The Exception Page 9

  I said goodbye and made my way to my Jeep. I got in the driver’s seat before I noticed a little piece of blue paper stuck beneath the wiper. I reached out the window and grabbed it, pulling it inside.

  The writing on the blue post-it note was jagged, slashed across the paper. It appeared to have been wadded up at some point or, most likely, crammed at the bottom of a book bag of a hung-over Arizona State student.

  I glanced around the parking lot, but it was empty. Figuring someone got the wrong car, I wadded it into a little ball and tossed it into my cup holder.

  I got to work early and dug in, catching up from my lack of enthusiasm from the days before. By two o’clock, I had skipped lunch and had nearly cleared my desk when Alice came in.

  “Hey, sweetie. Do you have a minute?”

  I looked up. In her hands was a large bouquet of the most beautiful orange tulips I had ever seen.

  “Those are gorgeous,” I said in awe, wondering who had sent Alice flowers.

  “These were delivered for you.” She peeked around the foliage and smiled smugly.

  I was floored, confident I had misheard. “For me? Are you sure?” No one had ever sent me flowers in my entire life!

  “Absolutely.” Alice sat them down on my desk. “I’m not sure what the dinner and flowers mean, but I hope you are happy, Jada. If anyone deserves someone to dote on them, it’s you.”

  I nodded slowly as she turned and left. I stood and buried my face in the petals, inhaling the scent of the tulips; the smell and beauty instantly lifted my spirits.

  I picked up the crystal vase. It was tall, slender and heavy in my hand. The vase was bursting with flowers from all angles. Excitedly, I fished through the foliage until I located the card. It was white with silver swirls in a heavier cardstock. Even it was beautiful.

  Extracting it from the envelope with a shaky hand, I read it carefully.

  I dropped the note, my hands still trembling. I didn’t know how to process that.

  I took a deep breath and then picked up the card. I re-read it, but it didn’t make any more sense than it did the first time.

  He hasn’t called me this entire time and now he sends me flowers?

  I buried my face in my hands, confusion taking up residence yet again. I had pushed him away so hard and he continued to pursue me. He wore me down, had me willing to break every rule I had self-imposed, and he walked away. And now, days later when he hadn’t bothered to contact me at all, he sends me flowers?

  What the hell?

  I sat there a long time, pondering what to do, trying to decide what it all meant.

  Should I take the flowers as a white flag? A sign that he gives up chasing me and has resorted to being friends? Or do they mean that he is sorry for walking away?

  His note certainly didn’t give me any insight.

  I spent the better part of an hour going back and forth with myself, trying to decide how to respond.

  Eventually, manners won. A call to thank him was only appropriate … and maybe I would get a hint about his motivation. I picked up the phone and dialed his number. My heart raced faster with every ring, my mind matching my heart beat-for-beat.

  Do I even care what his motivation was? Does it change anything?

  Of course it doesn’t … does it?

  On the fifth ring, Cane picked up. “Alexander,” he said matter-of-factly.

  “Hey, Cane. It’s Jada.”

  “What can I do for you?” His voice was the epitome of professional, completely devoid of emotion.

  “I was just calling to thank you for the flowers. They are beautiful.”

  “Flowers?” he asked, distracted. “Can you hold on for a second?”

  Without waiting for a reply, I could hear him talking to someone else.

  “I’m sorry, Jada. Flowers—you got them?”

  “Yes. Thank you. They made me smile.”

  “I’m glad. I will tell Lucy that she did well yet again.” His voice was only marginally warmer and my chest tightened.

  Any hope I had been holding onto vanished.

  “Please do. Have a good day, Cane,” I said quietly for fear he would hear my voice crack.

  “You, too, Jada.”

  I clicked the END button and stared out the window. I wasn’t sure how I felt. I was embarrassed for thinking that maybe he had wanted me and angry that I had allowed myself to think that.

  Damn him! Why can’t he just go away?

