For Life (Reclaimed Hearts Book 1) by L. E. Chamberlin

Author:L. E. Chamberlin [Chamberlin, L. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Reclaimed Hearts
Amazon: B01418R7T8
Publisher: 1001 Tales
Published: 2015-08-16T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

Cassie

On Wednesday night Jai and I attend a Chamber of Commerce dinner in honor of one of our board members. It’s an important move for me, because this particular board member is one of my biggest supporters. I want the director’s position, and it can’t hurt to be seen publicly as the face of the organization. But my heart isn’t in the schmoozing, and Jai can tell.

Jai is extremely tight-lipped about his own life, and he never pries into mine. But we have a strong, unspoken communication in our work relationship, and I know that he can tell something’s bothering me. On the drive home, he ventures, “I’m so sorry about yesterday, Cassie. I wanted to give you a heads-up, but they caught me off guard.”

“Jai, it’s fine. Really.” I smile at him, but his forehead is still crinkled.

“We have an honest rapport, and that’s important to me. So this is difficult for me to say.”

“What’s that?”

He frowns. “Madeline has another candidate in mind for your position. She doesn’t want you as the next director. I wanted you to know, because I know how much you want that job.”

He’s so earnest, and it’s taken him so much courage to say that to me, that I want to pull my car over and hug him. Instead I smile and say, “The Dragon Lady not wanting me for the position isn’t news. Really. She’s made it abundantly clear from day one that she doesn’t want me here.”

“I think her choice shows exceedingly poor taste.”

“Oh, you actually know who her choice is? Do tell.”

When he purses his lips I amend, “Unless you feel uncomfortable saying. I don’t want you to be in a bad position. You’re good at your job, and you deserve to stay in it whether we’re working together or not.”

Jai snorts. “I am not working with Calvin Roberts. If you go, I go.”

“Cal Roberts? She wants Cal Roberts for my position? Is she insane?”

Cal Roberts is a local man from a wealthy family. His extensive history of indiscretions includes a string of DUI arrests, fraud charges (which were settled out of court, although popular opinion is his father paid his way out of that), and several media gaffes. Having him as the face of our organization would be suicide. If Skip Malick is the frying pan, Cal Roberts is the fire.

So why would she do that?

I allow myself to ponder that all the way home. The kids are in bed when I get there - Caden listening to his iPod and Chloe reading - so I say a quick good night and hop in the shower.

There’s a text message waiting for me when I get out.

Good night, gorgeous girl.

Even though I know he won’t see it until morning, I text him back. Good night, beautiful man.

* * * *

The next two days at work are horrendous. The Dragon Lady pops in unannounced, keeping Jai and I on edge. I have several conversations with Karen’s husband, trying delicately to convince

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