Once we make it to the front door of the restaurant, Max slides his key in the handle, then turns to me. “Tell Lena I said congratulations on the new job... and good luck.” He smirks.
I roll my eyes and leave Max at the door, ready to get back to Lena. It felt good to talk to Max even if I didn’t fill him in on what happened with Natalie. My focus was on my wife, savoring the new turn our life was taking.
We were on the edge of happiness and I was ready to dive in.
Seventeen
Lena
For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m truly happy.
Working for Candace is a dream, one I never thought I’d have in a million years.
The first two days, I spent in my office in Tacoma. Candace’s secretary, Joan, had set up my desk with all the supplies I would need then walked me through the entire floor, introducing me to each department.
Joan was bubbly and bright, a breath of fresh air. Her bright red hair was tied high into a bun and the color of her outfits were loud, the opposite of what you’d typically see in a corporate law firm. In a way, Joan reminded me of what Abby would look like in twenty years.
The other three days of the week, I spent at home. Logan had finished my shed, turning it into a small office, one where I could work for the law firm on the days I wasn’t in Tacoma.
It’s been one whole month since he’s finished the shed and I’d only finally brought myself to use it this past week. The solitude of the small one hundred square foot office was too much in the beginning. I was afraid of being alone and too far from the safety of the house. The house had become a security blanket to me after changing the security code on our system.
It’s been five weeks since my last email from Julian and the day he broke into our house. I still didn’t understand why or the reason behind it, but as the days have passed with no contact, it’s faded from my mind. I was starting a new chapter in my life and in my marriage.
“Have a good weekend, Lena.” Candace stands in the doorway to my office, just as I’m finishing organizing a stack of files on my desk. Her large black leather bag is hanging off her shoulder, her hand wrapped around the strap. She points to me. “Don’t forget, I’m going to need those mock-ups on Monday.”
“Of course.” I smile, stuffing the files into the drawer on the side of my desk. I usually didn’t work Fridays, but Candace asked if I could come in to prepare for the next week of meetings. I didn’t mind. We were finally able to set up our marketing team and I needed to prepare to deliver my new plan.
“Great,” Candace says, flicking her wrist to read the time on her watch. “I have to go now if I’m wanting to make it to my stylist on time to get ready for tonight.”
“What’s going on tonight?” Candace was a fierce lawyer. Her angled eyebrows and firm voice could inject fear into any prosecutor she stood up against. But there was a kindness under her tough exterior. One I was learning she only shared with a select few. Me and Joan being the select few.
“I have a fundraiser gala for one of the architects out in Seattle.”
“You mean, Gavin James, the architect?” My eyebrows shoot up across my forehead.
“Yeah,” Candace says, grinning. “He’s a friend of mine. You know him?”
I blink several times, shaking my head, surprised. “Personally, no. My husband is catering the event.”
“Oh.” She perks up. “Your husband works at Bistro 59?”
“He’s the executive chef there.” My cheeks grow sore from smiling, pride filling in my chest.
“I was surprised to hear they were catering the event. It’s an excellent restaurant.” She tilts her head to the side, her grin fading. “The owner not so much.”
I laugh. “Are you talking about Max?”
Candace waves me off. “Yeah, we dated a few years back. Man is full of himself.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
“Anyway,” Candace taps her watch. “I need to get going if I’m going to be ready in time. Will I see you there tonight?”
“I don’t think so. Logan will be working all night and I already made plans to see my friend, Abby. Have a great time, though.”
Candace sighs and taps her fingers on the doorframe. “Okay, I’ll see you on Monday then.” She gives me a quick smile before spinning on her heel and walking toward the elevator.
I send a text to Logan, letting him know I’m leaving work. By the time I get home, there will only be about an hour window of time I can see him before he leaves to head to the hotel where the fundraiser is being held.
On the drive home, my anxiety ramps up in the best way possible. Our marriage has finally turned a corner. It feels like it did in the beginning of our relationship. Every touch and every word felt new and exciting. His touch is fire but his kisses are permanent tattoos. He’s been focused on me and building the new life we set out to build since moving to Seattle.
When I get home, I find a vase of white lilies sitting in the middle of the dining room table. My favorite flower. In front of it is a small envelope, my name printed on the front in Logan’s handwriting. I open it, sliding my finger under the sealed edge.
Lena,
Follow the arrows for a surprise.
Love, Logan
I look down at the floor. White paper arrows line the floor leading to the stairway, a path I hadn’t even noticed when I walked in the door.
I leave the note on the table, sliding off my heels, feeling the cool hardwood floor underneath my bare feet.
“Logan?” I call out. I slide my hand along
