Page 38 of Miss Understanding

“I’m not. I’m simply processing. It can’t be safe.” I could only imagine how many men hit on her on a nightly basis. Thinking about it, I didn’t like the idea of her working late every Friday and Saturday night with a crowd of drunks.

“It’s perfectly safe. At least if I get groped there, then someone is getting tossed on their ass out the door, never to return. Can’t say the same for my other work place.”

“What are you talking about?” She’d been groped at the firm?

“It’s the wine talking. Anyhow, the club is safe. My roommate and I have a bodyguard who walks us out to our car each night.”

Unlike me, she had a life outside of the job. “Let’s get back to the groping in the office. Who?”

She didn’t say a word. I tried a new tactic. “I’ve just spilled my guts to you, Kendall. You know you can trust me.”

“I know.”

I jogged my memory for the partner she’d been assigned to before me. “Mike Octavus?”

Her face said everything before her words. “The secretaries call him Octopus. Eight arms all trying to touch you. Anyhow, it only happened once at the office holiday party.”

My temper instantly reached a boiling point. Especially since he was still with the firm. “Did you report it to HR?”

“Yes. Afterwards, I was reassigned to you.”

“And you don’t have any contact with him?”

“No. I mean sometimes I’ll see him in the cafeteria, but I keep my distance.”

The Executive Committee would definitely be hearing from me on this. Mike might be a longtime partner, but frankly, his billings were down, and he didn’t have nearly the client power that I did. I would never work to put my name on a firm condoning that type of behavior. Ever. It made me question the integrity of the firm in general if they were covering up an issue like sexual harassment.

“You look angry.”

“I’m not angry.”

“Mm, I might disagree. Your jaw sort of does this thing.”

I had to let it go for now. The last thing I wanted was for her to think any of my anger was directed toward her. “Not at you. At him. For touching you when he had no right.”

We were silent for a few minutes before I vocalized my thoughts. “I think you should go home tomorrow. I can drive you to the airport, or we can find a car service to take you.”

“Why? Tomorrow is Monday, and your schedule is packed.”

“I know. But this is more than a simple business trip, and I’m sure my mood will only get worse the closer we get to the funeral.”

“It’s only four days away, and I want to be sure I’m here to oversee the catering. Make sure everything goes smoothly. And if working helps ease your stress, then I’ll help you with that, too.”

Although I’d been sincere in offering to let her get the hell out, I was instantly relieved she was willing to stay. “Who did you end up going with for the food?”

“A catering place out of Blacksburg. They have great reviews and were willing to travel here.”

“Good. Thanks for taking care of it.”

Her wide eyes met mine; she was clearly surprised by my appreciation. It only drove home how shitty I’d been for withholding it for so long.

“You’re welcome.”

Chapter Nineteen

Kendall

As I lay in bed, unable to sleep hours after our conversation, my head was spinning. And it wasn’t the wine. My heart broke for what Liam and his family had endured. I could only imagine how difficult it was for both Liam and Allison to be there for their mother despite their feelings about their father. Did I believe in second chances? Absolutely. But I wasn’t sure beating on your kids and wife was redeemable. Even two decades later.