Unchosen (Chosen #2) Page 10

  “Lizzie, this is the biggest account the firm has taken over in the quarter. Have you even looked at the monies that transferred in yesterday?” he asked with a small grin on his face.

  “No, I mean, I am sorry, sir, but I have had a lot going on. I just assumed I would receive what was on her last financial statements,” I said. “It was about $350,000 the last time I looked.”

  He gaped at me.

  “What?” I asked exasperated.

  “Lizzie, you transferred in four million dollars yesterday,” he said calmly.

  I looked at him with a blank face.

  “What?” I whispered.

  “Yes, the $350,000 was her retirement account. The rest is her investments. You put the account number on the form. She signed it. It transferred,” he said.

  I was going to be sick. This was wrong.

  “I have to go call her,” I said as I pushed by him to my office.

  When Lou Anne picked up the phone, she was as pleasant as always.

  “How is my favorite financial advisor today?” she asked.

  “Lou Anne,” I said. “I think there was a mistake in transferring your funds. I… I had written down that you were going to transfer approximately $350,000 but more money came in.”

  She laughed. “I know that, dear. I didn’t show you those investments for a reason. I wanted to be sure I could trust you and over the past couple of months, I have come to adore you like my own daughter.”

  “Mrs. Crayton,” I whispered.

  “Now, now. Go celebrate. I know what this does for your career. Believe me, I get a phone call everyday from people that do work like you and it is exhausting. Let me know what you think about my current portfolio and we can talk about changes when I get back from Florida. I will be there for a month. I sure will miss talking to you. Take care, dear,” she said cheerily and hung up.

  Oh my fucking God. Four million dollars? If I did nothing to her accounts, I would still bring in over fifty thousand dollars a year for as long as she was my client. I couldn’t breathe. I put my head between my legs and started to take short breaths. Tears came to my eyes. I had officially made it as a financial advisor. I could move. Hell, I could buy a car. I could go to Ireland, a little voice inside my head stated.

  Mac came through my open door and started to laugh. “I take it the phone call went well,” he said.

  “I really, really need a drink, Mac,” I said.

  “Good idea! It’s after noon. Let me take you out for a glass of wine,” he said and then pushed a white unmarked envelope on my desk. I stared at it.

  “Open it, Lizzie,” he said as he pulled my black coat and purse off my coat hanger.

  I opened the envelope and gazed down at the check. My mouth dropped open and my hand flew to my eyes. “Are you fricking kidding me right now?” I asked, horrified.

  “Nope,” he said, smiling and shaking his head. “You did well, Elizabeth. Real good.”

  I just nodded as I stared at the check. He shook my coat in an effort to get me up and as I started on my jelly legs, it sunk in. I did the most ridiculous and embarrassing happy dance, right there in my office, in front of the most powerful financial guru in the company. I did not care. I had just made it into the big leagues.

  FIFTEEN

  On Saturday night, I sat on the stage at “Crimson,” an Allston bar that was a small, low key place and tuned my guitar. I was nervous. I was excited. I was petrified. The week had been one of the best in my life. The night I got my bonus, I took my family out to celebrate. Mom and Dad were so excited for me. I told them I wanted to take a trip to Ireland with some of the bonus money I received. They planned on going, too, so we talked a lot about dates and how Niall would do on the trip. Conner was excited, too. He had mentioned he wanted to go play at some pubs there and maybe we could play together.

  Now, sitting there on the side of the stage, dressed in my Counting Crows tee and black Dickies, I was apprehensive about getting on the stage.

  “How are you doing?” Conner asked from behind me. He looked like his usual rock and roll self, with a black t-shirt, jeans and black boots.

  “Meh,” I replied. “Are you sure you want me to do this tonight?”

  “Hell yes. This song is going to rock,” he said. “It is good, Lizzie. People will like it.”

  I nodded my head and started tuning again. Just then a shot of clear liquid was in my face. I looked up to find Freddie smiling at me.

  “Hey, you,” he said. I took the shot and downed it.

  “Hey, Freddie. I think I need like five more of those,” I said with exasperation. He handed me his and I shook my head.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Conner said as he jumped down and stood next to Freddie.

