Hate to Love Him

by Jody Holford

  Mia closed her eyes and breathed in and out. Definitely on the same page. Opening her eyes, she saw the look of challenge in her grandmother’s eyes. “I’ll fight not to let them change it,” Mia said. “I already told Jonathan I wasn’t on board.”

  “I do like that boy. Though I’m not a fan of his father. He told you about this?”

  “He felt like, with our history, I should know.”

  “If it’s going to be your building one day, you certainly should know everything that’s going on with it. What do you think about the idea?”

  Mia’s mouth dropped open a little. “I agree with you. I want it to remain residences. I love the feeling of connection and knowing that we provide homes for a small part of the Boston community.”

  She’d keep her own emotions and her growing attachment to several of the building’s tenants to herself for now. Her grandmother took a bite of her pasta and chewed. Mia followed suit. They ate for a few moments in silence.

  “This is quite a problem, isn’t it?”

  Mia was glad her mouth was full because she didn’t know how to answer. It was a problem, but Grams could put an end to it. She had the ability to veto what her father and brother were proposing.

  Mia dove in. “You have to sign off on the hotel. If you refuse, it won’t be an issue.”

  Her grandmother’s mouth tightened into a frown. “And I would. I truly would. Even though fighting them on this means you’ll never get the chance to be part of the rest of your father’s business. He’ll keep you out. I’m not sure quite where I went wrong there. Don’t get me wrong, I love my son, but he’s got no vision if he can’t see what you bring to the table.”

  That her words echoed Jonathan’s warmed Mia’s heart. An unfamiliar tightness lodged in her throat. Everyone needed someone to believe in them, Mia thought. It was why she’d been so impulsive this afternoon and offered Justin a job. She’d seen the sad isolation in his eyes when she’d found him reading the tenant information board. Her thoughts bounced to Brady and the non-date she’d made with him. Apparently, her well buried impulsive side had made an appearance today.

  “Maybe that’s not what I want anymore. I mean, if I have to choose between Kendrick Place and the rest of the business, there’s no contest.” But there was more. Mia could feel it in the way her heart beat heavy, like it was tangled.

  “It would seem your father’s timing makes sense after all.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Grams sighed and met Mia’s gaze. “My intention was to transfer the title to you and Michael—to gift it to you now, rather than as part of my estate. Your father told me he didn’t want you to feel weighted down by ownership while you were trying to find your way. He suggested I gift your half to a trust for now, until your probationary period was finished. It was meant to be a surprise for you. But now, I see it was just a way for them to achieve their own ends. I’m sorry, Mia. If it’s any consolation, I can get you to sign the paperwork early then Michael can’t do anything without you. It means, however, that you and your brother are partners in this.”

  Mia couldn’t believe her father and brother would be so underhanded. She should be celebrating ownership of the building she loved. But instead, she felt crushed beneath the knowledge that the person she shared it with was waiting for her to fall flat on her face.

  ...

  Mia’s head was still revolving like a turnstile when she arrived back at Kendrick Place. She’d changed into a pair of yoga pants and an oversize sweater the moment she got home and was about to curl up on her couch when her phone rang. Shay’s name came on her screen.

  “Hi, Shay,” Mia answered. The urge to share her frustrations with Shay surprised her. How long had it been since she’d had a girlfriend to open up to?

  “Hey, Mia. We’re all having dinner and wondered if you wanted to join us. Please don’t say no. I have some more ideas for the party and we’re kind of celebrating Brady’s nephew’s new job,” Shay teased.

  She was tired and moody, but part of her wanted to go, to not be alone.

  “Thank you, but I just returned from dinner,” Mia said honestly.

  “Okay, come for conversation, celebration, and cheesecake.”

  Cheesecake sounded delicious. “I’m not dressed for socializing.”

  Laughter rang through the phone. “There’s no dress code, Mia. Please?”

  Mia sat forward on the couch. She’d wanted to talk to Gabby about a painting for the lobby. She needed to talk to Shay about the party. But Brady will be there, which means tension. Unless he’s serious about starting fresh and getting along. Plus, it’d be nice to talk to Justin and see if his eyes are any less sad now that he’s got a job.

