Resisting Perfection (The Perfection Series Book 2) Read online

  I’m out the door and running down the stairs at a quick pace. Traffic this time of day is awful, so I need to get on the road to ensure I will make it to the café on time. My mind is racing as I have never had to mentally prepare for an interview so quickly. I know my position backward and forward but each company is different and I’ve been in a James mindset. I need to remember the basics, not the James over achievement I’m use to.

  Excitement begins coursing through me. Even though I promised it wouldn’t happen, my hopes are elevated after speaking with Logan. I know he said he wasn’t promising anything but I’m confident I can make him believe in me. As much as I loved James, working with Logan, who is around my age with about the same ideas, is exciting. For the second time in three weeks, I’m going after my dream job.

  I jump in the car and just as I am starting it, I notice a piece of paper on my windshield. I quickly scan the lot but I don’t see anyone. Sub-consciously, I check the back seat as my father’s voice is in the back of my head telling Phoebe and me to always check it before going anywhere alone. I was so hyped up that I didn’t think about it this time.

  “Sorry, Daddy,” I whisper to myself.

  I look back to the piece of paper and it’s staring a hole through me. I’ve never had trouble with anyone in the apartments so I don’t know why I am so apprehensive about getting out and grabbing the damn paper. I guess if I am telling the truth, it isn’t my neighbors I am worried about, it’s what’s in the note that has me worried. After deciding to get it over with, I get out and grab the paper which is being held prisoner by the wiper.

  With shaky fingers, I unfold the note. My mind is racing as the last note I received wasn’t very delightful. I close my eyes and try to calm my nerves before I read what’s inside.

  “Meet me by the dock at 7 PM. Clothes are optional.”

  Chills run through my body as I stare at the note wondering why he left it. And when he left it? Why would he leave a note on my car and not come up to the apartment? Obviously, it’s from Fent but for the life of me, I can’t seem to figure out why he would leave it for me after what he has put me through. I stuff it in my purse, deciding I don’t have time to worry about it now.

  I try not to think of anything but what I am going to discuss with Logan. I need to be focused and if I am thinking of Fenton, I won’t be. I pull into the museum lot ten minutes early and decide to walk along the canal that flows behind the museum. I use to watch everyone walk up and down this beautiful canal everyday from my office but have never had the chance myself. Usually, when I’ve been here for a meeting, I’m in and out quickly, having no time to appreciate the view.

  As soon as I make it to the bottom of the tall, cement, stair case, I see why this place is always full of people. The canal winds around downtown. It’s lined with sidewalks on either side, benches to sit, people to watch and paddle boats for fun. One of the boats float by with the couple paddling it and my good mood from this morning downshifts as I regret not fighting a little harder to make Fent stay with me.

  “Piper?” A voice calls from behind me. I straighten myself out before I turn around. I won’t allow thoughts of Fenton to wreck this interview. I’m caught up in green eyes and a nice suit when I turn to find the voice. “I was getting ready to go in if you would like to walk with me?” Logan asks.

  “Yes. I was soaking in the beauty of this place.”

  “Yes, it’s the reason I love to hold meetings here. It’s very serene and the view from the café is spectacular.”

  I nod as I follow him back up the tall cement stairs that lead to the front door. He opens it for me and waves me in and I am impressed at how much of a gentleman he is.

  “Thank you!” I say, walking in the building. We walk by the glass casing full of Indiana memorabilia and I make a mental note to visit this place one day when my life settles down. I quietly chuckle to myself as I never thought those words would apply to me. I always pictured myself finding a career after college and digging in, never letting anyone get in my way. It’s funny how life works.

  We take the elevator to the second floor and the entrance to the café. I will never tire of sitting in this café enjoying the view of the gorgeous Indy skyline. The café offers large windows and most of the tables are seated next to them so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The café itself is very low key with small card tables, most of which only seat two people.

  The waitress walks up smiling at Logan while leading us to a table that is off to the far end of the café, all by itself.

