Love You Always

“No, you’re not good. We’re getting lunch.” I sigh, grabbing my purse from under my desk, knowing there is no point in fighting her.

“Burgers?” she asks. I nod, knowing she’s talking about the diner around the corner.

“Truffle fries.” She moans like she hasn't eaten in a year. I always wonder where she puts all this food.

“Did you return that necklace?” I ask as we push out the front doors of our office building.

“Yes. I dropped it off over at Kim’s last night.” She makes a face of displeasure. “You should have kept that thing. Pawned it or something. Screw him. You deserved to have it after he stood you up.”

“It felt wrong,” I admit. I don’t know why but that necklace is sitting worse with me than him having stood me up.

“Kim was pissed. She is going to rip into her brother.” I bite my lip to keep from asking but I can’t help myself.

“Do you know why he didn't show?” For some reason it matters to me when again it shouldn’t.

“She didn't really say. She was surprised about the necklace, then chalked it up to his assistant, Mark, having done it. I guess he has him do everything.” This doesn't actually make me feel better. He couldn't even take the time to pick out the necklace he was using as an apology. I think maybe this guy is a player and his sister doesn't know. Who just has random jewelry they can pick up on a whim to send in apology? Someone who has too much money and no regard for other people's time or feelings. That’s who.

“You want to try again?”

“Ha, no.” I shake my head as we enter the diner. Amelia calls out to Stan telling him that we’ll have our normal as we take our seats in a booth.

“Not with him. He’s clearly a jerk who needs an assistant to function. Who wants a man they have to take care of?” Our drinks hit the table. Oddly I’m not opposed to taking care of a man. I don’t mean that I want to coddle one but there is something inside of me that’s always longed for that whole white picket fence and two point five kids. The dream where my daughter and I would spend Saturdays cooking baked goods for some fundraisers and have backyard parties with friends and family. In those dreams, I took care of my husband as much as he took care of me. That all sounds good in my head but I’m sure it’s not real. At least, I’ve never seen it unless you count on TV or in a book.

“I’m just not sure I’m up for dating.” I take a sip of my iced tea.

“I got you to go yesterday. Don’t let this one incident get you down.” She knocks on the table so I’ll look over at her and not out the window. “I know you want someone, Mia. You’re shy and not going to go looking. That’s why you have a best friend like me.” She beams, making me laugh. “Come on. Give me another chance,” she begs.

I let out a long sigh. “Fine,” I give. She probably knew I was going to. I have a bad habit of being talked into things. She pulls out her phone and starts clicking away. I’m sure she’s already on the hunt.

Our food hits the table a few minutes later and we dig in knowing we don’t have a ton of time. When we get back to the office I cringe when I see a note on my desk to come see Mrs. Brenner.

“What now?” I show it to Amelia. How could I be in trouble? I got a giant collection the other day. I should be golden for months.

“Maybe she wants to congratulate you?” Amelia puts her purse under her desk. “I’m sure it’s fine. Go talk to her and get it over with before you start assuming the worst.”

I drop my purse under my desk knowing Amelia is right. Just get it over with. I make my way to Mrs. Brenner’s office and give a small knock.

“Come in.” I push open the door further since it’s already standing ajar.

I hold up the post-it she left on my desk. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yeah. I’m going to need your help.” She pulls out another one of those folders. “I need you to make this collection. You seem to have better luck with him. He paid you on the first call. Everyone else that tries to call gets the same response from him. He tells them, ‘Nope, try again.’ Then hangs up on them.”

I look down at the name Maxwell Kennedy. My eyes linger on his last name, Kennedy. It is a pretty common name but what are the chances? There’s no way that it could be the same person I was supposed to go out with last night. “He has another debt?” This time it’s five million. “Can you even turn in a debt that big?” I pick up the folder. I mean, I’ll give it a shot. This commission would make my year. Hell, it would last me five years. I’m going to make Mr. Kennedy pay even if he isn’t the man that stood me up.