“Nonconsensual sounds so mild,” Kaelee mused. “Fine.In my opinion and recollection,I rejected his advances. I was not aware of the engagement and had not dated Kyle. Following hisassault, I left Durham, moved, and changed my name. I discontinued contact with the Aldens as a result of their compliance in the acts that led to unwelcome congress with Kyle, a protégé and employee of my father’s, who was significantly older than me.”
Marissa wrote down every word, and Kaelee paused and read the sheet.
“Make sure to send a copy to Julia, too. Tripp doesn’t communicate well with women,” Kaelee said mildly. The hope that her mother hadn’t known was a thin one, but it existed despite time and countless evidence that she was his puppet.
Kaelee walked away while Greta and the attorneys finished whatever business was needed. She was reasonably in control of her emotions, but in this case, she still needed a moment to collect herself. She strayed into the living room where she looked out a window at the sea of towering buildings.
A few moments later, Marissa came to stand beside her. “You’re handling this all so very well. Be proud of yourself.”
Kaelee nodded.
Marissa continued, “Would you want to split a cab? I don’t think I’d feel right sending you into the wild alone just this moment.”
Kaelee didn’t want to say she was staying right here, so she just said, “Thank you, but no. That was kind of you to offer, though.”
“I am heading out, then,” Marissa called.
“Thank you, Risa,” Greta said, walking into the room. She glanced at Ms. Everette. “Are you going with her?”
“Not just yet. If you want to walk out with her, Kaelee, please do. We’ll be in touch.” Then she stepped over to Greta. “I like the décor changes,” she said, hand brushing the back of the sofa.
Greta frowned at her.
“Were there other matters?” Kaelee prompted.
“No. You can head out for whatever festivities you have planned.” Ms. Everette smiled, and Kaelee felt an unfamiliar rush of possessiveness toward Greta.
“Actually, my plans are with Greta.” Kaelee walked over to Greta’s sofa and sat.
“Oh.” The attorney looked between them. “So that’s why you’re so protective, Greta!”
“Tash.”
Kaelee looked between them. “Thisis Tasha?”
“She talked to you about me?” Tasha asked, sounding stunned. “She’s usually very discrete.”
“We’re close,” Greta countered, lips tight and entire expression tense. “Kaelee is my guest.”
“And here I was going to apologize for my mistaken theories about your late nights.” Tasha’s tone became catty.
Greta shook her head. “Until I met Kaelee, I had never, not once, slept with anyone in the industry.”
“And we didn’t meet in the industry,” Kaelee felt compelled to add. “We met online.”
“Ah. Theapp.” Tasha nodded. “I meet most of my fuck friends there, too. Simplifies matters.” She smiled again in her very intimidating way, but this time, Kaelee didn’t find it appealing. “I matched with Greta a year ago. I’m sorry,Marie.”
“Is this going to be an issue?” Kaelee asked.
“No. Is it for you? Knowing that I was…”
“She told me,” Kaelee said bluntly. “I knew you were consulting.”
“Oh.” Tasha’s entire demeanor shifted. She glanced at Greta. “Honestly, I stayed to ask if you wanted to grab a drink some night, Greta. Maybe start the new year together. I made a mistake in givingup on us. I thought that every time I saw you after the breakup, but then you stopped answering my calls.”
“I’m seeing someone, Tash. What did you think would happen? Youcheatedon me.”
“I panicked, okay? I wanted to be… where I am now, and I felt lost trying to do that and be yours and…” Tasha threw her hand upward in frustration. “I was still trying to figure me out, and you were just so sure of everything.”
