“Let me know what you all think; I am open to ideas if you have something else in mind that would work better, or if there are any other services that you would like to see included. Oh, and I am willing to offer each package in duplicate if you would like.”
As the women all clap, Maia walks over to me resting an arm over my shoulder in a side embrace, “Love, those will do so much for the event, thank you dearly...I can see they all love the idea.”
Turning, Maia address’ the room, “OK, well I am certainly excited, as I am sure are all of you. If you will all head to the kitchen, a buffet of all the dish choices for brunch has been set up. There is also a card to be completed with your favorites, so please fill those out.” Maia moves toward the kitchen, directing the women to the table set up by the patio doors.
I look over the spread; my mouth is starting to water. Everything looks so delicious. Maia makes her way over to me, “You are going to try something, right?”
“Maia you never have to concern yourself about my appetite. You only live once, and I have no intention of doing it hungrily.”
She lets out a chuckle, “See, I knew I loved you.”
As I take a couple of different samples in my plate, I opt for a seat out on the patio. The mid-morning air is warm, but a gentle breeze helps to break the humidity.
“So, what do you think? Would you consider joining?” Maia asks as she occupies the place beside me.
“I would love to, but I don’t know that I have time with the salon and all,” I respond.
“Oh, you would only need to come once in a while, mostly at times like this. We could use the fresh ideas I know you could bring with you...what do you say?” Hopeful anticipation crosses her brow.
“I’ll do it! Consider me the newest member of the Emerson Women’s Society.” My acceptance pleases Maia immediately. “However, you do know your boys will not let me live this one down, especially Liam, he’s going to have a field day with this.”
My last words prompt Maia to change the topic, “Speaking of Liam, has he managed to cash in that rain check yet?”
Crap! I knew, eventually, she would inquire about Liam and myself, though I was hoping it wouldn’t be amongst Emerson’s personal phone tree.
“We had something set up. Unfortunately, Liam had to cancel when he had something at work come up. Since then, we haven’t had a chance to talk really.”
“That boy will never give me grandbabies, all he does is work. I swear that sometimes I wish he had never taken the Detective position. He’s going to wake up one day, years from now, and life is going to have passed him by.” She replies.
I understand her frustration; sometimes I feel the same way about myself. “From what I can see, his job is important to him, and from what I hear, he’s really good at it. You have to be proud of what he has accomplished.”
Letting out a sigh, she adjusts to sit more comfortably in her chair, “Oh I am. I am very proud of all my children, but sometimes I feel they focus so much on their careers, missing all the other wonderful opportunities life has to offer. Well other than my Althea, she lives life like there is no tomorrow, then worries about tomorrow at eight a.m. when she wakes up the next day.”
Sounds like Ati! As her name enters my thoughts I remember, “Speaking of Thea, I was hoping she would be here; I’d like to speak to her about possibly introducing herself and Grace to my sister, Ati. She doesn’t know anyone in town, and I know she is probably dying for a little girl talk with someone her age.”
Maia sits right up, “Oh Gwen, all taken care of. Thea and Grace headed over to your place this morning after everyone got here to introduce themselves, and ask if she would like to join them for lunch. Afterward, I believe they were all going to a bonfire on the beach tonight, some of the school kids have put together. So, she may not be home when you get there.”
This woman is remarkable. She is always one step ahead of the game and still thinking of the other people around her. I lean over and give her a quick hug, “Thank you, Maia.”
“No thanks needed, Love, it was actually Ben who suggested they meet her. He seems to have taken a shining to Matilda.” She admits with a grin.
I feel the smile fall from my face, Maia noticing as well, “I take it you don’t like that idea.” Her tone a little more serious, sounding somewhat hurt.
“You know I love Ben; it’s because Ati is still so young. Most her life, up to now, has been somewhat sheltered. I want her to be able to enjoy the milestones high school and her teenage years have to offer. Trust me; if Ben were closer to her age, I wouldn’t think twice of them being together…I would actually be their number one fan, but with the large age gap between them, it makes me concerned.”
