by M. A. Foster
“Oh, you got jokes, little girl.” Liam bends at the knee and Jay squeals as he throws her over his shoulder. “Nice to meet you, Harper.” He smiles and nods before he strides toward Zach.
“Do you know my nephew Zach?” Cam asks, pointing to Zach leaning against the bar beside Cole, laughing at Liam who still has Jay stretched over his shoulder.
Cam Parker is equally gorgeous in the daylight, with brown hair, bright blue eyes, and a spattering of scruff lining his jaw.
I smile. “Yes. We go to school together.” Cam nods, then turns to Tyge, Mia, and Holly. “This is Tyge, and I haven’t yet been introduced to these beautiful ladies.”
“Hi, I’m Mia,” Mia says.
“Holly.” She smiles.
“Nice to meet you, ladies.” Cam nods. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go say what’s up to Zach.”
“I’m coming with,” Tyge says as he starts to walk off, but turns at the last minute and says to Mia and Holly, “You two coming?”
“We’ll be right there,” Holly tells him with a flirty smile. He walks off, leaving the three of us alone.
I pull out my notepad from my back pocket and pretend to take their orders. “Thank you guys for not saying anything. What do you want to drink?”
Mia gives me a strange look.
I bug my eyes out at her. “We’re not supposed to know each other,” I remind her.
“Oh.” Mia nods. “I’ll just take a water.”
“Me, too,” Holly adds.
I shove the notepad in my pocket and look over my shoulder to see the group has moved to a table. “I’ll get your waters and bring them to your table. Then meet me in the bathroom.”
“SUP, COLEY,” LIAM says, dropping down in the empty chair beside me, stretching out his long legs, and crossing his arms over his chest. A brunette with long wavy hair pulled through the opening of a LA Heat cap takes the empty one beside him. Her eyes are a weird shade of blue, almost purple. She’s gorgeous. Not that I’d expect anything less from Liam. It doesn’t escape my notice that she’s wearing an LA Heat jersey with Liam’s number on the front. I snort a soft laugh and shake my head.
Typical Liam. What a tool.
“What’s up, dickhead?” I smirk and reach across the table, offering her my charming smile. “I’m Cole.”
She takes my hand and returns a smile. “Mia.”
“Mia’s a nurse,” Liam informs me, wiggling his eyebrows.
Mia rolls her eyes and jerks a thumb to the blonde beside her. “This is my friend Holly.”
She looks familiar. “Do I know you?” I ask.
She nods. “I work in Dr. Graham’s office.”
Zach pulls up a chair from a nearby table and sits down beside me.
“Where’s Cam?” I ask. “He off licking his wounds?”
Liam laughs.
Zach snickers. “No, he’s in the back talking to Emerson about some PR stuff.” Sure, he is.
Am I the only one who sees that Cam has the biggest hard-on for Emerson?
Harper approaches our table to drop two waters off to Mia and Holly.
“Where’s the restroom?” Mia asks Harper as she and Holly both stand from the table.
Using her pen, Harper points to a set of double doors. “Just go through those doors and turn left. It’s the last door on the left.” The girls walk off and Harper turns back to the table. “Can I get you guys anything?”
“I’ll take another Jack and Coke,” Tyge says, holding up his half-empty glass. “What’s your name again?”
“Harper.”
Liam looks up at Harper and furrows his brow. “Harper, you look familiar. I feel like I know you from somewhere.”
Harper offers a quick smile. “No, I’m pretty sure I’d remember if we’d met before.” She shifts nervously on her feet. Liam can come off a bit intimidating if you don’t know him. Kind of like my dad and, well, pretty much everyone in my family, except maybe my mom and Jay.
“I’ll take a Jack and Coke, too, please,” Liam says with a nod. “Thank you, Harper.” He winks.
I wait until she’s out of earshot before I say, “She’s too young for you.”
Tyge laughs and holds up his hands. “Hey, even a blind man can appreciate a pretty girl with a great ass. Right, Liam?” He wiggles his eyebrows. “And she’s a redhead,” he adds, whistling through his teeth. “You know what they say about redheads?”