  “Thanks for the table, Greta. What would you like to drink, Piper?” he asks after we are seated.

  “I’ll have water, please.”

  “Two waters,” he informs Greta. She nods and makes her way back to the kitchen.

  “Thank you for meeting me so quickly,” I say.

  “Now correct me if I am wrong but weren’t you working with James?”

  “Yes. Unfortunately, I was let go. That’s why I called you.”

  “Why were you let go?”

  I don’t know where to start with that one. I have no choice but to tell him the whole story but how will that affect the chances of him offering me a position?

  “It’s ok, Piper, you can tell me.”

  “Frank James’ son works for him and I sort of got involved with him.”

  “Yes, I know Fenton. He is quite the character.”

  “You knew Fenton was Frank’s son?” I am a bit confused to learn this as I was under the impression not many people knew about that.

  “My father and Frank have been rivals for years. You can’t work in the same type of business without meeting one another. The same goes for Fent and me. We are around the same age, so we’ve been around with our dad’s at some of the same sites. That hasn’t happened for a while but when we were younger, our fathers were almost inseparable.”

  I silently curse the waitress for not returning with our water. My mouth has gone dry listening to this.

  “I’ve heard Fenton has become somewhat of a playboy. I’m surprised you got yourself involved with him. Actually, I thought you were with…” he thinks a moment.”What was his name?”

  “Shane? We’re not together, we’re just really good friends. Or we were really good friends.”

  “How is he? I heard he roughed some chick up and then got locked up?”

  “Well, he’s out. But how he is will remain to be seen as I only saw him briefly this morning. As far as Fenton is concerned, it was one of those things that just happened. He is a whirlwind and leaves nothing in his wake.”

  “Worth losing your job?” he cocks an eyebrow in question.

  “There were a few variables to me losing my job. I was given an ultimatum about Fenton and although I have no idea what is going to happen between us, even if it is nothing, I can’t appreciate business being handled in that capacity.”

  “That’s understandable and I must admit, that is good to hear. Although I know James deals in risky business ventures at times, he is relentless and knows his business. Anyone that is good enough to work for his company is good enough to work for mine. I have spoken with my father and he agreed that if our meeting went well, then I can welcome you aboard.”

  “Thank you so much! I won’t let you down, I promise!”

  “Please don’t make me regret this decision, Piper.”

  “I won’t, I promise.”

  “That’s all I need to hear.”

  Fenton

  “Marla, its Fenton. Can we talk?”

  I wanted to wait a while before I talked with her. I needed more evidence I could prove to her I am not responsible for what happened. But just the same, I need information from her to begin my search. So, it was kind of a catch twenty-two.

  “I have nothing to say to you.”

  “Come on, you know I had nothing to do with Gibson’s death. Please, let’s talk about this…” Cool it, Fent. Being a smartass is not the way to get her to talk to you. “I’m sorr
y. I’m just under a lot of pressure. Everyone thinks I am responsible for Gibson’s death and I know I’m not. Before the police come knocking, I need to gather some information. I need your help with that. Please, I’m begging.”

  “How do you know what you have or have not done? Ninety-nine percent of the time you are high off of your ass from blow!” she screams and I have to pull the phone from my ear.

  “I know how this looks but do you honestly believe I would kill Gibson? He has been one of my best friends for the last few years. The only thing I’m guilty of is not making him stay at my house that night. I knew he shouldn’t have been alone. All he wanted was for the two of you to work it out. I tried to be his friend and offer him a place to stay until the two of you worked it out but he wouldn’t stay, he was certain you would call him to come home. Then the next time I see him he’s dead. Do I feel guilty about that? Hell yes I do but I sure as hell didn’t kill him and I will take my last breath proving that.”

  “Fine, Fenton,” she says and I feel a little bead of hope blossom. “Can we meet at your bar?”

  I curse under my breath. Meeting at the bar isn’t a great idea. But I need her on my side, so if that is where she feels comfortable, then so be it.

