Love Me Like You Do

by M. H. Soars

  “Now that’s horse shite. You shouldn’t have to check if your coworker is doing her job.” Ralph’s British accent becomes more pronounced when he’s aggravated. I can only imagine what Bill will do with those guys’ feedback. I know they’ll complain to him first thing Monday morning.

  “Well, that’s the way it works in my department.”

  “Does Bill know?” Ralph asks.

  Shit. I shouldn’t have said anything. Shaking my head, I reply, “I’ve mentioned a few times that Celine was making a lot of mistakes. Bill didn’t seem to care.”

  Ralph narrows his eyes but doesn’t offer any more comments. He seems to know more than I do, but I hate gossip, so I decide not to engage. Besides, there are still a ton of things to do before I can actually leave. I had to bribe Diana, the company’s receptionist, to come later to help pack everything up. The event ends at 3:00 p.m., but my parents’ party is in Sonoma, so I still have a bit of a drive ahead of me.

  The rest of the morning goes smoothly, the assembly crew managing to put everything together just before the doors open. Around noon, I think it’s safe to leave, but then, as Murphy’s Law would have it, I receive a text from Diana saying she can’t make it because her son broke his arm and she had to take him to the emergency room.

  Now I’m totally screwed. I won’t be able to leave until everything is packed and the shipping labels are attached to every box. I can’t trust the sales guys to handle that. Besides, that’s not their job anyway.

  When I get a break, I text Sebastian. I should call, but I’m not in the mood to receive a tongue lashing from him when I already feel like crap. His reply doesn’t make me feel much better either:

  I’m so glad you have your priorities straight.

  Even through the text, I can hear the sarcasm.

  Three

  SEBASTIAN

  I’m carrying a box full of liquor when I feel my phone vibrate inside my back pocket. It doesn’t continue, so it must be a text message. Setting the box down on the nearest table, I wipe the sweat off my forehead and fish my phone out. It’s a text from Liv saying she can’t get out of the event until it closes.

  This is total bullshit. Grinding my teeth, I try my best not to say via text what’s stuck in my throat. Instead, I send her a passive-aggressive message, hoping it has the same effect. She’s not only letting me down this time, but her entire family.

  “Any word from Liv?” Kimmy approaches me.

  “Yes, she said she can’t leave the event until it closes.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me? She’s six hours away. She’ll never make it here in time. I’m going to call her.”

  “What’s the use? Most likely she won’t pick up the phone.”

  Kimmy throws her hands up in the air. “What the hell are we going to do about Liv, Sebastian? This is getting out of control. I understand wanting to put blood and tears into your career, but I would never put any job above my family.”

  I rub my face, irritation simmering low in my gut. “I’ve tried to talk to her, but she won’t listen. I suggested she resign from her job and look for something less stressful and she almost bit my head off.”

  “It doesn’t surprise me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Liv was never obsessed with work like that. She changed once she got fired from her internship in London. Thanks to you, I might add.”

  I don’t like where Kimmy is going with that. “Are you insinuating that Liv’s workaholic problem is my fault?”

  “I’m not insinuating. I’m telling you it is.”

  I open my mouth to rebuff that nonsense, but Kimmy talks over me. “Listen, I don’t want to start fighting with you over this. I know my sister better than you do. And don’t forget you guys were apart for five years. Maybe there are still unresolved issues in your relationship.”

  My gut clenches painfully. “Did Liv say anything to you?”

  “No. She—we haven’t talked in a while. She doesn’t have the time.” Kimmy scoffs.

  The anger changes into remorse. I hurt Liv too much in the years we were apart, and even when we reconnected. I guess it was wishful thinking on my part to believe she had truly forgiven me.

  “Fuck.” I stare at the blue sky, a total contradiction to the darkness swirling in my chest. “I don’t know what to do, Kimmy. It seems all we do now is fight. Maybe love isn’t enough.”

  Kimmy pokes me in the chest. “Don’t you dare say that, Sebastian Coleman. You’re not giving up on my sister like that. Things are tough, and they will get tougher. That’s marriage. You don’t get to quit when it gets hard.”

