Conflict of Interest (Book 2 of Unfinished Business)

One

The weather starts to take a turn as we drive through the city. My mind races as I look out the window and watch New Yorkers go about their daily lives. Out of the city and getting to the outskirts, my mood begins to somber.

I feel Aiden gently squeeze my hand, pulling me from my thoughts. I look down at our hands and intertwine them, forcing a smile as I look up at him. He brings my hand up to his lips as we maneuvers the car through traffic.

"How's Trent doing, Love?" He turns and gives me a small smile, before turning his attention back to the road.

"He's surviving. Trying to balance school and managing the company in Seattle. He'll fly out here this weekend. He's excited to take a break from it all," I said.

Aiden chuckles. "Well not everyone is a business prodigy and can do it all. He's had to fill in some big shoes since someone left."

I smirked. I knew what he was trying to do, but decided to go with it. "Yea? Well who else was I going to leave to manage that sector? Some high-maintenance, egotistic restaurateur?"

He looked over to me, eyebrow raised. "Egotistic? High-maintenance? Really? I'm sure anyone could have managed it just fine." He let go of my hand, pouting with both hands now on the wheel.

I stare at Aiden, trying to hold my laughter in. After a few moments, I reach over, threading my fingers through his hair, giggling at his ridiculousness. "Oh you know I trust you with the business, Love. Why do you think I agreed to merge our companies this year?"

Aiden still keeps his little act going, and keeps pouting. I keep caressing his hair and go on to stroke his cheek and gently massage his neck. I keep smiling, knowing that I always get to him. I see him look over to me from the corner of his eye, and I see his lips reluctantly tug up to a smile. He grabs my hand and kisses it.

"Now that's the mood I want to see you in," he says. "Quit getting lost in that perfect little head of yours. You know your parents would hate seeing you like that."

I sit back, and look out the front. My smile slowly drops as I see that we're near our destination. "I know, I'm sorry. I just hate today."

Aiden's thumb gently rubs the palm of my hand. "We're here, baby."

My heart starts to get heavy as Aiden turns into Green-Wood Cemetery. I look out, watching the tombstones go by as we slowly drive through the grounds. Everything starts to seem grayer, and rain drops start to hit the windshield. Soon, we stop, and everything just feels heavy. My head is turned and stare out into the distance, vision going blurry.

I hear the engine shut down, and I feel Aiden turn towards the back seat, likely reaching for the flowers, and an umbrella. I feel the cool fresh air as he gets out of the vehicle. I shiver, and soon he's within view. I unbuckle just as he opens my door. I get out, looking up at him, my face void of any emotion. He gives me a small smile as he hands me the flowers, knowing he can see the emotions in my eyes.

He leans down and gives me a gentle peck. "I'm right here, Katalina. I'll always be here." Aiden wraps his arm around me and leads us through the tombstones. My breathing becomes heavier as we near our destination, but I keep it under control.

Finally, we stop in front of a massive granite headstone, the name "Masters" boldly engraved at the top. I step forward, leaving the safety of the umbrella, uncaring if I get drenched in the rain. I brush off the leaves that have dusted the headstone, and kneel down, setting the flowers down in front of it.

"Hi Mom. Hi Dad." My voice cracks, eyes water, as I stare at my parents' names, engraved side by side. My fingers gently traces the letters, and the memory of that dreadful day two years ago replays in my mind.