Chapter Thirteen
Liam
The kitchen at Honey Leaf Lodge was alive with its usual bustle—clinking pans, the hum of the espresso machine, and the occasional burst of laughter from guests filtering in from the dining area. Violet stood at the counter, camera in hand, angling her latest creation—a stunning slice of lemon meringue pie—so the light hit just right. She was in full blogger mode, her brow furrowed as she adjusted her composition.
I, however, was in full brother mode and leaned casually against the counter, waiting for my chance to strike.
“That pie smells amazing,” I said, eyeing the fluffy meringue peaks like a predator sizing up its prey.
“You touch it before I’m done, and I’ll break your hand,” Violet said without looking up from her camera.
“Wow, someone’s cranky today,” I teased, reaching for the edge of the plate.
Her hand shot out, swatting mine away with laser precision.
“Seriously, Liam, one more second.”
I held up my hands in surrender but didn’t move far.
“Fine, fine. But it’s like you want me to suffer. It’s the second time the idea of eating pie has been stolen right out from under me.”
“You’ll survive,” she muttered, clicking another photo before lowering her camera and stepping back to assess her work. “And what are you talking about eating pie?”
I shrugged. “You know Evie. Always…”
“Ew,” Violet interrupted. “Liam, gross.”
“What the heck are you talking about?” I eyed my sister in confusion.
“I don’t need to know about this stuff.”
“Uh, you’re the one with the icky mind, Vi.” I shook my head, trying to hold in a laugh, when it dawned on me. “I literally invited Evie out for pie. You’re the one with the filthy mind, sicko.”
She chuckled. “It’s what happens when we grow up with two brothers.”
Beck walked in and laughed. “What did we do now?”
“Your innocent sister has the mind of a dirty old man.” I scowled at Vi.
“Do not.” She stomped her foot. “It was an innocent misunderstanding. Besides, it’s not like you haven’t said things like that before.”
“That’s the old Liam.” I wiggled my brows.
“Whatever you say.” Violet snickered, backing away from the pie. “Okay, I’m done. Go ahead.”
“Finally,” I said, scooping up the plate like it was a trophy and grabbing a fork.
As I took the first bite, I couldn’t help but exhale an exaggerated groan of satisfaction.
“Mmm. Violet, this is incredible. How are you not running your own bakery by now?”
She rolled her eyes, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Because I have a blog, remember? And, unlike some people, I actually have discipline.”
“Discipline is overrated,” Beck said.
I chuckled and shook my head.
“What are you doing here anyway?” Vi asked. “You’re usually done with the lodge by now.”
“I’m here for moral support.”
She smirked. “You’re here because you’re avoiding something.”
I paused mid-bite, then shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Uh-huh,” she said, crossing her arms. “Let me guess. This is about Evie.”
I sighed, leaning against the counter. “Alright, Sherlock, you got me. Yeah, it’s about Evie.”
Violet set her camera down and gave me her full attention. “What’s going on?”
Beck laughed and shook his head. “Okay, I’m out. I have enough problems of my own without hearing about yours.”
“Oh, yeah?” I glanced at my brother, knowing his only trouble was making a decision. He was a serial dater, unlike me.
He left out the back door, and I waited until the door shut.
“She’s… incredible,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “She’s smart, funny, tough as nails—and the way she is with Hayden? It’s amazing. But she’s so locked up in her own head. I’ve been trying to show her I’m serious, but she won’t let herself believe it.”
Violet tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Sounds familiar.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She leaned on the counter, resting her chin in her hand. “It means that not too long ago, I was the one standing in my own way, too. Remember how long it took me to let Owen in?”
I snorted. “Yeah, but you had a good reason. He was trying to destroy everything we stood for.”
“Well, there’s that.” Her smile widened. “But Evie’s been through her own stuff. She’s probably scared, Liam. She’s got Hayden to think about and doesn’t want to make a mistake.”
“I get that,” I said, setting the empty plate down. “But what do I do? I’m not exactly the best at waiting. But I know she’s the one. I’ll wait however long it takes, even though I’m not normally patient.”
Violet laughed. “You? Not patient? That’s the understatement of the century.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly.
“Look. Evie’s got a lot on her plate, but she’s also lucky to have you. Just keep being you. Show her that you’re not going anywhere. She’ll come around.”
“Easier said than done,” I muttered, picking up a cookie from her stash and popping it into my mouth.
“Hey,” she protested. “Those are for the next shoot!”
“You’ve got plenty,” I said with a grin. “And I’m your taste tester, remember?”
Violet rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. “You’re annoying.”