  This is precisely what I wanted to avoid. Yet he wormed his way into my life. Despite being very clear to him what I did and didn’t want, my self-confidence was shaken. I sighed.

  He had been very clear, too. He had never denied that he didn’t want anything serious; he used women for entertainment. This was just a little chess move.

  I am his entertainment.

  Or maybe he pitied me. Either way—it pissed me off.

  I wasn’t some naïve, I-need-a-man woman. I didn’t need anyone, especially not someone like him. I had promised myself that my next relationship would be with someone that wanted me. If I had to guess what Cane was thinking every time we interacted, he didn’t qualify.

  Fuck Cane Alexander.

  I moved the flowers to the windowsill so I wouldn’t have to look at them and got back to work.

  JADA

  Anger proved to be an excellent motivator. I accomplished more in the next few hours than I had all week. Every time I felt like taking a break, I looked at the tulips and found myself furious all over again.

  He’s just another asshole trying to bring me down. He’s trying to get in my head. He means nothing. Get focused and kick ass.

  I didn’t stop working until it was a few minutes past quitting time. I was gathering my things to leave when Alice buzzed in. “You have a call, Jada. It’s Simon Powers.”

  “Put him through, please.” I waited for Alice to switch the line to Simon. Once the phone buzzed, I picked up the receiver. “Hi, Simon.”

  “Hello, Jada.”

  “What can I do for you?”

  “There’s a property in Gila Bend I’m interested in. I thought maybe I could drop by the office. I know it’s late, but this one isn’t going to be around for long. I’d like to see some comps on the area—just see what you think. I’d shoot you a fax with the details, but I’m driving and happen to be in your neck of the woods.”

  “Sure. I was just leaving, but I will absolutely wait to see you.”

  “Oh, no worries. We can do it tomorrow.”

  “I really don’t mind to stay this afternoon. Just give me a few minutes to grab something to eat. I didn’t make lunch,” I paused, “or breakfast.”

  “I was planning on stopping for a burger at the new place on Bell Road. Do you want me to grab you a sandwich?

  I looked at the flowers and then at the clock. ”You know what? That’s on my way home. I can just meet you there.”

  “Hey! That sounds great.”

  “See you soon, Simon.”

  I picked up my bag and headed out the door.

  I got in the Jeep and headed towards the restaurant, which was only a few miles away. Traffic, however, was a mess and at a near standstill.

  Just as I had turned up the radio to help me forget the craziness of the day, my phone buzzed.

  “Hey, Kari!”

  “What’s up? How was your day?”

  “I don’t even want to discuss that right now, please. What’s going on?” I asked.

  “Hey, are you coming home soon by any chance? My sneakers are in your car and I was going to go for a quick hike with Max. I need to work off some stress. Work was insane today!”

  “I’m actually meeting a client for Dad at that new diner on Bell. You know the one—it has the whiskey barrels out front. I don’t know if I’m just going to get the papers or grab a sandwich while I’m there. You can swing by and grab your shoes on your way, if you want,” I offered.

  “Perfection! Be there in a few.”

  Traffic started
moving again and I made my way to the parking lot; Simon’s Avalanche was already there. I parked beside it and made my way inside, my stomach growling as the peppery smell hit my nose.

  “Hi, Simon,” I said, finding him in a booth in the back and returning his smile. “How are you?” I climbed into the seat across from him.

  “I’m great now,” he smiled. “How was your day?”

  I frowned. “I’m going to give you the canned ‘fine’ and we can move along, okay?”

  He laughed. “I’ll let it go at that. Here are the papers for the place in Gila Bend,” he said, sliding me a folder. “I haven’t really decided on Solomon Place. The square footage is a little small. And with the construction next door, it just seems like a headache. And the location is pretty busy—not exactly what I have in mind.”

  “I totally understand. You should always know your options before you make an investment. It’s just smart,” I said, shrugging.

  “It is.” He looked at me for a moment and I felt like something wasn’t quite right. My body chilled, the little hairs on the back of my neck standing up.

