Page 109 of An Engagement for Erica

“So they work on the night shift,” he said. “Am I not supposed to know who it is?”

“First, you have to tell me what you want me to do,” she said. “I can stay in the consultant capacity and get both sides of everything. However, sexual harassment is a serious issue and needs to be handled quickly and factually.”

“The fact this person trusts you,” he said, “means I can’t say no. I don’t want it to come back and bite me. Yes. Do what you need to with it. Keep me involved and no one else until I know more. Then I’ll figure out how far it goes up and who should address it.”

“Then I’ll take care of it this morning after our meeting. You’re not so hard to deal with,” she said. “Not sure why people think you are.”

He got up and moved over to sit by her and pull her close for a kiss. “You don’t think it, do you?”

“Nope,” she said, giggling. When was the last time she giggled over anything? “I won’t even bring up this during working hours that you’re touching me inappropriately.”

He slid his hand up her inner thigh. “How about now?” he asked.

“If you give me a better kiss, I’ll let that slide.”

“Sounds like you’re the one I might need to worry about with sexual harassment, not the other way around.” But he kissed her the way she wanted anyway.

35

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES

“I’m so glad you could come to dinner, Erica,” his mother said on Friday night. “It’s been such a pleasure to meet and get to know you.”

“The same,” she said. “Tucker said you might come back for Christmas?”

“That is the plan,” his mother said. “But I’ll see how TC is doing. Right now, he’s come a long way and doesn’t need me there bugging him. There isn’t much to do around here. Any friends I had years ago are gone or we’ve got nothing in common.”

He knew his mother had limited friends back then.

His father had wronged a lot of people in the community. His mother was judged harshly for being married to an asshole and having money.

Even in the divorce, she was still judged, so she kept to herself.

The only reason his mother stayed around here was for him.

When he graduated from college and moved to New York City, his mother took that time to start a new life where no one knew who TC Nelay Jr. was.

Tucker knew he’d never have that chance in his life unless he sold the family legacy.

He didn’t see a scenario in his life where it would happen.

“I know what that is like,” she said. “For years I had a few close friends, but once we went to college, we lost track. College was more of the same. Friends while I was there and then not much after.”

They never talked much about friendships, he realized.

Tucker didn’t have anyone other than work colleagues for years. Those he left behind at his old job weren’t in touch with him now.

Or maybe he was the one not in touch with them.

The fact he hadn’t thought much of them until now meant they weren’t fixtures in his life.

But he didn’t have a sibling like Erica had. To him, her sister was probably her best friend.

Even her sister-in-law seemed to be close too.

“I think that happens in life,” his mother said. “We all have different priorities at different times. I’d like to think my son was trying to get his straight right now.”

He closed one eye at his mother. “I think I am,” he said. “You’d have to ask my girlfriend. How do I rate in the boyfriend department? Do I give you enough time?”

---