Unlikely Venture (The Venture Series Book 1) (17 page)

Lisa snickered and pointed to the coffee table. “Hope you don’t mind but I helped myself to his latest treat.”

Jessica gasped. “A Starburst jelly bean tree?”

“Yeah, he’s definitely creative. I’ll give him that.” She grabbed another bag off the trunk made of Twizzlers.

Jessica pulled a few beans off a branch and popped them into her mouth. “Mmm, so juicy.” She settled back and looked at Lisa. “Today was a crappy day. After Charlie dumped me from the partner meeting, I found out he’s yanking me off the project. I’ve got a new assignment downtown, somewhere he can keep tabs on me, I’m sure. It looks like my involvement in building this new consulting practice is pretty much over. And so are my chances to get back to California.”

“Oh no.” Lisa put her arms around Jessica. “Are you sure about that? Are you going to talk to James? Did you tell him anything?”

“No, I can’t say anything now. I don’t want to throw any wrenches into this relationship yet—it’s too new. But there’s more. I went to see Dr. Martin and he said this numbness may indicate a progression of the MS. I can’t believe how everything turned upside down so quickly, Li.” She shook her head. “It’s crazy that we even found each other but with all these obstacles, can it go anywhere? Is he going to be able to handle all this? I mean, he seemed pretty sure about me when we went out. But that was before…”—

“Be honest with him, Jess. You’ll never know until you talk to him.”

“I know. But if he’s going to be in this, I want him to be in it on his own. It has to be his decision, not something he does because he feels pressured by all of these extenuating factors, you know? I want to give it a shot but I’m also the one holding all the baggage.”

Lisa smiled and motioned to the countless bouquets around them. “I don’t know. Looks to me that he’s definitely
in
.”

“I really hope so. I’m also meeting with Charlie’s boss Justin about this project. I need to find out if there’s any hope for the new practice. I can’t give up on it yet. I put too much time in and I deserve that promotion. If Charlie isn’t going to stick his neck out for me, I’m going to handle things myself.”

Lisa wrinkled her nose. “You’re going over Charlie’s head? Is that such a smart idea?”

“Li, I’m furious I didn’t get a chance to have a say in that meeting. I’m giving it one last shot. If things don’t pan out and it really is over, at least I can say I tried.” Jessica grinned. “Okay, enough about Charlie and my oodles of issues. Tell me, did you meet up with your office buddy Scott again? Was he devastated to see you leave?”

“Oh, sure. We had
lots
of fun together.” Lisa flashed her a wicked smile.

“You
didn’t
! I can’t believe you! Aren’t you worried about getting involved with someone at work?”

“Jessie, don’t pretend to be all prim and proper just because you didn’t give it up to James!” Lisa giggled.

“Oh come on, we had
one
date! I’d want to keep him coming back for more!”

“Listen, if you’ve got the right moves, they’ll
always
be back. Plus, it’s not like you’ve never ignored your
rules
before, right?” Lisa tossed a throw pillow at Jessica.

“Ha ha.” Jessica grimaced. “Please don’t remind me.”

“So speaking of…what did you decide to do about Paul? Are you going to contact him for your
business
meeting? Since your last impression was super-favorable, I’m sure he’s anxiously awaiting your call.”

Jessica made a face. “You’re such a bitch. There’s no reason for me to call him now anyway. I didn’t feel comfortable about rekindling anything with him, professional or otherwise, so I’m glad that the decision was made for me.”

Lisa nodded. “I still think you’re insane for not taking another shot with him. But, I get it, it’s cute. You’ve got a crush on James.”

Jessica giggled. “Yeah, I guess I do. All right, I need to change for dinner. I have to meet my parents and Haley in a little while.” She made a face. “Can’t wait to find out what Daddy Dearest has in store for me tonight. Here’s to hoping I can at least choke down my first course without too much indigestion.”

“SO YOUR MOTHER tells me you met someone.” Peter Latham focused a piercing gaze on his daughter.

“That’s right.” Jessica stiffened, her fists clenched under the tablecloth.

He put his fork down. “Do you really think that’s a wise idea right now? You need to concentrate on your health and your career. Aren’t you focused on this promotion at work? Shouldn’t that be a priority? Besides, you don’t need the added stress of a long-distance relationship.”

