“Hell yeah. It worked didn’t it. I learned all I needed to know in that little exchange.”
Folding my arms across my chest. “And what was that?”
Jayden shrugs, “The guys into you. Like really into you.”
I unfold my arms, hope rising again. “You think so?”
This time Jayden and Lisa nod. “Yeah.”
“How do you know?”
“I’m a guy. I know these things.” He says it like it should be obvious.
Lisa rolls her eyes.
“It was all in his words and the way he looked at you when you weren’t paying attention. He had the look of a guy that had just seen something precious and special that he couldn’t stand to see get away. I could just tell,” Jayden says shrugging
I look down at my hands for a moment before looking back up at them both. “So, you guys really think I should pursue this? I mean I really like him, but he could quite literally crush my heart into tiny pieces.”
Lisa takes both of my hands in hers, “Sweetie, you’ve got to take a chance. I know that last asshole was a piece of work, but I don’t believe Liam is anything like him. You’ve got to live.”
Looking back and forth between the two people I consider family, I make the decision. Picking my phone back up I text Liam back.
ME: I’ll be there.
Chapter 8
LIAM
I’m going over the inventory for next month, but my mind keeps drifting back to Ava. The text message exchange from earlier front and center in my mind. I’ve never been the kind of guy whose sends a woman cheesy messages to get their attention. Even before, I took over my father’s businesses women flocked to me and my brothers.
I’ve never really had to work for it. When I was in my teens and early twenties it was exciting. However, the older I got, the more it started to grate on my nerves. And then I met Victoria, and everything changed for a while. After we broke up, I got right back to my old ways. It was all fun and games, until Ava walked into my life.
Besides my sister and mother, she is easily the strongest woman I’ve ever met before in my life. The crazy thing is I don’t think she realizes how strong she really is. She survived living in the foster care system and come out on top, that in itself in amazing.
I’ve never been happier and more elated than when she sent me that text earlier saying she’d be here. I actually got butter-fucking-flies in my stomach when I got the message. This woman has me so twisted up inside I don’t know what the hell to do anymore.
Just then my phone rings. It’s Victoria. Again. I hit the reject button without even thinking about it. My phone rings again. I almost hit the reject button again before I realize it’s my mom calling. I pick up immediately.
“Hey ma.”
“Hey baby,” she says the warmth clear in her voice.
“You’re on speaker phone. Your father’s here too.”
“Hey Pops.”
“Hey son. How are things going with the clubs and restaurants?”
From the time I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to take over my father’s businesses. When I was a kid, I was always amazed at how he was able to grow his businesses while spending as much time with us as he did. While I was in college getting my business degree, I started to see the cracks in the surface, and it became clear that he needed to take a step back.
That’s where I came in. I know it was difficult for him to hand over his businesses, something he built from the ground up, over to me, but in the end, I think he recognized that it was the right choice.
“Everything’s good, I’m still in Chicago while Simon’s on his honeymoon. Is everything alright with you guys?” I ask.
“Oh yes, everything’s good. Your father and I are still in Greece. We’re relaxing for a little while before we go out to dinner tonight.”
“Sounds good.” I can’t help but smile. If anybody deserves this time together. It’s my parents. They’ve been through so much together.
“So, anything you want to fill us in on?”
My hackles raise.
“Real subtle Gwen” my dad says amusement clear in his voice.
“Oh hush.” Ma says.
Realization slams into me.
“Who told you Natalie or Sarah?” I ask.
“Both. I talked to them last night. So, what’s her name and when do we get to meet her?” Ma says.
Sighing I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Her name is Ava and I don’t know yet. We just started seeing each other.”
“But your serious about her right?” she says the hope clear in her voice.
“I’ve never been more serious about a relationship in my life.”
“Oh, I’m so happy for you,” she gushes
“Me too. We’ve been worried about you and all the hours you’ve been putting in.”
“I had to keep the business running smoothly besides I love the work that I do.”
“I get that, son, but we want you to settle down. Start a family. You can’t let the business consume your life. You know what nearly happened to me when I got so wrapped up in the business, I couldn’t see straight. I don’t want that to happen to you.”
My mind goes back to that time. It was a dark time for my family. Especially my mom and dad.
“I understand. You’ll be able to meet her soon. I promise.”
My phone buzzes in my hand and I see a text from Ava saying she’s downstairs. My heart picks up.
“Look, I have to run. I’ll talk you both later.”
We say our goodbyes before hanging up. I quickly make my way downstairs to the
