The Arrangement (Available in paperback & eBook-SAMPLE)

Chapter 5

Thank you all for your support. It means so much to me. I hope you all enjoy the new chapter and I will have another one for you next week. :)

(Brenna)

"Brenna, there's someone here to see you," Rose said, sticking her head into the office. "He said his name is Gary Ferguson. Do you want me to bring him to you?"

"Please, and thank you," I said.

"You're welcome."

I pushed back my chair and rose to my feet. Grabbing a stack of folders from the desk, I shifted to my right and pulled out the top drawer on a file cabinet. I stuck the folders inside, closed the door, and moved around the desk.

Gary entered the office, smiling at me. "Hey, Brenna."

"Gary, it's good to see you," I said, returning his smile. "How's Heather?"

"She's doing well." Gary kissed my cheek. "You look beautiful, as always."

I cleared my throat and turned away. "Sit down, please."

"I see you still can't take a compliment." Gary sighed. "After all these years, John is still whispering in your ear, telling you that you're ugly and that you're worthless. He was-"

"Don't," I snapped at him.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly.

I gave him a weak smile. "I'm the one who is sorry. I should have said thank you instead of snapping at you. Let's forget about it and sit down and talk. What brings you by?"

"Derek Richmond," Gary said, taking a seat on the couch.

"You know him?" I inquired, sitting beside him.

"We've been friends for a little over three years," he answered. "Anyway, I was having dinner with him last night when he said that he met someone named Brenna. I mentioned your last name to make sure he was talking about you and not someone else. He said I was correct and wanted to know if I knew you. I told him that I did."

My breath caught in my throat. "You-you didn't tell him about John, did you?"

"No, of course not," Gary said. "It wasn't my place to say anything. I told him that you were once married to a former friend of mine, but I didn't go any further."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said. "One of the reasons why I dropped by was to let you know that I know Derek. That way if he ever went to introduce us it wouldn't take you by surprise."

I nodded.

"He doesn't know that I came here to talk to you." Gary shifted toward me slightly. "He wouldn't be thrilled about it, so let's just keep this little visit between us. Is that alright with you?"

"It is," I said.

He studied me intently for a moment before he spoke again. "I know you don't trust men, Brenna. After what you went through with John, I don't blame you for keeping your distance. I just want you to know that you can trust Derek."