Splintered Oak (Winsor Series Book 3) (12 page)

12
. FLAMES

NAOMI

Living with Jake and David wa
s actually turning out to be pretty nice. Neither said a word when I subtly added some colorful pillows and floral arrangements to their sharp décor. We had all settled into an easy routine. I would leave for school, David for work, and Jake would get set up for a day of trading. I could always tell whether he did well or not by how grumpy he was when I returned from class.

Lately, he’d
been getting more and more agitated. When I tried to ask him about it, he just deflected the question and said his court date was approaching and he still hadn’t heard from his lawyer. While his explanation made sense, I wasn’t buying it. Something much deeper gnawed at Jake, and he was terrible at hiding it.

I set my books down in my bedroom before confirming that no one else was home yet. The solitude felt refreshing. I turned on my favorite radio station as I began pulling out ingredients from the refrigerator. After just one night of cooking, the boys promised that if I would continue, they would buy all the groceries. That was an easy agreement to make; I love to cook, especially for men with big appetites like my brothers. Maybe
that’s why this little condo felt more like home than my apartment ever did.

Forty-five minutes later, I checked the white chili on the stove and chopped up the final ingredients to add to it. I had switched to my favorite Latin CD. Moving my hips in rhythm, I began to sing a little under my breath to the music.

Suddenly, there were large hands on my waist, and I was being swung around into Jake’s sturdy arms. He had a goofy grin on his face as he spun me around the kitchen with the music. Arms strong and deliberate, he attempted to make me salsa with him. I tripped over our feet at least twice before declaring I was done.

His face beamed, and I was sure it was the first time in days that I’d heard him laugh.

“What’s with you?” I turned again to stir the pot on the stove.

Jake leaned casually on the counter, picking up some of the vegetables I had just chopped. “My overpriced lawyer finally earned his money.”

I turned, thrilled that it was good news. From what Jake and Issy both told me, Jake had pretty much been set up as the fall guy when Issy walked out on her father.

“Really! What happened?”

Jake grinned again at my enthusiasm and kept on snacking. “He managed a deal. Six months of probation and weekly anger management counseling. As long as I show up to the session and participate, it will all go away.”

I clapped my hands and gave him a big hug. “Oh Jake, that is wonderful! I know you have to be so relieved.
Wow. What did Issy say about your news?”

His smile faded just a little as he pushed off the counter. “I h
aven’t told her yet.” His voice held no emotion.

I watched as he headed to his bedroom. For two people who used to be inseparable, it
bothered me to see how estranged they had become. Issy and I were hanging out more and more, and she always asked about Jake, which told me they weren’t really talking. Jake, on the other hand, never asked about Issy and always changed the subject when I’d bring her up. I shook my head and went back to my pot of chili. My instincts screamed at me to stay out of it, and I was desperately trying to do so.

“Hey, we should go celebrate!” Jake yelled from his room. He emerged a few minutes later looking much more casual in a pair a jeans and button up shirt. “Do you like pool?” he asked casually as he approached the kitchen again.

I shrugged and handed him plates for the table. “Sure, but I don’t want to go to a bar.”

Jake set the table and seemed to be considering his options. Finally, he got a big smile on his face. “I know just the place! You ever been to The Arcade? Pool tables, bumper cars, putt-putt golf, the works. It’s a totally PG environment for your delicate sensibilities.”

I hit him as I passed, but grinned. He may not understand it, but at least he respected me enough to honor my choices. He’d even gone so far as to quit watching certain movies and TV shows when I was home. I never asked him to, but he just did it on his own after I had excused myself one night because the language was horrific.

I kne
w I lived life in a bubble, so to say, but I didn’t see anything wrong with shielding my eyes and ears from certain things.

David walked in the door right on time and we all sat down for dinner. Things between David and Jake had been strained, but either it had gotten better or they were more skilled at hiding it from me. David prayed over our meal and Jake dutifully obliged, but as usual, I peeked up to see him rolling his eyes.

Once everyone started eating, both boys praised my dinner and I couldn’t help feeling satisfied that they were enjoying it. My mom had always taught me that a well-fed man was a happy man.

