Judged By You (Judge Me Series) (43 page)

“What do you want
?” Cameron gets up and physically removes me.

He picks me up and deposits me on the single couch. I smack him hard while he laughs.

“That does not hurt you know.” He starts to walk back to his seat.

“I need someone to pick up these boxes from the bathroom and put them in the back room, please
.” I complain getting to my feet again.

“I will do it later, just sit and watch this for a bit with us
.” Stephen pats the spot next to him.

Our lounge suite is not huge, but it is large enough to fit at least five people on the main part. I decide that I will sit for an hour or so and watch the race
then I have to get ready to go out. I will make them pay for this tomorrow.

“You boys are going to work your arse off tomorrow you got me
.” I shout over their cheers and chants.

“Whatever just shut up and watch
.” Derek yells at me.

It is just like old times. The four of us sit and enjoy the race. We all laugh
, and joke about the cars and drivers. Cameron backed the Fords while the rest of us backed the Chevrolets. It has always been this way, and it will continue for many years to come I can see it now. Seeing Stephen enjoying the company of his closest friends and family tugs the hearts strings. He always complained that he missed this race each year he was in prison. I used to commentate the race back to him when I saw him, but it was not as good as the real thing and I knew that.

Stephen caught my stare and wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tight. I felt his silent thank you and nodded. I was just so happy to have him home with us. Deep down I was so grateful for carter and his help, and today I would have to thank him again. 

I was having fun with the boys. I forgot to watch the time, so before I knew it; it was almost time for me to get ready for my meeting with carter.

“I have to get ready to go
.” I say standing up stretching. 

“Do you want me to come with you? I know Damon is working, and he was quite upset that he could not be there
.” Stephen said not taking his eyes of the race.

I wanted him to come, but decided he had missed this for four years, he needed this today.

“I can go alone. It is OK. You have fun and tell me who wins.” I winked as I walked away.

I raced upstairs to get my clothes than headed back down to the bathroom. I shower
ed in no time. I decided to wear a dress I could not be bothered dressing up too much, but I dressed more for comfort. I didn’t know what plans Damon had for dinner, but I could always come home and change if I had too. My black and white sundress was my choice for clothes today. I applied a little makeup but nothing over the top and left my long hair down. With rain being forecast the ends started to curl.

I walked out into the kitchen once I was done and packed everything into my bag. I found my Cheque book in the cupboard above the fridge and starting writing out the cheques that I needed too. I had this crazy idea when I went back to bed last night after talking to Cameron. I knew that dad would have been so proud of Stephen no matter what he did with his life, but I knew he would be ecstatic to find out that this is what he was planning. I wrote a few cheques before putting it back into the cupboard. 

When I noticed a break coming on, I walked into the lounge room and muted television. I had three sets of eyes on me, and I looked at every single one of them.

“So, I know you guys are opening up a garage to restore old cars, and what not
.” I looked at Stephen and Derek.

“Cameron
told me he told you. He said you did not freak out I wanted to tell you, but I did not want you to lecture me.” Stephen said sounding surprised.

“I am so proud of you, and I want you know that dad would be proud too.
” I stepped forward and handed a Cheque to my brother.

He took the paper in his hand, his eyes wide. He looked from me to the Cheque and back again.

“Are you kidding me?” He sniffed.

“He would want you to be prepared, so that should help that happen
.” I smiled at my brother who looked at me with tears.

Derek and Cameron leaned over and looked at the Cheque my brother was holding. They both tried to grab it at the same time, eyes just as wide. Before I could move or say anything else, I had three sets of arms wrapped around me, squeezing me tight. Varies different degrees of thanks and promises to do housework forever
were made. I would never forget this moment.

“I do have one request
.” I squeaked out, they held me so tight I couldn’t breathe.

They all finally let me go, and each of them kissed my cheek.

“Anything.” Derek said enthusiastically.

I took a deep breath………

“I want you to call it James’.”

Stephen looked at me with sheer tears in his
eyes, that is what dad would have wanted, and he knew it. Stephen nodded as he brought his hand up to his face to wipe the stray tears away. Derek and Cameron comforted him like guys do. A pat on the back with “chin up” response.

I said good bye and walked away feeling happy about my choice. I always hated to spend our inheritance, but over the past months I have learnt to forgive, forget, love unconditionally, move on, and let the past be the past. Right now I was happy with that.

The barn door was open, and my beautiful baby sat in the door. The dodge was forever going to be dads pride and joy, but it was my baby. I got in and turned the key, she came to life with a mad rumble. I sucked up my nerves and headed to Carter’s office, I was keen to get this shit over with, then come back and celebrate with the boys and Damon. I had not told him about their plan yet, but I think he would be happy with the choice too.

Over the past two months
, he and Stephen have become close. They both have so much in common, as much as I worried about them to start with I soon learnt that I did not have to be worried anymore. I loved them more than anything. I took off down the road with a squeal of the tires…………..

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Carter’s office was how I remembered it. When I arrived the receptionist told me Carter got called into an emergency meeting but to sit and wait in his office, and that he would not be too much longer. I decide to text Damon;

I miss you. Hope your day is as good as mine was this morning.
Will tell you about it later.

