Tangled and Twisted ✓

Chapter 12

[Beth Kuhlmann]

Bella might've forgiven me after my confession, but I'm not sure Jenny has done so yet. She just mulled over my words, which I take it as a bad sign. What if I destroyed our friendship for that? I can't help realizing I've let selfish thoughts radicate in my mind lately.

To get rid of negativity, I prepare a list of things to do in order to calm myself down: a long bath with bubbles, a hot cocoa and a good movie. I'm sure I'll unwind after these. Now, I just need to choose what to watch.

***

I can't believe I'm at my door's threshold in just a bath robe. This is so not me. This is more of something Bella would do. Usually, if I'm busy bathing myself, I leave the other person hanging at least until I've dressed properly. This time it's different, though.

I'm not sure of who could be. The only way to find out is to open the door, even if it means being exposed to utter embarrassment. I close my eyes as I pull it; then, I open them again as I hear someone calling my name. "Beth! Is that you? You look... different than usual."

It's Jack! I face palm at my awkwardness. I can't believe the first instance of him seeing me out of work is... me standing at the threshold with nothing but a bath robe on. If I could, I'd bury myself somewhere out of shame.

I stutter. "H-hi. S-sorry for the mess... I've just finished taking... I think you can understand..." I avert his gaze and leave him hanging, so that I can at least wear some actual clothes. I rush to my room, pick the first random items I can find, and wear them.

Only when I'm done and I pass by the mirror, I realize that I've chosen the worst possible combination. The purple dress with that floral motive makes me pass off a sixty-year-old at best. There's a reason why Bella hates it and wants to burn it...

When I'm back at the entrance, Jack bursts into laughter. "Beth... what the heck is that dress?" I don't answer, embarrassed at my poor figure. Once again, I'm fumbling my great chance to prove I can work my way around men without looking stupid.

I raise my hands. "I know, I know. It's awful, isn't it?" Jack still chuckles, making me uneasy. I say, "Maybe I'll listen to Bella and finally get rid of that." I don't want Jack to think I'm a slob out of office. I know, appearances aren't everything, but poor outfit choices aren't it either.

He suggests. "Or, maybe, you could reinvent it in a creative way? The dress won't go to waste, but you won't be embarrassed anymore by its original form." He has a point. If I work on it, I'm sure I'll obtain a different result without having to throw it away or attempt to sell it unsuccessfully.

I change subject. "Anyway, come in. Make yourself at home." I gesture at him to follow me, which he does. He closes the door behind him, even though I'm here, standing next to it. So, I lead him to the kitchen, where I offer him a seat at the table.

I try to offer something to drink, but he politely refuses and states, "I'm just here to tell you a secret. It's about Hames Hollister Corp." He pauses; his expression turns grave as he restarts talking. "It's something really serious, so I don't think you should share it with nonchalance. Be careful."

Now he worries me. What could he possibly know about the agency that could shake everything up? It's not like they can come after me for knowing something I might've already understood during my time at that hell pit.

"Beth, Hames Hollister Corp. isn't only facing bankruptcy." He pauses again and takes deep breaths. I know they're in hot water financially, so what's more? Are they facing legal issues? If so, why can't they be transparent? Honestly, I won't be too surprised if I find out they've swept a lot of shit under the rug.

"They're actually involved in a major fraud scheme. If any of the parties who joined it were caught, they might face repercussions with the law," he explains, never taking his eyes off the table.

This only means a thing: Brian Hames and Kara Hollister either protect scammers or are fraudsters themselves. They can't and shall never be heads of a publishing agency when they can't even grant to operate honestly and according to the laws.

I know I should keep Jack's secret, but I feel the urge to at least tell Jenny. She's still employed there. She's the only one who can take them down. One part of me, however, realizes that I have to stay quiet, or else I'll land everyone in major trouble.

Now that Jack has just thrown the bomb, I'm not sure I can handle him in my house for now. What if he spills more on that unethical company? What if I find out some of their most trusted employees are actually traitors?

Unsurprisingly, he adds, "There's one more thing you should know. Beware of Dale Leathers. He's the master of sucking up. Personally, I don't trust him. I think he's still Kara's object of desire." No, that can't be. Bella is over her head for him. He can't be that much of an asshole to still prefer that viper over her.

I side eye Jack for this piece of information. Instead, I try to change subject. "So, how's life going? Outside of work, of course." I put the emphasis on the first three words because I'm not ready to listen to more insider secrets on the company.

He shrugs. "Nothing special, until I caught up with you, of course. Oh, do you remember Coffee Galore, that café we went together?" I nod, recalling that moment was actually the calm before the storm.

He continues. "I've actually become a regular. It's so addictive. I think you should come back one day. Maybe, one day-" He cuts himself off as tension rises between the two of us. My face turns beet red. Butterflies soar in my stomach. What if... No, no, I need to keep calm. I can't lose it, not in front of him.

He takes my hands and pulls me close for a kiss. Taken aback by his move, I don't resist him and let his lips on mine. I close my eyes. I feel like fainting, but I need to stay sane. This isn't a dream. This isn't a drill. The only one man who has dared approach me in a healthy manner is kissing me, right now.

When it's over, I wish I could stop time. I'm not ready to let him go, not yet. Unfortunately, his phone rings loud in his pocket, which means one thing: he must face some emergency. There goes the happy ending of my dreams.

He apologizes profusely for that. "I'm sorry, I must really go. We'll see again, okay?" I know letting go of him is hard as fuck, but I must. What if this emergency is family related? I don't want to be held accountable if something bad to any of them happens just because of my whims.

I show him the door, trying hard to repress tears. I can't be overly dramatic, or else I'll ruin everything. One thing is sure: I'll tell Jenny and Bella about the kiss, but I can't trust myself in disclosing information about Hames Hollister without causing turmoil.

Jack is right. I must keep quiet.