Until There Was You

by Stacey Harrison

  'I am aware so watch your tone.' He barks down the phone. 'What of this girl you're marrying?' He fires back and I laugh.

  'Ah yes we are going to Vegas now to elope.' I laugh and Lexi raised eyebrows.

  'Liam this is no joke Son, your Mother is spitting fire here about some harlot your marrying that's going to rob us all blind.' He says voice full of disdain, my Mothers on his case to then.

  'Well you and Mother can rest assured I have no intention of getting married, well not this month anyway.' I chuckle and Lexi's jaw drops and she folds her arms in mock outrage. I can't help but laugh at her.

  'This is not a laughing matter boy, so can I tell your Mother you're single again?' He sounds hopeful.

  'No I am not, but you can tell her we don't plan on getting married anytime soon and she will be the first to know when we do.' I demand all humour gone.

  'We want to meet this girl, tomorrow. Dinner at our place, yes?' He asks, though it's more of a command.

  'I will call you back.' I cut the call and eye Lex with uncertainty, I wouldn't blame her if she refused.

  'Soooo.....They want to have dinner with us tomorrow?' I say casually, hoping she agrees.

  'Do you thinks that's a good idea Liam?' She looks me with uncertainty and I know she is doubting us again.

  'I don't know to be honest.' I don't want to lie to her, they can be tough.

  'I understand if you don't want me to meet them, if you're embarrassed by me. I mean look at me, let's face it I am no Melissa. I don't even have my own clothes.' She looks so upset I want to hold her and never let go.

  'Babe you could never ever embarrass me, its them that I am worried about. I don't want them to drive you away. And I was hoping my girlfriend will let me take her shopping.' I cup her face. 'It would make me very happy if we don't have to fight about this.' I add before she can even start to object.

  She doesn't look pleased but doesn't say anything about it.

  'So do you want to go today or tomorrow?' I ask her cheerfully.

  'I was kinda hoping we could finish what we started before we were interrupted.' She whispers in my ear.

  I pick her up and she squeals in surprise as I carry her to my room where we do just that for the rest of the day. It's just me and her and its perfect. We are perfect.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Chapter Eleven

  Lexi

  I am sat in a sleek black sports car, next to a beautiful man taking me to buy new clothes. I have to pinch myself to check if this is real. However, the fact I am dressed in a large grey t-shirt and large grey sweats, that are rolled up at the waist and the ankles revealing Liam's white socks and no shoes, I am sure that yep this is real.

  'What are you thinking so hard about?' Liam teases, grabbing my hand and kiss it.

  'How I must be dreaming and any minute now I am going to wake up alone, in my own bed, upset that I only dreamt you up.' I reveal to him even though my voice breaking.

  'You will never wake up in that bed ever again, I promise you. If you dreamt me up then you're a very dirty girl Miss Cross.' He chuckles trying to lighten the mood as I blush thinking about last night.

  As well pull up outside a very fancy and expensive looking boutique, I feel uneasiness settle like a rock in the pit of my stomach. I don't belong here, I know it and so will they.

  We get out and Liam's phone rings, he signals for me to go ahead. He will be one minute he gestures with a confident smile. Great, I take a deep cleansing breath and open the heavy glass door to step inside. I immediately spot a stunning cream, off the shoulder chunky knitted sweater on the manikin.

  'Can I help you miss?' A snotty voice comes from behind me as I stand there in awe of all the beautiful clothes. I turn towards the voice, I am met with a middle aged man. He is tall and skinny with a pointy nose, eyes narrowed at me in disgust, as he looks me up and down.

  'Ermm.........That would be wonderful thank you, though I just need to wait for my.......Boyfriend?' I try not to let my nerves get the better of me but he is so intimidating with his icy glare.

  'To be quite honest Miss, forgive me but our clothes seem a little out of your.....well taste.' He states not looking sorry at all as the other two ladies shopping giggle. I put my head down ashamed, how could I argue, he was right. I probably couldn't afford a carrier bag from this place. I was just about to nod and leave when I heard the unmistakable, sexy deep tone of My Liam. Wait when did he become My Liam? I hope he doesn't mind I called him my boyfriend.

