Page 80 of An Eye For Illusion

I smile at his compliment because this charity is my baby, and I love every single thing about it.

“There’s an entire outstanding team that pours their blood, sweat, and tears into making this happen every year. I’m just happy to contribute in any way I can. Thank you so much for coming tonight. Where’s Bernice?”

“Oh, she found one of her girlfriends, so I’m on my own, I’m afraid,” he says with a loving smile. He points out his wife across the room speaking to another attorney’s wife.

“Ah, I see. Well, make sure to tell her hello for me if we don’t get a chance to catch up.”

Harvey and Bernice are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and they’ve been in my life since I was a little girl. Harvey should have retired years ago but refuses to hang up his hat just yet. It’ll be a shame when that happens because he does so much for my company. However, he deserves to enjoy the rest of his life with his beautiful wife far, far away from the stress of his job.

“When are you going to retire, Harvey?”

“Whenever Bernice won’t kill me because I’ll be home in her hair all day.” He gives a booming chuckle, and I laugh in return.

I love how comfortable they are together. I could totally see her threatening to murder him daily because he would probably be bored out of his mind and take up a new hobby of annoying the hell out of her all day.

“Maybe you should take up a hobby, though I’d suggest one that doesn’t get on her nerves.” I give him a playful wink.

He laughs again. “Maybe you’re right! But do I have to pick one that doesn’t get under her skin? You’re taking all the fun out of it!” I can’t help but laugh again. I love his sense of humor. You can easily see just how much he loves her. As his laugh settles, he waves a dismissive hand. “Honestly, I think I’d miss the courtroom too much. Speaking of which, your friend Melanie had another court date.”

My ears perk up at the mention of Melanie. Harvey has been her lawyer since the night I called him and asked him for help. He was with her when she had to go before the judge right after I visited the shelter, and he was successful at winning her full custody of her son.

My stomach flips at the thought of the tables turning and going wrong. “Is everything okay?”

“Oh, yes. Everything’s just fine. I filed a motion for immediate emergency care for her and Noah. They shouldn’t have to live in the shelter.”

My hope immediately soars at the thought of them finding reprieve. I can do more, and I make a mental note to have Heather send an anonymous donation for the two of them.

“What did the judge say?”

“He ruled in our favor. He’s making Tony, the ex, pay child support and alimony. It should be enough to get her back on her feet.”

Relief and then joy surge through me. A huge smile overtakes my face as I lean in to hug Harvey. “Thank you so much for helping her. You’re the best!”

“Oh, shucks, dear. You can call me night or day. I’ll always answer.”

I lean up to give him one more kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, Harvey.” When I pull back, he has a serious look which makes my smile fall. It seems like he wants to tell me something. “What is it?”

“Never forget who you are, Jade. Your heart is the size of Texas. We need more people like you in the world.” He gently taps under my right collarbone before turning to walk away.

I blink several times, his admission taking me by surprise. Moisture forms in the corner of my eyes, and I inhale deeply to will the tears away before they spill and ruin my makeup.

Dammit, old man! Why did you have to go and make me cry?

I rush off to the bathroom in the hopes collecting myself before the tears fall.

While sequestered away in the bathroom, I took a few moments to gather myself . Something about Harvey’s words opened a floodgate of emotions. His simple encouragement helped patch an old wound I’ve battled with my entire adulthood. An insecurity that tells me I’m not good enough and that I don’t care enough or do enough.

Bridge will have a field day with my reaction because it’s the first time in a long time that I allowed someone else’s encouragement to penetrate my armor. Like I said, I’m a little fucked up, but I’m working on it. I want this insurmountable pressure I put on myself to ease. I want to be able to enjoy the smaller things in life without worrying so damn much.

Bridge would say this is the first step to accepting that it’s okay to let people see the real me, but I’m scared they won’t like what they see.

“You look gorgeous, tonight, Jade.”

The words startle me because I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even notice Colin standing about ten feet ahead of me in the otherwise deserted hallway.

“What are you doing here?” I ask in surprise.

Colin Brooks is the last man I’d expect to see tonight, but I can’t say I’m upset. Ever since our kiss, I’ve been trying to come up with reasons to meet with him so we could do it again. Then his text messages stirred a heavy desire to entice him.

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