by Ciara Knight
Love.
Protect.
Keep children apart.
A surge of electricity shot through her body as fear bubbled to the surface. What did it mean? Her and Liam? Why keep them apart? What or who needed protecting?
Chapter Twelve
After two meetings and a student interview, Liam finally managed to call Dalton. “Hey, man. I only have a few moments. Can you do me a favor? Can you run by Historic Hall and let me know if the building can be restored?”
“That old building? Ah, this is about Anna Baker, isn’t it?” Dalton asked.
“Yes, but don’t say anything to her yet. She's still on the fence about what to do, and I just want to give her all the facts first.”
Dalton laughed. “You’ve got it bad, man. You mean you want to paint a perfect picture of what can be here for her in this town. No worries. I’ll take a look, but I’m not making any promises. That entire street’s been abandoned for years.”
Liam sat at his desk and rubbed his forehead. “I know. That’s why I want the best on this.”
“You got it, man. I’m actually headed into town soon, so I’ll swing by to take a look.”
“Great. I can’t get away at the moment since I’m covering for Mitchem and Cynthia right now, but the key's under the brick next to the front door.”
“Gotcha. Catch ya later.” Dalton hung up and Liam hoped his buddy would have some good news for him soon. Hoped Anna could see the possibilities.
His phone buzzed with a reminder of his next appointment. This was going to be a long day. He made his way to the president’s conference room to sit in on the university planning meeting for Mitchem. Liam never liked these kind of meetings, but Mitchem liked them even less, so he could fill in for once.
He passed by Rachel Vine on the way, who shot him a sideways glance. It bothered him that she was still unhappy with him. He never meant to hurt her. “Rachel, would you like to join me in the university planning meeting? I’m on my way there now. And since you work in the health science’s department, you’re a better person for the job than I am. I won’t be able to stay for the entire meeting, so you’d be helping me out. I’ll introduce you to the president while we’re there.”
Her face lit up like downtown Riverbend on New Year’s Eve.
“Of course, I’m happy to help.” She about-faced and snagged his arm. “I’ll walk with you.”
Relieved her mood had brightened so easily, Liam still knew he had to make things plain. Rachel wasn’t a bad person. She liked him. Of course, she’d liked Mitchem until Cynthia won him over. Deep down, Liam knew she cared more about her job than either of them. “I appreciate it. I need to get through my own work, so I can meet with Anna this evening. We have some wedding stuff to take care of for Mitchem and Cynthia since Andrew is still healing.”
Her hand slipped from his arm and she straightened her skirt as they boarded the elevator. “I see. Well, again, I’m happy to help.”
“Great.”
“Can I ask you something, though?” Rachel asked, turning to face him.
“Sure.” Liam pushed the button for the main floor, willing her question to be an easy one.
“Have you loved Anna your entire life like people say? Is she really the one that got away?”
So much for easy.
He sighed. “I wouldn’t listen to university gossip.”
Rachel crossed her arms over her chest. “Please. It’s not gossip. It’s obvious that you’re completely in love with her. I just wanted to tell you that it’s her loss if she can’t accept you. If her fancy career means more to her than you do, then you deserve better.”
Liam thought about challenging Rachel’s statement. Pointing out to her that she wasn’t one to talk since she’d throw him to the side quick herself if it meant a promotion. But he decided a smile and a nod of affirmation was the more appropriate way to go. Women didn’t like to be contradicted, and they liked their faults pointed out even less.
They crossed the lawn to the administration building and rode the elevator up to the third level where the main conference room was located. “Hi, everyone," he announced as he walked through the door. "Sorry I’m late.”
“No worries.” Dean Jennings stood and offered her hand. “Dr. Taylor’s secretary called to let us know you’d be covering for him over the next few days.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m afraid I’m unable to stay for the entire meeting due to student interviews lined up back-to-back all afternoon. Most of the students are from out of town, so I would rather not reschedule.”
“Understood.”
Liam stood to the side. “This is Ms. Vine. She’ll be staying for the remainder of the meeting for us. She works in Dr. Taylor’s department and will report her notes back to his secretary.”
“Great. Nice to have you with us, Ms. Vine.”
Rachel switched her professional side into high gear and shook Dean Jennings's hand. When she bent over to take her seat, Liam noticed what Anna had spoken of last time she was there, and so apparently did the dean. The dean averted her gaze with a disapproving pursed lip. “Please, let’s all have a seat, President Williams and Provost Montreaux will be joining us shortly.”
They all sat around the long wooden table, chairs squealed and rotated as people settled in for the meeting. Dean Jennings remained standing. “As most of you know, we’ve been looking at expanding our university due to the increased rate of commuter students, as well as the demand of our entering freshman class. Although, we still plan to retain our private school feel with public school tuition pricing, we do want to think long-term. The board of trustees decided we would open up our university to an additional number of students. With this decision, we will require more space for classes, dorms, and service buildings. We’re also working on plans for a new recreation center to appeal to the entering freshmen.”
Rachel leaned forward in her chair. “I think this is a fabulous idea. It’ll also generate more employment opportunities.”
