“Sounds like you need a vacation,” I say, as the door opens. I turn around to find Liam walking in.
“Who needs a vacation?” he asks, making his way to Vesper behind the counter. He quickly presses his lips against hers before turning to face me.
“Vesper. She’s basically working three jobs. You should do something romantic and sweep her off her feet on some luxury vacation.” I wink at him as I pass him by, taking my place beside her.
Vesper laughs shyly. “Are you kidding me? I don’t have time for a vacation. I have a clinic opening, I have work here, and I’m still training the new vet at the ranch. No way can I afford to take off right now.”
I bump my shoulder against hers. “That’s exactly why you need a vacation. Go away and take some time for yourself. I mean, have you two even started planning your wedding yet?” I look back and forth at the both of them with wide eyes.
“Not yet…you know, things have just been crazy busy lately.”
Liam places his forearms on the counter and leans in. “I think Amy has a point, Vesper. Let’s take some time off. You need some rest and relaxation, and we can start planning our wedding, because you know how impatient I am. I want to call you my wife as soon as possible.” He gives her a flirty smile, his blue eyes shining with love for her.
For only a second, a ping of jealously washes over me. I wish I had that in my life—someone who looks at me and radiates love, rather than someone who’s just interested in a random hookup.
I take a deep breath and push it all away. I shouldn’t be jealous. This is my best friend. I should be happy that she’s found her other half.
Vesper leans into Liam, and I get the feeling she wants to talk privately, so I slip through the swinging door, into the back. I flip on the light and lean my back against the wall, needing to give myself a mental pep talk.
My stomach hurts from the acid bubbling inside. Jealously is an ugly thing. But what am I supposed to do? Vesper has the perfect life. She has a career she loves, she’s about to marry a rich, good-looking man who loves her, and she has friends and family who would do anything for her.
I, on the other hand, am completely alone other than having Vesper. My mom is drunk every day and would probably starve to death if I didn’t feed her. I can’t find anyone to love, settling for one-night stands instead. And I’ve only recently realized that it’s not my job I love—I’ve just loved spending my days hanging out with my best friend who’s not always going to be able to be here.
I really need to find what makes me happy in life. I need to grab the bull by the horns and find myself. Maybe if I find my rightful place in life, the whole love and relationship thing will fall into place. Or at least, maybe I wouldn’t be so worried about it.
When I hear the bell above the door ring again, I walk out to find Vesper alone, going through the appointment book.
“Where’d Liam go?” I ask, stepping up to her side.
“He had to get back to the ranch. Something about an important video chat meeting.” She rolls her eyes, dismissing his absence.
I pull up my stool and take a seat, my mind immediately going back to how I can make my life better. What kind of career should I try to start? Obviously, something I can afford. I don’t have a lot of time between working here and taking care of my mom, so going back to school isn’t an option.
“Hey, what’s going on? You seem sad,” Vesper says, drawing my attention back to the here and now.
I shrug. “I’m…” My sentence drops off.
“What?”
I look up into wide eyes that hold nothing but worry.
“It’s nothing,” I mumble, not wanting to tell her I’m unhappy here.
“Amy, I know something is wrong. We’ve been best friends forever. I can read that expression like a book. Now, tell me what’s going on.” She pulls up another stool and takes a seat, waiting for me to open up.
I take a deep breath. “Okay, but before I do, I need you to know that none of this has anything to do with you. In fact, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
She nods once with her brows pulled together in confusion. “Okay.”
“I just…I’m not happy, Vesper. I’m so jealous of you and I hate myself for it, but I don’t know how to change what I feel. I mean, you have everything. You have your dream career, family, you’re about to get married. And I have…nothing. My mom’s, well, you know. And this…” I look around the clinic and sigh. “Being a receptionist isn’t my dream job.”
“I thought you were happy here?” She’s not offended, just concerned.
I shrug one shoulder. “I am. I mean, I was. But it turns out, I enjoyed this job because I loved getting to hang out with my best friend. But now you’re gone a lot with the new clinic opening, and I find myself dreading coming to work. I hate having to sit here while Dr. McStuffy talks down to me. I want a dream job of my own, you know?”
She nods. “I completely understand, Amy.” She looks a little sad, but then a wide smile spreads across her face. “So, what’s your dream job? What do you want to do?”
I roll my eyes. “It’s not that easy, Vesper.”
“Why isn’t it? You’ve got a degree in business. You can basically open any business you want. What’s your dream?”
I laugh and think it over, opting to play along. “I want to open my own coffee shop and bookstore. How fun would that be? I mean, we don’t have either in town. We have restaurants for coffee, and the nearest bookstore is the big chain store that’s a forty-five-minute drive from here.”
“That’s a great idea, Amy. Why don’t you do that?” Excitement leaks from her every word and she’s nearly bouncing in her seat.
“How am I supposed to do that? I mean, I don’t even have the credit needed for a business loan.”
Her smile grows. “I bet I know a rich guy who would give you the money in a second. You wouldn’t even need a loan.”