  'Does that apply to myself also?' He asks in his no nonsense clipped tone. The salesman and the two women stare at him in shock but the salesman recovers quickly, brushing past me to get to Liam. He still hasn't figured it out yet. What an idiot! Why would he think you were with that god of a man my mind taunts.

  'Mr Coltan, what a pleasure. My name is Harold, how can i assist you today?' Wow someone can smell money, I wonder how he knows Liam?

  'Alexis sweetheart.' He holds out his hand to me and I oblige without hesitation, grateful for the comfort his touch will give me.

  'Now Henry, if you are quite sure you have nothing that would suit her, I must say I am deeply disappointed.' I know he knows his name is Harold and I also know that his is well aware that was not what Harold was implying. However I am surprised to realize he heard all of that, although I hide it well, unlike the man before us who looks like he is going to be physically sick any minute.

  'Alexis shall we?' He gestures towards the door, smugly.

  'Mr Coltan I think maybe I could find something for Miss Alexis, come to think about it.....'

  'I thought you had nothing to her taste or was that not in fact what you were implying?' He cut him off, hmm he is sexy when rattled and not at me. I press my body closer to his.

  'Sir you must please understand, you see.' He clears his throat again, I am going to guess its a nervous thing as he keeps doing it. 'I well.....you must understand I...' God the man is physically sweating under Liams stare. 'Miss Alexis, please accept my deepest apologizes.' He whispers to me nearly crying. Jeez who the hell is Liam.

  'It's okay, I guess.' I mutter embarrassed for him, the two ladies still in shock.

  'Please follow me and I will personally assist you, if you would like?' He looks so desperate to redeem himself, how can refuse.

  'That would be nice Henry. We need everything and anything Miss Alexis desires, am I understood?' Harold nods before he even finishes.

  Two whole hours later and more money than I could ever imagine we finally leave the store, hand in hand as Harold loads the car. I couldn't believe how nice I look in my cream, chunky knit sweater, black skinny jeans with matching knee high black boots that came with matching handbag. Like I need a handbag, I have nothing to put in it yet apparently I needed a lot of them. I am so pleased though I can't stop smiling.

  'Hair and makeup or Lunch next?' He questions smiling down at me.

  'No more Liam, you have spent more on me that anyone in my entire life. I am grateful don't get me wrong but I feel like I am taking advantage, like your Mother is right about me.' Like a whore I wanted to add but thought better of it after last time.

  'Lexi baby I can more than afford it.'

  'Just because you can doesn't make it right.' I cut him off, standing my ground.

  'What isn't right is you standing here in the street arguing with me...' He argues back. 'When all I want to do is make you smile.'

  'You don't have to spend money to make me smile.' I fire back, a little insulted he would think that.

  'Is it so wrong that I want to?' He mumbles sadly. 'Did you not just call me your boyfriend in there?' Shit, he even hear that too. I don't answer, I don't know how to answer. Is he mad I called him that in front of people?

  'Is this not what boyfriends do?' I am shocked and I am positive my face shows it.

  'You don't mind I called you that to them?' I tilt my head to the side trying to suss him out.<
br />
  'I would mind more if you didn't.' He laughs 'Now girlfriend don't argue with your man.' He kisses me quickly on the lips and I can't help but giggle at his playful attitude and the fact he called me his girlfriend. I love this mood he is in so I go along with it happily. Who wouldn't?

  It has been a wonderful day, I can't believe how different I look. My once dirty blonde hair is now light honey coloured, cut nice around my shoulders with soft layers and a neat side fringe. I got make up that covers my bruises and more that highlights my cheek bones. My lashes are long and black fanning my eyes that are twinkling brightly, my lips look full and soft pink. I am wearing a soft dusty pink cocktail dress that reaches just above my knees and shows a little teaser of cleavage. I have on matching heels that have a 4 inch heel and silk ribbons that lace up around my calves.

  I feel like a movie star yet deep inside the broken girl I truly am hides in fear of the dinner I am dress up this nice for. Liam's Mother already hates me, like what I am wearing is going to change that. I shake my head, lowering it in disappointment, soft curls bouncing in my face. Its now or never.

