These are the last two main characters, Anne and William Eliott. Their story is the main focus of the third book, its called Better Off Now. I was trying to find excerpts that summed them up without spoiling anything since most of their story is spoilers for the first two. So I figure the first time these two explosive people set eyes on each other is the best way to introduce them to you. Their story unfortunately includes the villain, Stuart Caplan. His involvement in their lives is the biggest reason these books will require much debated about trigger warnings.
This is set in the early 80’s when women were starting to be more accepted into major careers besides teaching, nursing and secretary, but they weren’t always welcomed. I wanted to write Anne’s character as a trailblazer since women like her are why any of us have gotten as far as we have. Even still, the American bar association website has a page dedicated to women in the workplace that focuses on sexual harassment and its 2021, we still have farther to go.
William
I got into law school to get away from my father. He was preparing me to take over his “family business.” I want no part of him, or what he does. He can keep his billions for himself. If all he wanted was a son to give it to, I am glad to disappoint him.
I stare around the reception hall, looking for weaknesses. His lessons stay with me, even though I wish they didn’t. He is ingrained in me, and his last name follows me everywhere. Elliot. Not like Rockefeller or Carnegie but just as important. You would only know if you studied history. My ancestors were responsible for the railroads and expansion of the entire nation west of the Rockies. They liked to be behind the scenes though because they were as corrupt as they come.
Still looking around the filled conference room, my eyes fell on her, the sight of her catches my breath.
“A girl. This is supposed to be the best school and they let a girl in. She might as well wear a target on her ass.” I look down at the snide little man next to me sipping something on the rocks. He reaches out a hand.
“I’m Stuart Caplan, one of the instructors. You are?” I give one of the firmest handshakes of my life.
“William. Will Elliot.”
“Elliot? I’ve seen that name come across my desk. You seem promising. Stick with me, Bill. I can see in your eyes the soul of a conqueror.” He says this as he is staring at the girl, the only woman in the room. She stands up and flattens her modest looking skirt. God, she is tall. I’m 6’4 and almost eye to eye with the thing. She looks over at me since I am the only other tall one there and we locked eyes. She has these green, almost glowing eyes. Her red hair is pinned neatly in a bun, wearing a dark grey blazer buttoned completely. She doesn’t give anything away, does she? I think to myself.
We are in a contest to see who looks away first. She must be eyeing me up too. This doesn’t seem like a friendly exchange. I didn’t expect to feel hostility rise in the back of my throat. Who does she think she is? The seconds feel like minutes but we both blink and won’t back down. I get bumped into by a waiter who profusely apologizes. I gave him a terrible look.
“Do you even look where you are going?” I feel heat rush to my face. The girl smirks and looks away, heading for the door. You want to be that way, miss bitch? You don’t know what you’re asking for, but you’re going to get it. While watching her leave, I hear my father’s advice about girls. His words sound like a freight train in my head.
‘Women are nobody until you make them somebody. Be careful who you make important.’ She is gone and my gaze hits Stuart. He was watching her like a shark picking out his next meal. There is something really off about him, and sleazy, but he caught me looking at him while he was stalking that girl. He smiles, nods, and raises his something on the rocks at me as a toast, like a contract.
Yes, William. We will make her life miserable until she leaves is what I assume he means.
Anne
What the hell is his problem? He keeps staring at me but it’s not a friendly or inquisitive stare. I enjoy how easily I was able to piss him off though, all I had to was wink. I watch him measuring everyone up, I know what he is up to. Come and get me then, if you want to know something, just ask.
He looks like the strong, silent type. A little taller than me, if I wore heels I would be able to look down on him. I bet he would hate that. He started it. I was staring at him because I thought he was handsome until he gave me the death stare. Well, alright I can give you one back. The waiter bumped into him and he had to stop. He could’ve ripped that guys face off with his huge bare hands. Handsome goes out the window. If you are going to treat people like dirt, you are ugly to me. I have seen true ugliness face to face.
Our first day of class was more of the same. He is shredding the syllabus because of how mad he is at me, for no reason. I don’t even know his name. I go back to paying attention while the professor is explaining what we are doing for the rest of the year. I try writing everything down.
At the end of our first class, we are filing out the door when Professor Caplan introduces himself to me. I go to shake his hand politely but he is a bit too friendly. He wrapped his arm around my waist while he holds my other hand. An uneasiness washes over me. I can’t get away from his forceful grip. I try to wiggle my way out of it without being awkward when Mr. Tall Death Stare comes up to us. He tells me his name is Will Elliot and goes to shake my free hand, the one Stuart doesn’t have a vice grip on. When he does, he yanks me right out of Stuart’s arms, but I trip over his feet. I felt someone smack my ass. Will catches me from falling, but I slap him in the face, not hard but enough to get my message. Our faces are inches away from each other.
“I did not touch your ass, he did. Why did you hit me? I saved you.” His voice is violent, through clenched teeth.
“You expect me to say thank you?”
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