I can see her considering what I said, “Gwen, I don’t know much about Ati`s past, and I will not pretend to. However, what I do know is, two people meant to be together, will be! All I ask is try to be a little open-minded. I agree Matilda has a lot of living to do… no one would ever expect her to give that up, especially not Ben. He will want for her, the same thing you do; be honest with him. Ben will respect your wishes and wait patiently until the time is right for them to be together if that is where it is headed. In the meantime, friendship is never a negative thing.” She gives my hand a quick squeeze, “I see that some of the ladies are leaving, I should go say goodbye. Consider what I said, Love, but know we will all respect whatever you decide is best for your sister.”
She turns walking toward the house, leaving me to think about she said. She’s right; maybe I need to allow Matilda and Ben some space to develop a friendship, but I will need to speak with Ben, one on one without Ati, and set some ground rules.
***
Arriving home shortly after noon, Ati was not back, and then I remembered she sent me a text earlier I had meant to open when I got a free moment.
‘Thea and Grace stopped by this morning, asking if I would like to join them for the day, and later tonight for a bonfire on the beach, so that is where I am. That being said, we never set up a curfew, so text me a time you would like me home, I was thinking 12 – 1 AM?!?! Love you most much, Ati.'
12 to 1 AM? Isn’t that a little late? She is eighteen and will be with Thea and Grace, ‘1 AM is fine. Be good, and have fun!’
Not really having anything else planned for the remainder of the day, I have a few hours to fill. I could go for a run, but decide maybe the couch, popcorn, and an old movie sound so much better. I head to my room to get into my comfies, then to the kitchen for the popcorn. As I am staring at the numbers on the microwave showing the countdown, my cell phone rings with a text message. Retrieving my purse from the dining table and fishing out my cell, I see a message from Kai.
‘Hey Doll, how goes the day? Benny and I are meeting for drinks, eight o’clock at O’Fallon’s…are you allowed to come out and play?’
I let out a chuckle at Kai’s humor and then look at the time. Five o’clock I have a few hours to veg then get ready to head out...works for me.
‘All good on this end, I will meet you guys’ there.’
***
I pull up to O’Fallon’s Pub, and Kai’s truck already parked out front. Quickly doing a makeup check in my rear-view mirror before I head in, I then jump out and make my way to the doors. For a Sunday, the place is quite packed. Scanning the room, I spot Kai, Ben, and Ewan sitting at the bar. I head toward them, pulling up to the counter beside Ben.
“I hear the first round is on the Adair boys this evening,” I call out.
Kai quickly jumps from his stool, lifting me into a huge bear hug. “For you, they’re on us all tonight…Glad you could make it out, Gwenie.”
Giving me a little peck on the cheek, as he softly puts me back on my feet. Ben and Ewan follow suit, each greeting me with as much enthusiasm.
I motion toward Ewan, “I see you convinced the young’un to join us for a night of debauchery.”
“Someone has to keep these lightweights in line,” Ewan shouts ove
r the noise of the crowd.
“Who are you calling lightweight? Wasn’t it only last week you were tossing cookies in Mom’s rose bush after only two beers.” Ben shoots back
“Whatever, I told you it was food poisoning...those tacos were bad,” Ewan replies with a childish pout.
I take the seat between Ben and Kai, as Jimmy places a mug of beer in front of me. “I ordered you one from the tap.” Kai clarifies.
Lifting my beer in a mock salute, I take a drink. As I look around, taking in the some of the familiar faces around me, it seems most of the twenty-something crowd is here tonight.
“Table opened up,” Ewan calls out, heading toward a booth on the other side.
We all grab our drinks and follow, Ben ordering a pitcher before he joins us. As we take out seats, Elise Matthews comes over and sits on Ewan’s lap.