  “Are you sure I won’t be intruding?” Mia said quietly. When had she gotten so awkward at accepting friendship? Maybe after too many conditional friendships.

  “As if you could. Oh, and Brady says there’s news about your car.”

  Mia stood. “Well, all right then. Let me just change and I’ll come down.”

  “Do me a favor?”

  She paused, took a breath and prayed this wasn’t a condition. “What is it?”

  “Don’t change. Just come as you are.”

  Why that made Mia’s heart squeeze painfully, she couldn’t say.

  “See you in a minute.”

  She hung up and wondered what exactly she was getting herself into. An inner circle? She didn’t want to speculate any more than she wanted to be alone. Grabbing a bottle of red wine from her antique cabinet, she pocketed her keys, her phone, and then locked the door behind her.

  ...

  “Hi,” Shay said after she pulled open the door.

  Her blond hair was loose around her shoulders and she wore a simple pink T-shirt and black leggings. She was adorable and sweet. The kind of person who made other people want to smile.

  “Hi.”

  She stepped in to hear Brady’s laughter came from the living room, followed by Owen’s and Gabby’s. Tension curled tight in her stomach, like it planned to pounce at the most unexpected moment.

  “Hey, Mia,” Wyatt said, coming into the hall.

  He had a one-sided smile as he reached out and ran a hand down Shay’s hair. The simple gesture tugged at Mia’s heartstrings, particularly the one attached to longing. Mia handed over the bottle of wine.

  “Thanks for inviting me,” Mia said, nerves still tiptoeing in her stomach.

  What if she and Brady created tension? She couldn’t be sure how things would go with them in the same room. Which is why you shouldn’t have agreed to going out with him. Not going out. An outing. A truce. It was a fine idea. She’d need all the support she could get in the coming months. Brady held a lot of sway with the other tenants and if their relationship was smoother, it could only help. The damn man inspired a Tilt-a-Whirl of conflicting emotions in her. She either felt mad, on the verge of mad, or far too curious.

  “Of course. You didn’t need to bring this, but thank you. Come on in,” Shay said.

  Wyatt shut the door behind them and Mia followed Shay. On the way past the kitchen, Mia caught the scent of garlic and her stomach growled. She hadn’t actually eaten that much at her grandmother’s. In the living room, Brady was seated on a large gray couch. Owen was sitting in an armchair with Gabby snuggled into his side, partially on the chair, but mostly on him. Justin was rolling dice on the coffee table. A game of Monopoly was in progress. For all her reputation claimed she was a socialite, Mia spent very little time socializing. She couldn’t remember ever doing a low-key game night with friends.

  Interloper. Her feet itched to dig into the carpet and stop her forward motion.

  Brady’s eyes met hers and he smiled. Her skin tingled at the intimate look. A truce might work. After all, she liked these people and his nephew would be in her employ. But looking at him and feeling the accompanying swirl of warmth in her stomach had Mia rethinking their plans for the next day.

  “Hi!” Gabby wav
ed at her, like she hadn’t just seen her the other day.

  “Hey, Mia.” Owen adjusted his glasses and gave a small wave.

  “Hi, Ms. Kendrick,” Justin said, looking up from his spot on the floor.

  Brady said nothing. Just stared at her with an intense gaze and nodded.

  “Hi,” she said. She gave an awkward wave and wished she’d changed her clothes.

  “Mia brought wine. Anyone want a glass? Mia?”

  “Yes, please. Thank you,” Mia said, unsure of where to sit.

  “Anyone else?” Wyatt said, looking slightly put out with all the people in his living room.

  “I’ll take a glass,” Gabby said.

  “Sure. Why not?” Owen replied.

  “Don’t have to twist my arm,” Justin said.

  Brady laughed and pointed at his nephew. “Funny. Nice try, kid.” He turned to Wyatt. “I’ll take a beer.”

