Restoration & Forgiveness (Renovate Book 2) (25 page)

"What are you two plotting?" A sleepy Reese appears, and Kaleb gets up, going to her like a magnet. His eyes only look at her with love and adoration. It puts a smile on my face, because these two people are so perfect for one another it makes me giddy. I'm not jealous of them; I could never have that emotion toward my friends.

I give them some privacy; I know exactly what's going to happen in about ten seconds, and I'd rather not witness their canoodling.

I treat the day as any other, and anticipate putting more of my plan in motion. I'm not sure how long it may take; possibly weeks, or months. I know I have to be patient. The sooner Kaleb does his part the better it will be for all of us.

I talk to Liam, and although he's helping me, I can tell he's uncomfortable talking about Keegan with me. He doesn't talk me out of it, just reminds me that it may not turn out the way I picture it in my head. I'm aware of that, and I try not to think about it. At least we will know the truth. My gut is telling me that I need to do this no matter the outcome.

As I'm packing up to leave work I get a text.

FoxTrot: Mission Complete

Kaleb insisted on being stealthy, as he called it, and changing his name in my phone, as well as mine in his, during his secret mission, as he wanted to call it. Who was I to deny him what he asked. He was doing me a huge favor, and a risky one.

PrincessPeach: That was fast any problems?

FoxTrot: No, A-OK. The Goose was showering.

PrincessPeach: I could kiss you

Naturally, he would choose the princess from Super Mario Bros, his favorite video game of all time.

FoxTrot: In your dreams, Princess P

PrincessPeach: Seriously, I owe you. BIG!

FoxTrot: All in a day's work, mam

PrincessPeach: How is Goose?

FoxTrot: He's seen better days. Must abort this message will self-destruct in 2 minutes

The conversation ends, and I take comfort that the first step is completed. The second will be discussing this further with Liam. He's booked a flight and will be here in a week's time. I remind myself that this is all going to work out and end the way it's supposed to. I'm giving it my best shot, and that's all I'm capable of for now. I ponder plan B, and the only thing I can come up with is kidnapping. This has to work, or I may be facing jail time. He's worth it, though; I would do just about anything to fix this whole mess. Jail time seems like a small price to pay.

Chapter Twenty-Four

I just about go stir-crazy waiting for Liam. One week; that's how long it's been since I last saw Keegan. The pain in my heart increases every day. We've had no contact, and I don't reach out to him. I can't until I have proof that Gretchen has once again manipulated him.

Liam opts to stay in a hotel rather than our apartment. It's his idea, and I can see he's taking steps to move on. I think he always knew where my heart belonged; he was just happy I gave him a little piece of myself, and maybe in another life things would have been different, but in this one I'm fully committed to Keegan.

We agree to meet at a coffee shop close to my place. He has a full schedule, one spending some time with Reese, and another is fulfilling his duties as a groomsmen in his college friend's wedding while he's here, so after our meeting, he's going to take his sister to dinner. He invited me, but I think he needs some sibling time. The timing of him traveling here is perfect, I know everything could have been explained on the phone, but I feel more comfortable speaking to him in person.

When I walk into the coffee shop he looks up, and stands. He's already ordered our coffee, and I can see the steam lifting off mine.

When I reach the table he pulls me into a friendly hug. We both sit, and I go over everything again for him, not leaving anything out.

"Do you think he has any chance of disbanding and just being able to work independently? Take his clients with him, and start off fresh?" I ask him.

"It's hard to say, but the original contract is ironclad; her family basically funded the entire operation."

I was hoping he would tell me the opposite, but that's why we're going over things right now, so we don't miss anything.

"Kaleb faxed me everything he had, as well as the documentation you wanted investigated."

"Any word on how long it may take?" I ask.

"I don't know for sure, the guy I have working on it says it could take a while. Looks like there were a few different labs involved."

I nod in understanding, taking a sip of my coffee. He notices my mood shift.

"Aimee, these things take time. I have someone digging on her, but her family is very well-off. I do know one of the labs that was involved in the test looks to be on a list of charities for her family."

