CHAPTER 16 Little Witch
William and I stepped out of the elevator onto the 14th floor to his parents’ apartment. Well, it was Nathalie’s apartment now, but since the divorce, she’d spent most of her time in Stockholm. William said she’d be moving back permanently after the holidays since Eric was having a hard time dealing with the divorce and the news of Zara being their half-sister. He loved Zara, but Eric was still very young, and even if his brothers provided a solid support system, he needed his mom to navigate this challenging time. And Sivert, their father, was now based in L.A., so he wasn’t around much.
William knocked on the door with his foot because our hands were busy. I was holding the strawberry shortcake, and William brought a six-pack and two bottles of red wine. He wanted to cook for everyone, but his mom refused and said she would order something instead. She said she didn’t want him spending the entire day in the kitchen when she knew he was busy.
“Hey!” Lily opened the door with a big smile and grabbed the bottles of wine to help William. “Come in! Come in!” We kissed Lily and stepped inside. The penthouse was impressive and tastefully decorated, as expected. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city’s skyline. Almost everyone was there except for Tobias and Zara, who had yet to arrive. Joel and Eric greeted us next.
I was anxious about seeing Zara. We’d bumped into her a few times, but I hadn’t spent time with her since William and I started dating. William had talked to her, and she said she was happy for him, but he could tell she wasn’t thrilled. But I didn’t blame her after how things had gone down with Nathan.
Although I wished family gatherings were comfortable for everyone, I couldn’t help but feel responsible for Zara’s reluctance to spend more time with us. She probably needed some time to be okay with us dating, and I would have to be patient in the process.
Nathalie approached us when we placed the stuff we’d brought on the dining table and hugged William first. “Grattis p? f?delsedagen, Mamma,” he congratulated her, pressing a kiss on her cheek. She smiled sweetly at him and kissed him back.
“Billie!” She embraced me next.
“Happy Birthday, Nathalie.”
“Thank you! And thank you for coming.” She held me at arm’s length. “Now what can I get you to drink?”
“Oh, don’t worry about it,” I quickly replied. “We brought wine. We’ll pop it open in a bit.”
“Sounds good.” She winked at me and gasped when she spotted the strawberry shortcake on the table. “Oh, William!”
“Your favorite,” he sang. “With extra strawberries.” William pinched my waist to tease me.
“I call dibs on Billie’s strawberries!” Tobias shouted as he strutted toward us. Zara was shutting the front door behind her.
“Why don’t you hand over my car keys first, and then we’ll see if I feel like letting you have a slice?” William shouted back at him. Tobias tossed the keys at him, and he caught them mid-air with his right hand, sliding them into his jeans pocket. “If I see so much as a scratch on it …”
“I can assure you I brought it back in one piece,” Tobias interrupted William’s threat, offering his hand and pulling him in for a hug. I could tell it was hard for William to stay mad at Tobias because the corners of his lips pulled up into a smile as he gave his brother a few affectionate pats on the back.
Zara was done saying hi to everyone else and was approaching us. She kissed William’s cheek and hugged him, then turned her attention to me. “Hello, Billie,” she said with her lovely accent. She looked gorgeous, as to be expected, and wore black, ripped skinny jeans, a white top, and a denim jacket with high-heeled boots. Her caramel brown hair cascaded down her back in long, loose waves. She was almost as tall as William in those shoes.
“Hey, Zara.” I kissed her hello. “You look pretty.” And I meant it. I remembered being jealous of her, and my stomach immediately felt hot from the embarrassment. I had messed up with her in the past, but I had to get over it to avoid casting a weird vibe between us.
“Thank you.” She gave me a forced smile. “So do you.” She turned around before I had a chance to ask how things were going for her at Juilliard.
“Give her some time,” William whispered, kissing my temple afterward. “She’ll come around.”
“I know.” I pressed my lips together with disappointment. “Should we open the wine?” God knew I needed it.
William pulled out the cork and poured me a glass. Then, Lily tugged my arm and dragged me to the living room, where we sat to discuss the wedding preparations, the bridal shower, and her bachelorette party while everyone else talked and laughed over beers. I was Lily’s maid of honor, admittedly feeling underqualified for the role, but I felt truly honored that she chose me. I was thrilled to be a part of the wedding.
“I think we should go to Vegas,” I threw in casually, like I’d been there thousands of times. Lily almost choked on her saliva as I took another sip of my wine. “You know, for the bachelorette party.”
