Chapter 31 #2
Because that’s what I need to do with Livianna. Create something beautiful in the here and now, instead of constantly worrying about Jaxon and whether she will remember him.
I step off the elevator on Livianna's floor, adjusting the collar of my leather jacket. The building’s quieter now. Most people have already gone for the day.
“Cash?” Quinn, in a sharp business suit, is heading toward me, her face lighting up with recognition.
“Hey.” I offer a smile. “How are you?”
“I’m good, but more importantly, how are you two?” She gestures down the hallway toward Livianna’s office. “I just left her studio. She seems like she’s doing well, all things considered.”
“Yeah, she’s tough.” I slide my hands into my pockets. “Always has been.”
Quinn’s expression softens. “I have to say, when you pulled her up on stage at Coachella, I literally cried happy tears. That was so romantic. I’m so happy you two got back together.”
“It was pretty special.” My chest warms at the memory.
“Special? Cash, it was magical.” She touches my arm. “The way you looked at her when you guys reunited backstage after your set? I’ve never seen two people more meant to be together. And when you dedicated that song to her… I thought I was going to melt.”
“Thanks for helping her get on stage.” I dip my chin in appreciation. “Thanks for being there for her today. I know her short-term memory loss can be hard at times, but don’t worry, she’ll get back to normal soon.”
“She was doing well when I stopped by to catch up and see how she was doing.” Quinn’s expression turns serious. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“Thanks. I’ll remember that.” I glance down the hallway. “I should probably go grab her. Long day for both of us.”
“Absolutely. Tell her I’ll call her tonight.” Quinn steps toward the elevator, then pauses. “Oh, and Cash? Don’t overthink things. Just love her. That’s all she needs.”
I nod as she disappears into the elevator. Quinn’s words echo in my head. Just love her. Like it’s that simple.
I stroll into Livianna’s studio and freeze when I get to her private work area. Jaxon’s bent over her shoulder, his hand braced on her desk, their faces inches apart as they review a document spread out in front of them.
His other hand rests on the back of her chair, not quite touching but close enough that the intimacy of the position sends ice through my veins.
Livianna laughs at something he says, tilting her head toward him, and the sound guts me. They look natural together. Comfortable. Like they’ve done this a thousand times before.
Because they have.
I clear my throat. “Looks like you’re getting a lot done.”
Livianna’s head snaps toward me, her face lighting up. “Hi, Callum. I thought you were going to text when you got here.”
“Yeah, I was, but I thought I could help you carry anything you might need out to the car.” I gaze at Jaxon, trying to keep calm. “Jaxon, good to see you again.”
She pushes away from the desk and crosses to me, rising on her toes to kiss my cheek. I slide my arm around her waist, pulling her against me while keeping my stare locked on Jaxon.
“Cash.” He straightens slowly, tucking his hands into his pockets. “Nice to see you as well.”
“How was the rest of your day?” I brush my thumb along her hip.
“Amazing, actually.” She turns in my arms to gesture at Jaxon. “Jaxon spent the entire day walking me through everything. The Marcus Chen deal, my design process, and the team structure. I can’t believe how patient he was.”
Yeah, I bet.
“That’s great, Lily.” I keep my voice even. “Sounds like you had a good teacher today.”
“I’ll say. He’s been a godsend.” She beams at Jaxon. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without him today. He made everything make sense.”
Jaxon’s gaze flickers to me for half a second before returning to Livianna. “You did the work yourself years ago. I just helped you remember.”
“Still.” She steps away from me and strides back to the desk, gathering papers into a folder. “I’m so grateful. Thank you for dropping everything to help me.”
“Anytime.” Jaxon’s eyes find mine again, and something unspoken passes between us. A challenge. A warning. A resignation.
I’m not sure which.
“We should let you get on with your evening, Jaxon.” I gesture toward the door. “I’m sure you have plenty waiting for you.”
“Enough to last a lifetime.” Jaxon picks up his suit jacket from the back of Livianna’s chair. “I’ll be in my office tomorrow if you need anything else.”
“Thank you, Jaxon, for everything. I owe you lunch one of these days.” Livianna strolls over to him and gives him a hug.
I’m about to lose my shit. But I take a cleansing breath and tell myself to relax.
He holds her in his arms for a beat too long. His eyes even shut for a moment as he basks in having her near him.
“If you ever need anything, just ask.” He releases her and steps aside.
I grind on my molars and make a mental note to get back into therapy this week. If I don’t, I’m gonna ruin everything with my insecurities.
“That’s really kind of you.” She tucks the folder into her bag. “But I don’t want to keep taking up all your time. You’ve already done so much.”
“It’s not a burden.” His expression softens when he looks at her. “It never has been.”
I step forward and rest my hand on Livianna’s lower back. “Ready?”
She nods and turns to Jaxon one more time. “Seriously, thank you. Today would’ve been a disaster without you.”
“You’re catching on quickly and seem to be sliding right back into your role as the powerful designer you are.” Jaxon holds her gaze for a few seconds before shifting to me. “Take care of her, Cash.”
“Always.” The word comes out hard.
We stand there for a moment, the three of us caught in some twisted triangle. Livianna, oblivious to the weight pressing down on the room, me trying to maintain control, and Jaxon trying to let go.
“Good night, Jaxon.” I guide Livianna toward the door.
He gathers up his belongings and follows us out. “I’ll walk out with you both.”
Great.
We all leave and get into the elevator. Livianna keeps the conversation going. I can’t deny how nice it is that she isn’t second-guessing everything and asking questions about her past. She just chatters away with a gleam in her eyes.
We get to the car and say our goodbyes again. Right as she’s getting situated, she turns her head toward me with wide eyes.
“Callum, I just remembered something.”
And it’s with those words I see my future with her fade away.