“Yeah, but which is better.” Liam looks over at me with a grin. “Redheads or blueheads?”
Ah, Nikki Fox.
I throw my head back and laugh. “Shut up, jackass. Who told you? Jay?”
Liam shrugs and smiles. “So you like this girl?” He jerks his head toward Harper.
“No,” I say at the same time as Zach says, “Yes.”
“Sure,” Tyge drawls. “You’ve been watching her every move like a hawk.” He laughs. “You better snatch her up before someone else does.”
“You two are ones to talk.” I gesture to the two empty seats where Mia and Holly sat. “Those two are not cleat chasers or diamond dolls. I saw the hope written all over their faces.” I push back from the table and stand, ready to go check on Willow, who’s napping in my dad’s office. “Good luck with that.”
STEPPING INSIDE THE bathroom, I snort when I find Mia and Holly leaning against the vanity. “Could you two be any more obvious?” I give them both a hug. “I’ve missed you guys.”
“How are you sweetie?” Holly asks, concern in her eyes.
I lower my head and take a deep breath. “I’m good. I promise.” I lift my head and smile.
“Mia filled me in on everything,” Holly continues. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Harper. The Mackenzies aren’t the kind of people you want to mess with.”
“I’m not doing anything, Holly,” I defend. “I’m just working here. And you make it sound like they’re the mob or something.” I roll my eyes.
“That’s not what I meant. They’re a kind, well-known family, and they’re highly respected by everyone in this community. Mrs. Mackenzie practically owns this island.”
“You know a lot about them. Did you know Cole was Willow’s father?”
She inhales deeply through her nose before she answers, “Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Holly winces. “What does it matter? You already knew. Can we talk about this later? This isn’t a conversation we should be having in the bathroom. A bathroom owned by the Mackenzies.”
I give her a pointed look and pinch my lips together. “Fine.”
“Harper, don’t be mad. There are laws and you know it. On top of that, Dr. Graham had all of us sign a non-disclosure agreement at the request of Dr. Mackenzie.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “You could’ve at least told me that you’ve seen her,” I snap. “That she was okay.”
Holly shakes her head. “Why? So you could ask me a million questions that I wasn’t allowed to answer? It would only hurt you more. I’m sorry.” Her tone is gentle and pleading.
I turn my attention to Mia. “Did you know?”
She shakes her head. “No, but Holly’s right. You know there are laws to protect our patients. Even if I wanted to tell you, I couldn’t.”
“I know.” I sigh. “It doesn’t matter anymore anyway.”
“Just be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt,” Mia says, and Holly nods in agreement.
If anyone needs to be careful, it’s these two. I read the tabloids and watch entertainment news. Liam Mackenzie and Tyge Reynolds are major manwhores.
“We’re staying at their hotel tonight, so you can stay at the apartment,” Mia offers.
“Thanks.”
THANK GOD MIA and I are about the same size, because I have absolutely nothing to wear to Jay’s barbecue today.
Digging through her closet, I find a light blue maxi dress with slits running up both sides. The dress is sheer, so I slip on a light blue bikini under it. The two match so perfect
ly, I wonder if they’re actually meant to be a set. I forgo any makeup, only swiping on some light pink matte lipstick. Pulling my hair to the side, I twist it into a fishtail braid, then slide my feet into a pair of silver sandals. Checking myself in the mirror, I decide I look good enough for a barbecue before grabbing my bag and heading out the door.
I stop outside a guardhouse positioned in front of a pair of tall, wrought-iron gates with ‘Heritage Lake Estates’ scrolled across the front in gold, rolling down my window.
A man with short buzzed hair, dressed in black cargo pants, a black T-shirt with ‘Security’ written in bright yellow stretched across his chest, and combat boots, steps out carrying a device that looks like an iPad and approaches my car.
“Good afternoon,” he says with a smile. “How can I help you today?”
“Good afternoon.” I smile in return. “I’m going to a barbecue at the Mackenzie residence,” I tell him as I reach for my phone. “Do you need the address?”
“No, ma’am.” He chuckles. “What’s your name?”
“Harper Murphy.”