  Fritz, the ugly-ass dog Liv decided to get out of the blue, runs in our direction, barking nonstop like the devil’s spawn he is. He runs circles around Kimmy before he decides to hump her leg.

  “Ugh, get this creature neutered already.” She shakes her leg, trying to dislodge the dog, but he won’t budge.

  I bend over and pull the furball off Kimmy’s leg. He starts to wiggle like he’s possessed, snarling at me.

  “Pipe down, Fritz,” I say.

  “Yeah, that’ll work. I gotta go. Lots of things to do before our folks get here. I guess Liv will miss the big surprise moment.” Kimmy walks away, taking the box of liquor I was carrying earlier with her.

  I finally deem it safe to release the dog. Fritz zaps away as soon as his paws hit the ground, but at least he doesn’t follow Kimmy. I don’t move from my spot for a few minutes, taking a moment to absorb Kimmy’s words. If I’m to blame for Liv’s crazy behavior, what am I going to do to fix it? She won’t quit her job, that much is clear. But maybe if I could take her away for a few days, it would help her see how toxic her behavior is. The hardest part will be to convince her to take a few days off so soon after our trip to England.

  Kidnapping her might be the only option.

  Four

  LIV

  I want to cry as I finally arrive at the vineyard and see all the cars parked there. Loud, cheery voices can be heard when I exit my car. People are hollering at Sebastian, who is singing a Boys Future song. A lonely tear escapes when he switches to “And I Love Her” by The Beatles, my parents’ song. Kimmy, Owen, and Jeremy join Sebastian, completely off-key, but no one seems to care. I was supposed to be there too. It was one of the surprises we had planned for them. I don’t move from my spot; it seems wrong to interrupt their performance with my ill-timed entrance.

  Was it worth it, Liv?

  I try to shut out that pesky voice, but my conscience seems louder today. No, no job is worth missing precious moments like these. I should have just left when I said I would and let my coworkers handle everything.

  Then why I didn’t I do it?

  The song ends and everyone cheers, but instead of taking that opportunity to sneak into the party, I sit on the front porch swing and start to cry.

  Great, now I’m feeling sorry for myself. If Saylor could see me now, she would kick my butt.

  One thing I never told anyone is that I’ve almost quit my job many times in the past few months. But the idea of walking out, of giving up, gives me anxiety attacks. I can’t sleep for thinking about it. I thought getting Fritz would help me somehow, but I barely have time to spend with the poor dog.

  The front door opens and I quickly wipe my tears. I breathe in relief when I realize it’s only the vineyard’s owner, not family or friend.

  “Liv, is that you?”

  “Hello, Mrs. Walsh.”

  “When did you get here?”

  “Just now.”

  “Why are you sitting in the dark instead of going to the party? Your parents are about to cut the cake.”

  “I—I don’t know.”

  “What’s the matter, child?” The lady comes closer, sitting next to me.

  “I couldn’t get off work sooner, and now I’ve missed everything. What’s the point of going out there?”

  “So, are you just going to sit here and mope? You missed a few things, not everyth
ing.”

  “It’s not that. I don’t want to see the disappointment in my parents’ faces. I screwed everything up.”

  “I have to tell you a secret about parents. No matter how many times our children mess up, we will always forgive them. God knows my son has done some pretty bad things, but it doesn’t matter. He’s my son and I’ll always love him.”

  “Really? How bad? Did he forget a birthday, miss a big celebration?”

  She pats my arm. “It doesn’t matter. The important thing is that he regrets his wrongdoings. Do you regret arriving late?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Then there you have it. Now go on and enjoy the rest of the party. The night is still young.”

  I do as she says, but not before I stop at the powder room to fix my face. My cheeks are flushed and my makeup is ruined. Ugh! And I’m still wearing my stupid work clothes. If I go change, I’ll miss the cake as well.

  I catch the caterer just before he’s about to step into the backyard where the party is being held. I stop him and ask if I can bring the cake myself. It’s heavy, but nothing unmanageable. It takes a while for the guests to notice it’s me carrying the dessert. My parents only spot me when I reach the table and set the cake down.