I stand, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “No. No way.” I straighten my shirt and jeans, needing something to distract me. I move around behind the counter, straightening things where I can.
“What? Why?”
“You’re never supposed to borrow money from friends, Vesper. No way could I take your money. I mean, what if something comes up and I’m not able to pay you back?”
“It’s not my money, Amy. It’s Liam’s, and he has plenty to spare. We can do this the right way. We’ll even set up a specific payment amount and a due date if you want.”
I shake my head. “I don’t know, Vesper. I mean, that’s a lot to ask. Not to mention, I don’t even have a location.”
She bounces up to me, placing her hands on my shoulders and narrowing her eyes on mine. “Just think about it, Amy. Please? You’re my best friend, and I want you to be happy. This,” she motions around the room, “is my dream, not yours. Let us help you.”
“I’ll think about it,” I say, pulling her in for a hug.
Spending the day working with Vesper is fun—just like it used to be. It makes me sad thinking that tomorrow she’ll be back at the other clinic and I’ll be stuck with the new vet. When the day’s over, we both head out at the same time. I stand by the door while she arms the alarm and locks the door.
“Please promise me that you’ll think about it, Amy.”
I laugh. “I said I would. But if I do decide to take you up on this offer, please let me talk to Liam about it. I want to do this right. I want to find a location and have a whole presentation. I don’t just want to walk up to him with my hand out. Okay?”
“Whatever you want.” She smiles and gives me a quick hug. “Also, I know you loathe talking about this, but I emailed you a list of free or low-cost rehabs for your mom. I hate to say this, but she’s dragging you down, Amy. If you can’t get her to get help, you may need to cut ties with her for your own sanity.”
I nod. “I know.” I press my lips together and swallow down all the negative feelings bubbling up my throat.
I watch her drive off before I move to get in my truck. I turn over the engine and drive through town. I already know the perfect location of my future coffee shop if I choose to take Vesper up on her offer. I drive down Main Street and park the truck on the side of the road, directly in front of the empty building.
I look out the window at the brick building, gazing into the dusty windows. A surge of excitement washes over me and I can’t refrain from allowing myself to dream about it. I climb out of the truck and walk up to the window. Cupping my hands around my eyes, I lean in to look inside the building. It’s dark, but I can make out a faint outline of a counter in the back. Already, I can picture the front of the store packed full of tables. I can see the way I’d design it, putting the bookstore area in the back by the counter.
The old hardwood floors are dirty and dinged up, but they give the place character. I pull back and walk up to the door, finding a sign taped to the front with a phone number. I take my phone from my pocket and take a picture of it, wanting to see how much it’s going for before I let myself get too worked up.
Climbing back behind the wheel, I drive across town and grab two roast beef dinners from our local diner, then head to the neighboring town to visit my mom. Pulling into her drive, I notice that the house is dark. I shut off the truck and grab the bags with a deep breath leaving my lips. I’m mumbling to myself as I make my way to the door.
She’s probably already drunk and passed out. Maybe Vesper is right. I need to figure out how to get her into rehab or give up on her completely. I can’t keep doing this to myself.
I pull open the screen door and walk inside, finding her on the couch, burning candles lining the shelves and table in front of her. “What’s going on?” I ask, setting the bags of food down on the table.
“The damn electric company shut off the power again.” She leans forward, grabbing a cigarette and lighting it.
“Again? Mom, you can’t keep doing this. You know, every time they turn it back on, they charge a reconnect fee. It would cost way less if you just paid your bill on time.” I shake my head as I dig her food out of the bag and hand it over.
“I can’t pay it if I don’t have the money, Amy. You know that.”
“What did you spend your money on, huh?”
“I don’t have to explain anything to you.” She opens the plastic container, picking at her dinner.
“Mom, I…” I sit on the couch at her side and hold my head in my hands. “I can’t keep doing this with you. You must get help. I mean, you’re drinking more than half your income. You don’t have any food in the fridge. You don’t have any power, and I’m sure the water will be next. Are you even paying rent?” I sit back and look at her.
She acts like I have no right saying any of this. Her nose is wrinkled with disgust and her eyes are squinting at me. “Amy, you need to mind your own business. I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself.”
“Really?” I ask, almost amused. “What would you eat if I didn’t bring you food? What would you wear if I didn’t wash your clothes? This place would be a rats’ nest if I didn’t come and clean it.”
“Well, if I’m such a pain in your ass, then stop coming over here and sticking your nose in my business. Leave!” She stands and gestures toward the door, nearly falling over from her quick movement. “I don’t ever want to see your face again.” Her nostrils are flaring, and her red, bloodshot eyes are narrowed on me.
I grab my bag of food and stand. “Fine. Call me when you’ve come to your senses.” I storm out the door without a look back.
Chapter 4
It’s finally Friday, and I haven’t been to my mom’s since. The weight of this knowledge is heavy. Who knows if she’s even still alive. She could have drunk herself to death, and nobody would even know. Behind my eyes, visions of walking into her house and finding her lifeless body haunt me. I can see her lying in a pool of her own vomit, reaching for the bottle. It causes my stomach to hurt and my eyes to blur with tears, but I refuse to go over there again. Maybe when she sees how far away she’s gotten, she’ll come around. I pray that she does.