“Vegas?” She lifted her eyebrows, but her eyes twinkled with excitement.
“Who’s going to Vegas?” Joel asked from across the living room, where he chatted with Zara and Eric.
“We are,” I said confidently, pointing between us with my thumb.
“We’re going to Vegas?” Tobias exclaimed with a mischievous grin behind us, where he’d been standing with William for a while probably without being noticed.
“You’re not going to Vegas,” Lily clarified with a chuckle. “Billie and I will. For my bachelorette party. And Zara, you’re definitely invited.”
“Sounds fun,” she chimed in. “Count me in.”
Lily leaned in to whisper, “Do you think your dad will be okay with you going?”
“Wasn’t planning on asking.” I shrugged. I’d have to let him know, though. And he would most likely want Aaron to come with us, but I didn’t mind as long as I could go. If I was paying for the trip, there was nothing he could do to stop me. Or so I supposed. “You just need to give me a few weeks to save for the trip.” Lily knew everything that had happened with my dad regarding the apartment and the being cut-off part. I was sure the entire Sj?berg family knew by now.
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous.” She waved a carefree hand in front of her, still whispering. “You know I can help cover the expenses.”
“That’s fine. I have a little money saved, and I’m sure I’ll be able to afford it once my paychecks start coming in.”
“And she has a duplicate of my credit cards in her wallet,” William said out of nowhere. “And you have all of Joel’s.”
“William.” I shot laser beams through my eyes at him. “No.”
He laughed. He was delusional to think I’d go to Vegas and pay for the trip with his credit card as if he were my sugar daddy.
“We can’t have a private conversation, can we?” Lily said with exasperation. “We’re surrounded by meddlers.”
“You don’t say.” I rolled my eyes and drank a longer sip of my wine.
“Shoo!” Lily brushed a hand at William and Tobias, who were hovering too close to us. “Go set the table or something. This place is too big for you to stand here and eavesdrop on our conversation.”
They laughed.
The doorbell rang, and Nathalie yelled from the kitchen, “Food has arrived! Could someone get that?”
“On it!” William shouted back, pulling out his wallet. He winked at me and tapped Tobias’s shoulder with the back of his hand so he would follow him.
That little wink made my knees weak.
Lily bumped her shoulder against mine with a laugh. “You’re so enamored.”
“You think?” I giggled, looking at William as he walked away.
“I’ll be right back.” Lily stood and bent over to set her glass on the coffee table. “Bathroom.”
“Eric!” William shouted. “Get in here.” Eric rose from his seat to help them carry the bags of food back to the kitchen. Zara was showing Joel something on her phone, and they were both laughing.
“You guys need any help?” I asked as they passed next to me.
“Thanks. We’re good,” William replied, and I nodded.
Lily’s phone rang under a throw pillow, so I slid my hand underneath it to see who it was. The caller ID read: Nathan, and reading his name made me drop the phone on the couch as if it were scalding to the touch. He was Joel’s best friend, and he loved Lily. So, him calling her wasn’t abnormal, but it took me by surprise. And being reminded of how close they were and the fact that he was Zara’s brother too felt like a cold slap in the face.
I was the reason why Zara couldn’t spend time with all her brothers at once during events like these anymore.
“Joel?” He looked at me, and I said, “It’s Lily’s phone.” I tilted my head at the ringing phone next to me. He walked over to where I sat and picked up the phone to see who it was.
“Oh, shiiiiiit.” He took the phone to his ear. “Hey, bro.” He ran a hand across his forehead while Zara studied him. “Yeah, I left my phone at my apartment.” He shook his head. “I know, I forgot we’d agreed to watch that game tonight. It’s my mom’s birthday, and we’re at her place for dinner.” He kept nodding as he listened to whatever Nathan had to say. “Shit, yeah, I’m so sorry, Nate.”
Zara’s gaze jerked my way when Joel said: Nate.
“Why don’t you invite him to come?” Zara suggested using a na?ve tone. But she was anything but.
How about … no?
Joel closed his left eye and lifted his index finger at Zara, asking her to give him a second.
“I’ll see you on Tuesday, then,” Joel said. “Okay. Talk soon.”
“Why didn’t you invite him over?” Zara insisted as Lily walked back to the living room. Joel gave Lily her phone back and retook his seat next to Zara.
“Invite who?” Lily asked. “Who was that?”
