?”

“Actually, I haven’t. I figured she’d be swamped with whatever Morgan had her lined up to do, and frankly, I’ve had my own crisis here. The place doesn’t run as efficiently when she’s gone. I’ll be glad to have her back next week.”

“Oh. I just assumed with as much time as you two spent together, you would have been talking to her.” Selby wasn’t sure he should have said anything. Had Faith told Edwin that Selby knew what was going on? It would be ballsy to have a drink with the man whose wife you were fucking behind his back, but weirder things have happened. Furthermore, if Edwin had been quiet with Faith the whole week, that could very well explain some of her snappish mood. It was a total game with him while she had allowed her emotions to get involved.

Edwin crossed his legs, his ankle resting on his knee, his hand resting on his leg with the cigar perched between two fingers. “I’ve missed her, but I figured she was busy. So, how is she?”

Selby took a pull from his cigar and told Edwin what he knew of Faith’s trip. She had said it was a disaster, but he knew his wife. Anything not done her way just wasn’t being done properly. She seemed tired most nights and went to bed early, usually with the television blaring. He hadn’t heard from her today, but he usually didn’t until after dinner most nights. Selby was ready to have her back home, as well, but for different reasons; well, mostly different reasons. He hoped they would make tomorrow an early day.

“Well, from everything I’ve heard, that office was one of Rutherford’s worst. I’m sure Faith can straighten them out, though. I know I’ll be glad to have her back in the office.”

“Cherish not handling it?” Selby studied Edwin as the man talked. He was confident, well-groomed with slightly faded jeans and a long-sleeve white shirt that made his skin seem that much darker. He probably did have every girl in the office swooning and tripping over themselves to gain his favor and attention. How far would Faith go with it, though?

Edwin stared at his glass as he shrugged. “Cherish has lost her drive and ambition. Work has become a bore to her, which she tries to avoid at all costs now. It wasn’t as obvious while Faith was here, because Faith picked up the slack and was eager to do it. She loves to work and throws herself into it.”

Selby smiled. He could picture Faith working at a feverish pitch. “I’ve always thought Faith found her identity in her work.”

“I can see that,” Edwin said as he nodded. “However, her sister doesn’t, or at least, not anymore. Cherish used to be like Faith, but that ended several months ago. Cherish felt entitled and soon stopped caring as much about work. As Faith underwent her metamorphism and came out of her shell, Cherish grumbled and withdrew even more.”

“Glen thinks she’s jealous.” Selby had been staring at the table in front of him when he said it and hadn’t even realized he said it out loud until it was too late to retract it.

“Glen? Cherish’s husband? What would she be jealous of? It’s not like Faith can take her job.”

Selby shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He wasn’t sure he wanted to dive into these waters, but couldn’t back out once he had waded in. Family life was hitting business life, and someone was going to drown. He needed to pull Faith out of the churning waters if he could, even if she came out thrashing and kicking. “He thinks she’s jealous of you.” He left it there waiting to see if Edwin would pick up his meaning.

Edwin stared at him a moment and then diverted his attention to the cigar in his fingers. He twirled it a bit, thinking, and then took a long pull, holding the smoke a brief moment before allowing it to seep slowly out between his lips. He took his time to gather his thoughts before answering, but that already told Selby his suspicions were probably correct. Oh, Faith, what have you wandered into?

Edwin seemed to study his cigar as he spoke. “I had a lady friend once who told me she had never found a friends-with-benefits guy. She said that every time she thought she found a playmate, they would fall in love with her and start demanding more of a relationship than merely a good time. It never ended well no matter how many of her male companions swore they were just there for the sex.

“It has been my experience we can say the same about most women. Few can play the sexual game and then simply walk away. They soon mistake what they feel during their physical passion as true feelings of the heart.” Edwin took a sip of his bourbon as he shrugged. “Hearts can often be a casualty when sex is involved.”

Selby stared at him. “You had an affair with Cherish.” Everything fell into place. Glen was right, and Faith had wandered right into the middle of it.

“I did not have an affair with your sister-in-law. We fucked. There’s a difference.”

“And what the hell is the difference?” Selby shifted to straighten in his seat, his body tensing.

“Affairs are emotional and come with expectations. Fucking is just that, sex with no strings.” He took a pull from his cigar, holding the smoke longer this time before exhaling. He uncrossed his legs as he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees, the hand with the cigar draping over his other hand. “Office romances happen all the time, but Cherish knew I didn’t want any emotional attachments. I had made it perfectly clear.”

His eyes stayed focused on his hands. Yet, Selby knew Edwin wasn’t seeing them, but was visiting a time when choices went wrong. When Edwin spoke again, it was as if his voice came from wherever his gaze had centered. “The change started when we moved into the new buildings. She wanted to decorate my office and all the key rooms in the place. Conference room. Reception area. Cherish took to it like a wife redecorating her home. It reminded me too much of my ex-wife, as a matter of fact, and creeped me out.

“So, I ended it. Not right away, but in a gradual pulling back. I worried about the fallout at work. I wasn’t worried about being fired. Hell, Morgan’s a bigger dog than I am. No, Cherish’s reaction worried me and the scene she might cause. Eventually, I just stopped seeing her altogether.”