I walk into the clinic to find Vesper already behind the counter. “Good morning,” I mumble as I walk back and set my things down.
“How’s your week been?” she asks, looking me up and down. Apparently, my appearance is showing everything I’m trying to hide.
“Horrible. I had it out with my mom the other day after we talked. I haven’t been over there since, and I’m worried about her. And I hate that I’m worried.” I plop myself down on the stool behind the counter. “God, what’s wrong with me? She obviously doesn’t care. Why do I?” I rest my head against the desk.
“I’m sorry, Amy. It’s always hard to watch someone you love go through something like this.” She steps up to my side and gently rubs my back. “You know what you need?”
“What?” I tilt my head to the side so I can see her from over my shoulder.
“You need a night out. Have some fun. Maybe even find a sexy guy to take home.” She smiles and wags her eyebrows at me.
I laugh, but then suddenly remember my night with Tyler. I was so upset that he left without a goodbye, but this past week, I’ve been so occupied with my mom and trying not to worry about her, that I completely forgot about him.
“Nah, I think I’m good on the one-night stands for a while.”
Vesper pulls a stool up to my side and sits down, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “You are upset if you’re rejecting a night out and a booty call.” She laughs.
“You make it sound like I have more hookups than relationships.”
Her brows furrow. “Don’t you?”
I let out a deep breath. “Yes, but I don’t want to. Not anymore, anyway.” I sit up and stomp my foot. “My life sucks!”
She laughs. “No, it doesn’t. You just need to find your happy place and I’m going to help you.” She smiles wide, tossing her strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder. “In fact, I took the liberty of setting up a dinner for you, me, and Liam tonight.”
I open my mouth to argue, but she holds up her hand, stopping me. “You don’t have to talk about your business venture, but if you want to, it will be the perfect opportunity.”
“What time?” I ask in a monotone voice, not at all happy that she’s trying to push me into this.
“Seven o’clock on the dot.” She stands and walks away.
“I’ll bring the wine!” I shout back at her. God knows I’ll need it, because if I know Vesper, she’s already talked to Liam and made him agree to act like it’s the first time he’s hearing the news.
It’s nearing seven when I pull into the drive at the ranch. The sun is just starting to slip beyond the horizon, and it makes me thankful for the longer days and warmer weather.
I grab the bottle of wine from the passenger seat and head for the door.
Vesper steps outside before I’ve even made my way up the front steps. She’s wearing a wide smile as she opens her arms, pulling me in for a hug. “I’m so happy you made it.”
I roll my eyes before pulling away. “You’ve already talked to him, haven’t you?”
“Of course not. I said I wouldn’t, and I haven’t. Come on. Let’s drink some wine.” She takes me by the wrist and pulls me through the open door.
“How are you, Amy?” Liam asks, stepping up to Vesper and wrapping his arm around her waist.
“Great. How are you doing?”
He shrugs and glances down at Vesper. “A lot better if I could talk my fiancée here into taking a vacation with me.”
I laugh. “Still fighting it, huh?” I tease her.
“I said I’d think about it.” She gives him a sidelong look. “Let’s get that wine.” She takes my hand and leads me into the living room where I hand her the bottle of wine I brought.
&
nbsp; “I’ll let this breathe for dinner. I found this amazing bottle that I’m dying for you to try.” She takes the bottle and disappears into the other room just as Liam is sitting down in the lounge chair across from me.
“So, Vesper tells me you’re thinking about leaving the clinic.”
Here we go. I nod. “I’m thinking about it. Nothing is set in stone yet.”
He seems intrigued, placing his elbows on his knees and leaning in. “What is it you’re thinking about doing?”
I want to roll my eyes but refrain. I’m sure she’s already told him all about it, but I explain anyway. “I’m just…I’m looking for my happy place, and being a receptionist isn’t what I want to spend my life doing. I’d really like to open a coffee shop in town. Well, coffee shop/bookstore. We don’t have either in town, and I think it’d be a nice alternative for the non-drinkers since all we have in town is a bar and a few restaurants.”
He nods as he leans back. “That does sound like an excellent idea. Do you have a location in mind?”
Vesper comes back in and hands us both a glass of wine. I take my glass and have a small sip. “I have my eye on a place, but I have no idea what shape the building is in or what they’re asking. I need to do some digging.”
“Have you considered a silent partner?”
Automatically, I glance from Liam to Vesper.
Her eyes grow wide as she holds up her hands, showing me her palms. “I swear, I didn’t say anything other than you may be leaving.”
I force a smile and turn back to face him. “I really haven’t thought much about anything yet. I wanted to have a whole presentation before going to the bank for a loan.”
Liam waves his hand through the air. “You don’t want to go to the bank. They’ll give you a high interest rate with your credit score. Let me join you. I love having my hands in a little of everything, plus I have an excellent track record with running a business.”
“How do you know what my credit score is?” I feel my brows pull together.
Claimed By Him: (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 16