That's great news, and the proof we need. Why hadn't he told me this already?

"I know what you're thinking, but do you know how hard it is to prove they doctored up a genetic test? If we don't have the proper evidence, Aimee, it could all be disproved."

"Maybe if I just tell him, it will be enough," I tell him.

Liam lets out a long breath, eying me sympathetically.

"You could, but proving she's done something illegal first would benefit both Keegan and Kaleb," he states.

"Okay, I get it," I say.

It's the truth, and I'm not going to run to him, even though my feet want me to. I miss him so much, and I'm holding on by one thin thread.

"Your grandmother's ring looks good on you." He points to the ring on my left hand.

"Thank you," I reply.

"You're strong, Aimee, and no matter what happens you'll be fine. If it works out, you have got a great story to tell."

I want that, to tell hundreds of stories to my grandchildren, so they can pass them down. I want to tell happy stories, though.

"How's your dad?" he asks.

His concern is welcome, even if he's just trying to take my mind off things.

"He's doing good, checking in with me. He's following the doctor's orders and taking it easy. He's trying to avoid another trip from me. I may have driven him a bit crazy."

"Well, I'm sure that's not true. Who wouldn't love to have a daughter like you taking care of them?"

I'm not sure if he's just trying too hard to make conversation, or flirting. It makes me nervous; I don't want him to think that he's an option. I want him to be happy too. He's important to me, and I don't want to hurt him any more than I have.

"He doesn't like being taken care of. He practically kicked Keegan and me out after two weeks."

His eyes go sad when I mention Keegan's name.

"I'm glad he was there for you. I know I gave you a hard time about him, but I can now see that he cares for you. If he's loves you enough to let you go then he's a better man than I am."

That had to be tough for him to admit. I'm positive he'll be fine. When the time is right he'll meet who he's meant to be with.

"Liam, I know that was difficult, and I can't tell you how much that just meant to me."

"Well, he built you a goddamn castle, Aimee; how can anyone compete with that?"

I blush at his humor, which is laced with a tiny amount of envy.

He quickly comes back with a smile that tells me he's fine. I'm glad I've always been able to read him so clearly.

"I just want you to know I'm doing everything I can. I know what is at stake, for not just you, but Reese as well. My nephew or niece needs a father who has a job," he jokes.

I smile at him, and we talk about Reese and Kaleb. I even joke about twins, and there is a sparkle in his eyes. I have no doubt this baby or babies will have the best uncles who shower all kinds of love.

Liam and I walk back to the apartment together. We don't say much on the way back; all that needed to be said was. The closure that was needed occurred, and I'm lighter for it.

Liam needs to make a phone call and decides to wait for Reese outside. He hugs me tightly, and he gives me an innocent peck on the cheek. I smile up at him. As we pull apart, I can feel
him
behind us. Timing is a strange thing, and never on my side. What is actually a friendly farewell may look totally different to a bystander.

"You've found a better man." The voice sends cold ice right down my back.

I want to say "fuck you, universe, for your crappy timing." When I turn Keegan is staring at us, I'm frozen. How do I explain this without letting him know what I've been planning? What we are all doing behind his back.

"Keegan," I whisper, backing away from Liam.

Liam and Keegan just stare at one another for a moment. The tension rolls off the both of them. I'm ashamed to have even been put in this position.

"I'll just let you two talk. If you need me, I'll be upstairs." Liam squeezes my hand and leaves.

"I would ask why he's here, but I'm guessing good news travels fast. I just didn't expect him to swoop in so soon."

"Keegan, it's not what you think, the opposite actually. We are just friends, and he's here on business, and to see Reese."

"I've heard the whole friend thing before, Aimee," he points out.

I'm hurt that he thinks I would move on from him, like it could ever be a choice.

"Why would you think that, there's no one else for me but you." I move toward him, but he backs away from me, holding his hands up, warning me to stay where I am. I don't want to. I just want to touch him, show him how much he means to me.

"It doesn't matter, Aimee; I don't want to be like this with you, I didn't come here to accuse you of anything," he says.

"Why are you here then?"

