“Come have a beer with your old man,” Dad called from the bar. Clearly, he’d been listening.
I gave Bellamy one last longing look.
She smiled and waved. “It will be worth it.”
Mom stayed behind, and from the bar, I could hear them tittering away, giggling as Bells created even more mouthwatering scents.
“Have you talked to your coach recently?” Dad asked, drawing me out of the jealous brooding I was doing about my mother and my girl.
“No.” I turned toward him. Sometimes it was hard to look right at him, something that made me feel incredibly guilty.
It was hard.
Hard to look at a man who represented nothing but strength your entire life and now, beneath his skin, there was a disease literally trying to kill him.
“I told you, Dad. Snowboarding professionally is over for me. I’m ready to take on more here at the resort.”
“Is that what the doctors have said? The physical therapist you’ve been seeing all week?”
I knew he was concerned. I knew he only cared. That’s why I held on to the patience I had with both fists and fought the urge to snap at him to leave it alone.
The last thing in the world I wanted was any kind of recent memory where I disrespected my father—even a little bit, even out of frustration and pain—to look back on when all I had left of him were memories.
“It’s too soon to tell,” I replied. “It’s only been a week and half since the thermal shrinkage. My knee is doing fine. I can put all my weight on it… but does that mean I can hit the half-pipe? I doubt it.”
“Maybe in a few more weeks—”
“Dad,” I said, much harsher than I intended. I relented immediately, pausing to take a sip of the draft I was drinking. “Pro boarding is not what I want anymore. I want to be here at BearPaw with you and Mom. With Bellamy. This is what I want.”
He stared at me a moment, then relented. The firm weight of his hand settled on my shoulder. “More than anything, that’s all I want, all any father wants for his son. To have the life he envisions. This resort,” he mused, glancing toward the floor-to-ceiling windows nearby that looked out over the view of the place he built, “this was what I envisioned. It turned out better than even I imagined.” Glancing back, he smiled and dropped his hand into his lap. “It was a lot of hard work and sacrifice. You’re an only child because of it. But for me, in my life, that sacrifice was worth it because this is what I love. I don’t want you to make sacrifices for something you don’t love.”
“Here I thought I was an only child because you got perfection on the first try,” I quipped.
I couldn’t help it. It was funny. And I needed to lighten the moment a little. The weight on my chest and the lump in my throat was making it really, really hard to sit there and breathe normally.
What was it like?
How scary, horrible, humbling was it to look out that window, see an entire world that you built with your own hands, and know that someday you wouldn’t be here to watch it continue? To have spent your entire life building something you ultimately had to leave behind?
So much for trying to lighten things up.
Dad chuckled. “Well, that, too.”
I tried to smile but failed. “Dad.”
His reply was immediate and soft. “It’s going to be okay, son.”
I looked him in the eye, letting him see the sacred vow I was making. “I promise I will take care of this place. I might not love it quite as much as you do, but what I lack in that department, I make up for in how much I love and respect you.”
I wasn’t always much of a revealer—you know, the kind of man to reveal his innermost thoughts and feelings—but there were times when you had to tell people how much they impacted your life, how much you truly cared. Because if you didn’t, one day all those unspoken emotions would turn into silent regret.
“I love you, too, son.”
“I’m ready to do this. If you’re up for it. I’m ready to come back to work.”
He smiled. “I’ve been ready for this since you were born.”
It felt good to be able to give my father that. Hell, he’d helped me achieve my dreams, and now I could carry his on.
I took a sip of the beer, glancing toward the kitchen where my girl was. “You know,” I said, setting the glass down with a thud. “I have a couple ideas.”
My father chuckled. “Don’t even have an office yet and already trying to run the place.”
“No one could ever fill your chair, Dad.” I was sincere. “But I’ve been back a while, working at the resort, mingling with the employees.”
The smile stretching across my father’s face reached his eyes, which also shone with pride. “Let’s hear it.” He gestured for me to speak.
“I don’t want to take up our entire night with business. We have tomorrow. But there are two things I’d like to run by you.”
We finished our drinks as I told him, but before I could hear his response, Bells declared that dinner was ready. I abandoned all talk of business to hotfoot it to the table for the meal I’d been waiting for.
Bellamy
I’d never been so nervous to serve a meal.
Cooking was my passion, my education… Hell, up until my father shoved me inside a wall and I witnessed a murder, it was my life.
Being in the freaking amazing kitchen at Liam’s parents’ house was like a dream. Spreading out all the ingredients, getting out the professional-grade cookware, and just getting back to what I loved honestly felt like a gift. It was a chance to do something I thought I would never do again. At least at this capacity with this kind of kitchen.
Even though it had been nearly two years since I’d made a meal like this, it came naturally. Joyfully. The recipes I was making tonight I knew by heart. The scents took me back to a time in my life when I was wholly myself, before I had to give up everything I was.
A few times, tears sprang to my eyes as I was working because this felt so right and because it made me miss my mother even more than I already did. I loved cooking with her.
