I let myself really cry, finally, even though I was careful not to make too much noise and wake her.
I cried for more than my dead best friend. Everything about me revolved around Paige; my past, my future, my heart and soul.
Something was wrong, though. I knew it. I was as sure of that as I was certain the end of her would mean the end of me.
Twenty-Five
Evan
Two daysafter Jack’s funeral, I was back at the office. Taylor’s Flooring was now all mine. Mine to manage—and mine to fuck up. This was Ellie and Jack Junior’s income, and there was no way I’d let Jack’s legacy go to shit. But there was one problem: I wasn’t a businessman. Not an experienced one, anyway. I’d texted Jessica the night before I returned to see if she could come in early to help me go through the books. I wanted to see if we were turning a good enough profit, and if there were any money leaks or extra expenses we didn’t need.
I was no psychiatrist, but I was aware this was my way of avoiding the reality of what life had become. My best friend was dead and my girlfriend was sick. Putting my energy into the business was the only thing that made me feel useful, that maybe I was accomplishing something, anything.
“Find anything?” I strolled over to Jessica as she poured over the books. There was nowhere else for her to sit other than Jack’s desk. I’d gotten used to it being empty over the past couple of months when Jack couldn’t really be in the office, but it still didn’t feel right to see someone else in his chair.
“Nope. Not so far. Jack kept great records, and things look good from what I’ve seen so far. As long as business keeps coming in, you should be in good shape. I’ll keep looking and let you know if I find anything you should be concerned about.” Jessica gave me a small smile, and I nodded back. I was leaving myself wide open for her to take money and run, but Ellie knew her pretty well and trusted her. And although she’d seemed like a cold fish when I first met her, she was understanding about me hovering over her all day and asking question after stupid question. Maybe she felt sorry for me, but whatever it was, I thought I’d ride it out.
I was on edge about the business, and about Paige. She felt fine some days, but there were others when I could tell even getting out of bed was torture for her. All the doctor had told her after a zillion blood tests was that she wanted her to make an appointment with a specialist. Paige’s appointment was at the end of the week. I wanted to go with her, but Tess said she would, and I was sure she wouldn’t leave that office until someone gave her an answer she was satisfied with. I was thankful she seemed to like me, because I sure as hell didn’t want to be on her bad side.
I sat back at my desk and shot a text to Paige.
Me: Hi, Daisy! How’s my girl today?
Paige: Tired but not awful. I finished my freelance project so I’ve been laying on my couch like a bum. Doesn’t totally suck. How’s your day, babe?
Me: Be a lot better when I see you. Jessica probably thinks I’m a nut case for making her go over all the books.
Paige: I need to meet this Jessica. As long as she knows you’re taken, I’m okay with her thinking you’re nuts ;)
Me: Like anyone would outshine you in my eyes…although this jealous streak is sexy. If you want to claim me later, I’m all for it. The teeth marks on my arm are fading…
Paige: You’re an animal. Is it weird being there? I don’t think I can go there yet.
It was weird, but comforting in a way. Jack was everywhere I looked, from the Yankees pennant across the wall to the endless boxes of pretzel chips he liked to keep at work.
Me: A little, but a good weird. Kinda like he’s still here. I’ll be there later tonight. I love you.
Paige: I love you too, babe.
I smiled as I set my phone back on the desk. I loved it when she called me ‘babe’.
“You probably think I’m nuts for making you do this.”
Jessica shook her head as she scoured through the rest of our accounts payable lists.
“Ellie told me what you did. How you moved back when Jack called you for help. You must have come in pretty blind, but I think you’re doing great. I’m here to help you however I can. Nice to know my Master’s in accounting wasn’t for nothing.” She chuckled and shook her head.
“Master’s in accounting? Don’t take offense and believe me I’m very fucking grateful you took this job—but why would you want to work in a small shop like this? You should be in corporate finance, no?”
In the few weeks Jessica had worked for us, she’d done an amazing job. Everything was organized to the letter, from our books to the supply closet. She wasn’t unfriendly, but mostly kept to herself. Work was a silent place now and it drove me up the wall. I volunteered to help the guys on a couple of jobs this week just to get away from the maddening silence.
“Let’s just say I broke a cardinal rule in business and leave it at that.”
I folded my arms and leaned back against my desk. “I won’t pry. As long as it wasn’t the ‘don’t steal from your boss rule’.” I raised my eyebrows. I didn’t want to be a jerk and stick my nose where it didn’t belong, but if I was trusting her with our money, she couldn’t leave a statement like that just hanging there.
She let out a humorless laugh.
“No, not that one.” She lowered her gaze and let out a long sigh before lifting her eyes back to mine. “The don’t date your boss rule. Especially when said boss is married.”