“Ewan, come dance with me.” More of a demand then a request, Ewan shrugs as he takes a quick pull from his beer and heads out to the dance floor.
Glancing over to Kai…he shakes his head, “We’ve all warned him.”
Ben lays a pitcher on the table, sliding into the booth, “Warned who?” he asks.
Kai tips his chin, motioning to the dance floor, and then Ben lets out a laugh, as he looks over, “Yeah, Mom already told him it would be a cold day in hell before that girl stepped foot in her house.”
“I’m sure it’s harmless, he’s young let him have some fun.” Although, maybe I’m not the best one to offer such advice.
“As long as he is wrapping it up while he has said fun, all will be good,” Ben replies.
Kai nods in agreement, “She has been on the hunt for years, looking to nail down anyone willing to help her out from under old man Matthews’s thumb.” The bulge of my eyes must give away my shock, “It’s the God’s honest truth.”
Moving my line of sight to where Ewan is now, arm in arm, slow grinding with Elise, a protectiveness comes over me…I’m starting to re-thinking the whole, ‘he’s young, let him enjoy it’ thing now.
The night goes on as expected, good conversation with pitcher, after pitcher of beer hitting the table. Eventually, Elise released her grasp from Ewan, allowing him to join us back at the table.
“Gentlemen, I think I am at my limit.” I try to focus my vision enough to grab my phone from my purse to call a cab.
“Who are you calling” Ben garbles, grabbing it from my hands.
“Hey, I was going to call a cab. I don’t think I will be driving home tonight.” The alcohol is hitting me a little harder than I had anticipated.
Kai slams a hand on the table, startling me “All taken care of, Gwenie…we have a ride on the way.”
I immediately shoot my gaze to Kai. “What ride, Kai? Who is coming to pick us up?”
Replying with a wink, I hope he’s not implying whom I think he is, “Kai Alexander Adair, you didn’t?”
This time, he displays only a broad grin, but it didn’t matter, not even a moment later my suspicions are confirmed as Liam walks through the doors, heading our way.
“Aren’t you all a vision of utter intoxication?” Liam says, running his hand through his hair, as he adjusts his line of sight right in my direction. “Gwen? Nice to see you.” Not able to put together much of a coherent sentence, I opt to send him a half wave and crooked smile.
“Ok, let’s load ‘em up. Jimmy is about to announce last call, and I would prefer to get out of here before the masses storm the parking lot.” Liam helps Ewan to his feet and then offers me a hand.
We manage to make it outside and into Liam’s SUV with minimal effort, well none on my part as somehow Ewan managed to throw me over his shoulders, piggybacking me outside. “Thank you, kind Sir!”
Ewan bows, “Anything for the kind and most handsome lady.”
Kai joins the conversation with his drunken insight, “Dude, she’s a girl…she can’t be handsome, she beauuuuutiful! Gwenie, you are beauuuutiful.”
I glance over at Kai who is now lounged in back staring at the roof of the car, repeating the word beautiful as though he only now, discovered its meaning. Ewan and Ben took the back seat with Kai, leaving the passenger seat to me.
“Are you Ok, if I drop these guys off at home first; my parents’ house is only around the corner.” I give Liam a quick nod and look back to the boys, finding all three of them already passed out.
Dropping them off, Liam then heads to my place. “We didn’t drag you away from anything important, did we?” I ask.
He glances at me, then quickly back to the road, “No! I was headed home from the station when I got Kai’s text, so it was perfect timing.”
We pull into the driveway, and Liam shuts off his car, “You didn’t leave your outside lights on...you should always leave your lights on when you go out, Gwen.”
I look to the house covered in darkness, then back to Liam…Leave it to Mr. Safety to point out the obvious.
“I wasn’t planning on staying out this late, but you know your brothers, one drink led to four.” Smiling, I look to Liam noticing his eyes locked in my direction. I wait a moment, and then ask, “Did you want to come in for a coffee or tea?”
He clears his throat in a nervous gesture, “Um thanks, but I really should be heading home.”