  Simon eyed me for a second before handing me a menu. “Do you want to grab a bite to eat?”

  I didn’t say anything, looking blankly at the options in front of me, trying to process whatever my subconscious was trying to tell me.

  I’m just worked up from the day and overreacting. Relax and have a meal. It’s probably low blood sugar.

  He turned his head to the window, his face scrunching. “Uh, do you know the girl trying to get in your car?” he asked, pointing out the window.

  I looked out the glass and laughed. “Yeah, that’s my sister.”

  Kari and Max made their way into the restaurant, Max’s arm around her shoulder. They spotted me right away and I dug my keys out of my purse.

  “Hey!” Kari smiled, leaning her head against Max’s side.

  “Hi, Kari. Hi, Max.” I felt my smile quickly fade. Max gave me a curt nod, not his usual friendly greeting.

  “This is my sister, Kari, and her … friend, Max. Guys, this is Simon Powers.”

  Kari said hello to Simon and he sat smugly, his eyes on Max, nodding. Max’s eyes were cold as he bent down and whispered something in Kari’s ear, causing her eyes to narrow.

  “We need to get going. Can you run out and let us in your car?”

  I started to hand her the keys, but Kari made no attempt to take them. I asked Simon to excuse me for a second and followed them outside.

  “Simon Powers, huh?” Max asked as soon as we hit the doorway.

  “Yeah. He looked at Cane’s property a few days ago. The one you called me about. He has another in Gila Bend he wants to check out.”

  “Gila Bend? Right on I-10. Makes perfect sense,” Max said, looking straight ahead. “Does Cane know you’re here with him?”

  I huffed. “No. Why in the world would he know? And why does I-10 make any difference?”

  Max turned and looked at me, his eyes unsmiling. “You shouldn’t be here with him.”

  “Simon is a business associate, Max. For that matter, so is Cane.” I sighed, hating both that I had admitted that out loud and that I had, in turn, admitted that I wished he was something more. “And it’s none of your damn business who I’m with.”

  Max narrowed his eyes and I rolled mine in response, sick of the interrogation.

  “I wish y’all would act like you have some sense.” Max shook his head.

  “I have sense, Max. I have sense enough to know that Cane couldn’t care less where I am or who I am with.”

  I retrieved the sneakers from my Jeep and locked it back up. Kari took them with one hand and wiped her face with the end of her shirt with the other.

  “I can’t believe you are going to hike in this. You’re going to die of heat stroke. You’re a nurse. Don’t they teach you this stuff?”

  “We changed our minds and are going back home,” Kari said. “When will you be there?”

  “I was just going to order a sandwich, so maybe an hour?” I glanced at the restaurant and saw Simon watching us. He looked away quickly.

  Max followed my eyes to the window, his jaw tensing. “Why don’t you come home now?”

  “Because I’m hungry.” I let out a sigh, having had enough of stupid men for one day. “I’ll be there soon.”

  “Jada,” Max said, running his hand over his chin, “I would really prefer it if you would follow us back.”

  “Yeah, well, thanks for the misplaced concern. But I’m a big girl, Max.”

  “I never said you weren’t. But even big girls need someone to look after them.”

  “I have no idea what’s going on. But after the day I’ve had, I don’t have the energy to even try to figure it out. I am going to go back inside and have a bite to eat and I will be home when I feel like it. See you guys later.”

  I turned to go, but the force of Max’s voice stopped me in my tracks. “Jada …”

  I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before turning around to face him. “What?”

  “Cane’s going to ask me if I have seen you today. I guarantee you that.”

  “No. He won’t. Because he doesn’t care.”

  Max grinned. “He will. He asks about you every day.”

  My heart stilled in my chest and I had to make a concerted effort to find my anger again. I shook my head. “He doesn’t really care, Max. Trust me. I’m just another notch to put on his headboard.”

