Page 23 of Unwrapping Spring Break

Still, it doesn’t make it hurt any less. I’ll allow myself to wallow tonight and drown my sorrow in a glass of whiskey.

The next day, I pick myself back up. Shave, shower, and plaster a fake smile on my face. It’s such a little thing, but I dress for how I want to feel: professional, calm, and dignified. A suit it is.

This is how I present myself when I walk into my lawyer’s office an hour later. “Hello, Shirley. Is he in?”

“Why, hello, Jax. I hope you’re well. You can go on in, he’s expecting you.” She flashes me a smile and nods toward his door.

Since Alexander and I started the partnership, Jeffrey Briggs has represented my personal and business interests. No doubt he’s worried he’s losing a big account.

“Briggs,” I say as I walk into his office, then close the door behind me.

“Jax.” He stands to shake my hand and gestures toward the small meeting table. “Have a seat.” Briggs is a few years older than me and has an excellent poker face. If he’s worried, I can’t tell.

“Right.” I nod. We’re going to be here a while. I set up my laptop and briefcase in the spot where I’ve sat so many times before. I swear this won’t be the last time I sit here. Briggs pours us some water and then joins me at the table.

He opens his laptop and scoots over a file folder that looks big enough to contain an abridged encyclopedia.

“So, Simmons sent me everything.” Simmons is Alexander’s lawyer. I can only imagine how the conversation between the two legal representatives went since this was so sudden. “I need to review some of the terms and conditions with you and then you can sign and initial everything. The financial transfer should be soon after that.”

Two hours of paperwork later, I scribble my signature on the final document. Shirley acts as the witness and notary public, so everything gets handed to her for stamping and filing. Three of the fingers on my right hand are numb, reflecting how I feel inside now that the business is officially dissolved.

A frown settles on my face as I pack up my copies and place them in my briefcase. I can feel Briggs watching me while he organizes his copies. Silence fills the office for a moment before he asks the one question I hoped he wouldn’t.

“What happened down there?”

So, either Alexander didn’t tell his lawyer, or Simmons didn’t tell Briggs. I’m not about to enlighten him. “Nothing I want to talk about.” My laptop snaps shut a little rougher than I intend.

“People don’t suddenly break a partnership of twenty years, Jax.” Briggs has advised me on business matters many times over, but this is one thing he doesn’t have a voice in.

We stand as I gather my things. I look up to meet his eyes, and his concern is apparent. “When I figure out what I intend to do next, I’ll schedule an appointment. You haven’t lost me as a client.” To discourage any further discussion or questions, I head for the door.

Not that Briggs gets the message. “That’s not what this is about, Jax.”

I stop with my hand on the doorknob and sigh. “I know.” Glancing over my shoulder, I look back at Briggs and meet his gaze again, offering a small smile. “Some things are worth the sacrifice. That’s all I’ll say.”Lily.She’s worth any sacrifice.

Once I arrive home, I place my laptop back on my desk and tuck the paperwork into my safe. Then, I change into jeans and a T-shirt. Great. Now I have nothing to do. Nothing to distract me. Nothing to pull me out of this impending uncertainty. The weight of reality settles around me, similar to the sudden silence that follows a loud crack of thunder. It’s more ominous than the noise itself.

I’m not sure if desperation or honest courage inspires me, but I pick up my cell and call Lily. My finger jabs the call button before I can overthink my actions. I did hesitate before. Now, there’s nothing to lose. I can’t let fear make my choices.

The call goes to voicemail.Just my luck.I glance at the clock on the wall and realize it’s her first day back from spring break. She’s probably teaching. Instead of chickening out, I wait for the beep to leave a message. I’m committed at this point.

Beep!

“Lily, it’s Jax.” My voice sounds stupid in my ears. “I want to ask if we can meet to talk. Just talk. Please. Let me know. Thanks.” I stop talking and don’t realize how long I’ve been holding the phone until the automated voice asks me if I want to rerecord. Shaking my head, I hang up. There isn’t anything I can say that wouldn’t sound just as ridiculous.

I set my phone down on the table and make my way to the minibar on the other side of my office. I’m midpour when my phone rings. My heart skips a beat in excitement as I assume it’s Lily calling me back. I abandon the glass and run to pick up the phone.

“Hey, thanks for calling me back.”

My heart falls when I realize who’s on the other end. “Hello, Jaxon. I’m glad you answered.”

“Gretchen?” Why is Lily’s mother calling me? We’d had the long conversation about Lily and me after the argument with Alexander, but I didn’t think anything would come of it. All I did was explain my thoughts and feelings. Gretchen hadn’t said much after that.

“What can I do for you?” My words are delivered with politeness. It’s not Gretchen who deserves my anger.

“There’s a meeting you need to attend tomorrow morning. 9 a.m. I’ll text you the details.”

“Wait, what?” I don’t think I’ve felt this confused before. “What’s this about?”

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