As I set the giant bowl of steaming creamy pasta alfredo in the center of the table, I felt a twinge of apprehension even though I’d already tasted it and knew it was good. What if they don’t like it? What if Liam thinks it’s terrible?
How embarrassing would that be?
Ren stepped up to the table beside me, touching my lower back. “I have to tell you, Bellamy. This is the most that kitchen has been used in years.”
Holly laughed. “Yes, and when it had been used like this, it was the caterers.”
“Thank you so much for letting me cook here. I loved every minute.”
“Renshaw, did you know this girl even made the pasta? From scratch!” Holly told Liam’s dad.
Ren lifted an eyebrow. “The sauce and the pasta? Impressive.”
I felt my cheeks heat. In addition to the pasta alfredo, there was marinated grilled chicken, a mixed green salad with roasted vegetables, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. There were also rolls with a garlic butter I whipped up. And of course, a simple yet classic fudgy chocolate cake with homemade icing for dessert.
“Well, I’m ready to get at it,” Ren said, reaching for his chair.
Liam popped between his father and me, leaned over the table, and stuck his fingers into the giant bowl of pasta. I gasped, and he pulled out a few noodles and shoved them in his mouth. White sauce clung to his upper lip as he chewed.
“Did you really just stick your fingers in the bowl of pasta?” I was incredulous.
He groaned. “Oh my God.” He stuck his fingers in his mouth and sucked off the sauce, then licked his lip. “Heaven.” He leaned back over the table toward the bowl.
I smacked his arm. “What is wrong with you?”
“It’s only fair I got the first taste of your cooking.” He wasn’t even ashamed of himself!
“We have plates!” I exclaimed. “And forks.”
“It’s getti
ng cold, Bells. Let me eat!” he grumped.
I shook my head. Holly pushed a glass of wine beneath my nose. “Here, dear. Have a drink. That’s what I do when I eat with him.”
“I feel the love, Mom,” Liam said, grabbing a roll and shoving some of it in his mouth.
“Sit.” She shooed.
The table was pretty quiet for a short while after that. We all passed around dishes, filled our plates, and began to eat. Well, I was too busy waiting with bated breath to know if they liked it or not.
Except Liam. He plowed through half a plate of pasta before he even looked up.
“If I didn’t already love you,” he said as he shoved more in his face, “I’d fall right now.”
“I take it you like it,” I mused.
“This is seriously the best pasta I’ve ever eaten,” Liam declared, using his bread to get every last drop of sauce off his plate.
“It is delicious.” Holly agreed.
“Really?” I asked.
Liam dropped his fork and turned to me. “I had no doubt you could cook, Bells… but you didn’t tell me you were this good.”
“Well, I’m just really good at this meal. It’s my favorite to make.”
Liam made a rude sound like he didn’t believe me. I was going to kick him before the night was over.
“I have confidence that all the meals you make are just as good,” Ren put in.
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“What are you making us tomorrow?” Liam asked, shoveling some salad into his mouth.
I laughed.
He glanced at me, question in his eyes.
I paused. “You’re serious?”
“You sealed your fate, sweetheart.”
“Well, I’m sure your parents—” I started.
“Nonsense.” Holly waved her hand. “We would love to have you for dinner as much as you want to be here.”
Ren nodded. “Especially if you’re cooking.”
“And even if you aren’t.” Holly admonished. “I’ll give you a key before you leave tonight. Just let yourself in anytime.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” I hurried to say.
“It’s decided,” Liam’s father announced like he was indeed a king and his say was final.
Liam caught my eye and winked. I felt myself blushing. Again.
Liam’s fork clattered against his plate for the second time. His large, warm palm settled over my jean-clad leg, and his body leaned close. “I gotta tell you. I was nervous I’d be eating less-than-tasty morsels the rest of my life, but I’m saved. You did real good, sweetheart.”
I wrinkled my nose. Was that a compliment?
A lopsided smile and an ornery look overcame Liam’s features. He kissed me quick. “Love you.”
The fact that they all enjoyed the dinner made my heart sing, and when Liam went back to eating but left his hand behind on my thigh, a warm sensation tingled across my skin.
“So what’s it gonna be tomorrow?” Liam asked again.
“Tacos?” I asked.
“My favorite.”
“I know.”
“Fuck yeah!” Liam punctuated his excitement with his fork.
“Liam!” Holly admonished.
“Sorry, Mom.” He went back to eating.
“Now, son…” Ren began. “Bellamy might be too tired tomorrow evening to cook for us. Especially after such an eventful day.”
I looked up from my plate, wrinkling my nose. “I don’t have anything planned for tomorrow…” I said, then gasped. “Did I forget your doctor appointment?” I said to Liam.
“That’s not ‘til the end of next week.”
“Then…?”
We all turned to look at Ren.
“Bellamy, I think BearPaw Resort would be much improved if we could add your obvious culinary skills to our menu. I do believe there is a spot available at The Inn, and you are the perfect person to fill it.”
I sat there almost uncomprehending for long moments. Eventually, his words sank in completely. “You’re offering me a job?” I asked, awed. “At your highest-rated restaurant?”
