Chapter Seven
The employee door opened once more, and to no one’s surprise, Liam appeared.
“Go away!” I nearly yelled, swiping at my wet face.
He shook his head, coming to stand next to me.
Overwhelmed and exasperated, I demanded, “Why do you keep coming here?”
“I like it when waitresses are mean to me. There’s a whole restaurant devoted to it in Chicago, and I was thinking of starting something like that around here.”
I wasn’t in the mood for his teasing, and I shoved off the wall, crossing my arms as I glared. “I want an answer, Liam.”
“I own this place, G.”
I blinked rapidly. That was the last thing I’d expected.
“I bought it the week you got hurt.” He stepped closer, glancing at the fresh scar running down my forearm.
“That’s why they fixed the floor. You made them.” And probably why I still had a job. When he nodded, I asked softly, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It was one of my more impulsive investments.” He chuckled sheepishly. “But the more I’ve come here, the more certain I am of one thing. I want you to help me manage it.”
I could only stare at him, stunned.
“You’ve got the ideas for it—I heard them all the other night.” He named a starting salary that had me gasping. “It’s on the lower end of things, but you haven’t finished your degree yet. I bumped it up some because of your experience, and as your ideas take off, we’ll work on increasing your pay. I’d like to implement one at a time, see how each one goes. You’d have a budget for marketing and supplies. What do you say?”
I stood in shocked silence for several moments. “I don’t know what to say. It’s a dream come true. Of course I’ll—” I stopped myself, reality washing over me, and I shook my head. “Wait, there’s no way I can work for you. We’re always at each other’s throats.”
Liam reared back. “What?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I know what you said in the diner last week, but I couldn’t work like that. You always pushing my buttons, crowding me, pissing me off on purpose.”
The crinkle appeared between his brows, and he closed the gap between us. “Gina, you’ve been so distant ever since you and Josh broke up. You were practically a zombie. The only time I even saw a spark of anything close to the real you was when you got mad.” He hesitated. “So I kept pushing and poking and prodding until you’d explode. Just to make sure you were still in there.”
When I searched his eyes, his intensity took my breath away.
He brushed a knuckle against my cheek before dropping his hand. “And I’ll keep doing it because I don’t want to lose you. Especially now that you’re finally coming back.”
I replayed the last few weeks, recalling the numbness that made it feel like my emotions were coated in rubber and I couldn’t get to them. I sucked in a breath, realizing that coating had slowly dissipated over the past few weeks, crumbling more each time Liam had nudged me to fight. I searched inside myself and realized my spark was still there.
Thanks to Liam.
“So you’ve been pissing me off because you like me?” I decided to do what Avery suggested, looking at him from a new angle. Like I did when he sang.
He nodded his gorgeous head, a tantalizing smile tilting up one corner of his lips. I wondered what it would feel like to have those lips touch mine.
“Where were you this week?” I couldn’t help asking.
“Oh, did you miss me?” he teased.
I bit my lip, not quite able to answer.
He tilted his head. “I thought it might be best for both of us to have some space. But I came back tonight because I couldn’t stay away any longer.”
Oh. I swallowed, my heart beating faster. “Can you explain the shoe thing to me again?” The confused crinkle appeared, and I tried to remember the right term. “Cleats, you said.”
He chuckled, leaning his broad shoulder against the brick wall. “I should’ve known better than to use football lingo with you.”
I waited, open and eager to hear his explanation this time.
One big hand tentatively touched mine, then fell away. “In football, the players run around on grass, turf. That can be pretty slick in normal tennis shoes, so they wear a special type of shoe called cleats.”
“I know what cleats are, just not why—”
“Bear with me, please?”
I forced myself to hold my tongue and just listen.
“The spikes of the cleats are what’s important. They help the players get where they’re going, or they hold the players in place. A lot of football is blocking, a player squats down and says, ‘I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you’. Those cleats are what makes them able to meet that goal. Cleats are what make touchdowns possible. You, Gina, are a pair of cleats in a world of ice skates.”
