Say It

Chapter 3:Flashback

Lincolns POV:

 Tonight has gone by so f*****g slowly. I absolutely love my mother and would do anything she asked of me, but damn I hate parties. I know losing my dad was hard on her. She married her high school sweetheart whom she built this life with and one really amazing child and two pretty meh ones; but once my father got sick, she had to watch him wither into nothing. We all loved my father and took it very hard when he passed, but my mother is the heart, soul, and rock of our family. She deserves the world. I just wish I could give it to her.

“Hey baby.” She smiles at me. “I see you found the whiskey. Not having fun?”

“Hi, mom.” I bend down to kiss her cheek. “Happy Birthday…You know me. This is all more Ryders thing or even Stacys but not mine. But I have the most wonderful mother, so here I am.”

“Thank you, my love,” she says. A glint of pain swishes over her face and engulfs her round, honey eyes.

“I know. It’s not the same without him.”

“No, it’s not. It’s been two years. You’d think this pain would just go away.” She turns and starts to clean.

 Dad had Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The doctors said it was usually an easy cancer to take care of because there were plenty of treatments. Dad, however, only got a check up when his vision doubled, had numbness in his face, and began to have issues speaking. Mom had begged him for months to go to the doctor, but he was so damn stubborn.

 I pull her into me and kiss her head. My mom is such a gentle woman, but I had never seen her so angry. Though she was heartbroken, she couldn’t see past the anger for days because my dad hadn’t listened to her.

“ I know, mom”

She pauses for a moment as if she’s thinking if she should say what she’s thinking. “I want you to meet someone. She's gorgeous, smart, and loves children.”

 She releases a heavy sigh; clearly she has more to say, but I’m not in the mood to listen to her incentive rambling. I pull away and speak before she can. “Mom, don’t start. I’m not in the mood and, honestly, I don’t feel well. I told you; I’m not looking to meet anyone. What would be the point in starting a life with someone; having children with someone?”

“More the reason for me to speak my mind.” She huffs. She’s not happy with a certain choice I’m making in my life; no one in my family is, but frankly, it’s not up to them. “When are you going to accept this and get the help you need?”

“When are you going to accept it?” I half-heartedly yell.

I feel like we are always having this argument, which is why I never show up anymore. I just mom's birthday, especially if it could be the last.

And now she yells drawing the attention of my brother, my twin, Ryder.

“I WILL NEVER accept this choice! It’s cruel and stupid. You have this amazing life ahead of you and you don’t even care. Not to mention a family that loves you and will always be there for you, but you aren’t even giving us a chance. What about your two young nieces? Or any children Stacy would have or YOU could have?”

“Kids? You really are delusional if you think I will have children. It’s NOT in the cards for me.”

“because you aren’t allowing it to be.” My insufferable little sister chimes in. Great. When did she waltz in?

“Everyone keep it down. We still have guests and the girls are just in the other room and I don’t need any questions tonight.” My brother speaks up. He doesn’t understand or support my choice, but at least he doesn’t treat me differently. Instead, he stays with me and spends time with me. I know I’m hurting them all, but this is a choice I made and I will stick to it. Nothing and no one will change my mind.

My mom turns back to the sink; fiercely gripping the counter, hanging her head low. My sister's arms are crossed, giving me a death glare for no doubt ruining moms party.

Suddenly, my childhood best friend Ethan walks into the kitchen.

“I hate to break up this fight, but everyone can hear you guys.”

Mom finally turns back to us and wipes her eyes. She softly smiles at Ethan and nods. She then turns to me and places her hand on my cheek.

“I love you more than you could know or understand. I simply don’t get how this is so easy for you. I don’t want this to happen and I don’t want to see you go through it. You kids are my life and I will do everything in my power to change your mind or maybe your heart.”

She says her peace and walks away, my sister following close behind; not before she glares me to death one more time.

I pat Ethan's shoulder and thanked him.

“Don’t. I agree with you mom, but I didn’t want her birthday ruined when it already sucks for her.” He says. I drop my arm and sigh. Tonight was a bad idea. I don’t have the energy nor the patience anymore. There are only a few people in this giant house I care about and they are all angry at me; except two.

“I’m going home,” I state and turn to leave. “and just so you both know, I never said this was easy or an easy decision, but It is mine to make. I know none of you understand or could possible support me.” I say and walk out.

No buts this time. I don’t even hope or wish they would any more. I know they couldn’t and, honestly, had one of them made the decision I made, I’d probably be angry, too. I know, big hypocrite. What I’m doing seems cruel to them, but they have not once thought of me and what it would mean for me. I just can’t. I won’t.

Cassies POV:

 Today is my first day at Greene House Publishing. To say I’m excited is a huge understatement. I packed my work bag last night along with my lunch. I also picked out my outfit last night; a brown blouse with floral print shirred flounce sleeves that I paired with a white solid high waist flared skirt. Of course, lastly, I paired that with brown pleather ankle strap and open toes chunky heels. I fixed my hair into a loose low bun and curl the bangs hanging down the side of my face along with a few loose hairs. The assistant I talked to during my interview said there was no dress code and even though my shirt is cropped and kind of hippy feel, I will not show looking homely on my first day.