Dean Jennings glanced at her with an approving gaze. “Yes, that's our hope.”
Liam nodded his agreement with the others. “From what I understand, there’s little land available on campus. Did the university buy additional property?”
Dean Jennings rested her hands on the table. “At the moment, we’re still looking at several possibilities. One option is the lot adjacent to the east section of our property. It’s owned by an elderly woman who’s consulting with her children and grandchildren about a possible sale. Then there’s the idea of opening up a remote campus on the other side of the river. It would be designed to house the freshman dorms, a rec center and several office buildings. A shuttle would transport them to and from classes. The last option is to tear down the industrial district on the west end of the property. We’ve reached out to a local realtor who’s tracking down the various property owners.”
Liam clasped the arms of his chair. “You know, that old factory would make some amazing loft-style apartments. What if you housed freshman students in the older dormitories and offered the lofts for the honor-level upperclassmen?”
“Have you been near the property lately? It’s a dump,” Professor Rodman said from the end of the table.
Liam held up one hand. “I know it looks run down, but there’s so much town history on that one block.”
Professor Rodman laughed. “History or hazards? There isn’t anything amazing about those firetraps. They’re just abandoned storefronts and an old factory. It’s even served as a soup kitchen and shelter for the homeless. Is that the kind of image we want for our university? I don't think so."
“This town is full of old buildings that have been revitalized," Liam argued. "That factory is perfect for housing, and it’s within walking distance to the main campus, so there won’t be a need for an extra expense of a shuttle.”
“You know, Professor Harrow has a point. Between the three properties, I do believe that abandoned factory is a perfect spot to expa
nd the university.”
Liam relaxed into his chair. “I’m glad you see it that way. I believe turning that factory into—”
“You misunderstand me, Professor Harrow. I’d originally hoped that we would be able to secure the property across the river, but now I see your point. No shuttle would be needed, not to mention the property is already level.”
“Yes, that’s right.” Liam interjected, trying to show his support while fighting the urge to order them not to tear anything down.
“We won’t have to jump through zoning hoops or pay more for rehabbing. It’ll be less expensive to just level the property and rebuild,” Dean Jennings said. Her words bulldozed all hope of keeping Anna in Riverbend. She’d take this as a sign, or an excuse, to run from what she could have here.
Liam searched for an argument, something to stop the destruction of the industrial district. “It’ll be pricey to secure multiple properties. Your initial plan for across the river might be easier and less expensive for the university. And perhaps the land to the east can be sold for less since it isn’t zoned as business property.”
“Are you playing devil's advocate here?” Dean Jennings crossed her arms and stood tall. “Rezoning is complicated, so the industrial district will provide less headaches for building. Didn’t your uncle used to own some properties in the industrial district?”
Liam swallowed hard. “Yes, he did.”
“I see. Well, maybe you can help track down who owns them now. The realtor hasn’t gotten back to us on Historic Hall or the old barber shop. The factory is an easy sale. The owner has been trying to offload it for years. The other storefronts are owned by the bank, so that only leaves Historic Hall and the barber shop. You think you can talk to your uncle?”
Liam fisted his hands under the table, trying to hold onto the last line to Anna. When she found out that the hall would be torn down, she’d leave Riverbend. Forever this time.
Chapter Thirteen
Anna eyed the charred, yellowed letters resting on top of her briefcase on the front seat. What did it mean? She hit send for the twentieth time, but her mother still refused to answer. It was up to Liam now. He would have to get some answers from his uncle. She carefully lifted the letters and put them inside her purse before opening her car door.
Several students hung out around a bench at the front of the lawn. A girl slung an oversized backpack over her shoulder. “You think you did well?” she asked the young man beside her.
Anna dropped her cell phone into her tote bag, and rummaged for her Chapstick.
“Yep, it’s time to celebrate. Let’s head to the river,” he said, his voice dripping with sensual meaning. Anna wanted to tell the girl to run, that he was a player and everyone knew what going to the river meant.
The young girl, not much over eighteen, giggled. “Um, it’s too cold to go to the river today.”
Anna found the cherry colored tube and uncapped it, smearing some soothing relief to her chapped lips.
He bumped her side. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you warm.”
She cleared her throat. “Sure, but I need to snag my brother first. He’ll want to go, too.”
The young man shifted between feet. “I forgot I have one more exam to cram for. I’ll catch ya Monday in class.”
Good girl. Anna wanted to go pat her on the back, but she kept walking to the front of the College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences building and to Liam’s office on the Arts and Social Sciences floor.
He wasn’t at his desk, so she sat in the leather chair and waited, enjoying the rich leather and musky cologne smells. Eyeing her phone, she willed her mother to return her call, even though she knew it wouldn’t happen. People walked by, but no one entered. She sat in the office for over forty minutes before she heard his voice down the hall.
“Was that the last interview today?” Liam asked.
“Yes, sir. You have three more tomorrow, and then a team meeting to determine who will be accepted.”
