Flawless Desire

Joanie helps her to her feet, and guides her out, and I try not to feel hurt that mom remembers her—and not me. I’m lucky there are nurses like Joanie here, people to care for her in a way that I can’t, not anymore.

I just wish she had smiled at me like that.

* * *

Back in the city,I arrive at the tea shop in time to meet Olivia.

I think of her instruction to try harder, and my stomach tightens in a knot. The only thing I’ve been trying hard to do where Caleb Sterling is concerned is ignore him, but my visit to mom showed just what I have on the line here

The only thing I’ve been trying hard to do where Caleb Sterling is concerned is ignore him.

She looks up at me and smiles as I slide into the bench across from her. “Juliet. Fantastic. I love that color on you.”

I touch the sleeve of my sweater, wondering if she knows it’s courtesy of Caleb. “Thanks.”

“How are things going at work?” she asks with an expectant smile.

“Good.” I answer carefully. “I’m still learning the ropes.”

“Have you managed to spend much time with Caleb?”

I pause. Well, there’s the time I kissed him in his office, or the time he came to my apartment and almost seduced me. “Just around the office,” I lie. “You know, business.”

“And what do you think?” Olivia looks like she really cares, so I think before answering.

“He’s… Like you said. A CEO, through and through. Confident. Capable. He definitely has a way of commanding the room,” I add.

Especially my living room.

“Yes, but don’t let the charming, witty exterior fool you.” Olivia gives a wry look. “There’s always an ulterior motive with him. Secrets. Bad ones.” She sighs. “I hate saying it. He’s been like family to me. But he’s the one who closed the door on that, attempting to shut me out of my own business. Stealing. Lying. Don’t forget: That’s who Caleb Sterling really is.”

I nod slowly, shaken. I had forgotten.

Olivia shakes her head, collecting herself. “Have you seen anything suspicious, anything at all?”

I bite my lip. “No… But I did hear something. A phone call. He mentioned needing time to get money together.”

Olivia brightens. “That could be it! Who was it? Did you get a name?”

I shake my head.

“Exactly what did he say?” She leans forward. “Think carefully, Juliet. This is really important.”

I try to remember everything. “He said, “I told you, I need more time.” And that he understood his commitments. But it would take work to keep it under the radar.”

She frowns. “We need to know who he was talking to…” Then she brightens. “The phone! He was on his cellphone, wasn’t he?”

I nod.

“Then it will have a record of the call. Maybe even texts, or meetings…” She fixes me with a determined look. “You need to get a look at that phone.”

“But, even if I could get my hands on it, it’ll be locked. How am I supposed to take a look at anything?”

“You’re a resourceful woman, Juliet. I’m sure you can think of something.”

* * *

This is impossible.