“And then your attention went to Faith.” It wasn’t a question. For Cherish to be reacting the way she was, the time frame between dumping her and paying extra attention to Faith had to be the same. “Does Faith know you slept with her sister?”

Edwin just shook his head, his eyes still on the smoldering cigar.

Selby glared at him. “So, you allowed my wife to walk into a family drama because you had an itch in your pants.”

Edwin snapped his head up. “Hey now, Faith chased after me just as much as I chased her, and I was told you were okay with it.”

“Faith didn’t have all the facts though, did she? And I guarantee you that Glen wasn’t okay with it.” This was a mess. Selby wanted to tell the ass sitting across from him to stay the hell away from his wife, but Faith wouldn’t understand that. No, Selby had to convince Faith that her game with Edwin was too much of a risk, and that it needed to end. That wouldn’t be easy.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Her phone rang for the third time that night, and as she did the first two times, Faith allowed it to go to voicemail. She was not in the mood to deal with Selby right then. This was her last night away, and she planned to enjoy it without worrying about anyone’s consequences. Tonight was not about Selby or Edwin or Cherish or Rutherford Construction or her family. Tonight was about Faith. Fuck the rest of them; at least for tonight.

Morgan took her to a sports bar close to the hotel, and she did not waste time ordering drinks. She had two Rum Runners before their meal arrived with no intention of slowing down. Televisions blared as well as music, and Faith teased and joked with Kent and the two laborers who caught up with them. Patricia finally showed up, her eyes glued to Kent, and it was a proper sendoff. They finished working and would return home in the morning. However, tonight, Faith planned on having fun.

By the time dinner was finished, so was her third drink, and Faith wanted to dance. Morgan just shook his head and laughed. “Well, let’s go dance then.”

Down the strip from the sports bar was a club with a live band, and Faith led their merry band of revelers inside. She grabbed one of the laborers—Bob Harper, she thought his name was—by the hand and headed to the dance floor. As she walked, she glanced back at Morgan with a pout. “I’m thirsty.”

He nodded and headed for the bar, a smile pushing his cheeks up.

The band on stage was halfway through the Love Shack when Faith managed to get Bob on the floor. She started wiggling her ass in front of him, batting her eyes, and suddenly, she didn’t care that she didn’t dance. Music combined with alcohol transforms everyone into a dancer. Bob tried his best to sway and shuffle his feet, but his eyes remained fixed on Faith’s ass as it seemed to grind closer and closer to his swelling crotch. She noticed the effect she had on him and made sure to brush against him as often as possible. She had to admit, he was worth brushing against. Construction had given him a taut, trim build, while being outdoors added a bronze tone to his body. His hair was a dirty blond, cut short, and his eyes a deep blue. Faith smiled as she traced his broad chest with her fingers. Yes, Bob was definitely a nice piece of construction.

The band stopped playing, and a DJ started a song. Bob smiled and gestured toward the others. Faith gave him a pouty look but allowed him to escort her off the floor and to a booth where everyone was squeezed inside. She slid in across from Morgan who just gave a smirk as he slid another Rum Runner across the table at her.

“For little ol’ me? How sweet.” Faith blew him a kiss as she lifted the glass to her lips.

Kent pressed against the wall on the side as Faith and Patricia were mashed against him. From the reflection in the window, Faith noticed that, while she saw both of Kent’s hands, only one of the fiery redhead’s were visible. They were doing their best to look at each other with no one else knowing they looked at each other. Faith, however, caught them several times in the window’s reflection beside them. If they were trying to hide their office romance, they did a lousy job of it. Of course, just like the office in Brevard, Rutherford Construction seemed to have a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Morgan sat across from Kent and next to him was Jeremy, one of Kent’s foremen. Bob and his construction chest sat across from Faith. Two girls, four guys, Faith liked those odds.

She could feel Morgan’s eyes on her and glanced over at him. She smiled as she set her glass down. “What?”

He shrugged, his smile more of a smirk. “Good to see you’ve come out of your funk. I should allow drinking at work.”

“Wait. Drinking’s not allowed?” Jeremy wore an exaggerated, shocked look. “No one check my cooler.”

Faith just laughed. She then looked at Morgan and shrugged. “It is what it is. I don’t see any sense in worrying about it now.”

“Here. Here.” Bob lifted his beer into the air. “Why worry when you can drink?”

“I’ll drink to that,” Jeremy said as he lifted his glass, as well.

Patricia lifted her glass and clinked the others. “I’ll drink to anything.”

Everyone else cheered and raised their glasses to clink beer bottles and everyone drank. The music blared as Usher serenaded them from the speakers, and the girls dragged the guys back out onto the dance floor. They swayed, they swirled, and they stumbled, but to Faith, it didn’t matter as drinks kept coming, numbing the pain. Faith rubbed up against Bob as she twirled her fingers through his hair. He lifted an eyebrow at her but didn’t move away. She was confusing him, and she knew it. Hell, she was confusing herself. She was tired of feeling, though. Anger. Hurt. Frustration. Tonight was about not feeling anything, even though she knew she’d feel it in the morning in more ways than one.

For now, she twirled on the dance floor, arms stretched wide.