"I didn't think it was going to be this hard, but I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving the city."

Why would he leave? His life is here.

"Did something happen? Are you okay?" I ask, concerned for him.

"Physically, yes. I just can't be here anymore; there's nothing keeping me here anymore."

He sounds like he's given up entirely. This is too sudden and impulsive. Out of character for him. He's not this impulsive. I expect this from Kaleb, but not him.

"You're scaring me." I start to cry.

"Aimee, don't make this harder than it has to be. I need to leave."

I've lost all of my emotions. The tears are flowing, and I'm my own personal waterfall.

"You can't leave, you live and work here," I remind him.

He inches closer, grabbing my hand, and the people passing begin to stare. I'm too upset to care. Moving us to a secluded corner, he pulls my chin up to look at him, and I notice his blue eyes aren't as bright, and they are surrounded by red.

"I've given my portion of the company to Kaleb. It happened fast; it had to, before Gretchen found out."

"Where are you going? When are you coming back?" I breathe.

I know before he even says the words that he isn't going to tell me, and he has no intention of returning.

"I can't tell you that."

"I need you, I can go with you." He looks at me as if he's considering my words.

"If I thought there was any way I could give you what you want, I would. I've gone over it a million times. I love you, Aimee Brennan, and I want what's best for you, and it's not me."

I start to cry harder, again. Every time the good-bye becomes more pained. I don't know what else to do.

"Don't run away. I'm sorry I did, but please don't run away," I beg.

"God, if you only knew, Aimee."

"To the stars," I profess.

He wipes away my tears and kisses me gently on the lips.

"To the stars," he returns. Then he walks away. I don't have the energy to follow him, or be angry with him. I watch him walk away, and once his figure disappears, I slowly collapse onto the dirty sidewalk. I cry like I've never cried before. I'm not sure how long I'm even there. Every part of me has been sucked away. I'm just a body. You can call it shock, but this is total obliteration of my heart. I can't even tell if it still beats.

I'm vaguely aware of being picked up by strong arms. I open my eyes, but they aren't his, but Kaleb's.

"I promised I'd take care of you, I'd never let anything happen to you, Aimee."

"Did he tell you where I was?" I ask.

"No, Aimee. I made that promise to him when you were six years old. I intend to keep it." I bury my face in his chest.

I'm not sure how much time passes, but when I'm a little less numb, I take in my surroundings. Several sets of eyes are all looking at me.

"He left. Why didn't any of you tell me what he was planning?" I ask.

Reese is the first to speak. "Honey, he made up his mind, and once everything was transferred over to Kaleb, he decided he couldn't be here. He couldn't be in the same city without you."

I sit up. "He doesn't have to be. I never left him. I wasn't ever going anywhere."

"We know, but we couldn't tie him down and force him."

They could have at least tried, or warned me.

"I would have." I turn from them. Their concern isn't appreciated. They are treating me like a delicate piece of glass. I'm not ready to stop fighting.

"Your dad called," Kaleb informs me.

"Is he okay?"

"Yes, he said it was his usual check-in."

I totally forgot. After everything, his health shouldn't be the farthest thing from my mind. I'm a crappy daughter. I put on a brave face and do my best to appear normal when I call him, even though I'm dying inside.
 

Chapter Twenty-Five

It's been six months since Keegan left me on the sidewalk outside my apartment. It feels like twenty years. When he left, no one had a clue where he disappeared to. He intended it that way. Liam helped search for him. His parents didn't even know, or at least he asked them not to disclose where he was. I've thought about him every day since then. Then Liam's private investigator found him. He was right under our noses the entire time. It should have been the first place we looked.

After Kaleb became the only other partner, Gretchen didn't have a leg to stand on. I considered she had four since I thought of her as a dog. That's a lot of legs to not have. Liam was amazing. It took a few months, but his guy, as he called him, was able to trace a paper trail. Gretchen falsified the lab reports and used her family's money, and influence. Coercion is what Liam told her, and she was done. She was forced to walk away quietly, the contract was dissolved and the entire company is Kaleb's. He's the sole owner, and I can't think of anyone better deserving.