Page 51 of Players Like Us
“So do I, but I’m not calling to discuss Rachel’s design talents. She told me all she’s ever wanted was to find her place and have success. Looks like she’s doing that and I understand you were a big part of it.”
“She did the work. I just tried to arrange situations so she could have an opportunity to showcase her talents. It really wasn’t a big deal.”
“It was a big deal and quite a surprise. I… I misjudged you, Neal. Or maybe I didn’t misjudge you, maybe you’ve changed. Doesn’t matter because if you’ve done what she tells me you have and you’re running successful businesses that, again, Rachel shared with me, then maybe you have changed. Or maybe you aren’t that different from Rachel. Maybe we were the ones who couldn’t see you just wanted to be yourselves.” The man did not speak for so long Daniel had to nudge him. “Look, if my sister has finally found the success she’s craved and is doing work she loves, why is she so miserable? Why was she crying tonight?”
More silence, and a soft “She was crying?”
Now Daniel had his interest. “Lots of crying. Ugly crying. Soaked my T-shirt crying. And I think you’re the reason.”
“Look, I’ve stayed away from her. I’m not—”
“Stop. I’ve screwed up more than anybody, so here’s what I’m going to tell you. Did you ever think she’s miserable because you have stayed away? Because she needs you to not stay away?”
“Did you ever give another person so much power they could destroy you? And you gave it to them but they didn’t want it? But then they changed their mind and decided they did?”
Okay, now they were getting somewhere. “Please do not ask your sister that question. I’ve screwed up so bad I thought I’d never see her again.” Daniel dragged a hand over his face, laughed. “I friggin’ named a collection after her and revealed my identity, but I wasn’t sure it would be enough for her to give me another chance.”
Neal laughed. “Didn’t you know creating a personalized collection of a woodcarving will do it every time? More people should do it.”
The guy did have a sense of humor and it wasn’t all aimed at being a smartass. Maybe there was hope for him. “Here’s what I know. You’ve somehow turned into a decent guy, and my sister realized that before anybody else did. Or maybe she didn’t, but somewhere along the way you both changed and you belong together. But you’ve been hurt, she’s been hurt, everybody’s been hurt. You’re going to have to get over it because the longer it goes on, the more unfixable it becomes. I can give you a whole list of friends who’ve been through that. Not good. We all acted like jerks. Our significant others hurt us. Life moved on and it sucked.”
“Gee, that sure is a testimony for love and happily-ever-after.”
“That’s the part that happens before the trust comes in. But once it does, that’s the sweet spot and you’ll do anything to keep it.”
“Was this supposed to be a pep talk?”
“It can be whatever you want it to be. Hell, forget I called you. I’m doing this for my sister and I’m doing this for my wife because I love them. I’m done fighting with you and I’m not going to take another swing at you. If you lose my sister this time, that’s on you. Good luck.”
The mystery man from Claudia’s had finally requested to meet Rachel. Claudia couldn’t hide the anticipation in her voice when she delivered the news. “He’s chosen Calvin’s Chop House, 7:30 p.m. Can you make it tonight?”
“Tonight?” Not the best choice, but it was hard to say ‘no’ when the man had been paying to keep her availability open. What was one dinner? Yes, she’d rather work on Tate and Jameson’s proposal, and she definitely did not want to meet at Calvin’s, but she’d get through it. Memories of the evening she’d spent there with the man she couldn’t forget rushed through her, made her wish the mystery man had chosen a different location.
“Yes, that’s what he requested, if possible.”
“Sure.” The request forced her to put sound to the decision she’d been considering for almost a week. “I believe I have a few more days left of this arrangement and once it’s complete, I don’t plan to renew it.”
“You don’t?” Disappointment slithered through the line. “Really? This has been a very lucrative proposition for you, Rachel. Are you certain you want to give it up?”
“Perhaps someone else can benefit from it now. Also, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work for you, but I don’t think the companion business suits me any longer.”
Pause and then “I’m sorry to hear that. Are you certain you won’t reconsider? We could negotiate the terms...”
“No, thank you, but I will always be grateful for this opportunity. Claudia’s helped me out when I really needed it.” The money she’d made from the mystery man had kept her in the apartment, caught her up on past due bills, and even made it possible to save a bit. That last one hadn’t happened in a long time. But continuing at Claudia’s didn’t feel right any longer. Since her return from Reunion Gap, she’d been contemplating a lot of things, but mostly how to live a more authentic life.
And this mystery man? No doubt he was an eccentric with too much money and the desire to control people and situations. Of course she didn’t know this, but something was off or he wouldn’t be doling out money like it was coming from a Pez dispenser. When Rachel finished her conversation with Claudia, she worked on her proposal until it was time to get ready for dinner. Claudia had informed her the man wanted to meet her at the restaurant. Fine, she’d prefer that than having him pick her up at her apartment.
Rachel selected a simple, long-sleeved black dress with a double row of alternating teal and silver beads sewn on the neckline and cuffs. She’d recently repurposed the dress to give it a classic yet fun look. Nothing too outrageous, nothing too low cut. When she glanced in the mirror, she realized she looked like the sophisticate she’d tried so hard to become. She squinted, studied the pearl earrings and necklace, the chignon, the solemn expression, and subdued makeup. Was that sad face really hers? She was done hiding who she was, and while she’d lost her chance with Neal, she would not lose her chance to be herself. Maybe one day she’d find a real smile, feel true joy and peace in her heart. It would be a long road, but at least she was on her way back to her family and herself, and that was a true gift.
Rachel arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early and when the waiter led her to her seat, she almost asked for a different one. It was the same booth where she and Neal sat the night they sampled menu items and critiqued the layout and furnishings. Life must move on without him and she could not be afraid of every memory. Rachel ordered a glass of wine, sipped it, and studied the menu, remembering every plate they’d ordered, every laugh and smile. Every single thing.
“Hello.”
She glanced up from the menu, spotted Neal standing touching distance away...so handsome, so intimidating, so...
A quick glance at the empty seat across from her and then “Dining alone?”
He looked tired, his smile forced. “Actually… I’m meeting someone but—” she glanced at her watch, shrugged “—he’s already ten minutes late so I’m not sure he’s coming.”
