Page 66 of Loathe at First Sight

“No, it wasn’t. One day, I got a knock on my door from the FTC, telling me that they were opening up an investigation into my business. Of course, I didn’t think I had anything to hide. And my partner told me he had his lawyers working on it. Soon after, the IRS got involved, and everything I’d done for years was being audited.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “Turns out that my partner was screwing me the whole time. Lying on taxes. Writing bad checks. Messing up closing documents for people buying houses.”

“Oh, shit, Liz.”

“Yeah. It was a nightmare. After their research and all the proof I was able to give them, they were able to determine that I didn’t do anything on purpose. I also got scammed. But the business owed so much to the IRS, and the government always collects, so they came and took basically everything I owned to pay the debt.”

“Where is the guy who fucked you over?” Jack asks.

“The Dominican Republic, I think. I don’t really know. I haven’t heard from him. He cleaned out my accounts and skipped town. The feds are still looking for him, so I doubt he will ever set foot on American soil again. So, there you go. That’s my sad little story of why I had to move home. No one will hire me to be a realtor anymore. My reputation is shot. I have no money.”

He moves around slightly on the ball while he talks. “Forgive me if I’m out of line here, but I’m guessing that the guy wasn’t just your partner, was he?”

“No, he wasn’t. Although I wouldn’t call us a couple, there were multiple times we would fall into bed together after a good deal. More than that, he was my best friend, or at least I thought he was.”

“I’m sorry all of that happened to you, Liz.”

“Look, besides my family, no one knows any of this, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“I won’t say anything,” he says, drawing a large X over his heart.

“Thank you. I really do mean it when I say I don’t hate this town. I think that being back here is just a reminder of my failure. I was too trusting, and it cost me everything. I just feel so angry all the time.”

“Do you ever talk to anyone or do anything to try to help?”

“Well, last night, I tried to use alcohol, but I don’t think that’s working for me,” I say with a laugh.

“Alright, stand up.”

“Why?”

“We are going to try something.”

I want to argue, but I figure after last night, I probably owe him.

So, I’m just going to go with it.

twenty-three

Hit Me

Jack

Istand up to move the ball and the chair back where they go and then lead Liz to the other side of the room.

I may not understand much about Liz Lawson, but one thing I know better than anything is rage. I held onto so much of it for so long that it just became a part of me. There wasn’t a time when I didn’t feel it. Even when I’d pretend to be happy, it was all an act with my anger boiling to the surface.

Listening to Liz’s story makes me realize she’s dealing with some of those same issues. I had to find a way to let go of all of that to be able to find my peace. It sounds like Liz still needs to find hers. Otherwise, that rage will find a way to eat her alive.

Maybe I can help with that.

Getting her into position, I hand her a pair of boxing gloves.

“Put these on.”

She looks unsure, but she does it anyway. After she has them on, I pick up a punch shield and hold it in front of my chest.

“Hit me.”

“Seriously?” She cocks an eyebrow. “What if I hurt you?”

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