Almost instantly he replied;

I miss you too. Can’t wait to hear about it. I am trying to get this sorted and come to your meeting.

I am here now waiting. I will see you soon if you make it. Love you Xoxo

Love you too xo

I put my phone back in my bag and continue to wait. I was waiting for a while before the door opened, and Carter walked in. He had grey suit pants with a crisp white shirt he looked handsome like normal. But I would never tell him that.

“Savannah.” He put his hand out.

“Carter
.” I took his hand in a quick shake then let it go.

“Would you be more c
omfortable here or on the couch?”

“Here is suitable
.” I rummaged through my bag to find the Cheque I had written.

I found it and passed it over to him. He took it looking at the amount then back to me.

“This is more than my fee Savannah.” He said shocked.

“The extra is for your hard work you put in. I know you had to pull some kind of favour from somewhere, and I wanted to thank you once again for that
.” I put my head down and looked at the black and white strips on my dress.

“It was my job. And I do my job well. I’m glad it ended with a happy ending
,” Carter said softly. “But I cannot take this from you.”

I looked up at him. He held the Cheque out to me. We continued to stare at each other or long minutes. I was not going to take it back I needed to pay him for what he did, and the only thing I was going to pay him with was money.

“I will put the extra into a charity fund.” He finally said.

I nodded.

We got into signing all the additional paperwork that I needed too. I also got copies of all Stephens’s reports, and information for his community service. He was not looking forward to that I can tell you. But he accepted that he needed to do it to avoid going back to jail. It took almost an hour to sign all the appropriate documents and by the time I finished, my hand hurt from writing.

“That was the last of it
.” Carter said putting his pen down.

I did the same. Thank god that was over.

“Well thank you for everything.” I said picking up my copies and putting them in a folder.

“You’re welcome.
So… Umm how are you and Damon going?” Carter sat back on his chair as he spoke.

“That’s none of your business Carter, that
’s personal.” I tried to sound as professional as I could be.

“I know…. I’m. I’m sorry
,” Carter softens, but he had a look in his eye….. Something I did not like flashed before me. “I just do not want you to get hurt.”

“I love him, and he loves me. I’m happy
.” I do not know why, but I felt I had to say those words to justify my relationship. I hoped they would protect me.

“And that is all I hope for you.
Happiness.” Carter sits forward on his chair eying me. “You have plans this afternoon?”

“I’m going out with Damon when he finishes work
.” I say shoving the paperwork into my bag and rising to my feet.

“Sounds lovely
.” Carter stands and comes around to me.

“Once again thank you for your hard work. And I do not mean this rudely, but I hope I never have to deal with you or rob again regarding my brother
.” I smile at the end because I need to break the tension that has formed.

“Neither do
I.” Carter offered me a hand and I shake it once more before saying my final good bye.

“Bye Carter
.” I smile gratefully.

Carter opens his mouth to speak, but the office door opens, the blonde bombshell I saw with Damon months ago strolls into the office. She is his client……….

“Oh shit, sorry. I did not know you had company,” She purrs. “I will wait outside.”

“It
’s OK I was just leaving.” I offer.

I start to walk towards the door when carter speaks…..

“Have you met Rebecca?” I turn to see carter making his way to her side.

I look to this so called Rebecca is beautiful as I said before. She is model thin, looks the part and dresses to match. She looks like Reese Witherspoon up close. She is flawless. She stands before me in a red strapless dress that goes to her knees.

“Hi, I’m Rebecca.” She smiles to carter than walks to me putting her hand in mine.

I did not actually offer her my hand; she just grabs it and shakes his almost viciously.

“Savannah.” I say politely.

“You are as pretty as Damon said you were
.” She spoke confidently. This threw me, seriously. What was he doing talking about me to his clients?

“Ah thank you…..I think
.”

Carter cleared his throat, and we both turned to look at him. He had this smug look on his face….. Something told me that I was missing something, and I had a feeling I would not like what it was. I had to get out of here, and I had to go now.

“Well I am off, delightful to meet you Rebecca and thank you again Carter.” I said before I walked away. Neither of them said anything. The silence was deafening. I left.

I got the elevator and pressed the button. I was eager to let this chapter go and start the next one. I stepped in when the cart arrived, but Rebecca caught up with me. I could smell her perfume before I entered the cart but silently prayed she was not following me, she had this sweet smell about her.

“I hope you do not think I’m stalking you.” She laughed.

“Not at all
.” I pressed the ground floor button and stood back.

I felt uncomfortable here with her, and it was making me nervous, butterflies appeared in my stomach. I took a few deep breaths and tried to gain my composure.

“You don’t know who I am?” Her voice made my hairs stand on end.

“I have no idea, and I do
n’t want to know.” I spoke loud enough for her to hear me, even though I was saying those words in my mind.

I did not turn around to look at her; I knew she was watching me though because I could feel her eyes burning into me. This was something I was familiar with lately. I continued to count down the floors as the numbers on the screen changed. When we reached the ground floor
, I felt relieved. The doors open and I rushed out, being mindful not to look back at her, but I could hear her heels hitting the stone ground behind me.