“Oh, I think you know exactly how it got there.”
“Can I go get some juice in the office?” Piper asked.
Jax sat her on her feet and she darted off out of the hangar to the adjoining office where he kept snacks and drinks. They seemed to be here more often than home, so he liked to keep things stocked. He even had a pull-out sofa because before Piper had started preschool, she’d be here most days and would take naps. Only when he was flying did he pay for a sitter.
Now that Piper was in all-day preschool, his schedule was a bit freer, but he missed her. He wasn’t used to being without his knee-high sidekick. They were a team. Where he went, she went. Even some flights he’d taken her on when the passengers didn’t mind and seating allowed. She loved the sky as much as he did, maybe more because she only knew the fun side of this job. The hard work hadn’t come into her life yet, but as she got older, he’d teach her the mechanics, the technical things so she was independent.
Not to mention he wanted her to know that sacrifice was all part of the job. But, when you were doing what you loved, then even the most trying things didn’t feel like work.
“She’s adorable,” Olivia stated once they were alone. “She must take after her mother.”
Jax knew her comment was meant to be a jab, but she’d hit a nerve. “Beyond her looks, she’s nothing like my ex-wife. She doesn’t even remember her, so don’t mention her again when Piper is around.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Olivia blinked, her face indeed expressing just how sorry she was. “I didn’t know.”
“Exactly,” he retorted, shoving his hands in his pockets. “There’s quite a bit you don’t know about what’s happened here since you left, so don’t come in all assuming.”
Silence surrounded them and Jax wondered if she was going to apologize again. But, nope. There went that defiant chin he’d been introduced to earlier. Oh, and right on cue there went the squared, rigid shoulders. Olivia was now in fighting position . . . he’d do best to keep his armor in place.
“I came to drop this off.” She dropped the sack between their feet and took a step back. “I was hoping we could talk, but maybe this isn’t the best time. Does tomorrow work for you?”
“I have two flights tomorrow before Piper gets out of school and then another one around five. Tomorrow won’t work.”
Olivia crossed her arms over her chest, which only managed to press her breasts up even higher in that scoop of her tank.
Eyes up, Morgan. Don’t show weakness in front of the enemy.
“Considering I’m pretty free while I’m in town, you tell me when you’re available.”
Jax thought to his schedule and really didn’t want to find free time. If she wanted to chat about how she could assist or help fund the new-to-him Cessna he’d been saving for, then he’d be all too obliging. But, since she wanted to rip away his whole livelihood and pass over a check like she was buying a pair of shoes, he wasn’t too quick to come up with a time.
“You’re going to make this difficult, aren’t you?” she asked on a sigh.
Jax shook his head. “I’m not the one being difficult. I’m doing my job, making sure my daughter has a happy, secure life. If you feel like this situation is difficult, maybe you should point the finger elsewhere.”
Why the hell hadn’t Paul put this place in Jax’s name only? Paul was fully aware that Jax had nothing else immediate to fall back on, that this airport and flying were his life. Jax loved Paul like a father, and Paul had said more than once that Jax was the son he’d never had. They’d shared a bond, something so deep and meaningful. And it was out of respect for the man who’d helped Jax through the toughest times in life that he was being so cordial to Olivia. Well, as cordial as he was capable of, considering the circumstances. He was pretty damn proud of how nice he was.
“Listen.” She dropped her arms and met his gaze with one of the sincerest look he’d yet seen from her. “I’m not trying to make your life harder. If you want to buy my half, fine. Otherwise, I’d really like to sell this place so I can be done in Haven and with memories once and for all.”
Jax truly didn’t get her disdain for what could’ve been her legacy. “Are you upset because I took over here? Were you wanting it?”
She jerked back, her nose wrinkling as if he’d just sprouted a third head. “Heavens, no. When I left, I never intended to come back. My mother made it clear that my dad chose this place over us. . . .”
She trailed off, her eyes darting over his shoulder to the plane. Blinking once again, she focused back on him. “My reasons don’t matter. But no, I’m not upset he gave this place to you. I just want it out of my life.”
There was no doubt she’d been misguided by her mother, because Paul had loved Olivia more than any airplane or this airstrip. When Olivia and her mother had left, Paul had been gutted and had thrown himself into his work even more. It was during that time that Jax really started hanging around more and taking on greater responsibility.
Paul had gotten so drunk one night and ended up spilling his emotions out in a tearful confession. How he’d e-mailed, but never knew what to say. How she did respond, but claimed she was happy in Atlanta. He’d worried he’d never see her again, that he’d driven her away for good. Paul had confided in Jax things that no one else knew, and Jax still held on to those secrets.
Olivia had a set opinion of her father and