  I head to the kitchen to get my first dose of coffee; yes, first dose. I’m sitting at the counter drinking my coffee eating a muffin when Claudia walks into the room. I have the most beautiful roommate. She’s wearing a deep blue allover floral print ruffle hem skirt and paired with a white turtle neck long sleeve shirt paired with her favorite point toe chunky heel pumps.

“Black queen,” I mutter out and smile.

She fakely flicks her natural curly hair and grins.

“I would disagree but I cannot.” She twirls while in a fit of giggles. I stand and bow to her joining her fit of giggles. She grabs my hand and holds it out as to see my fit.

“oh babe! What about you? You’re wearing heels?” she grunts. “How do you pair these funky looking shirts with a dressy skirt and pull it off?” she huffs but continues smiling. I’ve also had a taste for the ‘funky’ as she calls it. I love my style.

“Yes I’m wearing heels. I can’t let anyone bully me for my height like yesterday.” I say matter-of-factly.

“Someone bullied you yesterday?”

“Well more like teased and then teased… me.” I turn to hide my now flushing face.

“wow… Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You know. All the excitement with Jason I didn’t really think about it. Oh but he was lickable. I wanted to just lay on the floor drink him in.” she squeals and asks more details.

We finish our coffee and talk for a minute before I realize I have to head out. I need to be there by 8 and its 7 now. We decided I would drive the car and drop Claudia off since she only works a couple of minutes from here.

 I pull into the parking lot at GHP and take a few deep breaths before stepping out of my car. I grab my things and begin walking towards the entrance. This place is huge but beautiful. I believe the building is inspired by the Prairie style. Every line, every edge is precise and pristine. Every angle is sharper than the next. The building is painted light brown-beige with deep brown accents. The inside is just as beautiful browns and orange browns everywhere.

 I walk to the front desk to let them know who I am because I can see you need a key card to have access to the elevators.

“Hi, I’m Cassie Beyers. Today is my-” he holds his hand up to silence me. He begins typing away on his computer before finally looking at me, then back to his computer before standing and going into a little room behind him. I awkwardly stand there looking all around me, unsure of what’s going on. After a couple of minutes, he emerged from the little room and hands me a card with my name and a picture I had submitted after I was hired.

I thanked him and turn towards the elevator. It’s kind of empty in here so I assume not many people come in this early. Fine by me; less distractions.

Once on the 4th floor I make my way to the reception desk on that floor so I can find out where I need to go.

“Good morning. I’m Cassie Beyers. Today’s my first day.” The girl in front of me beautiful and seems slightly familiar. I guess she has one of those faces.

“Oh awesome! I ws the one to recommend your application to the boss. I was so ecstatic when he let me hire you." Curious. I thought maybe it was a higher upper who had hired me. "Anyway, I'm Stacy! let me show to your office and I will give you additional paperwork to fill out."

Stacy, from the grocery store yesterday. I should ask about Lincoln, but if that is her boyfriend, or even her boy toy like Claudia suggested, then i don't want to upset her. She is the reason I got hired.

"Great. Thank you."

We head down a little hall on the right and finally, Stand outside a door that has my name on it. I'm trying so hard to hide my excitement, but once she opens the doors, I just can't.

"Holy shit." I say. Forgetting I'm in the company of someone else, I squeal. She laughs, causing me to jump.

I look back at her and she straightens up.

"Well, um, this is yours. You can change anything you like. You get an hour break every day and you can take it anytime between 11 and 2. Of course, you know to be here by 7 or earlier. If you want to stay on the boss's good side, don't be late. And leave at 5 or after but not before. If either of those things need to happen, make sure you get it approved. Unless you're sick."

"Wow. For the boss to have no degree, he sure is serious. But early is on time and on time is late."

She grimaces and then smiles. "You sound like the boss."

"Is he around often? I assumed with no degree, he wouldn't be. I figured he was just looking for a way to make a buck."

She snickers. "Well, yes. He's here almost every day. He reads the manuscripts before they are published to be sure they hold up to his standard. Speaking of it, I'll take the manuscript you were sent."

I hand her the manuscript and she leaves. I take a sit at my desk and turn a couple of times. This is more than I could have imagined.

The day seems to speed and by the time I glance at the clock it's already 12:30. I close off my computer and grab my things to head to lunch. As I'm walking to the reception area, I hear Stacy talking on the phone with someone.

"Yes.. I can put that in the books if you want me to.. Oh hey, there is a new girl... I know a lot of new people, anyway, she is super cute, super cute... The one I hired...Man, you are f*****g annoying... Okay. Well, hurry with my lunch."

I turn the corner and she flushes seeing me knowing I heard her converstation.

"Sorry." she mutters out.

"It's fine." I smile at her. I'm not heartless. "It's was nice having someone boast over me. Was that the boss?"

She nods. "Wow, you know him that well?"

"You could say that we're pretty close."

I nod taking her words in. Lincoln and the boss. "Well I know to not get on your bad side." she smiles and only shakes her head. "Do you know of any good places to get lunch?"