“Yes of course.” I grab my purse off the floor, but as I reach for the handle to open the door, Liam grabs my arm.
“Gwen...” I don’t let him continue; instead, I lean over, give him a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth, and jump out of the car. Turning one last time before I enter the house, I send him off with a wave.
I’m not sure what he wanted to say, but I felt whatever it was, that was definitely not the right moment, I need to be a little clearer minded for any conversations with Detective Adair.
The house is quiet. Setting the alarm, I make my way to Ati’s room to check if she has come home. I open the door, and see her fast asleep in bed, then make my way to my bedroom. This has been one very long, eventful day and I’m more than ready to lay this beauuuuuuutiful head on my pillow.
Chapter Ten
-Liam-
I wanted to accept Gwen’s offer for coffee last night, but I’m not convinced I would have been able to control myself. The feelings that keep surfacing for her are getting stronger each day, along with the jealousy inside me growing. Whenever Kai or Ben talk about texting or hanging out with her from time to time, I am overcome with frustration; I want that. I want to be the one she is texting and spending her time talking to. I hope during the camping trip this weekend; I will have an opportunity to connect with Gwen, make up for my stupidity of thinking I needed to let things with Emily cool down first. They are cooled, have been for a long time; now it’s time for Gwen and me.
Filling my travel mug with coffee, I head out the door and make my way to the station. Early this morning, we received more information about Eric Connors. I am hoping it will be able to shed more light on exactly what we are dealing with. I live off the main street in town, so my drive is short. Pulling into the parking lot, I see the Chief is already here. About to jump out of the vehicle, my cell phone rings with a call from my mother.
“Good Morning, Mom!”
“Good Morning, Love. I know you are heading to work, but I wanted to remind you everyone will be here for dinner tonight. We haven’t had one since Kai’s has been back, and I want to have a nice family dinner before summer ends, and everyone is back to his or her busy schedules.”
My mom has always been a stickler for family time. When we were younger, it was Sundays, starting with breakfast, a day of family games, visiting my Grandparents, when they were alive, then dinner. Nowadays, with everyone’s work pulling us in different directions, she understands, but still demands at least once a week, we all get together at some point.
“No worries Mom, I will be there. Do you need me to grab anything before I come over?”
“All taken care of, Love, just bring yourself.” She pauses for a moment then continues, �
��Oh, before I forget. The boys came home last night, razzing Ewan about The Matthew’s girl being all over him. Liam, I do not like her. Not one bit, she is not good enough for my baby. You need to talk to him, and warn him off before she sinks her poorly manicured claws into my boy, but don’t tell him I told you to, he will think I am sticking my nose in his business.”
I can hear the air of control in her voice; she gets when talking about whom we are dating. She likes to believe she has a little more say about it than she actually should, but we love her, and honestly…she is always right.
“Mom, I am sure he's just having fun, it’s nothing serious for you to concern yourself about.” I know it won’t ease her mind, but I try.
“Nevertheless, he looks up to you Li, and will listen when you tell him she is bad news.”
“Ok, Mom I will speak with him.” Maybe I do need to have a chat with my brother, about his recent choice in companionship.
Saying goodbye to my mother, I make my way into the office; there is a rare tension lingering about. The Chief is in his office with a man and woman, both wearing what one would consider, regulation FBI apparel. They must have come in early this morning, to go over the new information. I head in with hopes their visit will shed some light on the situation.
“Good Morning,” I say, and they stand from their seats, as Chief does the introductions.
“Liam, Good Morning. These are Special Agents Peters and Cunningham. They have come here to update us with the new information in the Connors case and will be staying for a while to assist with the surrounding branches. We’re central, so it works, best from here.” We take our seats, and The Chief continues, “Detective Adair is one of our Senior Detectives, knows all there is to know about these parts and has been on this since you first contacted us. I’m confident; together we will be able to bring this mess to a close.”
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