  Wyatt shook his head. “Should have just put it on the table.”

  “Babe,” Shay said, laughing and giving him a side hug. The others chuckled as Wyatt walked to the kitchen. They were all so comfortable with one another. Though she wished she had dressed differently, she would have stood out if she had. The rest of them were in comfortable clothing—jeans, sweaters, and leggings.

  “Come sit down,” Brady said, patting the seat beside him.

  Right. Sit down. Don’t just stand awkwardly in the center of the room. You have actually attended some pretty swanky parties so maybe stop acting like the weirdo at the school dance.

  Mia kept a bit of space between her and Brady, but when Shay sat down, she was forced to scoot over. Her thigh touched Brady’s and while she could pretend it was nothing, the whispers of heat that traveled through her from where their bodies joined said otherwise. We don’t like him, she reminded her body, who seemed confused.

  He caught her eye and she knew he felt it, too. Great. She had to admit they had two speeds: hate or lust. With all the other emotions bouncing around between her stomach and chest, being near him felt like too much.

  “How was your day?” he asked quietly.

  Justin, Owen, Gabby, and Shay played the game, chatting over one another. They were right beside her and in front of her, but somehow, she felt like she was alone with Brady. The two of them in a glass bubble, surrounded but separated.

  “It was…unexpected.” What could she say? These people were not only trying to be her friends, but they depended on her. They trusted her to keep a roof over their heads.

  He frowned, but before he could respond, Shay did. “Unexpected sounds ominous.”

  Ha. If you only knew. Mia looked over at Shay and saw the genuine concern etched in the set of her mouth and the sadness in her eyes.

  “Oh, please don’t worry. It’s fine.” She tried to laugh, but it came out rough. “Spoiled princess problems,” she said, trying to deflect. I only own half the building. Right. If Brady had thought her a diva before, what would he say to that? Or the fact that the other owner wanted nothing more than to see them all out on the street. Her throat tightened at the thought. How could she let herself get close to these people and then let them down?

  Brady caught her eye and she could see he didn’t like the joke. “What’s going on?”

  “Maybe we can help,” Justin said, moving a shoe pawn a few spaces down the board.

  Her heart warmed. They meant it. “You’re sweet. Thank you. But no, it’s just a family dilemma.”

  “You never know. Sometimes an outside perspective makes things easier to see,” Brady said quietly.

  She hadn’t noticed his arm along the back of the couch before, but it was there now and the proximity was throwing her off. He smelled so good—a hint of cologne, just enough to make her skin feel tingly, too tight. As if you have any time for tingles right now. It was easier when he didn’t confuse her.

  Wyatt came back with the wine, passed it to Mia and Gabby, and pulled a can of beer out of the pocket of his hoodie. She’d hoped the interruption would distract them. Not so much, she realized as she felt all eyes on her. Swallowing down the lump in her throat, she sifted through what she could say. These people had no problem being in one another’s business. It was strange to her, but she could see the comfort in it.

  If she told them, she’d have to tell the hotel part. Which would upset them, then make them mad at her. She wasn’t ready for that. Mia had a feeling that if she let herself, she could become a real part of this small circle. It made her chest tight to think it would be really nice to embrace that and know she couldn’t.

  “You know what, sometimes you need to think on it before you share it,” Brady said.

  She met his gaze and though she’d assured him she didn’t need saving, she felt like he’d just rescued her anyway. Instead of resenting it, she was grateful.

  “Dinner is actually ready, if you guys want to eat?” Shay said.

  No wonder she did well coordinating events—she was very good at reading a situation and redirecting. As they stood to go to the table, Brady’s fingers brushed Mia’s, making little flashes of heat dance up her arms. Not good. Like you don’t already have enough complications in your life?

  At the dining table, they passed food, drank, and ate while laughing and talking over one another. Mia enjoyed listening to them. Meals at her house were a rather quiet and dignified affair. This was the second time she’d eaten at Shay’s and felt relaxed.

