Nothing Ventured Page 14

"Yeah, I did okay."

  "I think you're being modest. I bet you're going to be the MVP."

  "I don't care, so long as we win."

  "I can't wait to see you play. I'm so proud of you. Just do your best, and you'll shine."

  "Thanks, Mom. I'm trying real hard."

  "That's all anyone can ask, baby. I love you so much. Sweet dreams. I'll see you after school tomorrow."

  "Okay. I love you so much too."

  "Mia!"

  "Av! Oh my God. How are you?"

  Avery enveloped her in a perfumed embrace. "It's so great to see you. It's been way too long."

  "Well, you've been pretty busy taking over the virtual recording industry. CrowdRok is such an amazing concept. I love that you created an online platform for aspiring singers and musicians. You've discovered so much incredible talent and landed them recording contracts because of all the social media exposure. There's huge buzz about you up north. All the venture capital firms have CrowdRok on their list of up-and-coming companies to watch. Maybe it's time to talk to some potential investors."

  "I'm perfectly fine on my own. The last thing I want is some hack buying in and trying to steal the reins."

  "All I'm saying is you should weigh your options. It could be a really good move to take on some new investors."

  "Maybe, just not now."

  "I get it. You want to keep the glory all to yourself." Avery and Jana really were cut from the same mold, business-wise. They'd be perfect as partners. "Besides, what other CEO on earth gets as much time on the red carpet? Who would want to share that?"

  "Oh yeah, so-o-o glamorous. I only get the courtesy invites. How was your meeting?"

  "Excruciatingly agonizing. I've been cooped up in a conference room all afternoon with a bunch of suits. Thank God you were in town to rescue me."

  "Let's get a cocktail before dinner. We've got a lot to catch up on, lady." She linked her arm through Mia's and led her to a corner restaurant. "This is one of my favorite places. It's totally obscure so you don't get a lot of stargazers."

  "Damn, why couldn't we go somewhere to people-watch? You know I am one of those pathetic stargazers."

  "Looks like you could use a stiff drink. What's it going to be?"

  "Manhattan. Hey, does it ever get old, having guys gawk at you everywhere you go?"

  Avery turned to the bartender with a dazzling smile. "Make it two, please." Her vibrant blue eyes studied Mia's face. "Like you don't get the same reaction when you're out on the town? Now, dish. Why the long face? Is it a guy?"

  "Yeah. Am I that transparent?"

  Avery tucked a strand of blond hair behind her ear. "Well, at least your dating woes aren't dragged through the mud and highlighted in the tabloids for weeks. Bad choices become horrendously earth-shattering when they're constantly thrown in your face."

  "Sorry about you and Kevin…"

  "At least something good came out of that fiasco of a relationship, if you can even call it that. Baseball players suck, but their portfolio managers are absolutely fab. There's the silver lining." She handed Mia one of the Manhattans. "Tell me about the guy. Maybe I can help."

  "It's kind of a disaster. He's totally off-limits, and the other night I… we… slept together. It was a big mistake."

  "Ooh! Good for you! God, what I would do to have a forbidden fling that the whole world wouldn't find out about." She flashed a mischievous grin. "And? How was it?"

  "Unreal. He's…" Mia couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her lips. "…awesome."

  "Why exactly wouldn't you want to keep doing Mr. Awesome?"

  "It was just one night, and, to be honest, it shouldn't have even been that. But it was unbelievable."

  Avery giggled. "Slut."

  "It was so worth it. I wish it could be more, but it can't."

  'Well, at least you got the one night. I'd love that. I need to get away from this LA crowd. It's a dead-end for me."

  "You definitely need a guy outside the spotlight. You're too smart for these clowns anyway."

  "I think I need a long vacation. Some far-off place where I can get some peace and quiet, you know? Or maybe it's time for me to finally relocate up north. I should bring CrowdRok to Silicon Valley."

  "That would be so great. I'd love it if you were closer."

  "We'll see how things turn out."

  "I'm really glad we caught up. I desperately needed a dose of Avery."

  "That's why I'm here — to get your mind off Mr. Awesome and the forbidden fling."