“Are you going to tell David your news?” I asked after several minutes of small talk.

David put down his spoon and turned towards Jake to listen.

“No big deal,” Jake deflected. “We got the DA to plea bargain at probation and counseling. If all goes well the next six months
, and I stay out of trouble, the charges will disappear.”

David sent Jake a genuine smile and nodded. “That’s great, man. It’s nice to see justice actually work in our favor for once.”

Jake just shrugged and changed the subject. Okay, so things were still strained, but at least they were trying, for my sake.

Our conversation moved from small talk to the different games at The Arcade to the usual stock market talk, whi
ch was always over my head. I’d picked up a lot since living with the guys, but was still baffled at the whole concept of trading money and stock. To me it seemed to be this movement of imaginary money from one place to another.

My phone rang from my bedroom, and I felt myself freeze mid bite. I knew that ring tone; I picked it specifically for Jonathan so I never miss his calls.

Noticing my reaction, Jake furrowed his brows. “You okay?”

I quietly set down my spoon and moved away from the table in what felt like slow motion. “Yeah, um, excuse me.”

They watched me leave with concern, but I blocked out their faces when I shut my door and clicked “accept” on my phone.

“Hello?” M
y voice was tentative as I tried to will my hands to quit shaking.

“Hey Naomi!” Jonathan’s
words boomed across the phone, and I could tell he was somewhere surrounded my lots of people. “Where are you? I went by your apartment today and your roommate said they hadn’t seen you in weeks. That place is a pigsty by the way.”

My heart stopped as the recognition of what he said sunk in. “You’re at Winsor?” I croaked out.

“Yeah, coach wanted us back for two-a-days, so here we are. Naomi, it’s so awesome working with the team again. I feel like I hit the jackpot,” his voice beamed.

“That’s great.”

“So where are you? I wanted to show you around out here.”

My stomach knotted again. I never had any intention of telling anyone where I was living. They wouldn’t understand. But there was no way I could lie to Jonathan if he was back on campus.

I took a deep breath. “Issy moved out and so did Avery. The two replacement roommates were terrible so I’m living with a friend temporarily until the housing office can move me.” I didn’t offer anymore and hoped he wouldn’t start fishing.

“Really? There’s someone worse than Issy? Amazing. Are you still on campus?”

“No, I’m in Asheville,” I admitted.

“Who do you know in Asheville?” He wasn’t giving up
, and I knew I was stuck. I’d just tell him and deal with the fallout. Surely Jonathan and I were still close enough that he wouldn’t go tattling on me to my family.

“I’m living with Issy’s cousin and his roommate,” I finally said. “They’ve been great, just like living with my brothers only better because they love my cooking.”

There was a long silence charged with frustration and disbelief. Butterflies swarmed my stomach. I closed my eyes and waited.

“You’re living with Jake Matthews? Are you insane? What did Alex say about this?”

“He doesn’t know. None of my family does,” I admitted quietly, trying to find some kind of conviction in my voice. Jonathan always had a way of disarming me.

More silence except I could now hear the background noise getting louder.

“Listen, Naomi, I have to go, but don’t think I’m not calling your parents the minute I get done here. You are far too trusting of people,” he accused, his voice still hardened.

“Jonathan, please, just let me explain the situation. If you still want to call them after I’m finished, then I can’t stop you, but at least give me the benefit of the doubt,” I pleaded.

“I seriously doubt you will say anything to change my mind, but fine. I’ll meet you at that little coffee shop we used to go to in two hours. Unless you don’t remember how to get there,” he threw in bitterly.

“Of course I remember.”

There was a laugh now, short and sharp as glass. “Well, I’m starting to wonder. You’ve changed so much it’s like the old you doesn’t even exist anymore. You’ve never done anything this stupid.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “I’ll be there,” I assured him.

He mumbled a goodbye and hung up the phone, leaving me feeling horrible about myself. I slowly put down the phone and returned to the table. David and Jake were both watching me closely, and I tried to send them a reassuring smile. I refused to make eye contact with Jake who seemed to be taking note of my every move.

“Who was that?” he finally asked after I began eating again in silence. His casual tone was a direct contrast to the tension I could see as his arm flexed on the table.