I waved my bandaged hand at her. “I had to get stitches following one of your recipes. I’m owed for that.”
“User error,” she teased. “When do the stitches come out?”
“Two days. And you’re not wrong about Evie. I just… I don’t want to mess this up, Vi. She’s different.”
Her expression softened, and she reached out to squeeze my arm. “I know. And if anyone can break through that wall she’s got up, it’s you. Just don’t push too hard. Let her come to you.”
“Is that what you did with Owen?”
She laughed, shaking her head. “Hardly. But everyone’s different. You’ll figure it out.”
I nodded, feeling a little lighter. “Thanks, Sis. You’re not half bad at this advice thing.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” she said, smirking. “Now, go make yourself useful and bring me the tray of muffins from the oven.”
I saluted her dramatically.
As I grabbed the tray, I couldn’t help but think about how right she was. Evie was worth the wait, and I wouldn’t let a little hesitation stop me. I just had to keep showing her that I wasn’t going anywhere. And maybe, just maybe, she’d start to believe it.
The sound of the back door slamming broke me out of my thoughts. Fifi came bounding in like a tornado, a swirl of energy and brightly colored scarves. She was dressed to the nines in a flowing dress, her hair twisted up into some intricate style that only she could pull off.
“I need opinions,” she declared, spinning in a dramatic circle. “Do I look like I’m heading out on a date or trying too hard?”
I blinked, taking in her outfit. “You look like you’re heading out on a date and trying just hard enough.”
She grinned. “Perfect. That’s the balance I was going for.”
I leaned against the counter, smirking. “Who’s the lucky guy this time?”
“Some guy from the hiking club,” she said, waving a hand like it was no big deal. “He’s got great calves and knows how to make a fire without a lighter. Very man-of-the-wild. I’m intrigued.”
“Impressed by calves, huh?” I teased. “Setting the bar real high, Fi.”
“Don’t knock it,” she shot back, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl. “Speaking of dates, what’s that look on your face?”
“What look?” I asked, straightening up a little too quickly.
“That one,” she said, pointing at me with the apple. “The one that says you’ve been thinking about someone and pretending you haven’t.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re imagining things.”
“Oh, please,” she said, hopping onto the counter and crossing her legs. “Spill it, Liam. Is this about Evie?”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s not a big deal.”
Fifi grinned like a cat who’d just found the cream. “That’s code for it’s a huge deal. Come on, tell me. What’s going on?”
I hesitated for a moment before giving in. “Fine. Yeah, it’s about Evie. I really like her, Fi. Like, really like her. It’s getting worse by the day.”
“You make it sound like a rash.”
I laughed.
“So, what’s the problem?” she prompted, leaning forward eagerly.
“She’s got a lot on her plate,” I said. “Hayden’s her whole world, and she’s not exactly jumping at the idea of letting someone else in.”
“That’s understandable. She’s protecting her kid. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you back.” Fifi’s smile softened.
“I don’t want to push her. She’s been through enough with her ex.”
“You’re such a good guy,” Fifi said with mock sincerity, clutching her chest. “Seriously, Liam, you’re like a Hallmark movie waiting to happen, but instead, it turns into a Lifetime disaster.”
“Very funny,” I said, throwing a dish towel at her.
She laughed, catching the towel and tossing it back. “Alright, Mr. Perfect…so repeat the plan.”
“Keep showing up,” I said simply. “Be there for her and Hayden. Let her see that I’m not going anywhere.”
Fifi nodded approvingly. “Solid plan. Just don’t give up. A girl like Evie might get distracted.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Thanks for the advice, Dr. Love.”
“Anytime,” she said, hopping off the counter. “Now, wish me luck on my date. I’ll report back on the calves.”
“Good luck,” I said, shaking my head as she swept out of the kitchen.
The room was quiet again, and I let out a long breath, my mind wandering back to Evie. As I was about to head back to help with the muffins, my phone buzzed on the counter. I picked it up, and my heart slightly jumped when I saw her name.
Hey, just wondering… any plans tonight? Hayden wants me to make his famous spaghetti. Thought you might like to join us.
I stared at the screen, a grin spreading across my face.
No, way. No freaking way.
I quickly typed.
Famous spaghetti? How could I say no to that? What time?
Her response came almost immediately.
Whenever you’re free.
I smiled and shook my head, writing as I grinned.
I’m absolutely free. I’ll bring dessert. See you then.
I set my phone down, unable to wipe the stupid grin off my face. Dinner with Evie and Hayden?
This was huge.
Because, for once, it wasn’t my idea.
As I grabbed my jacket and keys, I couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this thing with Evie was heading somewhere. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I might be on the right track.