  Mia fiddled with the cherry in her glass. Forbidden fling indeed. The really nasty kind that left a gaping hole in her heart.

  CHRIS SAT ACROSS FROM JAMES IN the conference room at Blue Coat clenching his teeth as he flipped through the presentation. Fucking guy couldn't get anything right. "This is the wrong version of the pitch deck. Mia made updates to the financials after our last meeting. Did you even check it before printing? If we sent this version, we'd look like complete morons."

  James flashed a warning look at Chris. "I'm sure it was an oversight. Let's get the correct version, and we'll go through it again."

  "I — I'm really sorry, guys," Dan stammered, looking like he wanted to jump out the window. "Give me five minutes."

  "Did you really need to do that?"

  "The guy's got his head up his ass and has a comment for everything and everybody. Maybe he should keep his mouth shut and pay a little more attention to detail." Chris slammed a hand on the table. "I shouldn't have taken his head off like that. Anyone could have made the same mistake. But—"

  "But Mia never would have, right? Have you heard from her?"

  "Nope." Chris traced his finger along a groove in the wood grain. Since the second he'd left her house, numbness had settled over his heart, and somehow it was worse than any pain he could fathom. "She doesn't owe me any explanations. I'm not her keeper."

  "Jesus. She's really gotten under your skin. Maybe you should just call her."

  "Talking isn't going to fix this. I'm miserable without her, not knowing if we're even going to have a professional relationship at this point. I really don't know what to do."

  "You can't avoid this forever."

  "It's not exactly up to me, is it? She took off and didn't care enough to send a damn text. Maybe she was just overwhelmed. I knew it was a bad idea."

  "Stop beating yourself up over this. I know it sucks, and I wish things could have worked out differently. I'm not condoning what you did, and Emerson will flip if he finds out, but you should talk to her. Maybe she's just as confused as you are."

  "It's not happening. Let's just drop it." Rehashing the situation wasn't at all therapeutic; it was sheer torment because she was gone. She didn't want him. Maybe she never did.

  Dan rushed back into the room with an armful of color copies. "Let's run through them again."

  Chris half-listened as James and Dan tweaked the slides. Half an hour later, the presentation was ready. After a few more minutes of Dan's groveling, Chris pushed back his chair. "Okay, Dan, next steps."

  "Oh sure, well, I'll be working with you on talking points for the meeting, and we can get together again later in the week to do a final walkthrough—"

  "Wait." Chris narrowed his eyes. "When is Mia coming back? Paul said she'd only be gone a couple of days."

  "He told me she would be working with this new media company. She'll be back in Palo Alto, but he's got her in meetings the rest of the week. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."

  "Fine, let us know what you need." He stalked out of the conference room and paced the hallway as James made excuses for his outbursts. He didn't give a shit what Dan thought of him. Mia was leaving LazerShark, leaving him, because she knew they'd made a colossal mistake.

  But it hadn't been a mistake. Not to him. A sudden moment of clarity made his heart lurch. He'd finally found someone to fill the void he never knew existed. It was time to find out if he'd done the same for her.

  CHAPTER TWENTYr />
  MIA PULLED UP TO THE SCHOOL just as her phone rang. She absently tucked a loose strand of hair back into the clip. "Mia Bradshaw."

  "Hey, it's Paul. How was LA?"

  "Really great. I just got back to town a few minutes ago. A.J. reviewed the terms of our offer with the team, and everyone's on board. I have the signed contracts."

  "That's great news. I'd like you to manage this company relationship."

  Shit. More time away from Chloe. Even more guilt. "That would be an incredible opportunity. It's such a promising start-up. Except—"

  "Except for the travel."

  "Yes."

  "I brought you in for very specific reasons. You're excellent at what you do. I know about your daughter and your responsibilities. We'll make it work."

  "Really? Thanks so much. This company is going to make us a huge windfall."

  "I know. That's why I want you running it. They need your vision. Okay, I'm heading out. I'll see you at the office."

