“He wants the situation to go away,” Collin said. “If that means I take the fall, so be it. He just wants it to get handled. He’s going to make everyone disown me.”

  He looked and sounded distraught. The guy drove me nuts, but maybe he was finally coming to his senses. I sat down and waited until he looked at me. “He’s not hoping you take the fall.”

  “You are.”

  “No, Collin, I’m not, but I also don’t know how I’m supposed to fix this,” I told him as gently as I could. “We’ve warned you this might happen one day. You’ve been playing with fire your whole life. It was inevitable you would get burned.”

  “I didn’t do this,” he said. “I didn’t buy the drugs. Jenny brought them. She had them in her purse. They weren’t mine.”

  He looked like he might actually cry. My heart broke for him. He was still a little boy. He never grew up. He never had to. Now he was paying a heavy price. It wasn’t fair really. He was the product of his upbringing. My parents had spoiled him. I looked out for him and even took the fall for some of his mistakes when we were younger. He’d never been held accountable in his whole life. Now it was going to bite him in the ass in the biggest way possible.

  “What do your lawyers say?” I asked.

  “They say I have to wait and see.” He shrugged. “In the meantime, I’ve already been tried and convicted in the press. No one believes me.”

  “You should stop talking to the press,” I told him. “I thought you were hiding out. Why are you even in the city?”

  “I’m sick of hiding,” he said. “I didn’t do anything.”

  “Then you’ll be fine,” I told him. “Wait for the investigators to finish their case.”

  “Why are you with Jenny’s sister?” he asked. “Are you trying to convince her to make her sister fess up?”

  “No,” I answered firmly. “I didn’t seek out Ava. I had no idea she was Jenny’s sister.”

  “Can you talk to her?” he asked.

  “Jenny and Ava aren’t on the best of terms,” I said. “I don’t think talking to Ava about her sister is going to help anything.”

  “Please, Ethan,” he begged. “I promise I’ll clean up my act. I know I’ve made mistakes. I’m going to do better.”

  I wanted to believe him. I wanted him to get better. Maybe it was the wakeup call he needed. He was finally seeing the err of his ways. “I don’t think Ava can help, but I’ll try,” I said. “All I can do is offer you moral support.”

  “And you can tell the reporters you believe me,” he said. “You’re perfect in their eyes. They’ll believe you.”

  “I don’t think there is a lot I can say,” I said. “I’m not talking to the press. That will open the door for more questions. We have to avoid talking to the press right now. The lawyers all agree.”

  “You could do a one-on-one interview,” he said. “Sit down with a friendly reporter. Tell them you know me, and you know I didn’t do this. We need someone squeaky-clean to come out in support of me. Right now, I have no one. Mom and Dad tried at first, but people see them as protecting me. They don’t believe them. You and I have never been super close. It will sound more believable coming from you.”

  I felt used. But it was expected. I knew that’s why my family wanted me out in front of everything. I did have a good reputation. At least I used to. Collin’s stink was definitely wearing off on me. “I’ll do what I can,” I said. “I’m not making any promises. I’m not going to sit down for an interview, but I will talk to the lawyers about putting out an official statement.”

  He grinned. “Thanks. I’ll get out of here. I appreciate the help. I won’t let you down.”

  I wished I could believe that. I walked him to the door before grabbing my things and trying to leave once again. Ava had not replied to my text. I hoped everything was okay. On my way out of the building, I caught a glimpse of an Italian restaurant I frequently ordered from after a long day at work. I was going to pick up dinner. A nice bottle of wine would help smooth over last night. I had been a little distant. She didn’t deserve it. I owed her an explanation and an apology.

  I walked across the street and ordered dinner. While I waited, I checked the news. The first article that popped up was one about my brother. Initially, I dismissed it. Then I saw something that caught my attention. I clicked on the article.

  “Fucker,” I growled.

  Collin had been out last night. The pictures were of him and another woman. They were coming out of a club, and both looked fucked up. The article was all about the fact that Collin Mitchell was still partying despite being under investigation. I shook my head with disgust. He hadn’t changed. He wasn’t going to change. He’d suckered me once again.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Ava

  It had been a long, long time since I had walked into my stepfather’s offices. I had called earlier to make sure he was in. I didn’t think this was something that should be discussed over the phone. It was more of a face-to-face conversation.

  “I’m here to see Clark Phillips,” I said politely to the woman running the desk.

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “No.” I cringed. “I’ve just gotten back into town and hope I can see him.”

  “I’m sorry, but he doesn’t have any openings. I can try and get you in next week.”

  “This isn’t something that can wait,” I said. “I have to talk to him. It’s important. I’m his daughter.”

  She scowled at me. “Mr. Phillips doesn’t have children.”

  “He’s my stepfather,” I corrected. “Please tell him Ava is here. He’ll know who I am.”

  “One minute.”

  I stepped away from the desk while she spoke on the phone. She kept her voice low. She hung up and looked at me. “He’s busy, but if you want to wait, he’ll try and talk with you. Although he did advise you make an appointment.”

  “I’ll wait,” I said and took a seat.

