Thirty-Eight

The offices of Rutherford Construction were quiet, almost in a funeral home sort of way. Even the ever-perky Ashlynn seemed to sense the underlying mood and reined in her bubbliness. Faith waved at the buxom blond as she passed her and received a limp wave back. Something must have happened before Faith made it to work. She wasn’t sure if it had to do with her or not. How far had Cherish taken her accusations?

As she stepped into the hall behind the front lobby, purse and lunch box dangling from her fingers, she noticed Morgan talking in hushed whispers with Jed Jorrell. She gave Morgan a curious glance when he looked her way, giving her a quick nod in greeting. He shouldn’t be there. Something was definitely off.

She said good morning to both and then passed by into the Girls’ Den. Nessa was already there, but Cherish wasn’t. Actually, as Faith took a closer look, nothing of her sister’s was there. Her desk had been completely cleared off. That could explain why Morgan was there. This is going to be a Monday to end all Mondays. Great.

She glanced at Nessa who just shrugged. “It’s been a tomb around here since I arrived. Edwin is MIA, as well, but his office isn’t as empty as her desk.”

Faith nodded. “Interesting.” Had Glen killed Edwin? Had her mother?

Morgan popped his head through the doorway. “Faith, got a minute?”

“Always.” She tucked her purse into the bottom drawer of her desk as the boss of her boss vanished from sight. She glanced back at Nessa before leaving. “If I don’t come back, it was nice working with you.”

“Good luck,” the smaller woman said with a slight laugh.

Morgan waited halfway down the hall toward his office. She started to speak when she reached him, but he held up his hand, holding off any comments. He then led her quietly to his office, remaining silent until they were tucked away. He sat on the edge of his desk and gestured for her to take a seat, but she declined with a shake of her head. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

He ignored the refusal. “Did you know your sister was going to quit?”

“No. I still haven’t been told. I just noticed her desk. I also heard that Edwin hasn’t shown up today.”

Morgan nodded. He studied the carpet for a moment as if trying to decide what to say or perhaps how much to say. When he looked at her, he squinted his eyes as if examining her for a reaction. “I’ll tell you how I would like this conversation to go, then you tell me if it can or not. It has to be your call. First, I would like to talk as friends, completely off the record. Afterward, we need a company conversation.”

After a moment of silence, Faith realized he waited on her decision. She nodded, not sure to what she was really agreeing. “Friends, of course.”

She could see a look of relief flow across his face as he visibly relaxed where he sat. “Good. It seems you and I came home to a hornet’s nest. I’d like to hear what you know, then I’ll add my knowledge.”

Faith nodded. “I assume this is about Cherish and Edwin?” When Morgan nodded, she continued. “Well, I haven’t talked to Edwin since we saw him Friday and he tried to put the charm on. I told him he was an ass and went home. As far as Cherish is concerned, my mother showed up at my house, blaming me for Cherish fucking Edwin and Glen leaving his wife. It was the first I had heard of it. Then Sunday, Cherish showed up and tried to cause problems between Selby and me, but I’ve never lied to my husband, so he just laughed at her. That’s it. I didn’t know she was quitting until I got here.”

Morgan took a deep breath. “Too bad it’s too early for a drink. I could use one right now.”

“So, what’s going on?”

“I received a call from Jed last night. Cherish asked him to let her into the office to get her stuff. She told him she was quitting and didn’t want to face anyone this morning, especially, and I quote, ‘that fucking egotistical jackass boss of mine.’ Well, Jed had to call that jackass, and both Edwin and Cherish arrived at the office at the same time. Jed was already here, even though Edwin told him to stay home. Well, needless to say, Jed now knows about all of you screwing around. Apparently, Edwin and Cherish got into a huge shouting match, which ended with your sister drop kicking Edwin’s balls into some unseen goal post. Cherish then retrieved her personal belongings and left, and Edwin took off. I haven’t heard from him, and he isn’t answering anyone’s calls. I was actually kind of hoping you had heard from him.”

Faith sat on the arm of one of his leather chairs as she took in all he had said. She could picture Cherish going off on Edwin, unleashing all her anger, hurt, and frustration on the man’s testicles. Yet, where would Edwin sulk away to? “He didn’t talk to me the entire week we were gone, as you know, and I didn’t give him a warm reception when we returned. I told him I knew about Cherish, and he knew I was pretty pissed off. I doubt he’d run to one sister after the other just about took off his nuts.”

Morgan laughed as he shuffled on the desk. “No. No, you’re probably right.” He shook his head. “I’ll tell ya, it’s a mess. I left a message that he needs to get in touch with me by the end of the day. If he reaches out to you, please tell him to call me.”

Faith said she would. “So, what’s the business part of this conversation? Am I fired?”

He gave her a puzzled look. “For what? Having consensual sex? I’d have to fire me, as well, and I like my job. No, I’m not letting anyone go unless Edwin refuses to call me. What I want to do is give you your sister’s job.”

She just stared at him. A promotion? She did not see that one coming.

“You’re damn good at your job, Faith. Hell, you were better than Cherish, but I couldn’t rock Edwin’s boat. Truth is, that’s why I took you with me and not her. I want someone with your work ethics in that head chair.”