  "Great! Thanks again." Her fingers itched to dial Chris's number, hovering over the screen. With a deep sigh, she tossed the phone on the seat, startled when it rang a moment later. Holy crap, had he actually gotten her telepathic message?

  "You finally decided to answer one of my calls. I guess this is the only time you're free, huh? I wanted to talk to you in person, but I didn't want to bother you while you're waiting for Chloe."

  She clutched the steering wheel, knuckles white, eyes darting around the school entrance. Her heart thundered in her ears. He was watching her? Chloe… "I told you, it's over."

  "Please give me another chance. I can't think straight without you. Can't I see you tonight? Maybe we can talk?"

  "Alex…" She craned her neck, peering out the back windshield. Where the hell could he be? A car backfired further down the street, and she jumped as the loud bang reverberated through her. "…I'm not interested in your apologies."

  "I love you. Don't walk away from me. We have something really special. I want to make this work. I'll do anything for the chance to be with you."

  A few deep breaths did nothing to calm her racing pulse. Her voice quivered. "Forget it. I don't want to see you again. Stop calling and leave me alone." She clicked off the phone and tossed it onto the passenger seat. This had to end. All the texts, emails and voicemails… he'd been relentless. Sean's words returned to haunt her. What if he comes back when Chloe is home? She had to protect her daughter at all costs.

  A loud yelp escaped her lips, and she twisted around to find Rachel tapping on the window. She opened the door and stepped out, her whole body trembling.

  "Oh my God. You're pale as a ghost. Is everything okay?"

  "No," she whispered. "Alex is fucking crazy. I've been avoiding his calls, but I wasn't paying attention just now, and he got me on the phone. He sounded desperate. I'm scared he might do something and Chloe—"

  "Did you go to the police?"

  "I don't think I have any grounds. He hasn't threatened me or anything."

  "You should make a call anyway. You never know. I can always give you the name of one of Tommy's friends."

  "Thanks." She bit her thumbnail, recalling Chris's text. "I just hope that phone call was the end of it." But what if it wasn't? What if he was serious when he said it wasn't over?

  "Let's forget about him and pick up the girls. I'm sure a little Jamba Juice will help."

  TEN MORE TEXT MESSAGES, all professing his undying love for her? The guy was clearly unstable and delusional. She'd let Susan in on the drama earlier that morning, just in case the sicko went banging down her parents' door. Maybe next time she'd just butt the hell out.

  The police station at lunchtime was eerily quiet. She walked up to the desk. One-way mirror. Who was behind it? Someone was always watching, maybe a lot of someones. With a lot of guns.

  A voice came over the intercom, instructing her to pick up the receiver on the counter. Mia put the phone to her ear. "I'd like to file a restraining order. I'm a friend of Rachel Freeman. Can you please tell me if Officer McAuliffe is available?"

  "Sure," a male voice responded. "Have a seat, and I'll let him know you're here."

  "Thanks." She sat on the corner of a cushioned chair in the waiting room to avoid the dark brown stain in the center. With a wrinkle of her nose, she confirmed it was the cleanest one, and that wasn't saying much. Tap, tap, tap went her foot against the tile floor. After the last phone call, she'd had a perpetually unsettled feeling she was under surveillance. Alex was out there. It was only a matter of time before he surfaced. She clenched the arms of the chair. If only Chris was—

  "Mia Bradshaw?" A tall, kind-looking man held out a hand. "Officer Mike McAuliffe."

  "Hi, I really appreciate your time, Officer."

  "No problem at all. Any friend of Rachel's is a friend of mine. Why don't you follow me?"

  Mia sprang from her seat and followed him into a back room.

  "Okay, you want to file a restraining order. I'm going to need some information, so let's review the details."

  Mia nodded, fidgeting in her chair. "Sorry, this whole thing makes me really uneasy."

  "I understand, and that's why we're going to help protect you." Officer McAuliffe paused, his pen poised over the paper.

  "How exactly does this work? Will he get served with the order? I'm nervous about his reaction. Won't it incite him?" She bit her nail, not that there was much more to gnaw off. It was practically down to the nub after that chilling call.