  “Liv, you’re finally here!” Mom comes to hug me.

  “I’m sorry I’m late.”

  “Well, the important thing is you made it one piece.”

  I hug Dad next, congratulating him. Kimmy doesn’t make a move, just keeps staring daggers at me. Owen glances at his wife and frowns before greeting me in his usual goofy way. Thank God my brother-in-law is the complete opposite of my sister.

  I search the crowd for Sebastian, finding him not too far away in deep conversation with one of my parents’ friends. He seems to sense my stare, as he raises his head and our eyes meet. I want to convey in that brief connection how sorry I am, but he peels his gaze away without so much as a nod in my direction.

  Fine. I won’t try to talk to him tonight. The last thing I want is to fight with him in front of everyone.

  Someone touches my arm. I turn to find Owen next to me, carrying Grace in his arms. “There’s someone here who has been counting the hours to see you.”

  I put a smile on my face for my sweet niece, even though my heart is breaking. Grace launches herself into my arms before I even have them open.

  “Auntie Liv.”

  “Hey, sweet girl. How are you?”

  “Cake.” She points at the dessert.

  “Oh, I see. That’s what you’ve been waiting for, huh?”

  She nods.

  “I’m glad you could make it in time for the cake,” Owen says.

  “Yes, me too.”

  “I was going to ask you about work, but I have an idea how well it’s not going.”

  “Not all of us have a glamorous job like yours, Owen.”

  “Glamorous job, my ass.” Owen covers his mouth, remembering his daughter is present. “Oops. If Grace starts swearing before she’s two, your sister will have my ass.”

  “Nice going, Owen. Keep it up. It’s almost like you want it to happen.” I laugh.

  “No way. I don’t want to get blasted by Elsa.”

  “Elsa? That’s new.”

  “Well, Ice Queen, Elsa, —it’s all the same, isn’t it?”

  “Are you talking smack about me, Owen Whitfield?” Kimmy comes closer, and I brace myself for the icy blast. If Kimmy is Elsa, does that make me Anna?

  “Me? Never. Come here, Gracie. Let’s have some cake.”

  The girl goes to her dad as happy as she can be. Darn Owen for taking away my baby shield.

  Kimmy turns her scowl on me. “I’m glad you made it for the cake, at least.”

  “Kimmy, I tried my best to leave the conference early. It was problem after problem—”

  She raises her hand. “Spare me the details. You shouldn’t have gone to that stupid conference in the first place. I have been telling you that your boss is taking advantage of your work ethic for months, but you won’t listen to me or your husband. When are you going to start standing up for yourself, Liv?”

  “It’s not that simple. Rodrigo got me that job. I can’t let him down.”

  “That’s an excuse and you know it. He doesn’t even work with you.”

  I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Can we not do this now? It’s our parents’ anniversary, for crying out loud.”

  “Oh nice. Let’s use that when it’s convenient to you. You know, Liv, you oughta start taking better care of the people who love you. I’m mad as hell at you right now, but I’ll always be your sister. The same cannot be said about your superstar husband.”

  “What do you mean? Did Bas say anything?”

  “No. But he’s hot, famous, rich and women all over the world would kill to be in your place. Have you ever stopped to wonder why so many celebrity marriages don’t last? Too many options available. You’d better take care of what’s yours before someone else snatches him from under your nose.”

  In typical Kimmy fashion, she drops that bomb and leaves me to deal with her words.

  I look for Sebastian in the crowd again, finding him nested between my parents eating cake. My heart constricts so painfully I can barely breathe. I cannot lose him. He’s the love of my life, my person. I have to find a way to reconnect with him before it’s too late.

  Five

  SEBASTIAN

  “Have you had the chance to listen to the demo I sent you, Bas?” Allan asks from the other side of the room, but it takes me a while to process his question.

  “Demo?”

  “Yes, of the possible talent we went to bring into the fold. I think the bassist’s sound would mesh really well with Rebel’s and Riot’s, don’t you think?”