  “Oh, yeah, Conner. I forgot to mention I ran into Freddie, that guy I met a couple of summers ago. Freddie, this is my brother, Conner. I am playing with his band tonight.”

  Conner shook Freddie’s hand and looked at him strangely. I stood and put my arm through Freddie’s. “Buy me another drink?” I asked.

  “Yeah, sure,” he said, looking confused. When I looked back at Conner, he was shaking his head at me and rolling his eyes up to the ceiling.

  “Stop it,” I mouthed to him.

  When we got to the bar, Freddie let me sit in the only chair available and stood close. He looked amazingly good. He had recently cut his hair and his white sweatshirt hugged the taut muscles in his arms. He leaned into me and I caught familiar male cologne that screamed “I am fucking sexy” and I wanted to bury my nose into his neck. He smiled at me because he knew how he was affecting me. It was that awkward moment when you are checking someone out and they are fully aware and loving it.

  “You look very beautiful tonight, Lizzie,” Freddie said into my ear.

  I shivered and pulled my face back to smile at him. “Are you hitting on me, Irish boy?”

  “Yes,” he said straight faced. My stomach plummeted and I felt him everywhere and for a moment, I wanted him everywhere. I put my arms around his biceps and squeezed.

  “I need to focus. Buy me a drink, Freddie,” I pleaded. I needed to find a little liquid courage to go on stage. Conner was so laid back and relaxed on stage but I am sure he had some jitters at his first show.

  Freddie smirked and I watched him get the bartender’s attention. I joked with him about how his accent still got drinks faster than an American accent. I watched him with adoration. I loved Freddie, even after everything that happened with Teagan. Freddie had wanted me that summer and it was obvious he wanted me now. He was safe because I didn’t feel one romantic feeling for him. There was no spark. There wasn’t passion but good God, there might have been a bit of lust. He was yummy to look at, listen to, and fun to laugh with. I liked him. That was enough for me. There was no need to talk about feelings like Nick had. There was no need to worry about when Freddie left to go home to Ireland because I honestly didn’t give a shit. I was a successful mother who was going to rock out on stage. Nothing could break my heart. Absolutely nothing. I was steel.

  The house lights dimmed and I looked up to see Conner nodding for me to get on stage. Freddie walked with me to the stage and gave me a hug.

  “Good luck, Lizzie. You will be great,” he said.

  I jumped up on stage and pulled my guitar around me. I adjusted the microphone and waited for Conner to introduce the band.

  “Tonight, we have a special someone here. My sister, Lizzie. She and I have been working on this song for a while now,” he said and smiled at me. I smiled back.

  “She likes to think she is the real talent in the family, and as her brother, I disagree most of the time. But I think once you hear her song, you may agree with her,” he said and smirked, giving his sexy rock star look that made all the ladies yell, “I love you, Conner!”

  Conner shook his head, pursed his lips, and murmured, “I love you all, too.” He counted off and began to sing.

  I can’t stop counting the days

&nbs
p; I can’t stop forgetting your ways

  I took a chance

  I took a chance

  Now you are gone and my world spins backwards

  I follow the street signs with the hope for

  Some direction

  Some direction.

  I was in bliss. He nailed it. I joined in on the chorus and I didn’t feel scared. I was pumped. I looked at Jeremy and he winked at me.

  It was hard to take a chance

  It was weak to let it all go

  You were there until you weren’t

  Now a broken heart is all I know.

  I did it. I can’t believe I did it. I fell into the song and it felt amazing. Joey, the keyboardist, went into a small solo and I beamed at Conner. He beamed right back at me. It was electric. We felt every word and every chord. This song had been a way for me to heal and music therapy was giving back tenfold that night. We were in tune, in sync, and I was in awe. I loved the stage.

