Chapter Thirty-Eight
I feel useless, whichisn’t a way I’ve felt before.
“Shay?” I press my forehead to the bathroom door. “Can I come in?”
There’s a splash and then a sigh. “Yeah.”
Over the last three days, I’ve spent more time in this little room than any other in the house. The bathtub has always been her sanctuary, and because she’s happiest in here, I’ve been sitting right beside her.
Her body remains still as I swing open the door. White bubbles cling her torso, dark braids spilling over the edge of the porcelain tub. Even with her eyes closed, they flutter restlessly. It’s as if she’s playing back every second, desperate to pinpoint the exact moment she went wrong to not get Garrett or the promotion.
“You’re back already?” she asks without opening her eyes. “I thought you were helping Billie with a catering order all afternoon.”
The tile is damp under my bare feet. “She said she didn’t need me.”
Disbelief wrinkles Shay’s nose. “Impossible. Your mother would never decline the presence of her favorite and only son. So why don’t you tell me why you’re really not there?”
I can’t help but laugh at her all-knowing tone as I set the goodie bag by her head. “Mom and I didn’t like that I wasn’t with you, so I madea call. MalPal and Kent are filling in so I can be here. But I didn’t come back empty handed.”
An intrigued eye pops open. “I do love a good Billie treat. How many did you eat on the drive?”
“One.” But only because Mom made me promise. “The rest of the dark chocolate chip cookies, with extra chocolate chips, are for you.”
“God, I love your mother. She’s the definition of an angel. I’ll text her when I get out of the bath.” Shay’s lips lift ever so slightly before they straighten again. “You’re hovering.”
I know I am. It feels like the only thing I can do right now.
“How long did you take off from work?”
Watery eyes stare up at the ceiling. “Two weeks.”
According to Andy, Shay has only taken one day off since they started working at Permian. A single sick day. No vacations. No half days for doctor’s appointments. No mental health days. No personal errands. If it were under different circumstances, I’d be happy she’s finally taking a break, but it only exacerbates my worry.
“Any fun plans? The Pilots leave for Oklahoma tomorrow, but I’ll only be gone for three days. Do you need anything before—”
“I’m fine, Cade.” With each frustrated kick of her legs, the water shivers, tiny waves racing away from her. “These are my plans: I’m going to sit here in the bathtub until my fingers are wrinkly and I forget about my complete failures.”
Since the two blows of bad news, Shay hasn’t cried, but her voice carries a permanent tremor.
“You didn’t fail, Shay. I know you didn’t get the promotion—”
“Or Garrett.”
“Or Garrett,” I choke out. “But that doesn’t mean you failed.”
When Jon said there were clients heneededto sign, I never would’ve thought he was talking about Garrett Blane. I almost want to call Garrettstupid for not seeing the red flags, but neither did I. Not until it was too late. Jon is too skilled at looking like the perfect agent.
Little do people know that he’s a nightmare in disguise.
I blocked him after receiving his final message.
Jon Sweeney
Tell your girlfriend better luck next time.
“Cade,” she exhales, stretching my name like it’s two syllables. “Please don’t say it’s part of the job or the journey to success or that something better will come. It’s not just about that. I believed for so long that I’d eventually gain the respect of my coworkers and move up.” The heels of her palms dig into her eyes, less rubbing and more crushing. “I appreciate you so much, but I can’t handle optimism right now. Not today. Please.”
As the guy who has always been able to fix things and keep people happy, it stings, but I know nothing I say right now will repair this for her.