  Ah fuck, the demo he sent me last Friday. I’m so stressed about my personal problems that I completely forgot. “Sorry, Allan. I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet.”

  Allan makes a face that clearly tells me he’s not happy with my answer. “You know I’m going to London next week, right? Are you gonna be able to hold down the fort while I’m gone?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  I need to get my shit together. I search for Allan’s e-mail with the demo and am about to listen to it when the guy pulls up a chair and sits across from me.

  “What’s eating at you? You’ve been distracted lately.”

  I sigh loudly. “That obvious, huh?”

  “I have a pretty good radar for those things. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “It’s Liv. We’ve been fighting a lot lately.”

  “Is she still unhappy that you joined Renegades?”

  “No, I don’t think so. At least, she hasn’t brought up the subject.”

  Allan waits for me to elaborate. He’s a good guy, but we’re not close. I wish I could talk to Ollie about all this, but I can’t bother my friend when he’s dealing with a myriad of problems as well.

  “We’re fighting about her job. She works too much, long hours, and she’s always mega-stressed. Her boss is an asshole who totally takes advantage of her.”

  “You’re not one of those guys who wants their wives to sit at home and do nothing, right?”

  “Of course not. I want Liv to have a career she’s passionate about, but not when it’s damaging her health. She almost missed her parents’ thirtieth anniversary celebration thanks to her job.”

  “Ah, that sucks. Maybe you guys need a second honeymoon or something. Decompress.”

  “I thought about kidnapping Liv,” I joke, but the more I think about it, the more the idea takes root. I must be going crazy.

  “Hey, man, if you need to take a few days off while I’m in London, it’s more than okay. I don’t have anything lined up that requires our presence, and I can handle e-mails and stuff from abroad.”

  “Are you sure? I’d hate to leave you hanging.”

  “Hey, your wife should always come first.”

  Allan returns to his des
k, leaving me completely baffled but in a good way. Oliver’s gut was right when he decided to bring the guy on board.

  Now, back to the kidnapping idea. For the plan to work, I can’t tell Liv what I’m up to, but I need to know I won’t be screwing things up for her at work if I whisk her way on a surprise mini break.

  There’s only one thing to do. I call Rodrigo.

  “Sebastian? To what do I owe the pleasure of your call? Is everything okay?”

  We’re not tight, so his comment doesn’t come as a surprise. I hope he won’t take my request the wrong way.

  “Kind of. I’m calling to ask for a huge favor.”

  “Okay, what is it?”

  “I want to take Liv away on a mini vacation. It’s a surprise, so I can’t ask her about her schedule.”

  “Ah, I see. Well, I don’t work in her department, but I can find out if there’s anything going on. She does need a break. I heard from one of my sales guys that she was the last one to leave the conference last Saturday, and I know she had her parents’ party in Sonoma.”

  “Yeah, that sucked. Apparently there were a lot of problems that weren’t her doing.”

  “My mother was there, and she didn’t notice anything amiss. That’s crazy. I can’t believe no one in the marketing department could cover for her.”

  “Her boss had to go to Germany last minute and left Liv to deal with everything else.”

  “Germany? What for?”

  “I honestly don’t know. But yeah, if she could take a couple of days off this week, that’d be fantastic.”

  “Say no more. Like I said, I don’t work directly with Liv, but I’ve heard great things about her. She more than deserves some downtime.”

  I feel a little bit better after I end the call with Rodrigo, but not by much. This idea could very well blow up in my face, but I can’t sit back and watch Liv self-destruct. I love her too much to allow that. If that means risking driving us further apart, so be it.

  Six

  LIV

  I have yet to talk to Bill about all the issues that occurred during last Saturday’s event. He came in late this morning and locked himself in the office. Celine is MIA, which doesn’t surprise me. I decide to write a report detailing everything that happened. It’s hard not to sound bitter and remain professional when I think about what I sacrificed for the job without an ounce of recognition. My sister’s words reverberate in my brain. I need to start standing up for myself; otherwise, people like Celine and Bill will walk all over me.