“An old friend is back in town. He was just calling to check up on me.”

Jake’s jaw tightened as he continued to deliberately chew his food. Finally, David broke the uncomfortable silence that seemed to be suffocating our once relaxed dinner environment.

“So, when are we heading out tonight? You guys are going down. I seriously drive a mean go kart.”

I looked up in surprise as I realized I totally forgot I had committed to go. “Oh my goo
dness, I’m so sorry. I can’t go.”

“What? Why?” Jake’s jaw had tightened even more as he dropped his spoon in the bowl.

“I have to meet Jonathan for coffee. He’s less than thrilled about my new living arrangement.” Why did I feel like I had to defend myself again? For crying out loud, I was an adult.

“First kiss, Jonathan?” Jake blurted out, his intense eyes getting even greener.

Finally, the fire that had been settling in my stomach since my phone conversation exploded. “I can’t believe you just said that! I told you that in confidence,” I yelled, standing in outrage.

Jake stood in response, his anger just as apparent as mine. “And I can’t believe you are blowing us off for some guy. That’s not how you treat your friends, Naomi.” He threw his napkin on the table and stormed off to his room.

My mouth was still open when I turned around and dropped into my seat. Jake was being ridiculous. We could go to The Arcade any time.

“You sure there’s nothing going on between the two of you?” David kidded.

“What? No, of course not!”

He just laughed at my response. “Okay, but that is an awful lot of passion for two people who aren’t even dating.”

I would have been upset if I didn’t think David was joking. If his goal was to ease the tension, it worked, and a small smile crept across my face. “You must have never seen him and Issy in action, then, because they used to fight like this all the time.”

David just nodded his head thoughtfully. “I guess that means he cares. Go figure.”

With an inner wince, I looked back at Jake’s closed door. I had no reason to feel guilty, but strangely enough, I did.

13. REALITY SETS IN

JAKE

I squeezed my eyes shut, struggling to stay calm. I really had no reason to be this infuriated. Maybe it was good though. I was starting to look forward to seeing Naomi, relying on her in a dangerous way.

I could hear mumbled voices through my closed door, which only stood to reignite the flames in my stomach. I had to get out of here. Grabbing my keys, I emerged to see them cleaning up. It was my night to do the dishes, but I didn’t care.

Marching to the front door, I refused to make eye contact. “I’m going out,” was all I said before slamming it behind me. The click from the alarm on the Mercedes calmed me a little as I dropped into the plush leather seat. Now where?

Throwing the car in gear, I drove straight to my old stomping ground, the Blue Spot. For some reason, though, I couldn’t seem to get out. I knew how the night would go if I did. I would walk in, be surrounded by guys and girls eager to do the same thing I was doing—forget the fact that they are completely and utterly alone. I’d meet a beautiful girl, buy her a few drinks, and say goodbye tomorrow morning.

I’d
been doing it for years. So why couldn’t I get out of the car?

Annoyed by the internal battle waging inside of me, I squealed out of the parking lot and just drove and drove. Before I knew it, I was parked in front of Issy’s condo, trying to get my staggered breathing under control. It dawned on me that I hadn’t had an anxiety attack since the night Naomi moved in, but now one was in full force. I gripped the steering wheel, fighting through the pain against my chest and attempted to breathe. Then came the memories.

I could picture my mother’s beautiful face as she lain withering away. Her cheeks were sallow and her eyes dull, but she could still light up the room. She would smile through all the pain, smile at me in a way I knew I could never live up to. What would she think of me now? I was alone, battered, lost, and abandoned by everyone in my life, because I was never enough for them.

My head stung as I used it to strike the steering wheel. When was the pain ever going to stop? I knew the answer—it wasn’t. If only I could smile through pain like she did, but once again I failed.

Glancing at the building in front of me, my tension eased a little. Grant or not, I needed to see Issy. I needed some reassurance that things were not as bad as they seemed.

The guard scowled at me as usual, but still called up to Issy’s condo to announce me. He nodded and then let me pass. Issy had given me an override code for the elevator after I complained I was sick of having an armed guard escort me every time I wanted to see her.

