She tilts her head to the side, looking at the ceiling with squinted eyes, then looks to my computer with pursed lips. She repeats the notion a few times then blows out a breath. “Hmm, it’s not exactly what I was thinking, but I guess I’ll accept your job offer.”
“There was no job offer!”
“I’m free to start training on Saturday, right after you drive me to the mall for new work clothes.”
“Sweat pants and t-shirts are fine, you wench.” I scowl, realizing I’ve been played to the nth degree by Annie Graham.
“Maybe after a few months, with my salary, I can afford a gas-guzzling, rich people, slick ride like yours.”
“I didn’t offer you a salary!”
“We’ll see.” She stands easily and breezes away, not a hint of pain in her hip or pelvis.
My phone rings, and I almost hit ignore before my mom calls over her shoulder, “You may want to answer Stephanie’s call. She’s excited about our new arrangement and ready to visit next week.”
Fuck me.
My mom and best friend have just conspired against me and won.
Well-played, girls. Well-played.
Chapter 3
Pierce
“I’m sorry, but unless you have an appointment, I can’t squeeze you in today. How about Friday?” The young receptionist is only doing her job, but I’m in no mood to deal.
“Darlin’, do me a favor and call Evin. Tell him Pierce Kendrick is here to see him. He’ll make time.”
Her eyes bulge at the recognition of my name, and she bites her lower lip nervously. Kendrick Construction is a huge client at this bank, and most people know my family name. Dad handles most of this side of the business, but in the off chance I’m involved, I always go to a different branch. It was an unspoken pact between Evin and me.
We used to be friends and knew that the way things were going with Darby and me, we’d one day be brothers. The first time we saw each other after she left, I took one look at him and knew he knew what happened between us. He glared at me with a hatred that seared deep. No matter what had happened, he blamed me. From that day on, all ties were severed. On the few occasions we ran into each other, it was awkward and tense. I’m stepping over the line today for one reason only.
I need answers.
Hesitantly, she presses a button on her earpiece and turns her back, whispering. When she spins around, her face is pale and filled with confusion. “Mr. Graham has requested you meet him in the back parking lot next to his vehicle. He’s parked in space number eleven.”
I don’t even say thanks, just flick a hand in acknowledgment and take off. It’s easy to spot Evin’s truck without looking at the space numbers. Large, black, extended cab, great for hauling a boat or hunting. It’s the same exact model I drive.
He’s leaning against the back tailgate, his arms crossed over his chest in a suit that was no doubt custom tailored. This is not surprising. Evin was meant to be in the corporate world. Even behind his sunglasses, I sense him sizing me up.
“Darby is back in town.” I get straight to the point.
“Is that supposed to be a question?”
“No, it’s a fucking statement. What I want to know is why?”
“She’s visiting family.”
“Don’t bullshit me.”
He remains silent.
“She’s setting up her business here, planting roots back in Charleston. Don’t deny it.”
He rips his sunglasses off, and anger flames in his eyes. “Stay away from her.”
For the first time, the thought that something is wrong hits me. “Is she okay?”
“Okay? You have the audacity to ask me that shit?”
“Answer the damn question, Evin. Is Darby all right?”
“You don’t deserve answers. Stay away from her and let my family do what we need to do.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“It means you did enough damage to last a lifetime, and everyone that loves her suffered. We’re going to do what we need to do to bring her back. You do not get to ruin this for my family.”
“In case you forgot, she’s the one who left me.”
His nostrils flare, and he takes a step into my space. “How are your kids, Pierce? What about Connie?”
“Back the fuck up and don’t bring my kids into this.”
“Then leave my sister alone. Let her be the memory you shoved into shit when you told her she was a selfish bitch.”
He rips the wound wide open with the reminder of what I said to her that day. But there’s something in his tone that doesn’t sit well. “You’re acting like that happened yesterday. It’s been twelve goddamned years.”
“Twelve years for you but not for her. If you ever cared even a little about her, leave her alone and let us take care of her.”
My body goes tight, and my hands curl into fists at my side. Evin and I are about the same size, but I have the advantage of muscle. “Don’t you dare say that shit to me. I fucking loved your sister.”