After making a few swiping motions on his electronic device, he nods and takes a step back. “Okay, Miss Murphy. You’re good to go. Have a good day.”
“Thanks. You, too,” I call out before rolling up my window and continuing through the gates. “Holy shit, these houses are ridiculous,” I mumble to myself as I stretch my neck to get a glimpse of the houses that are tucked behind tall gates and brick walls, all while trying to follow the directions on my GPS.
Pulling up to the driveway, I come to a stop in front of another set of gates and punch in the code Jay texted me earlier. The gates swing open and I make my way up the winding driveway.
My jaw practically falls in my lap when Jay’s house comes into view. The massive estate home is made of stone in multiple shades of beiges and grays. The double front doors are dark wood and tall windows line the front of the house.
Two men, dressed exactly the same as the guard at the front gate, are standing at the front of the driveway. What’s up with all these security guards? Coming to a stop, I roll down my window and announce, “I’m Harper Murphy. I’m here to see Jay—Jayla. Is there somewhere in particular you want me to park?”
“Just leave your keys inside and we’ll park it for you,” one of the men tells me.
Shifting my car into Park, I grab my bag from the passenger seat and climb out. “Which way do I go?” I ask, confused.
“Just stay on the driveway. It’ll lead you around the back,” the other man points.
I make my way past the six-car garage until the driveway turns into a walkway leading to the back of Jay’s house.
“Harper,” she calls out as she comes toward me with a big smile on her face. She’s dressed in a pair of denim cut-offs, a white bathing suit top, a bright floral kimono cover-up, and tan sandals.
I feel a little overdressed.
Jay lets out a low whistle. “Girl, you look hella hot,” she murmurs as she pulls me in for a hug. “You didn’t bring your boyfriend?”
I shake my head. “It’s complicated.”
Jay snorts. “It’s always complicated. Guys are dicks. You okay?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “You don’t think I’m overdressed?” I ask, brushing my hands down the front of my dress, feeling a little unsure.
“Not at all. You look perfect. Come meet my people.” She grabs my hand and drags me toward the house. “Harper’s here,” she announces as we reach the covered patio where her—our—friends are gathered.
“Hey, Harper,” everyone collectively greets, Lexi waving.
“We’ll be right back,” Jay announces before she pulls me past them, through the French double sliding doors and into a wide-open floor space. The kitchen is situated on the left with all-white cabinets and marble countertops, which stand out against the dark espresso wood floors. An island is situated in the middle of the kitchen, separating it from the great room.
Emerson, Mimi, and another petite woman with dark hair are fluttering around the kitchen.
“Harper is here,” Jay announces.
“Hi, Harper,” Emerson greets, wiping her hands on a towel before making her way around the island and embracing me. She turns to Mimi, “Mom, you remember Harper? She works at Mac’s.”
“Of course I remember,” Mimi says over her shoulder as she washes her hands. “You’re the one who’s got my grandson’s balls in a twist.”
Huh?
“Mother,” Emerson chastises, and Jay busts out laughing. Emerson points to Jay and says, “Don’t encourage her,” before she turns to me and adds, “I’m sorry. She obviously left her manners at home.”
“No worries.” I laugh and wave her off.
Jay throws her arm around the petite, older woman’s shoulders and smiles fondly. “Harper, this is Grace. Grace, this is my friend, Harper.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss Harper,” Grace says with a nod.
“JJ,” Willow squeals as she comes running into the house.
“Boo!” Jay bends at the knees, opens her arms, and swoops Willow off her feet before settling her on her hip and pointing to me. “Who’s that?”
Willow gives me a toothy smile. “Ahpee.”
My heart soars.
All I ever wanted was for Willow to know me.
“Where’s Va-jay-jay?” a female voice calls from outside.
“Eeek!” Jay bounces with excitement. “Willow, go see Harper.” Jay quickly passes her to me and turns for the door just as a tall blonde comes inside with Alex right behind her.
“Weenie!” Jay screeches before rushing toward the blonde, jumping in her arms, and wrapping her legs around her waist. The two hug each other tight and squeal in excitement.