  'Lexi are you ready babe?' Liam shouts nearing the bedroom. He stops at the doorway, his jaw hanging down.

  'Wow........you look just wow.' He clears his throat.

  'So do you.' I reply nervously and god does he. He is wearing a slate grey suit that matches his eyes with a black shirt and tie, I have seen him in a shirt before but it still takes my breath away.

  'Ready to leave?' He asks and I can only nod, to busy drooling over him.

  Bring it on, I think to myself.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Chapter Twelve

  Liam

  As we pull up to my parents house I cannot shake off the awful feeling I have, I do not trust my Mothers motives. Dem gets out and opens my door first giving me the perfect opportunity to pull him aside without alarming Lex.

  'Don't go anywhere, it could end badly and we may need a quick escape.' I chuckle to disguise my nerves. Hell I don't get nervous.

  'Sir.' He nods giving me a knowing smile.

  I go around to open her door myself and can't help but check her out again, she looks amazing. I can't get over it, she always looks beautiful but when I saw her tonight I was lost for words. I just wanted to stay home and make love to her over and over again. Ignore this dinner and keep her all to myself.

  'Liam.' She says with her eyebrow raised and a smirk playing on her lips, I realize I am staring like a creep again.

  'If at any time you feel you want to leave all you have to do is say. Dem will be right outside waiting for us.' I inform her and she nods in response looking as nervous as I feel as I take her hand and lead the way.

  I kiss her forehead and knock on the door not releasing her hand as we wait.

  'Liam darling, do come in.' My Mother greets, ignoring the beauty beside me.

  'Mother.' I kiss her cheek but don't embrace her. 'This is my girlfriend Alexis Cross.' I say pulling Lexi forward to my side proudly. Lexi holds her delicate little hand out and my Mother shakes it.

  'Alexis, How nice to meet you.' Lie, big fat lie. To anybody that doesn't know my Mother it looks real enough but I know better.

  'Likewise Mrs Coltan.'

  Everything will be fine, everything will be fine... I keep repeating to myself. I squeeze her hand and run my thumb over her knuckles as I lead her to the dining room. Just me, Lexi, Mother and Father what can go wrong really.

  I had to hope didn't I, I couldn't just keep my mouth shut. Already seated at the table are Mr & Mrs Reddington along with Melissa and my best friend Nate. Joy oh fucking joy.

  'So much for just us.' I mutter as I shoot my Mother an icy glare to which she just smiles sweetly.

  'Dude!' Nate says clapping me on the back. 'No wonder you didn't want the waitress.' He whispers so only I can hear.

  'Nathaniel.' He says to Lexi as he captures her hand and kisses it. 'But you Pretty Girl can call me Nate.' She smiles at his cheesy line and I instantly feel jealous.

  'Alexis.' She replies sweetly 'But you may call me Lexi.' That pisses me off and I pull her close,wrapping my arm around her waist possessively.

  She snuggles into me not understanding my motives but Nate does, he holds his hands up in mock surrender as he backs away.

  'Liam honey.' Melissa makes a grab for me as I try and hide behind Lexi who seems to find it amusing and looks to be stifling a laugh.

  'Melissa.' I respond coolly as I brush her off and replace my arm back around Lexi. She scowls and turns to Lexi, oh please god don't upset her or I will be pissed.

  'Melissa Reddington.' She sticks her hand out to Lex, her tone anything but friendly.

  'I remember, we met the other day.' She informs her sweetly, too sweetly, my girl has claws . That is so hot, I can't help but smile into her hair to try and hide my amusement.

  'We have?' Melissa looks confused for a minute then it dawns on her. 'You look so different in your own clothes.' She remarks bitchily hoping to tear Lexi down some.

  'I should hope so.' My Lexi replies her voice never changing from sweet and amused. God she is perfect and Melissa does not look pleased, I thinks she is about to blow.

  'Should we take a seat?' I interject before we are all covered in bits of Mellissa.

  'Liam you're next to me.' She smirks. 'Alexis you are next to Nathaniel.'