  When the song ended, everyone in the bar was on their feet, cat calling and whistling. I blushed and felt embarrassed. I looked over to Conner, who was smiling ear to ear. He nodded for me to say something into the mic. I shook my head. He shook his head and pointed at the microphone again. The band members behind us laughed and they started chanting my name. Soon, the whole bar was yelling, “Lizzie, Lizzie, Lizzie.” It was unbelievable. Never in my whole life did I think I could get up on stage and sing. Playing my guitar in the background, sure no problem. But sing? Wow. I was amazed. I felt so humbled in that moment. I knew exactly why Conner dedicated his life to that. It was a high all on its own.

  “Wow,” I said into the microphone. I took my guitar off and smiled. The chanting died down and I thought of something, anything to say.

  “The fans mean everything to me and the band. They would not be here if it weren’t for your dedicated following. I am so honored to have been part of The O’Malley Band. I am so honored to be an O’Malley. These guys are wicked good so let’s let them get on with their set!” I yelled out, still totally in music bliss.

  I jumped off the stage and Freddie was right there with a shit eating grin taking up his whole face. He picked me up and spun me around several times. We giggled into each other’s ears and when he put me down, he kissed me softly on the lips. I laughed out loud at his demonstrative move and poked him in his rock hard stomach.

  The music started again and we danced for a few songs, totally high and elated.

  “Let’s get another shot!” he yelled into my ear.

  I nodded and looked back up to the stage where Conner was staring at me with a worried look. I gave him a sarcastic “fuck off” look and followed Freddie to the bar. People patted me on the back and offered up congratulations to me. It was awesome. We found two stools at the bar and the bartender was right there, taking our order. We linked our arms and took our shot together. We both slammed it down at the same time and smiled at each other.

  “Hey, Lizzie.” A smooth, rich male voice came from behind me. Nick. He was there.

  I swiveled my stool and took in Nick Sawyer. Tall and broad, he wore a black v-neck sweater with a white tee underneath. His ripped chest was at eye level with me. I brought my eyes up to his and sucked in my breath. He looked like a male model. He looked stunning. My heart hammered in my chest and I felt wetness in my panties.

  “Nick?” I asked and stared in equal surprise.

  Nick gave me a quick grin and nodded. He knew I was uncomfortable. “I didn’t know you were going to play tonight,” he said.

  “Oh, yeah…” I stammered. “I forgot to tell you the band asked me last weekend during their practice at the house.” I smiled and shrugged like it was no big deal but it totally was.

  “You were…amazing,” he said with a solemn look on his face. His eyes darted to Freddie and came back to rest on my body, looking me up and down. Just then, I noticed a female’s hand wrap around Nick’s forearm and I looked over to find a beautiful, long haired brunette. She was jaw dropping sexy. If I were into girls, she would make all other females look mediocre. I gave a slight smile and offered my hand.

  “Hey, I am Lizzie,” I said, trying to sound unaffected. I was feeling very unattractive standing next to this beauty.

  “Hi, I’m Anna!” she said in a bubbly voice.

  Anna. That was Anna? Oh my God. He was still dating her. They were a couple. She was beautiful. They looked so good together. I felt a sudden pang in my heart and I tried to gulp in air.

  “Nice to meet you. I am glad you guys could catch the show,” I said, swaying my eyes back to Nick. “This is my friend, Freddie. Freddie, this is Nick and Anna.”

  “We’ve met,” Nick said stonily.

  “Right! I met you the night I was hanging out with my coworker. Nice to see you again,” Freddie said pleasantly. I could count on Freddie to be totally in the dark about Nick and my friendship. He didn’t know a damn thing and I intended it to stay that way. Freddie was fun. Nick was beautiful, genuine, loving, attentive, and too complicated for my life.

  Nick nodded and Anna whispered something in his ear. I just stared at them as they continued their whispered personal exchange. I felt sick. I did not want to feel anything bad about Nick and Anna. I had made my decision when he kissed me that night in my apartment. I wouldn’t feel anything for Nick. Put on your “woman about town” mask, Lizzie. Put it on.

  “Well, we are going to dance again. So have fun,” I said, pushing off my stool. Freddie grabbed my hand and led me out to the dance floor. I chanced a quick look back at Nick. He was watching me with a distressing look on his face. I gave him a small smile, a wave, and turned into Freddie’s arms, determined to dance the night away.