  I waited fifteen minutes before getting up and approaching the woman again. “Is he still busy?”

  “I really think you should make an appointment,” she said.

  “And I really think I need to talk to him now,” I said sternly. “This is an emergency.”

  “I’m sorry, but Mr. Phillips is a busy man. He doesn’t have time for family matters.”

  “Let him decide that,” I barked. “I’m going in there.”

  “Oh no you aren’t,” she said and jumped to her feet.

  I knew where his office was. I walked through the doors with her shouting behind me.

  “What the hell is going on out here?” Clark jerked open his office door.

  “I need to talk you,” I said.

  He smirked. “I don’t need to talk to you.”

  “This is serious.”

  He shook his head and waved off his pit bull of a receptionist. “Get in here.”

  I went into the office without bothering to sit down. This was not going to be a friendly meeting. That much was obvious.

  “What brings one of my no-good stepdaughters crawling into my office?” he asked with a disgusting smile.

  “I think you know why I’m here,” I said. “Jenny needs help. She said you won’t take her calls.”

  “Why would I?” he asked. “She wants money. She always wants money. Do you know what she does with the money she gets from me? You probably don’t, considering you live halfway around the world.”

  “I know what she’s doing,” I said calmly. “I’m sure you’ve seen the news.”

  “I have.” He nodded. “Don’t act like you’re surprised. She’s a loser. Always has been. Your mother spoiled that girl.”

  “She’s not a loser,” I argued. “She needs help.”

  “She’s needed help a long time,” he said.

  “She needs a lawyer,” I said. “You have the money. Please, I’ll find a way to pay you back if that’s the issue.”

  “You don’t have money,” he laughed. “You’re penniless.”

  “I am.” I nodded. “You and Jenny were close once. She just needs a little help. You’re her only family.”

  “She’s not my family,” he sneered. “I would never have a child like that. I’ve done plenty for her, and she’s squandered away all my help. I’m not lifting a finger to help her now. She made her bed; she can lie in it. It’ll do her good to rot in prison for a while. It’s probably the only way she’ll clean her act up.”

  “Fuck you,” I hissed. “You’re a pig. My mother was way too good for you. She only married you for your money. She didn’t love you. I certainly never loved you. Everything about you is foul. You are the most selfish, arrogant, vile human being I’ve laid eyes on. You are not worth my time. There’s a reason I never liked you. Rot in hell.”

  He laughed as I stormed out of the office. I should have known he wouldn’t help. He was so unworthy of my mother. She’d married him for his money. The guy thought he was suave and slick with his fancy clothes and expensive cars. It was all to compensate for his nasty personality. He’d been married four times. There was a reason women divorced his ass.

  I took a cab back to the hotel. My blood was boiling. It was such a waste of my time and far beneath my dignity to talk to him. I was so glad I never had to see him again. He made me want to take a shower. I felt gross. How could my mother get into that man’s bed? I shuddered with disgust. I stepped off the elevator just as Ethan was going into the room.

  “Hey,” he said. “I tried calling you.”

  “Sorry,” I muttered.

  “I take it the meeting didn’t go well?”

  “You could say that,” I said. “The guy is an asshole.”

  We walked into the room and shed our jackets. Something smelled really good. Ethan deposited two bags on the table. “What’s that?” I asked.

  “I thought we could enjoy a nice dinner,” he said. “Looks like we both had shitty days.” He held up a bottle of wine. “This is one of my favorites, along with the shrimp linguine.”

  “It smells amazing,” I said. “I’m going to change.”

  I went to the room to change into sweats. I was looking forward to a good meal and a glass of wine. Now that there was no way I was going to get money from Clark, I had to tell Jenny. I felt like I’d let her down. My only option was to take second loans on my properties. I just didn’t think I could do that.

  When I returned, Ethan had unpacked the bags and filled two glasses with the wine. I sat down at the table and took a very healthy drink. He laughed and topped off my glass. “Maybe you need something stronger?”

  “Not a maybe,” I said. “A definitely.”

  “Why did you go see your stepdad?” he asked.

  I picked up my fork to take the first bite. The flavors were amazing. It was exactly what I needed after such a shitty day.

  “I went to see him after I met with Jenny,” I said.

  “You saw Jenny?”

  “Yes.” I nodded. “She’s in bad shape. She needs money for a lawyer. I don’t have it. I thought our stepfather would loan me the money at least. He wouldn’t do it. He’s a pig. He laughed me out of the office after a few insults. I cannot stand the man. I hate that my mother ever gave him the time of day. There’s a reason I didn’t like him.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  “She needs a lawyer,” I said. “Your brother probably has an entire team defending him. Would you be willing to loan me the money? I’ll pay you back somehow.”

  He stopped chewing. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes.” I nodded. “I know you have the money. Your brother and my sister are in this mess together. We don’t know who brought the drugs or if they were together when that guy passed away.”

  “Collin said Jenny brought the drugs,” he said.

  That irritated me. “And you believe him?”

  “Collin wouldn’t be dumb enough to risk getting caught buying drugs,” he said and stuffed his mouth. He was acting like it was already decided. My sister was the bad one. Only she could be to blame.