Jay drops to her feet and takes the blonde by the hand, leading her back outside. “Harper,” she calls, gesturing for me to follow.
“Everyone, this is my best friend, Evangeline, and you guys already know Alex. Weenie, this is Brad, Cherry, Lexi, Evan, Olivia, Carter, Harper, Kali, Justin, you know Cole—”
“Unfortunately,” Evangeline teases. Cole responds with a cocky smirk, flipping her off before moving over to me to pluck Willow from my arms. Obviously he’s feeling like a bit of a papa bear today.
“Is that—”
“Yes,” Cole answers, knowing exactly what I’m asking. “Evangeline Skye, aka ‘Weenie,’ Jay’s very best friend and the biggest b-i-t-c-h you’ll ever meet.”
I snort. “I doubt that. She seems nice,” I say lamely, because I’m not sure how to respond to that. I’ve never met a supermodel before.
Jay lets go of her friend and wraps her arms around Zach’s waist. “And this is Zach. Zach, this is my sister for life.”
Evangeline gives Zach a once-over and nods. “I approve.”
Zach laughs and Jay rolls her eyes. “Ignore her. She’s a bitch, but once you get to know her, she’s still a bitch.”
Cole chuckles beside me. “Told you.”
Everyone laughs and Evangeline grins, giving a careless shrug.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Evangeline,” Zach says.
“You, too.” She smiles as everyone just gapes at her.
The rest of the afternoon is spent eating, laughing, and playing with Willow. I avoided getting in the pool because of the bruise on my back from the doorknob in Josh’s office. Despite what I know is waiting for me at home, today has been one of the best days of my life.
Checking my phone, I see dozens of texts from Josh, the last one asking me to please come home.
I can’t keep avoiding him.
Gathering my stuff, I thank Jay and her family for having me and head home.
“WHERE THE FUCK have you been?” Josh snaps before I can even close the front door.
“I was with Mia. We went to the beach,” I lie, setting my purse on the hall table before making my way to the kitchen with him on my ass. “What are you still doing here?”
“I live here. Thi
s is my loft.”
“I know it’s your loft. You made that perfectly clear last night.” Pulling a bottled water from the refrigerator, I turn to face him, using my hip to close the door. “And FYI loft is just a fancy word for apartment. Though you don’t really live here,” I add sarcastically, twisting the cap from the bottle and tossing it on the counter. “You haven’t been here in weeks. And when you are here, it’s once or twice a week and the weekends. Except weekend nights, when you’re at the club. Then by Sunday morning, you’re up and gone.”
Well, shit.
Reality slams into me with the force of a freight train. The last eight months of our relationship replays in my head and I realize it’s all been a complete lie. I guess I’m not the only liar in this relationship.
But I am an idiot.
“What?” he asks. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“How many are there?” I whisper.
He furrows his brows. “How many what? What are you talking about?”
“Girlfriends. How many girlfriends do you have?”
“I have one girlfriend.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re lying.”
“First you try to leave me for cheating, which I didn’t, and now you’re accusing me of having multiple girlfriends. Where is this coming from? Is this because of Tiffany? Because I already told you—”
“So, if I get Friday and Saturdays,” I continue as if he hadn’t been speaking, “who gets Sunday through Thursday?” I ask with heavy sarcasm. “Or is Sunday the day for your dick to rest before you’re back to screwing someone else on Monday?”
“Today is Sunday,” he reminds me. “I’m still here.” He throws his hands out at his sides.
Shrugging, I bring the bottle to my lips to take a sip, but Josh yanks it from my hands and tosses it into the sink.
“Enough,” he barks, wrapping his arms around me, pinning my arms to my sides, and resting his forehead against mine. “I know you’re mad at me, and I deserve it.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips before he lifts me and carries me to the bedroom. Tossing me on the bed, he moves at lightning speed, straddling me and pinning my hands over my head, using his weight to hold me down. “I don’t want to fight with you, Jade,” he says, kissing my favorite spot on my neck just below my ear. I feel nothing. “I’ve missed you. What can I do to make things right again? Do you want me to fire Tiffany? I’ll do it. Whatever you want. Just tell me what I can do to make you happy again.”