“You’ll still have to interview with Chef Paul, make sure you two get a long all right.” Ren cautioned.
Liam scoffed and muttered, “If he wants to keep his job, he’ll get along.”
Excitement rose inside me. Sort of like light from a bulb I thought had burned out. Pushing my hands into my lap, I swallowed. They were shaking, and I didn’t want anyone to see.
“Why would you do this?” I whispered, trying so hard not to get my hopes up. It was futile. Just the idea that I could have my dream job back… but not only that. I could have it here, at my dream location, and come home every single night to my dream guy.
It was overwhelming how much I wanted it all.
“Besides the fact that you are well qualified for the position and you just blew us all away with this mouthwatering meal?” Ren considered.
I nodded.
Liam’s hand moved from my thigh to where my hands were shoved between my legs. It didn’t matter how tightly my knees clamped together. His long fingers delved easily and grabbed them.
“BearPaw Resort is a family business, Bells. You’re family.”
For so long—actually, for my entire life—it was pretty much just me and my mom.
And then it was just me.
Here I was sitting in this gorgeous house with a tableful of people who just called me family. The emotion welled up inside me until the pressure on my chest was almost unbearable. Tears flooded my eyes, blurring my vision and embarrassing the hell out of me.
“Could you just excuse me for a moment?” The words rushed out, sounding wobbly and emo.
I fled from the room like it was on fire, feeling the stare of six eyes, rushing out of sight, down the hallway, and into the powder room on the right. The second the door was shut, I leaned all my weight on it and sank slowly down until my butt hit the floor.
The sob I couldn’t hold in was muffled because I shoved the heel of my hand into my mouth. Unstoppable tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to blink them away.
A knock on the door above my head caught my breath. “Bells,” Liam said.
I swallowed and yanked the hand away from my face. “I just need a minute,” I called back, trying to sound normal.
I must not have done a very good job because the handle on the door turned and he pushed. Digging my heels into the slick tile floor, I pushed my weight against the door to keep him from entering.
I wasn’t heavy enough.
Liam pushed harder, and the door opened, towing me along the floor.
A frustrated sound erupted between my tears, and I glanced up. Liam poked his head in the opening he’d created, glancing around and then finally down to where I was.
His eyes softened the second he found me.
“Ah, sweetheart.”
He pushed the door farther in to slip inside. Once it was closed, I scurried backward to sit against the wood again.
“You weren’t invited in,” I told him.
He ignored me and sat on the floor in front of me, spreading his legs so they were on either side of me.
“Mind telling me what’s happening here?” He gestured with his finger to the room.
I wiped at my face, trying to conceal the tears he’d already seen.
Liam’s voice was patient. “If you don’t want the job, sweetheart, just say so.”
“I want it,” I said quickly. My voice was embarrassingly hoarse from the crying I was trying to conceal.
“Usually, when you want something, it doesn’t send you fleeing into the bathroom to hide.”
I groaned, dropping my chin to my chest. “I’m so embarrassed.”
Liam made a low sound and scooted across the floor so we were closer together. I tried to look everywhere but at him when he lifted my chin with the back of his hand.
“Bellamy.”
My eyes obeyed, answering his call.
“Your mom called me her daughter,” I told him. “Out there in the kitchen. And then just now, your dad said I was family.”
A puzzled look crossed Liam’s face as if he wasn’t sure why that was a big deal. Then he asked, “Too soon?”
A strangled sound erupted out of me. “I feel like I’ve been waiting my entire life for a family.”
Understanding dawned in his eyes like a brand-new day. His hand moved from my chin to grasp the side of my face. I couldn’t help but turn into his touch a little, inviting his fingers into my hair. “You’ve been alone a long time.”
“Just a few years.” That have felt like forever.
“And before that, all you had was your mother,” he murmured, inching even closer. Liam’s arm curled around me, pulling me off the door and into his body. I buried my face in the side of his neck and soaked up all the comfort he offered.
When I didn’t say anything, just snuggled against him, Liam cleared his throat. “I’m still not sure how having a family is a bad thing. Or are these happy tears?”
I pulled back to look up at him. Gently, his knuckles dragged over the remaining wetness on my cheeks.
“Maybe I’m not meant to have a family. Maybe being here is just a recipe for even more pain.”
“Because the mob is after you.”
I nodded. “They took away my father. My mother. They’re still coming for me… What’s the point, Liam?”
He made a face. “The point?”
“The point of getting everything I ever wanted!” I burst out, suddenly emotional all over again. I sprang up out of his arms, stepped over his bent leg, and paced farther into the bathroom.
It was a very nice bathroom by the way.
“The last family I had was taken away. This one could be, too! I don’t want to be the reason your family falls apart, Liam. I don’t want to bring my bad luck into their lives!” I stabbed my finger in the direction of the kitchen and his parents.
He surged forward and grabbed me by the shoulders, giving me a gentle shake. Abruptly, he spun, pushing me up against the vanity, using his body to pin me there. We stood facing the large mirror. Staring at our reflection, I met his eyes.
Blizzard (BearPaw Resort #2) Page 15