  Shay sat across from her, smiling. “I was thinking that if we hold off the anniversary party until May, we could make it an outdoor event. We can prop the doors open, have some tents, just in case, and decorate the lobby. So it kind of flows from inside to out.”

  Mia could picture it. The sun shining, the fountain tinkling, and people eating finger foods as they discussed her great-grandfather’s legacy. Her grandmother would love it. But what would happen the following month? Would all of these people be looking for new homes?

  “That sounds really pretty. Can I get back to you on the date?”

  Shay glanced at Gabby and gave her a look Mia couldn’t interpret.

  Gabby picked up her wine and took a long sip. “I’ve been working on something for the lobby. It won’t upset me if you don’t think it suits, but when Shay started telling me about the event, I looked up some old photos of the building. I’m doing a watercolor portrait of the way it was when your great-grandfather bought it.”

  A golf ball-sized lump lodged in Mia’s throat. “Seriously? I was going to ask you about painting something.”

  “She’s way too humble. It’s incredible. Not finished yet, but just the outline and some of the shading is enough to blow you away,” Owen said. He put a hand around Gabby’s shoulder and pulled her close to kiss her temple.

  “I can’t believe you’d do that. Thank you. I’m positive I’ll love it. What an incredibly kind and thoughtful thing to do.”

  Tears burned Mia’s eyes. They wanted nothing in return. They wanted to celebrate the building’s heritage with her. Grams would love these people.

  “Wouldn’t hurt to have some security detail blocking off the parts of the building you don’t want accessed,” Wyatt said, scooping up a bite of his lasagna.

  “We can shut the elevator down and lock the stairwell door. That way just the lobby and courtyard are open,” Brady offered.

  They were all rightfully cautious with what they’d been through. They look after their own. After one another.

  “I was thinking of doing telegram invites,” Shay said.

  Mia laughed. “That’s fabulous. My grandmother will love that idea.” Looking at Justin, who, like her, was taking it all in, she smiled when he caught her eye. “I was thinking you could get started on painting the first unit tomorrow. I’d like to get them rented out as quickly as possible.”

  Tying up the building with long-term rentals was one way to postpone things until she could think of a more permanent solution. A cloud of negativity hovered in the back of her brain, but she tried t
o keep it from pressing in on her.

  ...

  Lively conversation had made dinner an animated event. Mia felt almost worn out from it. She smiled at the thought as she slipped on her shoes.

  “What’s funny?” Brady asked, his thumbs hooked on the front pockets of his jeans.

  “I’m just so used to eating alone and working alone. It was a nice change,” she said quietly.

  Shay squeezed her arm. “I hope we didn’t overwhelm you. I’m so glad you joined us. I’ll type up the things we discussed before bed tonight and email them, but we’ll get together maybe after my weekend event to talk about things in more detail?”

  Mia nodded and gave Shay a hug, appreciating that Shay was careful not to pressure her about the party for Gabby and Owen this coming weekend.

  “That sounds good. Thank you for dinner. It was delicious,” Mia said.

  Owen leaned against one wall, his arms wrapped around Gabby’s middle. She was curled into him. Justin had said good-bye already and gone back to Brady’s apartment. Wyatt stood, like a stoic guard, one hand on Shay’s shoulder. He was more guarded than the rest of them, but his easy affection with Shay and the way he razzed Brady made Mia like him.

  “I’ll walk you to your place,” Brady said quietly.

  “It’s not likely I’ll get lost,” she said, looking up at him.

  He shrugged.

  “Thanks for coming, Mia,” Shay said.

  “Have a good night,” Wyatt added.

  Owen and Gabby both said bye and then she was in the hallway with Brady at her side, walking to the elevator, all too aware that they were alone. And she wasn’t mad at him. Such a rarity.

  She breathed slowly and kept her eyes forward as they waited for the elevator. He said nothing on the ride down, but it was like she could hear his brain working, thinking, wondering. It was unnerving. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, mostly for something to do.

  “Cold?” Brady asked as the car came to a stop.

  When she looked at him, all she could do was shake her head. Definitely not cold.