  “Yes, can you meet in twenty minutes?”

  “Yes. Have a bottle of whiskey ready,” she says as the line goes dead. Well at least we’re on the same page about the whiskey.

  “Fuck!” I scream as I scrub my face with my hands. I can’t drink. I just told myself I was quitting. This time I actually have to stick with it as there is too much at stake. As good as licking tequila off some chick’s body sounds right now I have to keep a clear mind.

  One more call before I leave.

  “Hello,” she answers after two rings.

  “Is it done?”

  “Yes. I don’t want to upset you but she’s meeting with a guy down by the canal. I don’t know the circumstances but I thought you needed to know.”

  “Come again? I’m not sure I heard you right.”

  “I don’t know what they were doing, Fenton. But she was definitely meeting with a man.”

  “Where on the canal?”

  “I don’t think going after her is a good idea. You need to stay away from her.”

  “You tell me she is meeting another man and expect me not to do anything about it? Where, Camille?”

  “You have to look at this from her point of view. You have told her for the last two days you’re finished with her. What did you expect her to do?”

  “NOT IMMEDIATELY GO FUCK SOME OTHER DUDE!”

  “We don’t know what is going on, Fent. She could be meeting him for any number of reasons.”

  “Well, tell me where they are so I can find out and put both our minds at ease.”

  “They were going into the State Museum. Please don’t cause her anymore trouble Fenton.”

  “What the hell are they doing there?” I ask myself more than Camille. “Thanks, Camille. I will call you later.”

  As soon as I hit end, I dial again.

  “Marla, its Fent. Listen, I had something come up I need to take care of before I meet you at the bar. I will instruct my bar tender your drinks are on the house. See you shortly.”

  Chapter Four

  Fenton

  I run to my bedroom to check on Andy and am slightly anxious that he is still in the exact same spot as I left him. I kneel and lay my head on his side so I can listen to his breathing. Relief washes over me when my head moves up and down with each of his breaths. I don’t feel as bad about taking him out now. I need to drop him at Cam’s place before heading downtown. I’m not leaving him a sitting duck for the next asshole who decides to trash my house.

  “I’ll be careful buddy but we need to get you out of here. I’m going to take you somewhere safe, so no one has the opportunity to hurt you.” His eyes open drowsily and his tail begins moving back and forth slightly when I pat his head. I’m glad he doesn’t try to move because he clearly needs to regain his strength. I scoop him up and head downstairs. Grabbing my keys from the table, we walk outside where I place him in my truck and then lock up both doors. I quickly jog around the perimeter of the house and am relieved when I find everything in its place. It’s killing me that I don’t have more time to clean the inside of the house but it will have to wait until I’m not a target. Target. That word gives me chills.

  Right before I’m back on the road, I text Cam to let her know I’m bringing Andy. I never thought someone would target my dog and it pisses me off I have to take him to a safe house and that he’s in the condition he’s in. Takes a big man to hurt a dog and I can’t wait until I know who did this so I can show him that.

  I turn onto the road from the driveway and reminisce about Andy and me taking a drive just to relax and see the country. I loved watching the joy on his face and the slobber flying from his jaws as the wind flew through his fur. He loved it and I loved watching him. It was our favorite pass time. Anger returns as I watch him lying in the seat, not moving and barely breathing because some coward couldn’t come after me. His sub-conscious must know I’m thinking about him as his eyes open in that moment and he looks up at me while his tails moves slowly.

  “I’m going to find who did this to you and make them pay, buddy. Don’t worry,” I say, choking back anger while petting the fur of his head. His eyes close again and all I can think about is getting him out of this car so I can hunt the son of a bitch down who did this to him. But just as that thought crosses my mind, the exhaustion sets in. I welcome the day I can drive somewhere for no reason other than heading to work or taking a ride with Andy. I’m tired of running around looking for evidence and trying to keep people I love alive. All I want is to be happy with my girl and my dog and not have to worry about Frank and keeping secrets. I know I brought a lot of this on myself but I am so tired.

