Page 88 of Your Secret to Keep

“They’re saying horrible things about me. About you. About the Jags. Even about Megan. It’s not just about me.”

Lia’s need to consider everyone feels heavy, even from here. She’s so used to worrying about everyone else and putting herself last. “But what if you let it be about you? And not everyone else?” I ask.

Her voice cracks as she answers, “I don’t know how to do that…”

Squeezing her hands even tighter, I quickly reply, “Well, I’m going to fucking teach you how. That way, we can test out this whole forever thing.”

“You say that like it’s easy.” Her hands move from mine, pushing her hair away from her face.

“No, Lia. I say it like it’s going to be worth it.”

For the first time, I don’t feel the push back. There’s no retort on the tip of her tongue or doubt in her glare—there’s space. It’s only a few seconds but they stretch, the string tying Lia and me together pulling tighter.

“What do we do now?”

“First, I’m going to kiss you.” I slide out of the booth and kneel so I’m eye level with her. “And then I’m taking you home.”

Lia reaches her hand out to me, and I use it to stand us up. My lips crash into hers, telling her more secrets. It’s the kind of kiss which feels like the rest of your life. Like you see can the bones of the montage and it looks fucking perfect.

Her lips are full and press back into mine. My hands find her lower back while she grips the front of my shirt. When we break apart, I kiss her forehead, then the top of her head. She falls into me in a way where I feel like I’m holding her up. It’s like she’s finally given in, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chapter 53

Lia

We’reinaconferenceroom, one I didn’t even know existed, in the Jags arena. Trent scheduled this meeting, and while Megan and some other executive members of the organization will be there, Brooks will not.

I walked the halls like it was high school graduation and it might be the last time I’m in them. The only difference here is I didn’t spend nearly enough time here. I’d kill for four years at this organization, but unfortunately, I’m guessing my time has come to an end.

“Lia, thanks for coming in. I’m sure you’ve been worried about all of this,” Trent says as soon as I find my seat.

I take a slow breath, just like I practiced. My fingers squeeze each other in my lap, under the table where no one can see. They ache in a way that’s slow and steady. I have a doctor’s appointment next week, just like the team doctor promised, and I’m thankful I was able to see him before this all happened.

Keeping my shoulders tall, I nod and say, “Thank you for having me. I know your time is valuable. So I’ll kick us off.” Surprised eyes land on me, but if there’s anything I need right now, it’s the small control of doing this my way. “First, I want to say thank you. This job was truly a dream come true. It was better than my dreams, actually. The opportunities I’ve been given, and the friendships I’ve made,” I look at Megan in that moment, and she nods in understanding, “were better than I could’ve hoped for.

“Second, I want to apologize. I met Brooks before this job happened, but I’m sure there are other ways I could’ve handled it. I never wanted negative attention for myself, him, or anyone associated with the organization and—”

“Lia, can I stop you for a second?” Trent jumps in, lifting a hand.

I can’t get a read from anyone at the table. They all seem like they are holding their breath, afraid to breathe—in a way I can relate.

“Now, this looks bad. Even if it’s not true. We all know, since your situation with Brooks wasn’t public knowledge, there’s no way you were given a leg up or anything like that. But from the outside? People are drawing their own conclusions.” Trent rubs his hands together.

“I wish you would’ve told me. I could’ve helped you,” Megan says, a touch of disappointment etching her face.

“That would’ve been best. Now our hands are tied.” Trent nods, as do other people around the table. “Unfortunately, we can’t let you keep this job.”

I’m going to throw up. My barf is going to be on display for anyone who walks by. The nausea rolls through me and my head feels like it’s full of cotton. I let my head fall forward, mostly so I can try to get myself together.

“Okay. I get it. Thanks again for—” I start to stand, using my hands to push from the table when Trent interrupts me.

“Lia, no. You can’t keepthisjob. The one you’re currently in. You can’t be leading the project with Brooks.”

“I don’t get it.” I shrug my shoulders because my brain can’t put these things together.

Trent smiles. “You’ve done a remarkable amount of good in the last few months. You work hard, love to learn new things, and love a challenge. You’re exactly what we’re looking for when it comes to the Jags organization.”

People nod along the table.

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