I managed a few more calming breaths before the doors opened. Little relief it was since I immediately regretted coming. Issy and Grant were locked in an embrace, ending only because I entered the room. 

“I’m going to make a few calls and see what I can find out,” Grant said, kissing her on the top of the head before passing by me. “Try to cheer this one up okay?” He slapped me on the back and got into the elevator to leave.

I turned to Issy, seeing her attempt to give me a convincing smile. It was pathetic.

“What’s going on?”
I brought her in for a quick hug. As usual, the affection felt forced and we just as quickly released each other.

She let out a deep sigh and slumped down on the couch. “I’m being clingy and dependent, that’s all.”

“Not possible.”

“No, I
really am. Grant’s father has some things going on and he needs to go out there to help him. I want to go with, but Grant doesn’t think it’s a good idea,” she explained.

My heart picked up a little as I thought about the letter I saw on Marshall Forester. Calmly, I took a seat next to her. “What kind of things?”

“You may not know this, but Grant had planned to work for his father after he graduated, but that summer, rumors started going around that his father was involved in illegal trades and fraudulent finance reporting. The SEC didn’t find any validity to the accusations, but his reputation was already ruined, so it didn’t matter. Even Grant wondered if he was guilty.”

“Ouch, I’m sure that made his father feel good.” Figures Grant wouldn’t be loyal to family when they needed him.

Issy shook her head. “Be nice. Grant feels terrible that he didn’t see the obvious.”

“What was the obvious?” I pressed.

“My father set it all up to keep Grant from leaving. He offered to buy Marshall out and then gave him a VP position. Grant stayed on with my father.”

My brain raced a mile a minute trying to find the connections. Robbie had implied that Grant still was somehow linked to Issy’s father. “So if this was years ago, why is Grant getting involved now?”

“That’s just it. It all just came up again out of the blue. After seeing what my father did to both of us, Grant realized that his father had been set up too. He started asking some questions, but those inquiries are supposed to remain confidential. Somehow, a rumor got out that Marshall was being investigated again--when he isn’t--and now all of the sudden, people are bringing complaints to the SEC. Complaints we
know
are not valid. Since Grant had knocked on that door again first, he feels terrible. Not to mention, his name is now being dragged through the mud as well. It just makes no sense.”

Guilt made me nauseous as I
tried to grasp at something that would clear me of being responsible for this mess. Too many things were not adding up. Robbie was supposed to be targeting Andrew Summers, not Grant. “Do you think your father’s involved again?” I hoped desperately that was the case.

Issy stood, pac
ing the room. “No, that’s what has Grant so worried and why he won’t take me with him. These accusations hurt my father as much as they do Marshall, because it’s in his company. There are too many discrepancies for this not to be fabricated. Grant thinks it might be a set up.”

My head was pounding as Robbie’s face fill
ed my mind. I knew the answer, but asked anyway. “Who would set him up?”

Issy’s temper flared as her cheeks heated. “Have you not listened to a word we’ve been saying, Jake? No, of course you haven’t; you’ve been too busy hating on my husband! My father is a monster, yes, but he was never the danger. It was all Robbie! He initiated the deal in the first place because he was obsessed with me. Robbie is the one who still gives me nightmares. He’s like this ghost I keep waiting to appear, and each day that he doesn’t, I get more and more afraid.” Her outburst suddenly ceased and she turned away from me so I wouldn’t see
her tears. 

Guilt washed through me, settling deep in the pit of my stomach. I hadn’t been listening, hadn’t been there for her at all. Standing, I wrapped her up from behind and kissed her head, trying my best to calm us both. “I didn’t realize you were
so afraid of him, Issy. I’m sorry.”

I almost told her, almost exposed what
a horrible person I had become, but the words were stuck in my throat. All this time, Robbie was gunning for Grant. Revenge on the one who stole his girl. I could understand his motive, but wouldn’t participate anymore. Hurting Grant hurt Issy.

The elevator doors opened and Grant hesitated when he saw us together. “You two need more time?” he asked, holding the door.

“No, I’m fine,” Issy assured him. She looked up at me. “I do feel better. Maybe I just needed someone to yell at.”

