Page 7 of An Unexpected Everything
“How is work, Isabella?” Mom asked as she nibbled on her green beans. I wasn’t sure she remembered exactly where I worked now.
I met Sophia’s gaze, and really wanted to lie at that moment. Instead, I told the truth. Because somebody had to in this family. “I really love it. I work with Flynn, James, and Aston often. And I can work remotely. Which is great because I don’t have to dress in a suit every day. But the company is brilliant. I can see why they want to preserve it. I’m really enjoying my job. Which is an odd feeling considering I hated the other one.”
My mother dropped her fork before wiping her mouth with her napkin. “I had forgotten you moved companies. I still find it peculiar that they hired you out of the blue. I thought you were doing well and rising in the ranks of your other place of employment.”
Kyler raised a brow, glancing at me as he sipped his beer. We hadn’t mentioned my job change often, and for good reason. And yet here we were, in the same conversation.
Mom’s eyes tightened.
“They treated Isabella like crap. They gave her way too many projects, little to no money, and made her work long hours. Plus there were no paths to higher positions because she’s a woman.” Sophia played with the stem of her wine glass. “At least our brothers treat her well and it’s a real job they needed someone for. They really needed her.”
My lips twitched, and I winked at my sister. “It’s true. The person before me was decent at the job, but I’m better.” Perhaps I was a bit boastful. But I never aspired to be humble in positions where a man could easily say something and not be looked down upon.
“I love when you’re sure of your talents,” Phoebe put in. “It makes me smile. And it’s true. You are one of the best forensic accountants I know.”
“I think I’m the only forensic accountant you know,” I added dryly.
Mom was quiet for so long I was afraid another piece of my already shattered heart would erode into dust, but she surprised me with a tight smile. “I’m glad they were able to fit you into the company. You deserve the best, Isabella.”
I knew my mom was trying, but I didn’t understand her motivation. Was she showing her true colors underneath the woman we thought we’d known? Or perhaps she was hurting as much as we were—after all, she’d been Dad’s mistress. Either way, I was just tired of this. Tired of so much.
And my family didn’t even know the half of it.
We finished dinner with relative peace and afterward, we each helped with dishes. Kyler ended elbow deep in dishwater and later took out the trash, which I smiled at. The man was a freaking rockstar who had paparazzi and fans screaming for him and following him daily. If they only knew the real man behind Caged and Reckless.
I finally headed out to my car. I had more paperwork to deal with when I got home, and not because I was forced to, but because I wanted a second look. I hadn’t lied to make my mother feel bad. Ilikedworking with my brothers and wanted to make their company shine. I didn’t consider itmycompany. I hadn’t worked toward that and while it was a family company, I wasn’t physically or emotionally ready for that talk.
“You want to tell me what really happened?” Kyler asked.
I whirled, not having realized he had been behind me. My heart raced, my hand shaking. I really should have been better at knowing my surroundings. Especially after everything that happened.
Kyler’s eyes widened before he reached out and gripped my shoulders. “What’s wrong, Isabella? Why the hell are you so jumpy?”
Bile rose in my throat, and I did my best to calm my breathing. I hadn’t had a reaction like that for too long, and I didn’t want to have it again.
“William is out,” I blurted, hating that I said the words. Because William didn’t even earn a place in my life. And yet, he was in my nightmares.
The reason that I couldn’t breathe. The reason I woke up in a cold sweat nearly every night and had trouble focusing at work. The reason I had needed to visit my best friend Blakely in Cage Lake. The reason I had fallen. The reason I had seen Weston again.
Kyler’s face went stony, his eyes narrowing, his jaw tightening. He gripped my shoulders even more and let out a harsh breath.
“Why the hell is he out?
I nearly let a tear fall but I held I back. “He got out early. He only served three years. I don’t know why they let him out but he’s on parole.” I swallowed back bile, knowing the worstwas coming. “And he sent a letter letting me know. He said he wouldn’t visit but I don’t trust him.”
Kyler cursed, then began to pace. “I’m leaving on tour soon, damn it.”
“I know you are. We are proud of you.” Talking about him let me breathe. Honestly thinking of the immense talents of any of my siblings helped.
“You should stay with Aston. Or one of the other Cages that have those big houses that have high security. I don’t like you alone.”
I raised a brow at my little brother, a slight warmth sliding through the cold. “I have security at my place. I just freaked out for a moment because you startled me. William hasn’t seen me in years. He probably isn’t even thinking of me after that letter.”All lies.
Kyler raised a single brow at my lie, and I let out a soft breath.
“I’m not going to spill all of my secrets to everyone. Nobody needs to know what happened.”
“It’s not your fault, Isabella.”