My stomach fluttered at the absurd analogy, but it was one of the sweetest, most heartfelt compliments I’d ever received. “Oh.” I knew my stunned response was less than adequate, but it was all I could manage. Then I frowned as my thoughts took another turn. “Won’t it be a conflict of interest if we’re dating and you make me manager?”
His forehead furrowed. “Maybe. But your work is solid, and your coworkers know that. If they have a problem, they can address it with me. I’ll talk to them when you’re ready to take the position.” He paused. “If that’s what you want.”
I thought for a minute, then nodded. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, I’ll be your manager.” I strode back to the door, then I turned to call over my shoulder, “And yes, I’ll have dinner with you.” I flounced into the bar feeling almost giddy, the most emotion I’d felt in weeks. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.
Sarah’s eyes widened when she saw me. “Whoa, what’s that about?”
“Liam asked me to dinner.”
He came around to sit on his stool, a dazed expression on his face. “I don’t know what to do next.” His Guinness was still practically full.
I smirked. “Grab glass. Lift to lips. Swallow beer.”
“Smart-ass.” He took a sip.
And I knew exactly what to tell him. “Go sing me a song, then we’ll figure out what’s next.”
He nodded thoughtfully. After another drink of the dark beer, he shoved away from the counter.
“Not even going to ask for advice?” I called.
“Nope.” The grin he tossed me took my breath away as he strode off. “I’ve been planning this song for months.”
Sarah and I exchanged shocked looks. I quickly checked on my tables, sneaking glances at Liam as he set up. He had the nerve to wink, making me ask a customer to repeat their order.I had just started filling drinks when his song started playing, and I recognized it immediately.
My hands went to my hips as I glared indignantly at Liam, who smirked as he sang T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Travis Tritt.
Sarah strode by. “I guess he’s got your number.”
I shook my head, warmth buoying me as I finished pouring drinks then hurried them out to the tables. When I came back, Liam was on his barstool once more.
“Thanks a lot,” I called as I walked behind him.
His expression was apprehensive when I came around the bar. “You’re not mad?” I shook my head, and his face lit up with a full smile. “Good. How should I do the whole bar news thing?” He glanced at Sarah and Burt.
“I think you should make an announcement before opening one day. Tell everyone at once. Whenever you’re comfortable with it.”
“Makes sense.” He nodded, sipping his beer. “And the other thing?”
My manager position or dinner with him?I decided to make him spell it out. “Which thing?”
He trailed a finger through the ring of condensation left behind from his glass. “The other thing you said yes to.”
I smirked, beyond amused at his shyness. “The manager thing? I have midterms in two weeks. Let’s wait till after that to make it official.”
“Oh, yeah. Okay.” His shoulders slumped. “That’s great and all, but what about the other other thing?”
He can’t even say the word date? Or at least dinner?I leaned forward on my elbows. “Hmm, nope. Drawing a blank here. We talked about a lot of stuff.” It was hard to fight the laughter bubbling up inside of me.
His gaze darted to mine, then he did a double take at my grin and my shaking shoulders. “Hey!”
The laughter spilled out as I reached over to nudge his forearm. “You did just sing a song about how much trouble I am.”
“You had me going there.”
“I know. So about our date,” I said pointedly. “It’s okay to call it that, you know.”
“Okay, okay, about our date.” His cheeks flushed, and it was adorable. “When would you like to have it?”
Good question. I mentally ran through my calendar, just as I noticed someone finishing a drink at the end of the bar. “I’m not dodging. I gotta check on my customers, okay? Can’t have the boss thinking I’m slacking.”
He nodded, smiling.
I made the rounds, cleared some empties, got some refills and went back to Liam. “I’m off Sunday, but I know that’s your football day. Monday and Tuesday are my school days, so those are out.” I thought for another minute. “I have next Friday off as well.”
“I don’t mind missing football for one week.” He hesitated. “If that’s not too soon.”
“Liam.” I leaned toward him, making sure I had his full attention. “You gotta chill. I wouldn’t have offered that day if it was too soon. Stop second-guessing everything, and just relax. Okay?”