  “You said your brother has been an addict for years,” I reminded him. “Much longer than my sister. Do you actually believe he’s never bought his own drugs?”

  “He doesn’t have to go to a street corner and buy stuff,” he said. “He has people that get the drugs and deliver them to him.”

  “You seem to know a lot about your brother’s drug dealings,” I snapped.

  “I’m just saying, it is more likely Jenny bought the drugs,” he said. “I’m not accusing her; I’m just saying what the facts are.”

  “You don’t know the facts. Neither do I. Only Jenny and Collin know. Jenny isn’t telling me shit, which tells me she’s protecting Collin even though he’s throwing her under the bus.”

  “Actually, I talked to Collin today,” he said. “He came by my office.”

  “And he told you he didn’t buy the drugs so therefore he isn’t culpable in the death?” I asked the question with a great deal of sarcasm.

  “I don’t want to fight about this,” he said. “We said we weren’t going to let their drama get in the way of us.”

  “Yes, we did, but I didn’t know we were going to be on opposites sides of this.”

  “We aren’t on sides,” he said. “This is their fight.”

  “Except it isn’t, is it?” I dropped my fork. “It’s your family’s fight against my sister. My family. Your family has the money and power. My sister is the patsy.”

  “Your sister is a partier,” he shot back. “She took Collin to that party. That was not his usual group of friends.”

  “Oh!” I hopped up from the table, nearly knocking my glass of wine over. “Your brother is too good for my sister’s friends. Of course. I forgot the Mitchell family only associates with people of a certain caliber. Your brother’s druggie friends are so much better than my sister’s druggie friends.”

  “I didn’t say that!” He threw his napkin onto the table and got to his feet. “I only said the drugs were Jenny’s. Collin isn’t innocent, but he didn’t supply the drugs.”

  I wanted to scream at him. It was so unjust. Such bullshit. “Shame on you,” I said. “Shame on you for being so damn arrogant to think your brother is right and my sister is automatically wrong because she isn’t rich. You are exactly why I left New York!”

  “I don’t think my brother is innocent or right!”

  Roxy barked once and jumped up from her bed. Ethan and I both stopped to look at her. Roxy nudged my arm. Her cold, wet nose brushed my hand. She wasn’t a guard dog, but she knew when I was upset and always tried to protect me.

  “I think I’m going to take a shower,” I said calmly.

  “Ava, wait,” he said and stepped forward. “I’m sorry. This isn’t our fight. I didn’t mean to insult you or imply you or your sister were somehow less than.”

  I remembered our promise to each other. “I’m sorry I got so angry. It’s been a shitty day. I just need to get some sleep.”

  He took my hand and pulled me close. He kissed my cheek and nose before landing on my lips. “Are we okay?” he asked.

  I mustered a smile. “Yes.”

  I pulled away and went to take a shower. I wasn’t sure what to think about him. He was acting like the man I had met that first day in Hawaii. He was aloof. He had that air about him that said he didn’t care about anyone except himself. He’d softened it, but it was still there. It had been there last night. I didn’t like the man I’d met in Hawaii. If he was coming back, I didn’t think I could stick around.

  Before I cut and run, I told myself I had to give him a chance. Things were stressful for both of us right now. I had my sister to worry about. He had an entire company along with a family that refused to let him rest. They were making sure he felt the weight of his brother’s actions. I came to New York to stand beside him, not add to his stress. I just needed to take a step back and calm down.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Ethan

  I rubbed my temple in an attempt to stop the throbbing in my skull. It wasn’t a migraine. It was so much worse than that. It was a full body pain that was growing worse by the day. Being back in New York was killing me. I didn’t know how much more I could take.

  “You okay?” Lucas asked.

  “No.”

  “Do you want a drink?” he asked.

  “No.” I shook my head. “That’s about the last thing I need.”

  “What do you want me to tell the board?” he asked.

  They wanted another meeting. It was getting old. I was not going to sit in their hotseat again. “Tell them I said to leave me the fuck alone. I can’t possibly work if I’m constantly sitting in a room with them. Don’t they get that?”

  “I don’t think they do,” he said.

  “They smell blood in the water,” I said. “They think they are going to keep pulling my strings and making me dance. I’m not their fucking puppet. I saved one deal. I’m going to keep making more. The stock price is holding. We don’t need to panic. How many times have I said that?”

  “I’ll let them know you’re booked,” he replied.

  “Did my mom come by again?” I asked.

  I had successfully managed to keep a low profile. I had Matt and Lucas both running interference for me. No one was getting to my office again. Not Collin and not my mother. My dad was a different story. If he wanted to come in, there was no stopping him.

  “She hasn’t been around,” he said. “What are you doing with the Ava situation?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I can tell there’s trouble in paradise,” he said. “You don’t have that happy glow about you anymore. Did something happen?”

  “No.”

  “What happened?” he asked.

  “I just told you nothing happened,” I shot back.

  “Yes, and you’re lying,” he said with a smirk. “Is it the situation?”

  “It’s a lot of things,” I said. “I just need to solve this shit. I want it done and over. I want to get on with my life.”

 

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