Her genuine smile came so quickly, so sincerely that I had to move away from her. Loathing everything I had become, I grabbed my keys and headed back to the elevator before she could read the guilt all over my face. Grant’s voice stopped me.

“I’m leaving next week for a few days, Jake. For my peace of mind, would you stay with her for me?”

“Of course.” I turned to leave again, trying to remain as casual as possible. It irked me that he felt the need to even ask. I’d been taking care of her long before he was ever in the picture. But then again, it was my fool
ishness that started this train.

“Oh Jake, I almost forgot to tell you!” Issy called as she stepped forward, halting my retreat. “I’ve been talking to my mom and she is getting out of rehab in two weeks. Grant’s got her all set up with a new apartment. She even has a new love interest and he sounds like a really great guy.”

My irritation turned to hatred as I looked from Issy’s happy face to Grant’s. “Looks like you’re a superhero to both of my girls now,” I replied flatly.

Issy’s shoulders fell as she watched me hit the elevator buttons.

“See ya soon,” I croaked out before the doors closed between us. Of course I knew Aunt Diana got out soon. I had been the only one who cared about her for years. I had planned on surprising her with a place not far from here, but as usual, Grant swooped in and saved the day.

Walking toward my car, I felt worse than I had when I pulled up. Seeing Issy left me dry-mouthed and sad. We were becoming strangers. I could feel my family slipping away, inch by inch, replacing me with someone better. And who could blame them? Robbie played me for a fool
, and I fell right into his hands.

I drove home slowly, hoping Naomi would still be there when I returned. The need to see her was like a burning coal in my chest. She had become my light in this ever present darkness.

To my dismay, her car was gone, and in its place was Robbie’s town car. He stood with his arms folded, casually leaning against the trunk. His two goons thankfully remained in the car. I had enough of them when he threatened me in the park.

Slamming the door for good measure, I approached Robbie’s condescending stance. “I warned you what would happen if y
ou showed up unannounced again,” I threatened.

“Yes, I recall that little conversation. Problem is, Jake, you have yet to repay your debt to me. If my figures are correct, you have made quite a bit of money off of me, and yet still fail to provide me with anything valuable.” Robbie stood crossing his arms, a faint smile resting on his emotionless face.

“From what I understand, my information on the SEC inquiry was more than useful, and I agreed to take down Summers, not Grant.”

Robbie pushed off the car and approached me, coming inches from my face. “My methods are none of your business, Jake. You are my ears, that’s all.”

I stood my ground, unwilling to play his little game anymore. “Well, you’ve gone too far this time. I’m finished. Keep your trade information to yourself, I don’t want it or need it.”

Brushing past him, I walked toward my front door. I heard the doors slam and barely had time to defend myself before my arms were captured on each side of me, keeping me completely immobile. I struggled against their tight grip, but it was no use. I was completely at Robbie’s mercy.

Robbie stepped towards me, his face so close I could see the intensity of his dark eyes. “You don’t get to decide when we’re finished. Now, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, but you will get me information on Grant.”

For the first time, I could see why Issy feared him. My stomach knotted as I braced myself for the blow I knew was coming. Pain surged through my jaw from Robbie’s punch that would have sent me to the ground if not for his goons holding me up. I spit out the blood pooling in my mouth and glared at him.

“I don’t know anything, okay? We’re not even friends. I hate the guy!”

Robbie just shook his head and sent a punch into my gut. The impact was enough to make me spew more blood from my mouth, and I struggled again to get free. A third punch split my eye as Robbie’s guys let me fall that time after the impact.

“You already won, okay? The accusations are obviously serious enough to make Grant go up there to help his father.” I struggled up to my knees, noticing for the first time that Robbie had slipped a hard metal device onto his punching hand. No wonder I had trouble seeing out of my left eye.

Robbie squatted down. “See now, Jake, I knew we understood each other. I’ll be in touch.”

They walked back to the car as I slowly crawled to my front door. Thankfully, the apartment was empty as I made my way to my bathroom. The sight in the mirror was frightening. My eye was completely swollen shut and my jaw had already begun to turn an ugly shade of purple. Irony shot through me. For the first time in my life, my outward appearance reflected what I had been for years on the inside—a broken man.