His cheeks puffed out as he let out a long breath. “Sorry. I guess I’m still reeling from you actually saying yes.”
I studied the counter, because I was too. Who’d have thought I’d actually want to go on a date with Liam? Then I really assessed him and the vulnerability in his face made me want to hug him. I reached out my hand instead, brushing it over his. “Well, I’m not going to change my mind. We’re doing this.”
A group of five walked in and sat at one of my tables.
“We’ll figure out the details later. I gotta go.”
By the time I came back, Liam was chatting with Sarah as if nothing had happened, his confident swagger fully restored. I watched him for several moments, but there wasn’t any hint of doubt. I almost thought I’d imagined it.
But no. I knew I hadn’t. He’d chosen to let down his guard and let me see him when he was vulnerable. The unexpected gesture had warmth blooming in my chest, spreading outward until my whole body felt like I was bathed in sunshine.
* * * *
“He didn’t give you any details?” I asked Derek and Avery.
They both shook their heads, sympathy on their faces.
How was I supposed to know what to wear for our date when Liam hadn’t told me or anyone else what we were doing?I groaned in frustration, stomping back to my room. I’d even texted him, asking for an idea. He couldn’t give me a hint?
Avery followed me in. “What have you got so far?”
I showed her several options, thankful it would be a clear, sunny day. Early October weather was always a crapshoot. “I’m tempted to just do my makeup and answer the door in some ratty clothes, then be like, ‘What? You didn’t tell me where we were going’.”
Shaking her head, Avery said, “Please don’t. Sounds like he’s nervous enough already.” She paused, touching my shoulder. “And so are you.”
The knots in my stomach flinched at how accurately she saw me. I gave her a sheepish smile. “I know it’s just Liam…”
“And I know you like to plan ahead, to gear up for things. Surprises aren’t your thing.”
They weren’t. I’d had enough surprises in my lifetime to know that most of them meant bad news. I always felt better when I could prepare. It was yet another way to arm myself, to be less vulnerable, but it was also more than that.
“Ave? What if I am cursed?” The idea of opening myself up only to have life shit all over me again made me want to curl up in a ball and never come out. Was it even worth it?
“Oh, Gina.” She grabbed both my shoulders, making me look at her. “You are not cursed. You’ve had some shit luck and an even shittier ex, but it wasn’t you. Promise me you’ll go into this with an open mind? Promise you’ll really give this a try?”
Her earnest plea took me aback, and I realized just how important this was. I took my time answering, making sure I could live up to any promise I made. Finally I nodded. “Okay, Avery. I can do that.”
Her beaming smile appeared before she pulled me in for a brief hug. “Good,” she said, dancing toward my closet where she began rifling through my options. “What about something like this?” She held up one of my favorite soft knitted dresses—maroon, short-sleeved, and knee-length. “With your jean jacket? And you can wait till he gets here to figure out your shoes.”
I tilted my head, studying it, then I nodded. “Perfect.” I gave her a quick hug. “Thank you!”
“No problem. I’m just glad to see you caring about something again.” She headed for the door.
Guilt pierced me, sharp and painful. “Avery.”
She turned, her eyebrows raised.
“I’m really sorry about dress shopping. I know it wasn’t the experience you wanted it to be, and if I could do it over again, I would.” Every word was heartfelt. I didn’t know what had broken so badly within me, but at least that ice weighing me down had thawed enough to let me enjoy life again.
“Gina…” She frowned. “You were depressed. That’s not something you can just control, you know. You really had us worried.” She leaned against the wall, studying me. “You should consider seeing someone about that. Maybe a therapist.”
I immediately balked at the word, though I hid my reaction because I knew she was saying it out of love. I’d been to therapy before, and it hadn’t gone well. But it wasn’t something I talked about. To anyone.
So I just gave her my best smile. “I’ll think about it.” A relieved breath whooshed out of her, and I knew I’d said the right thing.
She crossed the room, her arms around me in an instant. We hugged for a long moment, the embrace filling in any cracks that had lingered.
