Reed's Reckoning

“That’s all fucking great, Sarah, but what ‘wouldn’t you have been a part of’?” Reed questions her with venom.

“I can’t talk about it. It’s too personal—”

“You don’t think this shit is personal to us? I let you into my home, around my son. I introduced you to the best man I know hoping to give you both happiness. This is my family, you bitch! I don’t know what you did, but you better explain right now.” I surprise myself with my outburst.

Her eyes grow wide again and she starts to cry. “I can’t tell you! Don’t you understand? It will hurt a lot of people if it gets out! I was young and naïve. I could lose everything I have worked for.”

Trey takes over and starts gathering the papers on the table.” We are done here. I have my leads. I will be in Tallahassee the next few days if you need to reach me.”

At his words she lurches for him, “No!”

“Listen here, little lady, we gave you a chance. You have one more. If not, I find out on my own, and I don’t have to be quiet on my reporting.”

“No, no, no… You can’t go back there. It will ruin everything!” She is pleading with him and I lean into Reed for support.

“Don’t see how considering you won’t give us anything. I’m being paid to uncover a deception and I’m damn good at my job.”

“Please just let it alone!” she wails and customers turn our way.

I grow a backbone and sit up straight. Reed tries to hold me but I break free and lean into the table. “I can stop him, Sarah. I can put this all to an end. Reed listens to me but not if he thinks I’m in danger—or if he wants answers. Well, give me answers now, no more bullshitting. You have one more chance.”

Her face crumbles and she throws it in her hands. We all sit back and wait until she hiccups a few times, then looks at me with sadness.

“I was involved with the Dean at the Business College. He was married and I was stupid. I was very careful, but Alex found my journal. She blackmailed me with threats to expose us. She convinced me you were a gold-digging whore one night over tequila shots, but I didn’t know you. I’d never even seen a picture of you. I told Dean Harris I would walk away and he would be safe with his tenure and family if he threatened you. Alex provided the picture of you standing by the gym waiting.”

“I’ve heard you insult Ari twice now. She’s not trash and she’s not a gold-digging whore. If you say it again, or anything like it, I will unleash Sophie on your ass.” Luke growls.

“What about me? I was minding my own business when you approached me.” Jack finally speaks up.

She looks ashamed but answers. “I was supposed to get close to you to find out about Reed.”

“So basically you’re a slut!” Reed shouts.

Her face flinches and she nods, “You have every right to call me that. I thought I found true love in Dean Harris. He promised me so much but let me leave him when he knew his reputation was on the line. I was numb and until I met Luke, I had no idea what a good relationship was.”

“Lady, how do I even respond to that? You asked me to stay away from my best friend and Godson. That’s a good relationship?” Luke questions her.

“Don’t you understand? Once you told me Ari would go back to Reed, I knew we could be happy.”

“You’re sick, just sick. Arianna Williams could be in bum-fuck Egypt and I would be there with her. She’s my family. Hell, she’s closer to me than family. She’s gone through more with me than anyone knows. I may seem like a rock to her, but she is my lifeline when it comes to keeping me sane. So fuck you.”

I look in Luke’s eyes and know exactly what he means. I helped him through some tough times and we will always be together. We are used to people not understanding the connection we built as kids.

“Anything else?” Trey directs the question to Sarah.

“Yeah, I am fucked. Not sure if you know, but Alex Moore is outside watching.”

“Who cares?” I ask.

“Oh, Ari, didn’t you know? Her dad’s company is the multi-million dollar account you and Phillip just signed. We’re both screwed.”

“Go, Trey! Get her! I’m filing a restraining order today!” Reed yells and Trey takes off.

I start shaking and Reed gathers me in his arms. I hold on tight until Luke reaches me.

“Damn, Ari, you can never catch a break. I’ve got you.” Luke says softly into my ear. Reed lets me go but kisses the top of my head and runs after Trey. Jack moves to his side.