Page 16 of Mr. January

"Sure,"I say to him, turning back to Anika."Give me just a second, okay, baby girl? I'll be right back."

Knox leads me to the bank of elevators, away from the listening ears of the nursing staff nearby. I can feel the weight of the conversation about to unfold.

"Look, I need to get back to the casino. There's some stuff going on there with the media and everything. Word of last night's games got out in the underground, and my parents just called,"Knox begins, a sense of urgency in his voice.

A wave of anxiety washes over me."Did I cause any of that?"I ask nervously, scared to hear the answer but knowing the truth.

Knox takes a deep breath, choosing his words carefully."The incident last night with the card counting did not help things. There were some regulars who decided to turn‘us’in, not knowing who I am, and now, it's become a whole thing. Your name has come up, Robyn."

Panic starts to set in, but Knox continues, his voice filled with concern."Look, I'm trying to protect you the best I can. You don’t need this worry on top of everything you have going on here with your sister. I think maybe you should consider resigning from your position at the casino?—"

I cut him off immediately, my desperation clear in my voice."Knox, I can't do that. You know I have to provide for my sister and my other siblings, and I just can't afford to be without a job right now. I really can't go looking for something else. Please, I'll do anything, even if you suspend me for a couple of days?—"

Knox interrupts before I can continue, his voice filled with urgency."Look, I'm just saying you need to step away from the casino for a little while. I've reached out to my brother Reese."He pulls out his wallet and hands me a business card. I look at it, and it bears the name"Reese Forrester"and the logo of Forrester Media.

"He's willing to talk with you about an opportunity at Forrester Media, which is away from the casinos and away from the heat of everything that's going on. That way, you'll have a nine-to-five office job, you'll be able to get home to be with your siblings at night, you'll be making more money, and quite frankly, you'll be able to go back to school for night classes. Hell, I may even go back with you. It's a good opportunity, Robyn. If I were you, I would take it. If you don't feel comfortable, I understand that too, but please just let me help you."

I look from the business card to Knox, his eyes pleading with me. I can feel the sincerity in his words, and I know he wants to help me. Everything in me wants to say 'yes,' but I also don't want to feel like a charity case. Right now, I can't afford to say anything other than...

"Okay, I will call your brother."

A look of relief washes over his expression, and I can see the gratitude in his eyes."Thank God. I will tell him to expect your call. I'll be back in touch once all of this blows over. I also want to come back to see about your sister."

I nod, and as our eyes meet, I can sense the unspoken desire between us. I miss the feel of him and the intimacy we shared. He steps closer, his gaze dropping from my eyes to my lips, and I can see the longing in his eyes. I want him to kiss me, and I can tell he wants it, too.

"Thank you, Knox, for everything,"I breathe before he finally leans in to kiss me. The kiss steals my breath as he draws me close to him, his arm snaking around my waist. It's a passionate kiss filled with all the chemistry we've shared.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," he says before reluctantly backing away as a group of people exit the elevator. He steps inside, waving at me as the doors close behind him.

Chapter Thirteen

Knox - present day

Ispent the last few weeks with Genesis, sharing the intricate story details between Robyn and me for the article. As I recounted our journey, it felt like a bittersweet trip down memory lane. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the time we had spent together, especially in those early days.

I told Genesis about our blossoming feelings for each other. How we both decided to go back to school together to pursue our MBAs. It was during those late-night study sessions and shared dreams of success that we truly connected. And then there was Anika, Robyn's little sister, who had captured my heart from the moment I met her. I had been there for her through her medical treatment, watching her grow up year by year. She had become my little sidekick for a few years, and I cherished those moments dearly.

But as I continued the story, a heavy sense of regret settled in. Over the years, Robyn and I had grown apart, and it felt like an invisible force was pulling us in different directions. It hurt me deeply because I still wanted her, perhaps more than ever.

Genesis listened intently, her eyes filled with wonderment at the complexity of our relationship. She was taking notes diligently, trying to unravel the intricate web of emotions and events that had transpired between me and Robyn.

However, beneath the surface of our budding romance, a foreboding obstacle loomed large: my mother, Rachael Forrester. She had vehemently opposed our relationship from the moment she discovered it, driving Robyn and me to conceal our bond. Despite our best efforts to keep it a secret, the truth eventually unraveled, especially after Robyn's significant promotion to editor-in-chief.

As I continued to share the story with Genesis, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. My mother's meddling had cast a shadow over our relationship, and I knew deep down her influence had played a significant role in the way things had turned out. It was a foreboding presence I couldn't ignore, and I feared it might continue to affect our lives unexpectedly.

One particular afternoon, Genesis and I find ourselves in my office, seated at a large mahogany desk that doubles as a dining table. A spread of delectable lunch items awaits us, neatly arranged on fine china plates. There are turkey and avocado sandwiches, lightly toasted to perfection, a bowl of vibrant mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, and a platter of assorted fruits, including succulent strawberries and crisp apple slices. It's a tasteful selection that my assistant Ellie thoughtfully brought in for us to enjoy.

As Genesis takes a bite of her turkey sandwich, her eyes remain fixed on me, her curiosity evident. She's particularly interested in where Robyn and I stand now, and the thought of our current situation seems to weigh heavily on her.

"Are you and Robyn in a good space now or even trying to work on your relationship?"Genesis inquires, her words slightly muffled by the delicious sandwich."I swear at Thanksgiving eve, you could cut the tension with a knife between the two of you. And I will have to turn this story in for her review very soon… Where do the two of you stand? Will she be okay with you sharing all of this?"

I let out a sigh, contemplating her questions."It's difficult because I think we still have feelings for each other, at least I know I have feelings for her, but she keeps her distance,"I reply, my voice tinged with irritation."My mother has a hell of a lot to do with it. You know her philosophy of her 'boys' dating down to those who report to us."

Genesis groans in understanding, her own experiences with my mother's meddling in her relationship with my brother Reese no doubt fresh in her mind. My mother, the formidable Rachael Forrester, makes it her life's mission to stick her nose where it doesn't belong, especially regarding her sons' love lives. I suspect she's been equally suspicious of Genesis and Reese's relationship, even if neither of them is willing to admit it.

Recognizing the need to shift the conversation away from her and my brother, Genesis deftly changes the topic, allowing me to continue sharing the intricate details of my complicated history with Robyn.

"When I first met Robyn," Genesis began, checking her notes, "she told me you and she met at school, that you went to graduate school together."

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