“That was Nathan.” Joel sipped his beer. “We were planning on watching a soccer match tonight, but that was weeks before my mom confirmed she’d be coming home for her birthday, so …”
“Oh, I’m sure he’ll understand.” Lily grabbed a carrot and dipped it in the blue cheese dressing like it was no big deal. And I agreed, it wasn’t a big deal.
Zara and Joel started arguing in hushed voices, and I stared at Lily wide-eyed.
“He’s your best friend, Joel!” Zara exclaimed, not worried about keeping her voice down. “Are you going to push him away now?”
Joel replied to her, but we couldn’t listen to what he was saying.
“Billie, you don’t mind if Nathan comes, do you?” Zara asked.
I looked around for William, but he was still in the kitchen helping his mother with getting things ready for dinner.
“Um, no, that’s fine,” I said with hesitation. “I don’t mind.” Of course, I did. It would be the most awkward thing ever if Joel decided to invite him over for dinner, but knowing Nathan, he wouldn’t agree to come.
“He’s not coming,” Joel said adamantly. “I’m seeing him next Tuesday. It’s done.”
“This is bullshit.” Zara stood and glared at me as she walked toward the kitchen. Like this was all my fault. Like I hadn’t just mentioned I didn’t mind if Nathan was invited. I could feel my breath catching in my chest.
“I’m sorry,” I said to Joel as he walked over to sit next to Lily and me. It broke my heart to think that this was the type of family event Nathan would usually attend if it weren’t for me. I didn’t want to be the reason they couldn’t hang out.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” Joel replied. “You know I love Nathan. And he’s like a brother to me. But William is my brother. And you’re with William now, so both of you will always come first.”
“It’s not a good idea.” Lily laughed under her breath. “And I’m sure Nathan wouldn’t want to come either.”
“He would never,” I said with a laugh. We all knew him well enough to know there was no way he’d be okay with hanging out in such an intimate setting while William and I were present.
“Nope.” Lily ran a hand around my shoulders and pulled me in for a hug. “I know this sucks, but as Joel said, you and William will always come first. And we’ll always find the time to hang out with Nathan. He’s a big boy. I’m sure he understands.”
My phone vibrated with an incoming text.
Liam:I’m downstairs about to come up, but Aaron’s got his knickers in a twist about this tiny woman (who doesn’t seem like a threat at all) and her not being allowed to come up or something. You should give Aaron a call because William’s not answering his phone. I’ll see you in thirty seconds.
Aaron was driving me nuts with his attitude.
Me:Thanks. I’ll talk to Aaron. I didn’t know you were coming.
Liam:I’m heartbroken and need to be distracted at this time. Ding dong.
The doorbell rang. “That should be Liam.” I said to Lily, getting up from my seat. “Could you get that? I need to talk to William.”
“Is everything okay?” Lily asked.
“Yeah, I’ll explain in a bit.” I walked to the kitchen, and William and Nathalie were doing all the work while Tobias, Eric, and Zara sat on the stools and watched. “William?”
“What’s up?” He turned to look at me as he transferred a salad from the Styrofoam container into a crystal bowl.
“Did you have the chance to email Aaron about authorizing Naomi’s access to the building?” I asked. “Naomi’s downstairs, and Aaron’s giving her a hard time. Liam just texted me to say they’re trying to reach you.”
“Oh, shit. I forgot.” He pulled out his phone from his back pocket. “I have it on silent. But could you go down there and get Naomi? Tell Aaron I’m sending him the email as we speak.” He braced his elbows against the white marble countertop and typed away.
“Of course. I’ll be right back.”
“And tell him to fucking relax,” William added as I walked away, and it made me chuckle.
“Language,” I heard Nathalie say in a scolding tone.
“Hey, Red!” Liam smiled, but his eyes looked red and puffy, like he’d been crying.
“Hey!” I hugged him. “How are you feeling?”
“Like shit.” He shrugged. “Whatever, I’ll be fine.”
“I need to go downstairs and get Naomi. She’s William’s new publicist,” I explained. “I’ll be right back.”
“Want me to come with you?” he offered.
“Sure. Let’s go.”
As the elevator took us to the lobby, I asked Liam, “So did you meet up with Nina earlier?” I was searching for his gaze, but he kept his attention plastered at the doors.
“Yeah, we met for coffee.”
“I didn’t know you guys were close.”
“Aren’t we jealous?” He bumped his shoulder against mine. “Don’t worry. I don’t mind being shared.”
“Oh, shut up.” I laughed. “Stop deflecting.”