Julia shot her husband a look. “Pete, why don’t you ease up on her? Your disapproval is only going to add more stress. She’s excited about this young man. Why shouldn’t she see where it might lead?”

Peter sighed. “Jessica, you need to be serious about your future. How much do you even know about this guy? Based on your track record, you haven’t always made the best choices.” He gave her another pointed look.

Jessica gasped. “Are you kidding me, Dad? You’re really going there again?” She tossed her napkin on the table. “I’m so
sorry
! I forgot I was in the presence of greatness here, the almighty Peter Latham who never made a poor choice in his life.” She flashed a sarcastic smile. “I only
wish
I could be so perfect.”

“Jessica, enough.” Julia said. She turned to her husband. “Peter, she has the right to live her own life and to spread her wings. There’s never a guarantee that a relationship will work out but shouldn’t she have the option to try?”

“Come on Daddy, he went to MIT. That should count for something, right? He’s a techie geek. If he landed a girl like Jessie, he should thank his lucky stars. I’m sure he’s a safe bet,” Haley piped in.

Jessica rolled her eyes. “Haley…”

“His level of education is inconsequential to me. What matters is
you
.” Peter pointed at Jessica. He sighed and his voice softened. “All I meant is, you’re dealing with a lot right now. Remember, you have all of
us
to lean on. We love you and want the best for you.
Drew
…” He clenched his teeth as he spoke the name. “Was a colossal mistake. I can’t watch you do that to yourself all over again.”

“Dad, that’s assuming I made yet
another
questionable choice. But you don’t know James.” Jessica’s voice cracked. “You’re making it seem like no man will ever want me because of this disease. Is that how you really feel? That nobody will be able to see past that,
ever
?”

“Of course he doesn’t mean that, Jessie.” Julia glared at Peter. “He’s just concerned. You deserve someone who will accept everything about you. Drew wasn’t the right guy. Your father just wants you to be careful and to protect yourself.”

“You know, this whole thing really sucks. My life is in complete upheaval and I finally meet someone I think is special. Why can’t you just be happy about that, Dad? Forget what
might
happen, for once! I
might
be stuck in a wheelchair one day or go blind. I’m tired of worrying about all that. It’s not helping me. If anything, it’ll make me deteriorate faster. I need to enjoy what I have now. I really wish you could feel the same way.” She stood up and grabbed her handbag. “I need a break. I’m going to the ladies’ room.”

Haley scampered after her. “Jess, why do you let him get to you?”

Jessica’s eyes filled with tears as she walked into the lounge. “Haley, were you just sitting at a different table? I don’t understand him. Doesn’t he know I have those fears every single day of my life? Doesn’t he care how hurtful his comments are?”

“You know Dad’s not really the diplomatic type.” Haley smoothed back Jessica’s hair. “Why are you letting him upset you like this? He’s only behaving this way because he’s worried about you.”

“Then, why can’t he be a normal father and hug me and tell me that he’s scared too?” Jessica snapped.

Haley shrugged. “Come on, it’s not his way. Never has been.” She spread a lip-gloss wand over her puckered lips. “Dad’s not going to change, Jessie. He’s always going to have an opinion and it will probably be contrary to yours. Deal with it.”

Jessica made a face. “Thanks. I’ve been trying to deal with it for the past six months.”

Haley shook her head. “No you haven’t. You’ve been fighting it, and where has that gotten you?” She winked. “Yep,
nowhere
! So suck it up and move on! Agree to disagree and be done with it.”

Jessica’s phone buzzed and she pulled it out.

Hey gorgeous, still okay for me to call later?

She smiled and shot off a reply.
Definitely.

Haley peered over her shoulder. “Ooh, is that from James? Do you have a picture? Can I see what your geeky gamer boyfriend looks like?”

Jessica giggled. “He was just on the cover of
Young Entrepreneur
with his partner Chris.” She found the site and pulled it up. “That’s him on the left.”

“Whoa,” Haley breathed. “He’s gorgeous, Jessie. And his partner, holy crap! Is he single?”

Jessica nudged her. “Now you’re interested in geeky gamer guys?”

“When they look like this, I am!” Haley laughed. “Good for you. He’s
hot
. You’ve got my blessing!”

Jessica laughed and followed Haley out of the lounge. Peter was standing against the wall, a sheepish look on his face.