  I can’t wrap my mind around Piper already being with another man. I know I have given her no reason to believe that there is still an “us” but I never took her for a bed jumper and quite frankly it pisses me off knowing she has moved on so quickly. More than anything, I guess I am disappointed that I meant so little to her. I’ve never cared one way or another but this chick has quickly gotten under my skin. I can’t be with her physically right now but no other son of a bitch is going to be either.

  After swerving in and around the traffic, I finally make it to the Cam’s house. Slowly and carefully, I pull him from the truck and take him in the house. I lay him on the floor in front of the couch and quickly grab him a bowl of water. I will have to ask Cam to grab him some food on her way home.

  “Bye buddy. You’ll be safe here. I’ll be back later.” I ruffle the fur between his ears and head back out. Even though I know she will take care of him, I am starting to wonder if anyone I am associated with is safe. This unease of not knowing what is going to happen next is for the birds. I need to get this shit squared away.

  I make it to the museum in ten minutes. With the mid day sun beating down on me, the crowds of people beginning to form around the canal and the murderous thoughts that are swirling around my head, I am getting impatient. This is a detour I shouldn’t have had to take. I scan the crowd outside before I go in. If she is out here, I don’t see her. I don’t even know what douche she is with, so I can’t look for him. Just that thought has my heart racing. I need to calm down. At this rate, I will kill the fucker once I find them.

  I finally make it to the museum entrance to find a line. I exhale obnoxiously, fighting aggravation when the little old lady in front of me moves so I can go ahead of her.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll wait my turn,” I say, feeling like an ass. I don’t want to think about the reasons this girl affects me this way. After that night of dancing, I knew I wanted to find her again. With my over inflated pride, I decided she could come to me, even if it did kill me. And it did kill me. Her smokin’ little body haunted my dreams every day at work. Then, when we met again at the bar, I knew that
night I had to have her. What I didn’t take into consideration was once I had her, my craving would only grow. I was more addicted to her taste than I was the blow and I needed it every day. Why I thought I could survive being away from her while I seek out answers, I have no idea. With each passing day, I feel more strongly about the idea of kidnapping her and keeping her safe somewhere. That may happen today. I can’t have this shit happening everyday or I will never get anything accomplished.

  I finally make it in the museum and I haven’t the slightest idea of where to go next. There looks to be two levels to this place, so it’s anyone’s guess where they could be. I scan the place and find what I’m looking for. On the second floor is a café and I am sure that is where they are. I can’t imagine why they would be meeting in this place.

  I run up the escalator. Some people move out of the way and others I have to move around. But they all look a little aggravated that I can’t ride up like the rest of them. Well, they can stuff it because I don’t have the time to take a leisurely ride.

  Once I make it to the top, I’m met at the café entrance by a waiter. I’m not sure how I am going to make this work as I don’t want her to know I’m here. I only want to know what is going on.

  “Can I help you, sir?” the man standing at the door asks.

  “Yes, my mother is in here and I need to grab a car key from her. Is that ok?”

  Without skipping a beat he asks, “Can I retrieve the keys for you, sir?”

  “I don’t want to bother you. I can run and get them then be on my way.” I cock my brow in question even though I’m going in with or without his approval.

  “Go ahead, but if you decide to stay please let your waiter know.”

  “Will do.” I nod when I walk by him making sure my cocky grin is in place.

  I scan the dining room as I walk through the front half. The place isn’t packed but I don’t see her anywhere. When I turn the corner, I find myself right behind their table. Luckily, her back is to me but my jaw hits the ground when I see the guy she is sitting with-Logan Moore. What the fuck is he doing with her? I’m stunned for a moment before deciding I need to move away from the table. I’m able to back pedal around the corner without being noticed. I find a utility closet before I make it back to the bathrooms. To my surprise, the door is unlocked. I step in trying not to call too much attention to myself.