  Like hell she is I silently fume. Over my dead body. I go over to Nate and whisper in his ear and he moves to the seat next to Melissa as I take the one next to Lexi.

  'Your now next to me.' I smile and kiss her cheek innocently.

  'Oh but what about poor Melissa?' She whispers in my ear, smile innocently. The little minx.

  'I am sure she will cope.' I whisper back and she giggles.

  'I'm not.' I look at Melissa, who is red with fury then at Nate who has a big shit eating grin on his face.

  'Do you want me to swap seat back?' I tease and she shoots me a warning glance.

  We chat through dinner, well myself, Lexi and Nate do. Everybody else ignores Lexi so I ignore them, childish I know but hey they started it. Lexi and Nate seem to get a long well, part of me likes that she get a long with my best friend but the other part of me hates it.

  'So Alexis, Where are you from?' My Father asks.

  'London.' She answers, not even fazed but the six pairs of eyes on her. I couldn't be more proud of her than I am right now.

  'What is it you do for a living?' He questions.

  'I took care of my Step-Father.' She tells him as my blood boils at the mention of the prick. Nate eyes me curiously but I give him a look that says 'Later'.

  'Oh so your parents are divorced?' My Mother butts in.

  'No my dad died when I was a baby.' She says and the sadness in her eyes makes me reach for her hand and squeeze it. I can't believe I am finding this out at the same time as them.

  'And your Mother?' My Mother asks not missing a beat.

  'I don't see how that is any of your concern.' I say through gritted teeth. What the hell is she playing at?

  'Did your Mother kill your Father and now she is in prison?' Melissa taunts and Nate chokes on his drink as everybody else gasps. I glare at her but she stares at Lexi unfazed.

  'How dare you?' I fume.

  'It's okay Liam.... My Father died when he tried to stop three teenage boys from beating an elderly shopkeeper to death, for the contents of his till. They stabbed him twice in the neck and left him there to bleed out on the shop floor, alone.' She says with a blank expression and all I can do is sit there in shock, along with everybody else.

  'Excuse me, can I use your bathroom please?' She asks softly and I give her directions.

  I wait until she is out of earshot, anger coursing through my veins.

  'What the hell was that?!' I snarl at Melissa, who looks pleased with herself.

  'Excuse me for asking a question. How was I supposed to know it was so t
ragic?' She retorts so flippantly.

  'You disgust me, not even one ounce of remorse.' I snap at her.

  'Watch your tone young man.' Mr Reddington warns me and I laugh sardonically. The nerve of this man, is there any wonder Melissa is a self absorbed bitch.

  'Son Mellissa meant no harm...' My Mother adds. 'Did you darling?'

  'I think you should apologize to our daughter.' Mrs Reddington demands and Melissa smirks.

  'Like hell I will.' I growl scowling at the overly made up older woman.

  'Landon.' My Mother whines. 'Control your Son please.'

  'Yes I think you need to teach him some manners.' Mr Reddington glowers. I am just about ready to explode when my Father speaks. Teach me about manners the fucking nerve of these people.

  'Actually, I believe Melissa should apologize to Alexis.' He states and Melissa's smirk vanishes. 'Son I think you should go and check on the poor girl.' I smile at him and take off towards the bathroom, leaving yelling and screeching in my wake.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lexi

  I wipe the stupid tears that refuse to stop falling, I am so angry that I let her get to me. I can't believe I blurted that out like that but I didn't want to explain how my Mum got a new man and had a new baby, so she didn't want me anymore. Well Done Lexi, I mentally clap myself sarcastically.

  'Lexi, are you okay baby?' Liam asks softly through the door. I unlock it immediately and he comes inside wrapping me up in a big hug, whispering to me how he is so sorry in my ear over and over again. Finally when my tears stop he releases me and kisses my last tears away, from cheek to cheek then down to my lips. I deepen the kiss our tongues moving against each other, stroking and twisting together as I melt deeper into him enjoying the comfort he brings me. I never want this to end.

  A knock on the door breaks us apart and we look at each other our faces mirroring the same confused expression. We fix our clothes and try to catch our breaths, but the knock at the door comes again before we are done.