“I’ll go and keep Mom company.” Haley sauntered back into the dining room.

Jessica folded her arms. “So, Mom sent you back here to talk.”

Peter smiled. “That’s quite an understatement, but I didn’t come back on her orders, Jess.” He shook his head. “You know, when you were diagnosed a while back, I had a difficult time dealing with it. I’m your father, and yet, there was nothing I could do to protect you. I felt helpless. Still do. To know your child is suffering and not be able to make everything better is the absolute worst feeling I’ve ever had. And when Drew walked out on you, I just…I wanted to
murder
him for hurting you like that.”

“I know, Dad.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m concerned about you starting another relationship. I won’t lie. I can’t bear to see you upset. I’m afraid of the effect it might have on your health. I’m sorry if I’ve been too hard on you. Above all else, you’re still my daughter. I figured if you focused on work, it would be therapeutic for you. Believe it or not, I’m trying to look out for your best interests.”

“I’m tired of being afraid, questioning every little thing I do so I can protect myself from being hurt again. I don’t want this diagnosis to hold me back anymore. I want to live. I’m scared of taking a risk with someone new but not enough to shy away from the chance to be really happy.” She smiled. “He’s a good guy, Dad. I’m not losing sight of what’s important and I’m not taking focus away from my career. I’m just trying to feel normal again. If I get hurt, I’ll deal with it. But I don’t want to be secluded anymore.”

“I know. And I know I can’t shield you from life, no matter how much I want to. I’m sorry if I hurt you. Just…be careful, okay?”

Jessica nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. “I will, Dad.” She hugged him, breathing in the familiar scent of his aftershave. “I love you.”
Thank you for finally giving me what I needed.

JESSICA’S HEART LEAPT when the phone rang later that evening. “Hello?”

“Hey, beautiful.”

She shivered just hearing his voice. “I’ve been waiting for your call…” She toyed with a corner of her robe.

“Oh, yeah? Why is that? Did you have something to tell me?”

Jessica giggled at his playful tone. “Maybe, but first I was hoping you’d have something to tell me…like did you get the funding or
what
? How much longer are you going to make me wait?”

James laughed. “I wish I could tell you we did. But right now it looks like we’re in a holding pattern.”

“Did you fall apart on the golf course? Did you crumble under the pressure? Did he completely school you guys?”

“Not quite, but he didn’t commit to anything before he blew us off for some other meeting in San Francisco. He’s really not the type of guy I want to work with but Chris says he’s brilliant and I’m trying hard to be a team player.”

“How did you leave it with him?” Jessica flopped onto her stomach and kicked off her slippers.

“He said he’d have his people call our people.” James snorted. “Whatever. If it doesn’t work out, I’m not going to be disappointed. Emerson’s a cocky bastard. I don’t trust him and I don’t need his money. There are plenty of other investors out there, a lot who’ve shown interest in what we’re doing.”

It would be so awesome if Paul took his funding somewhere else. What would James think if he knew about that torrid encounter?
She rubbed her temples, unable to stomach his certain reaction.

“Well, I believe in what you guys are doing and I know that you’ll get the funding you need.” Jessica hoped she sounded convincing, but she needed to steer the conversation away from Paul Emerson.

“Things work out the way they’re supposed to, right?”

“I’d really like to believe that,” she replied softly. “But—”

“But what? Is something wrong?” She cringed at the concern in his voice.

“It’s just that…I found out I’m not going to be back in California, James. My boss reassigned me. He pulled me off the project for some reason, and now…” She trailed off without knowing what to say next.
Why do you have to live so far away? Why does everything have to be so damn hard?

“Jess, we both knew when you left it might be a while until we saw each other again. But I don’t care how long I have to wait. It took me a long time to realize what I’ve been missing and I’m not walking away.”

“Really?” Her eyes filled with relieved tears. “I didn’t want to put any pressure on you and telling you that I’m stuck here for the foreseeable future doesn’t sound too promising.”

“Agreed, I’d much rather have you out here with me. But I’ll wait because I want this. You really make me feel alive again when I didn’t think it was possible. I’m kind of amazed by that.”

You need to be honest with him. Tell him everything, Jess. Just do it! Don’t hide behind the excuse of work. He deserves to know the truth.