I murmured, “And thanks for making me think twice about Liam. Thanks for caring enough to make me see what I was doing.”
“You’re welcome.”
I stepped away first, feeling like all was right again with my world. “Okay, now let me get ready.”
Half an hour later, there was a knock at the apartment door. Derek got up to answer it, motioning for me to stay put, so I waited near the island as he let Liam in.
“Hey, man, hot date?” Derek laughed while the rest of us groaned. “Yeesh, tough crowd.”
Liam arched an eyebrow at Avery. “And you’re marrying this guy? On purpose?”
“What can I say? He’s good in bed.”
I grimaced. “And that’s our cue to leave. Hey, Liam.”
“Gina.” He paused, taking his time checking me out. “You look nice.”
“Thanks.”
He wore a dark green Henley that made his eyes pop. His tan jeans and light blue denim jacket told me were going somewhere casual.
“Tennis shoes okay?”
“Crap, I forgot to answer your text,” he said, swiping a hand over his face. “Sorry about that, and yeah, tennis shoes are fine.”
I shrugged. “No biggie. We managed.” I shot Avery a grateful smile.
“I got caught up in some family stuff, and it totally slipped my mind.” He glared at the floor.
Derek frowned. “Everyone all right?”
I kept listening as I went to grab my shoes.
“Desi’s husband, Brad, got himself into a tight spot and needed someone to bail him out. This isn’t the first time.”
He sounded like a real winner, and I bit back a snort.
“Dad cut him off, so Brad called me. He swore it was just this once, and I told him that’s all he’s going to get from me. One time, and he chose to use it now.” He grinned as I came back into the room. “All set?”
I nodded.
“Okay. See you guys.”
They chorused goodbye as we shut the door behind us. Liam didn’t say much as we made our way to the garage. He opened my door, then went around to sink into the driver’s seat with a sigh. “This isn’t how I planned today. I wanted everything to be perfect, and here I am scrambling for something to do.” He stared straight ahead.
This family thing had really stressed him out. “Hey, I’m not some fancy girl you have to impress. It’s just me.”
His eyelids lowered halfway in a dry stare. “There’s no ‘just’ about you, Red. I know I’ve got one shot, and that’s that.”
I blinked, uneasy with the truth in his words. “Then how about I pick? I ate lunch not long ago, so I’m not starving. You?”
“I’m fine.”
I thought for a minute, an idea popping into my head. “Do you like cider?”
He nodded.
“Well, now that it’s October, Harvest Acres is open. Have you heard of them?” When he shook his head, I grinned. “Fall is my favorite time of year, and they know how to celebrate all of it.” I pulled up the address on my phone, giving him directions.
The twenty-minute drive gave us time to chat. Liam still seemed tense so I told him about the bar, ridiculous stories that had him chuckling in no time. Little by little, the tension drained out of him, his grip loosening on the steering wheel and his easy smile reappearing.
I relaxed along with him, though a trickle of unease went through me when I realized just how hard I was working to get Liam into a good mood. Why does it matter so much? I brushed the unnerving thought aside, determined to just have a nice time.
When we pulled into the place, Liam laughed out loud. Round hay bales had been transformed into all sorts of Halloween decorations. One was a huge spider, spray-painted black with pool noodles for legs. Another a giant pumpkin. Scarecrows lined the winding lane in all sorts of fall scenes, guiding us to the grassy field that served as a parking lot.
We strolled to the main thoroughfare.
“This place has everything.” Liam’s voice was full of awe as he took it all in.
There were wagon rides, zip lines, a corn maze, a pumpkin slingshot, an apple cannon, cider and donuts, plus apple and pumpkin picking. The air held just the right hint of fall crispness, a nip that teased before winter took over. The sky was my favorite shade of blue, with hardly a cloud in it, and the trees were starting to turn vibrant colors.
Liam chuckled as I nearly bounced on my toes. “What should we do first? They have a wristband option that lets you do everything. You up for that?” When I nodded eagerly, he grabbed my hand to tug me along, a jolt shooting through me at his casual touch. “Come on then.”