"oh sure! There is an amazing pizza place on 31st. It's called Chalos. You should definitely try there."

"Would you like to go with me?"

"Oh I so would, but I have a meeting I have to attend the boss." She smiles apologetically. I thank her and take my leave.

As I'm waiting for the elevator, I text Claudia.

*Good day so far. You?* she text almost instantly

*Yes, but turns out kids are brats here, too.* I just giggle and begin to answer her when the elevator pings so I walk in walking right into a wall. More like a wall of someone.

"s**t. I'm so-" No way in hell. "you?!" He smiles his all to beautiful smile.

"and you."

"What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that." he says matter-of-factly

"I work here."

His eyes widen before slapping a knowing grin on his perfect face.

"My sister works here." I stare at him confused because I don't know who his sister. "Stacy."

Oh thank the heavens above. His sister. Now I really don't hate her. "Oh okay. Well you better hurry. Shes about go to meeting with the insufferable boss."

"You've met him?" he asks.

"Well no, but they're all the same." he raises his eyebrows in amusement. "Rich boys? I mean, he doesn't even have a degree. Why start this kind of job when you know nothing about it?"

"Maybe he just doesn't care for a piece of paper to tell him he was smart enough. Maybe his love for literature is deeper than any degree can give him." he pauses. "Or maybe he just likes to look at beautiful women." he smirks. Cheeky bastard.

"Anyway, I should get to my sister. Have a.... interesting day." he smiles again and begins to walk backwards.

"You, too."

He finally turns and leaves me to wait on the elevator, again. How did I get so lucky to run into him twice in two days? Maybe I'll see him a lot more since Stacy works here.

Lincolns POV:

Two days in a row. No way she actually works here. She must be the one Stacy hired over the phone. She went on for days about how amazing this girls transcripts from school were before I finally allowed her to interview the girl. I was a little irritated she went ahead and told her she was hired, but now I'm not even mad. It's funny she thinks so lowly of the 'boss'. Though, it doesn't piss me off as it does when most people talk bad about me. She's feisty and opinionated; those traits have never looked sexier on a woman than they do on her. And the way she dresses. It's like she tries to hid her body, but she doesn't do it well. Her chest too broad and ass too round; even in that loose skirt she's wearing. For a moment I thought I would lose control of the figurative beast raging inside me to take her right in front of the elevator.

Great, here I am in the middle of a business meeting, with my sister, and I can't stop thinking of all the things I would do to her if she ever allowed me to touch her perfect body.

"Are you okay?" Stacy whispers to me.

"Yeah. Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" she glares at me clearly ready to say something before I stop her. "I have a small headache." Literally. "But I'm fine. Don't start."

She lets go of a soft huff before turning her attention back to the paper in front of her.

By the time I look at the clock on my desk, it's already just after 5 and I hate being here longer than that if there is no need I head to the 4th floor to find Stacy. Of course, she isn't at her desk. I think Cassies office is on this floor. I wonder down the hall until I find the door with her name plastered on it. Cassie Beyers.

Cassies POV:

When I check the time, its already 5:15. I've almost finished my first manuscript so I decide that staying a while longer won't hurt, just until I finish up with this one. They must think I suck because they only gave me 3 manuscripts for the weeks. I'm finishing the last of my notes when there is a knock on my door. May be Stacy.

"Come in"

"Hello gorgeous." I glance up of the handsome stranger standing in my doorway and shake my head. He needs to go. I look back to my notes before typing way.

"You shouldn't be here."

"Aw, come on.. don't kick me out. I looked very hard for you." I bet.

"Well, I'm sorry you spent so much energy just walking down the hall, but as you can see I'm working." I state.

"It's after 5.. you should go home."

"I'm fine. Im just finishing up this manuscript and I'll be going." I look back to him "Have a good night."

"They one you have to finish before you start?" how did he.. right. Stacy.

"Um, no. The one I was given today."

"What? It's only your first day."

"So..? Why are you even here?"

"Thats impressive. And I wanted to see you." I roll my eyes. A line that is way to over used.

He raises an eyebrow before closing the door behind him and waltzing to my desk. He places his hand down before leaning over to me.

"Did you just roll your beautiful eyes at me?" now I raise mine.

"Maybe I did. What are you gonna do about it?" that was a massive mistake because now he's leaning closer and I find the back of chair leaves me with no place to go. He leans back up and comes to my chair placing a hand on each arm.

"I'm not sure you're ready to find out what happens when someone rolls their eyes at me. No matter how beautiful they are." i swallow and I know it's all to noticeable by the smirk on his lips. He pulls himself back leaving me in a heaping mess. Hot, bothered, and dazed. No one has ever made me feel the way he, effortlessly, just did. Not even Trey in the beginning.

Theres another knock at the door pulling him farther from me and me out my trance.

"I was just checking on-" she pauses and looks at her brother. "What are you doing here?"

"Just saying hello, and now goodbye." his eyes never leaving mine. "Goodnight miss Cassie. I hope to speak with you again soon."

I can hear them bickering as they leave. Man, if he keeps showing up, I'll never get anything done again.