“Well, I don’t know. I’d have to talk to Selby.” She stood there stunned. “Pay raise, by chance?”

“Of course, and a good one. More vacation time, as well. Talk to your husband and let me know as soon as you can. I don’t want a hole left in that spot too long.”

Faith said she would and then it was time to get back to work. When she entered the office, Nessa welcomed her back with a wink, but Faith could only smile at her, still confused by everything that transpired that morning. It was quite a bit to take in, and she really wasn’t sure which way she wanted to go. Of course, taking Cherish’s job would piss her mother off, and it wouldn’t matter that her sister had quit without notice. Faith didn’t care. At the moment, anything that angered her mother made Faith happy.

She would take the job.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Selby hung up the phone with a feeling of pride for his wife. She deserved the promotion. Faith had always been a hard worker, throwing herself into whatever anyone asked of her. He understood the conflict going on within her, however, an inner sense of betrayal to Cherish for stepping in where her sister had stepped out. Yet, Faith deserved the new position and the pay raise. She deserved the recognition.

The morning had been slow at the bookstore. Only one visitor had graced his door, and they had only purchased a small paperback for fifty cents. He hoped his entire day wouldn’t follow the same track.

Soft jazz played in the background as Selby sat and stared at the picture of Faith in Key West that he kept at his crowded desk. He gave her permission to keep seeing Edwin if she wanted, but the truth was he wanted the relationship to end. It had already wreaked havoc within their family as well as Rutherford Construction. He wasn’t sure where the damage would end or how Glen and Cherish would fare. Selby just wanted it over and life to move on. However, life didn’t work that way.

Faith wouldn’t work that way, either.

Still, this had to be her choice. He wouldn’t force it upon her because if he did, she might resent him for it. He could only hope she would make the right decision.

He needed more coffee. Pushing himself out of his chair, Selby headed to the back of the store where his mini kitchen resided. As he finished refilling his #1 Husband mug, the bell over the door sounded. He suddenly regretted his earlier wish for more customers. He really would have preferred a nice, quiet day.

Taking a sip of his coffee, he almost choked on it when he saw Cherish standing there. He glanced at her but said nothing as he walked back to his chair. Faith’s sister fidgeted with her hands as she warred within herself about whatever had brought her to his store. Selby would have preferred customers to Faith’s family.

He took another sip of his coffee and just waited.

Cherish took a deep breath that lifted her tired shoulders. “I’m sorry for yesterday. I was hurt and angry and took it out on Faith and you. I was wrong for doing that.”

Selby stared at her for a moment and then nodded. “Faith’s the one you should apologize to.”

“I know. And I will.” She stood still for a minute, obviously hoping he would say something more. He had nothing else to say to her. “Anyway,” she went on after the silence dragged. “I just wanted to come by and apologize.”

“Thank you.”

She gave him a weak smile and then left. He watched as she slipped out the door, and as another hand grabbed it. Tracey walked in as his sister-in-law left, a shocked expression on the redhead’s face. “What the hell was she doing here? Surely, not buying books.”

Selby stared at the door. “I’m not even sure she reads.” He took a sip of his coffee as he shook the feeling of pity for Cherish that crept over him. She didn’t deserve it. “She came to apologize for yesterday. I think she expected me to blubber with gratefulness.”

Tracey cocked an eyebrow at him. “I hope you disappointed her.”

“She was.” He gave Tracey a satisfied smile. “And what brings you out of your cave? It’s not lunchtime, yet.”

Her expression changed, and for the first time since he had met the fiery woman, she seemed unsure of herself, almost afraid. She was always confident, upbeat. Now, standing there in front of him, she almost seemed like a frightened schoolgirl.

“How did it go after I left last night?” she asked.

“Quiet. She was pretty edgy. We sat in front of the fire and talked most of the night.”

“What will she do about Edwin?”

Selby shrugged. “I have no idea, and I’m not sure she does, either. This whole thing is a fiasco. I’m not sure what direction we’ll go, yet. Why?”

She went to run a hand through her hair and then remembered she had pulled it up in a ponytail and stopped. “I figured you two might make some changes in your adventures. I guess I was just curious if we would still be friends and all. I have become quite attached to both of you and not really sure how I’d handle losing you both.” Tears pooled at the bottom of her eyes, and she wrapped her arms around herself trying to hold it all in.

Selby set his mug on the counter and walked around to where she stood, his heart aching at the pain in her eyes. Placing a hand on each of her arms, he gazed into her emerald eyes and smiled his most reassuring smile. “Sweetie, you’re not an adventure; you’re family. You’re not going anywhere and neither are we.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “You’re a part of us,” he said as he pulled her to him, hugging her tight.

He felt her arms wrap around him and squeeze as if she’d float away if she let go. She buried her face in his chest, and he could feel the wetness of her tears soaking into his shirt. “Good. Because I don’t want to go anywhere else.”