  “Apparently he’s pissed you off today. I know the feeling—he’s pissed me off every motherfucking day since I met him.” Max’s face softened, a grin touching his handsome face. “So if you don’t want to go home because of him—don’t. But I’d like to think you and I are friends, so do it as a favor to me.”

  Max watched me intently, twisting his New Orleans Saints cap around backwards. Kari looked from one of us to the other, her arms crossed in confusion.

  “You guys give me a headache,” I muttered and stormed towards the restaurant to get my purse.

  I wasn’t sure what Max’s point was, but I knew firsthand how exhausting Cane could be. And I was kind of exhausted myself. Home sounded better and better.

  “You better have food for me! And rum!” I yelled over my shoulder, Max’s chuckle following me into the diner.

  JADA

  The hot water rained down on me, pelting my back. I let it knead the muscles that were taut with stress.

  The water rolled down the drain and I wished it could take me with it. At least until I could make sense of my life. I didn’t want to run—not like I did after the divorce. I just wanted an escape. I needed a reprieve from the confusion and frustration that found me the same day I met Cane.

  I jumped out of the shower, threw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, and went to the kitchen. Max had his arms wrapped around Kari from behind, his head bent into the hollow of her neck.

  “You better tell me you got me something to eat,” I warned, catching them off guard.

  “That was the deal. I’m a man of my word.” Max motioned towards the table and at a bag of takeout … and a bottle of Bacardi.

  “I could kiss your faces right now!” I said, catching myself. “Well, not you, Max.”

  “Hey,” Max smiled, holding his hands up, “if that’s what y’all are into …”

  Kari smacked his chest and he pulled her back into him, making her giggle.

  I grabbed a seat and unpacked the contents of the bag, my stomach rumbling. The hot, greasy smell was way more appetizing than it should have been.

  “Flowers? What’s up with this?” Kari asked curiously, spotting the vase full of tulips that I had sat by the sink. She walked over and picked up the note, a silly smile on her face.

  “Cane sent you flowers!?” she gushed. “How sweet!”

  I sat my burger down, my appetite beginning to wane. “No—Lucy sent me flowers. He was very clear about that.”

  Kari looked as confused as I felt. “This card is very swee
t, Jada. And very personal. This doesn’t sound like something he would have Lucy say. And who is Lucy, by the way?” She laughed at her own question.

  “His secretary,” I sighed, glancing up at Max who was taking everything in. “What’s up with your friend, Max? Has he always been such a dick?”

  Max slowly walked over to the table and sat down, his face not giving anything away. “What did he say?”

  “Nothing. Abso-freaking-lutely nothing. I thanked him and he said he would tell Lucy she did a good job.” I raised my eyebrows, challenging Max to a response.

  Max shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. He leaned back in his chair looking amused. “Look, Cane is—”

  “An asshat?” Kari cut in.

  “No. Cane is complicated.”

  “Good for him. I’m not. I’m simple,” I said.

  “Jada, I don’t want to say too much and I won’t put words into my man’s mouth. But Cane has never sent a woman flowers. Ever.” He held his hand up to stop my forthcoming interruption. “Not even through Lucy.”

  “Great! Fine. He didn’t have to do that or have her do that or what-the-fuck-ever. I just want him to go away.” I looked Max in the eye, giving him my best intimidating look. When he failed to react, I let out a breath, feeling defeated. “So, why did you trick me into meeting Cane at Solomon Place? I would have never gone to the building the first time if I had thought I was meeting him and not you.”

  “You tricked her?” Kari asked incredulously. “Max!”

  Max chuckled. “No,” he began, but seeing the look on my face, he switched tactics quickly. “Yes, in a way. But not really.”

  “Can either of you just be transparent!?” I leaned back in my chair in disbelief. “You two are like watching trickery in motion!”

  “What the hell does that mean?” Max laughed.

  “I don’t even know. I’m just so frustrated.”

  “I did plan on being there. Maybe not alone, but I did plan on being there. As fate would have it, I got called out to another jobsite and you ended up alone with Cane.”