  SIXTEEN

  I woke up face down in a mattress that was foreign to me. I groaned. I turned to my right and saw an unfamiliar white wall and hardwood floors. Without moving my head, which felt like a boulder had rolled right inside of it, I scanned the rest of the room by darting my eyes from left to right. I felt someone move from the other side of the bed and I squeezed my eyes tight. Where the hell was I?

  I replayed the events of the last night in my head. My song. Taking shots with Freddie. Nick. Anna. I cringed. Dancing. More shots. Nick making out with Anna at a corner table at the bar. More shots. Conner yelling at me to ride home with him. Freddie’s house. Freddie. I was in bed with Freddie, my beautiful Irish friend.

  I remembered his mouth on my neck in the cab. I remembered us fumbling with our clothes and laughing in his living room. He had flawlessly used his mouth and hands all over my body and I remember moaning and asking for more. He had given me everything I desired and it was animalistic. It was…amazing. God, I needed that after so long without sex.

  I peeked down at the floor and saw my clothes. I saw the ripped condom wrappers. I had sex with Freddie multiple times. Wow. He must have not been as drunk as I was. I was so sure he would be a gentle lover but good God, the man was sex, sex, sex. His brogue and his rock hard demeanor were intoxicating, much more than the shots had been. I closed my eyes and waited for the regret to set in. After I started laughing inwardly, I knew that remorse certainly was not part of that scenario. It was liberating. I finally had unadulterated sex with a man that was not going to kick me out of his bed for eating cookies in it.

  I felt the bed dip and Freddie walked across the room bare naked. I watched his sexy ass walk out the door. I listened to him using the bathroom and then as I heard him come back in the room, I squeezed my eyes shut again, pretending to still be asleep. He got back into bed and cuddled up to me. I sighed. His warm body felt so good. I stroked his arm up and down and sighed in contentment. Freddie had grown up in the time we had been apart. We were no longer kids. I was laying in bed with a man who had a great career, a strong body, and was not staying in Boston. My heart was not on the line. I had no expectations. It was marvelous.

  “Good morning,” he said in a husky accent.

  “Freddie,” I said.

  “
Last night was amazing,” he said, smiling into my bare shoulder.

  “I know,” I said as I turned over into his arms. “I remember.”

  He smiled at me and I turned my head to let him kiss my neck. “I never thought anything like that would happen with you,” he said.

  I hummed. I never thought I’d let anything like that happen with anyone ever again but there I was. I was so glad I went on the pill. Sex didn’t constitute a life change anymore. It was so freeing. I could do this. I could have sex and no babies and no broken hearts and no loneliness.

  “Can you stay for a little while?” he asked. I mentally jumped up out of bed and ran home. Niall. I needed to get home to Niall. Even though I was already home in my mind, I remained in his bed and tried to look sullen about my next words.

  “I wish I could but I have to head home. Family brunch,” I said on a sigh. Lying to Freddie was easy when it came to protecting Niall’s identity.

  “That’s too bad. I was hoping we could do a little more of what we did all night,” he whispered as he squeezed my ass.

  I laughed and kissed him on the cheek. “I wish I could, but I have to go.”

  I moved to get up and grabbed my clothes off the floor. As I headed to the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of a huge Irish flag hanging over a couch. A sudden pang of guilt hit me square in the chest. Did I just cheat on someone? Teagan? Nick? No, fuck them both. They were heart breakers. Freddie was just a friend and now maybe a lover. Maybe that’s what I was missing from my life. I could add another mask to my collection. It was heart racing great sex. I would never tell anyone about what happened with Freddie. It was no one’s business but mine.

  Twenty minutes later, Freddie kissed me and shut the door to the taxi he had called to send me home in. It was only a ten minute drive to my apartment, and as I recounted the night before, I did a small dance in my seat. I felt good. It was so great to let go and have fun with no consequences. Freddie didn’t offer promises or declarations of feelings. In fact, I was surprised he hadn’t asked me to lunch that week. I shrugged it off, but knowing Freddie and the night we had, he would be calling again.