“We’re friends.” He sighed. “We text. Sometimes. Often.”
“You like her.” It wasn’t a question. I knew Liam well enough by now to read him, he was as transparent as they got, and that was one of the things I liked about him the most.
Liam parted his lips to speak, to most likely agree with me, but the elevator reached the lobby, and the doors opened, so he remained silent. Naomi was arguing and pointing at Aaron with her finger while he stared down at her. The height difference was almost comical.
“To be continued,” I said to Liam, stepping out of the elevator. He followed me. “Naomi! Hi!”
Naomi shook her head twice, fast, and took a step back from where she stood. As if suddenly realizing she was standing too close to Aaron.
“Miss Murphy,” Aaron said in a calm tone. “Miss Lieberman is not yet authorized to come up.”
“Check your inbox, please. William emailed you the form.” Aaron pulled out his phone and tapped the keys. “I’m so sorry, Naomi. I didn’t know you were coming, or I would’ve let Aaron know. I promise this won’t happen again.”
“Oh, you’re fine,” she said sweetly. “I need to head back to L.A. in a few days anyway. I’m sure Agent …” She looked at me for an answer.
“Hirsch,” I chimed in.
“I’m sure Agent Hirsch will be thrilled to know I won’t be visiting anytime soon after tonight.” She glared at Aaron from the corner of her eyes and clicked her tongue.
Aaron groaned.
“This is Liam,” I said. “Liam, this is Naomi Lieberman, William’s publicist.”
“Liam Kelly, right?” She narrowed her eyes at him with curiosity, offering her hand to him.
“That’s right. Nice to meet you, Naomi.” They shook hands.
“You’re with BME agency, correct?” she asked Liam.
“Yes, I am.” He smiled. “With Laurel Hayes and Alex Parker.”
“Yeah, I know Alex,” Naomi said. “He’s a good friend.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but you’re now on Mr. Sj?berg’s permanent guest list, Miss Lieberman,” Aaron said, and she crossed her arms at her chest with a smirk. “I’ll walk you up, Miss Murphy.”
“Oh, that’s fine, Aaron,” I shot back. “There’s no need. You can take the rest of the evening off. We’ll be at Nathalie’s apartment.”
“I’ll walk you up to her apartment,” he insisted, his tone unyielding.
I sighed. “Okay, let’s go.” Arguing with Aaron when he was in one of his moods was a waste of time. I was beginning to worry about him. His father wasn’t doing well, health-wise, and I wondered if that was triggering his ill temper. I made a mental note to ask him some other time.
We stepped inside the elevator, and Aaron was about to put his phone inside his jacket pocket when Naomi said, “Wait, is that … a BlackBerry?” She snorted a laugh, and he looked down at her with hooded eyes like he couldn’t give two shits about her remark. “I didn’t know people were still using those. Can I take a look at it?”
Aaron’s hand froze as his phone was half inside his pocket. “Sure.” He pulled it back out and handed it to Naomi.
“I loved my BlackBerry,” Liam said. “But everyone switched to iPhone, so …”
“Right?” she agreed. “I had such a hard time getting used to the iPhone’s keyboard at first.”
Aaron grew visibly impatient and began tapping his foot as he waited to get his phone back.
The elevator slid open on the 14th floor, and Naomi returned Aaron his phone before stepping out. “Miss Lieberman,” Aaron said as he held the elevator doors open with his arm. “Why is my phone unresponsive?”
Naomi looked disconcerted when she turned around to face him. “I … don’t know? Maybe you ran out of battery. The screen was already black when you gave it to me.”
“Aaron,” I warned softly. I didn’t appreciate his tone to address her with such familiarity. He was always the formal and collected one.
“It was working just fine,” Aaron insisted. “My battery was at 72%.”
“Well, maybe it’s time to put the BlackBerry to rest,” Naomi said, turning around and walking toward the apartment’s entrance. Liam followed her.
“Little witch,” Aaron mumbled.
“Aaron!” I was mortified at this point, but Naomi laughed. The elevator’s long alarm sounded, and I could see Aaron fighting to keep the doors open, but he was stronger.
“As I mentioned the other day, I’ve been called worse, Agent Hirsch!” she shouted, but didn’t bother to turn around. “You want my attention? You gotta get more creative than that!”
“Meet me at my apartment tomorrow at noon,” I said through my teeth. “We need to talk.”
Aaron nodded once and slipped his dead phone inside his jacket pocket as he finally allowed the doors to shut before him.