  "We'll complete this form, and I'll make arrangements with a judge to speak to you. If the judge grants your request, a temporary restraining order will go into effect immediately, and a court date will be set. That's when this man would get served, and the court date is typically held two weeks after the temporary restraining order is in place."

  "How soon can I see the judge?" Tap, tap, tap.

  "I may be able to pull some strings to get you in front of Judge Stevens right after we fill out the paperwork."

  "That would be great." She expelled a long unsteady breath before delving into the sordid details.

  Officer McAuliffe set down his pen when she'd finished recounting the recent events. "It's not a slam-dunk case, unfortunately. This man didn't inflict any physical harm on you, and the texts and voicemails are innocent enough."

  Her eyes filled with tears. "I know, but—"

  "Listen, don't panic yet. Let me see what I can do. Have a seat. I'll be back in a few minutes."

  Mia paced the floor, nibbling at her cuticles. What if the judge didn't take this threat seriously? Was she supposed to wait until he attacked her again? Did they need her to be hurt to take any action against him?

  Officer McAuliffe reappeared. "Good news. Judge Stevens is free now. How quickly can you get to the courthouse?"

  "I'll go straight there. Do you think there's a chance he'll grant this?"

  "I might have to call in a favor to help your case. Good luck, Ms. Bradshaw."

  "Thanks so much. I really appreciate your help." She grabbed her handbag and raced to the car. The unlock button stuck, and panic rose in her throat. Oh God, what if he—

  Another few furious clicks, and it was freed. The doors unlocked, and she jumped into the driver's seat.

  At the courthouse, she ran straight to the reception desk. "I'm here to see Judge Stevens. Officer McAuliffe—"

  The receptionist held up a hand and pointed to her earpiece. "Yes, of course. Okay, great, we'll see you then." She clicked off the earpiece and glared at Mia. "Didn't you see I was on the phone?"

  "Oh, I'm so sorry, I was just—"

  "You just thought your problems should take precedence over everything else, right?" She grunted and shook her head. "Sit down, and I'll let the judge know you're here."

  What a bitch. If she didn't need to get in there so badly, she'd have told the receptionist where to stick the fucking earpiece.

  The receptionist tapped a pencil against the window to get Mia's attention. "Judge St
evens is waiting. First door on your left."

  A kind-looking man in the judge's chambers smiled at her as she entered. "Hi, Your Honor, my name is Mia Bradshaw. Officer Mike McAuliffe called you about a restraining order?"

  "Yes, of course." Judge Stevens stood up and shook her hand. "Sorry we had to drag you down here. Protocols, you know."

  "I'm really glad you could fit me in."

  "Why don't you tell me what's happened? How did all of this come about?"

  "Well, the order is against a man I was dating. It wasn't serious, but he didn't take the breakup well. He'd displayed some signs of instability, and I have a young daughter. When I tried to break things off, he attacked me. I got away before anything happened, but now he's been texting me like crazy, leaving voicemails, and the other day he called me while I was waiting to pick up my daughter from school." Beads of perspiration formed on the back of her neck. His chilling voice and diabolical expression were forever burned into her memory. "I've been screening the calls, but I was distracted and he caught me off-guard. He's been threatening enough where I'm scared. I just don't know what he's going to do next."

  "I understand your fears and your need to protect your daughter. Can you show me some of the text messages?"

  Mia handed printouts to the judge, and he flipped through them. When he looked up, her heart sank. "None of these communications indicate threat of harm. I'm not sure if we have just cause for a restraining order." He took off his glasses and rubbed his temple. "Believe me, I understand your concerns. But these orders are typically reserved for specific instances where threats are made or violence is inflicted. I don't see that here. All the evidence points to a disgruntled ex-boyfriend, not someone who poses imminent danger."

  "So what am I supposed to do, sleep with one eye open from now on and hope he eventually goes away?" Mia clenched and unclenched her fists. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect. I'm just scared. He's not stupid. Maybe he knows enough not to say anything threatening because he doesn't want me to be able to take action."

  "It's possible. Things seem stable right now, and, until there is an elevated risk, I really don't see how we can approve the request. I'm sorry."