He kissed the top of her head as he caressed her back. “You won’t.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Selby called Faith during lunch and filled her in on all his visitors. It surprised her Cherish showed up and shocked Faith even more Cherish apologized to him. However, she knew it would be a cold day in Hell before her sister ever apologized to her. She didn’t care. She didn’t need it. She had made her decision about her family, and nothing they could do would ever bother her again. She would stay in touch with her father, but the rest could go to Hell.

Her heart broke when Selby told her about Tracey, however. The fact the other woman thought they could so easily dismiss her from their lives and turn their backs on her caused Faith to pause and consider how deep the three of them had grown together. Edwin had been a game, but Tracey became intertwined in their daily lives. Faith immediately called the redhead and gave her the same assurances Selby had.

“Nothing going on has anything to do with you,” Faith told her. “If anything, I am leaning on you just as much as I am Selby. I need you, Tracey. More than I thought.”

“I need you, too. I just thought with everything going on, you would want to return to just the two of you and a normal life.”

“Normal would mean continuing to put up with my family. No, I don’t want normal. I want extraordinary, and that means you have to stay put. We love you, midget, and you’re stuck with us.”

She could actually hear Tracey smiling and would have bet good money she was crying, as well. “I love you guys, too. I’m not going anywhere.”

Faith hung up the phone knowing she had meant every word. She loved Tracey, and Faith was tired of normal. She was tired of living her life to please everyone else. The people of Rutherford Construction. Her family. The only people she had to make happy were Selby and herself.

And Tracey.

Then, it all clicked, and Faith knew her future course of action. She called Selby and told him she would be late coming home. There was something she needed to do. She told him to have Tracey join them for dinner, and she would explain everything then.

She then made another call. “We need to talk.”

Twenty minutes after she left work, Faith pulled up behind the abandoned hotel. Edwin had parked his giant truck with its tailgate facing the river. Edwin perched on the open gate, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he stared out at the churning river. He turned, facing her when he finally heard her wheels on the asphalt. He didn’t stand or even move. He just watched her approach.

She parked her tiny truck beside his, facing the Indian River. With a deep breath, she shut off the engine as well as her feelings for the man waiting for her. He caused enough damage with his secrets. Oh, the fault wasn’t all his. She carried some of the blame, as well. Selby had warned her, and she ignored the red flags that waved in her face for the thrill of the game. She could still surrender to it if she allowed herself. Yet, there was something better in store for her, and it didn’t include Edwin Coldwell.

Faith stood in front of him, arms across her chest. The wind tugged her hair, stray strands blowing across her face. She made no attempt to move them. His gaze returned to the river, so she allowed hers to go there, as well. It would probably be better if she didn’t look into his eyes for this conversation.

She knew what she needed to talk about but didn’t want to just blurt it out. “Did you ever call Morgan?”

“Yeah, they’re transferring me to some offices in Georgia. They promoted Jed to my spot. I’m not sure who will take his place.” He shrugged. “Not really my concern, I guess.”

“When do you leave?”

“I start there Monday. Neal and I will drum up business, starting from scratch.”

“Have you told Cherish?”

He gave a snort of laughter. “I doubt I’ll ever talk to your sister again, not after she tried to drop kick my family jewels into a new dimension.”

“You deserved it, you know. Don’t get me wrong. Cherish slept with you, too. It’s not your fault alone. Still, you played us against each other. Dumped her so you could get into my pants and didn’t even give me fair warning you had your own game underway. Now, her marriage is over and my nephew has a broken home. You deserved what she did and a whole lot more.” She stopped and took a deep breath as she felt her anger boiling over. “You’re lucky that’s all she did.”

“I know.” It came out as a sigh. “I screwed up. I hurt people I never meant to hurt. To be honest, if I had ever thought I had a chance to be with you, I never would have allowed anything to happen with Cherish.” He turned and stared into her eyes. “Faith, I have always been attracted to you. We’ve been great together and you know it.” He pushed himself off the tailgate and stood in front of her, his hand raising her chin, making her look into his eyes. “We still can be. Come with me to Georgia.” Before she could even think, he leaned down and kissed her, his lips soft and warm, yet with urgency to them.

She wanted to melt into him, her body screaming for her to give in to his need. He had actually asked her to go with him, to runaway together. He would continue to take her the way he always had, possibly even giving her to others as he did with Morgan. The thought made her pussy drip with hunger, ache to be taken right then and used on his tailgate.

Her heart, however, craved the adventure that waited at home. Faith put her hand on his chest and pushed him away. Edwin had been fun. Selby was her life, though, and she could never leave his side. She pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed Edwin’s cheek. “Good luck in Georgia.” She patted his chest and turned back to her truck.

“Faith…”

She faced him as she opened the truck door. “Goodbye, Edwin.” She slid into the driver’s seat and drove away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There were no regrets as she opened her front door. The decision had been the right one, and she knew it the moment she stepped inside and the music of Rascal Flatt’s filled her ears. This was home.

She weaved her way through the kitchen and the Florida room out onto the back porch. Selby flipped steaks on the grill. Tracey sat at the table, sipping a red wine. Both turned and smiled at Faith as she stepped through the open sliding glass door. She felt her heart beat just a little faster. This was her family.

And her adventure.

*The End*

If you liked Losing Faith, check out book 2, Roll the Dice, also available on Readict!