Liam entered the office, but didn’t seem to notice her. “Okay, I need to get a few things done then I’m heading out to check on my godson. Can you call Dr. Taylor’s secretary and coordinate coverage for tomorrow for me? After that, his schedule should be cleared until after the wedding.”
“I’ll take care of it now.” The woman’s voice faded down the hall and Anna stood with letters in hand and a lump in her throat.
“Liam,” she called out.
He spun around with wide eyes. “Hi. What are you doing here?”
She backed away at his abruptness and held the letters close to her chest. “I’m sorry. I should’ve called. It’s just that I was so surprised and I thought you’d want to know.”
He shook his head and rounded the desk with his arms open. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day and I’m just surprised to see you.” His arms wrapped around her in that comforting way that always made the world better. “I’m glad you’re here. I missed you today.”
Anna instantly felt all gushy inside. “I missed you, too.”
Liam kissed her forehead. “Hey, why don’t we go and get a bite to eat and then stop off to visit Andrew?” He snagged his briefcase and took her by the hand.
“Wait. I need to get Cynthia’s laptop for her, but first I need to show you something.” She spread the fragile pages out on his desk. “I found these in the fireplace in my mother’s old bedroom. I remembered my mom burning something before we left that night. Look at them. Can you make out the words?”
He stood over his desk and eyed the papers. “I’m not sure what this means.”
Anna propped one hip on the edge of the desk. “Me either, but something happened. It says love, leave, and keep children apart. What do you remember about when we left?”
Liam rubbed his chin. “Not much, just that my uncle was sad and turned cold after that night. When you guys first moved to Riverbend a few years prior, I remember he’d been excited about some old friend moving into town. He encouraged me to meet you, but in the end, he grounded me and kept me home for every little thing.”
“He wanted to keep you from me as much as my mother wanted me away from you, but why?”
Liam shook his head. “I guess you need to ask your mother.”
“I tried. She won’t take my calls. Liam, you need to talk to your uncle.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t, Anna.”
“Why not? Don’t you want to know?”
He fell into his large leather chair. “Of course, but it isn’t that easy. I haven’t spoken to my uncle in years. I don’t even know where he is right now. He up and left while I was in college with little more than a phone number. I’ve never called him since he didn’t leave on good terms.” Liam rested his head in his hands, his shoulders slumped.
Her chest tightened at the sight of him looking so defeated, so she rounded the desk and ran her nails up and down the back of his neck. “Why didn’t you tell me what happened?”
He lowered his hands to his lap. “It wasn’t good. He accused me of wasting my life and I told him off, something about how at least I wasn’t a cranky old man who had nothing to show for his life. I didn’t mean it, but the words just kind of came out. He’d been angry and obtuse for so long. I tried to come home for Christmas break, and he turned me away. I told him he didn’t have to raise me anymore, that I could take care of myself. He was finally off the hook. He told me it was about time, that he was tired of being stuck raising his useless nephew.”
Her stomach rolled. “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine. It sounds like we both struggled during those years. I wish we would’ve at least had each other.”
Liam stood and rounded the desk. His gaze traveled over her face and rested on her lips. The emotion in his eyes, the way his breath hitched, she knew how much he’d longed for them to be together.
“Professor Harrow? Ms. Vine called," a woman's voice announced through the intercom Anna assumed was his secretary. "She’s on her way from the board m
eeting to discuss the—”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Beetle. Please tell her I couldn’t wait. Let’s go, Anna.” He snatched his briefcase, sending papers in all directions and grabbed her hand. She had to run to keep pace with him all the way to Cynthia’s office.
“Why are you in such a hurry?” She asked.
Cynthia’s laptop rested on the top of her perfectly organized desk. Anna retrieved it, placed it in her tote, and followed Liam’s fast pace to the elevators. “Problems in paradise?” she teased, but he didn’t respond.
Instead, he smashed the down arrow for the elevator several times.
“Oookay. I’ll take that as a hint.”
Liam rubbed his temples. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be short. It’s been a tough day, and I’m worried about Andrew, and you.”
Her heart melted her determination to poke fun at him and she slid her arms around his waist, resting her head to his chest. “I’m sorry, Liam. I wish I could tell you that I know what I want, but even if I could, I can’t promise it will turn out that way. I need to know what happened. I need to understand if I'm going to open my heart again. I’ve trained myself to keep it closed for so long. I’ll always be your friend, though. I want to make you happy.”
The door dinged and they stepped inside. He squeezed her tight, holding her to him. “I’d follow you to the ends of the earth, Anna. I love Riverbend, and I think you do, too, but I’d go with you. All you have to do is ask.”
The doors slid closed, but the elevator didn’t move. Her pulse raced and she struggled to find the words to sooth his anguish without lying. “Liam, your life is here.”
He moved from her and hit the button for the first floor. They rode in silence until the doors opened. He paused on the threshold, his eyes down cast. “I understand.”
Anna followed him down the path toward the fork between parking lots. “I’m over there.”
In true Liam fashion, his smile returned but she saw past his façade. She’d wounded him, deeply. “I thought you could ride with me. The university is on my way home, so it’ll be easy to drop you off after we visit Andrew.