Loved You Once

by Claudia Burgoa

  “I can prove it,” Beacon contends, challenging him. “We post our pics on Instagram at the same time and let’s see who gets more likes?”

  I look at both of them. They’re taller than they were when they were younger, and yet, they’re still trying to prove who is better with dumbass challenges. At least they’re not trying to eat their weight in hotdogs, blackberry pie, or ice cream, like when they were twelve and ten.

  “Stop this nonsense and help me finish the list,” I scold quietly, hoping that Arden doesn’t wake up with their nonsense. “We have thirty days to fix the house, or we’ll be living in a dumpster. I don’t even know if they have a contractor in town.”

  While we assess what’s more important, I juggle the kid and my phone, so I can google contractors around the area. I find a local one, thankfully. He doesn’t have many reviews, but the few he has are raving about him. Also, I realize the cellphone connection is crappy in some areas of the property. However, I’m able to email him a request.

  “There’s no way we can get this done within the next thirty days,” Beacon decides, taking some photos of the house. “Can we at least stay at The Lodge?”

  I scrub my face with my free hand, trying not to wake up Arden. Beac is right. Unless we can find someone who is efficient and has not only the manpower, but the resources… How can we accomplish so much in so little time?

  That’s when I remember one detail. We have enough money to make things happen quickly.

  “We all have the financial freedom to hire the right people and ensure the project is completed within a month. It might help the town’s economy, too,” I remind them. “I hate meetings, but we should get together tonight to decide our next steps, in case Pierce can’t fight the will. How long are you guys staying?”

  “Sophia convinced us to stay until Friday,” Mills responds. “She needs us to stay at the hotel tomorrow while Henry goes to Happy Springs to visit the factory.”

  “Well, we have a couple of days to find a good contractor.”

  I hand the baby to Beacon and shoot a text to Sophia.

  Hayes Aldridge (yummy doctor): Can you set up a dinner meeting with my brothers tonight at seven, please?

  Sophia Aragon: Any food preference?

  Hayes Aldridge (yummy doctor): You can choose. Though if you can order Reuben sandwiches or tacos, I’d appreciate it. Also, have some kind of dessert ready.

  Sophia Aragon: I’ll do a taco bar. What kind of dessert?

  Hayes Aldridge (yummy doctor): Whatever you find that goes with Mexican food. Churros or flan could work—get whipped cream too.

  Sophia Aragon: Anything else?

  Hayes Aldridge (yummy doctor): Guacamole. I think that should cover everything she likes.

  Sophia Aragon: By she, I’m assuming Blaire.

  Hayes Aldridge (yummy doctor): Thank you for your help.

  Sophia Aragon: Should I contact your brothers, or will you be able to do it?

  Hayes Aldridge (yummy doctor): Just make sure Henry is there, I’ll take care of the rest.

  Sophia Aragon: Text me if you need anything else.

  Henry: Leave my assistant alone. She’s mine.

  Hayes: We’re just setting up a meeting to make sure everyone is on the same page. Did you lick her already to claim her?

  Henry: You’re an asshole.

  Hayes: Takes one to know one. See you at seven.

  “We’re meeting tonight at seven,” I inform them.

  “What about my studio?” Beacon asks. “Can we see if there’s anything I can use while I live here?”

  As we walk around the property, I realize the land is bigger than I remember. I wonder if I could build a house close to the lake that’s on our property. First, I have to figure out the clinic, though.

  “Are we going to use the barn?” Beacon interrupts my thoughts.

  “That’s up to the others. As far as I know, none of us has animals,” I confirm.

  “Okay then, I’ll use that as my studio.”

  On our way back to The Lodge, I get in touch with Dr. Garrison’s assistant, who sets up an appointment with the good doc tomorrow at seven thirty. Then, I receive a notification that Easton Rodin, the contractor, has replied to my email. He could see me as early as tomorrow morning. I reply explaining what we’re looking for, including the current condition of the house.

  Beacon texts me some of the pictures he took, and I forward them as well. Easton suggests he drops by the house early in the morning to look at it. I tell him that I have an early appointment with someone else, but we can meet once I’m done. He asks if he can start looking at the property while he waits for me, so he can have a timeline and price estimate ready.

  The moment I step into The Lodge, I feel confident that, if Pierce doesn’t find a loophole, I have a chance to start something new—to create a future for Blaire and for me. Not what we planned when we were young, but something that fits who we are now. I know she’s not the same person, but I also know that I still love her.

  None of us asked for this mess, but perhaps there’s a reward at the end of this ordeal. It’ll be more valuable than William’s money. This is my chance to find my own path and not continue the legacy that William left or follow into his shoes.

  Thirteen

  Blaire

  I’d be lying if I said that Hayes getting me ice cream didn’t make my heart beat faster. He still remembers that dessert always comes first. But I sober up quickly when I remember who he really is. He’s not that much different from his father.

  Nothing is permanent for guys like him. I love you forever doesn’t mean much to them. Forever is two years, if you’re lucky. I’m not sure how many hearts he’s broken after mine, but he definitely destroyed me.

  Vance doesn’t say much after finishing his soup and drinking the whole pitcher of orange juice. He goes into the bedroom I assigned him in the suite and shuts the door.

  I march to my own room, change into a pair of pajamas, and plop myself onto the bed. It’s not my soft as a cloud bed, but it’s better than the seat of an airplane.

  Closing my eyes, I hope I fall asleep, instead of tossing and turning for hours while I think about William, the will, and well … Hayes. Thankfully, I’m too tired to even care about them or what my life might be like in thirty days.

  When I wake up, it is already dark outside. I stretch before leaving the bed and go into the suite’s living room. There’s a note on the coffee table from Hayes.

  B,

  We’re meeting at seven in the conference room to have dinner and discuss the move. I want to be ready—in case Pierce can’t find a way to get us out of this mess.

  See you there,

  H.

  This guy is either clueless of what he’s doing to me or just trying to open the wounds of the past. Probably the former, because he didn’t call me love or stardust. Maybe I’m reading too much into his behavior, and this is just the way he operates with everyone.

  I shake off the funk and change into a pair of leggings and a long sweatshirt. Brushing my hair, I choose to leave it down and put on my blue beanie. I slip into a pair of flats and walk down the stairs, instead of using the elevator. Once I reach the main floor, I make a quick note on my phone about asking the maintenance team to change the lightbulbs that are broken.

  When I enter the conference room, there’s a buffet set up in the corner, several laptops on top of the table, and everyone is talking over each other. More like the brothers are yelling at each other. There’s a woman next to Henry eating nachos, while watching the guys with amusement.

  When she spots me, she rises from her seat and walks toward me. She’s a few inches taller than me. At least, that’s what I think, until I spot her killer high heels. She’s beautiful. The definition of classy and elegant. Big brown eyes and long lashes with long curly hair that is darker than mine.

  “You must be Blaire,” she says enthusiastically. “I’m Sophia Aragon, Henry’s assistant.”

 
; “Blaire Wilson, it’s nice to meet you,” I answer, wondering why Henry had to bring her and if she hates me because the asshole can only say ugly things about other people.

  “Please, make sure to get yourself some food. I ordered a taco buffet, but if you—”

  “Tacos are one of my favorites. Thank you for taking care of the food,” I interrupt her, rubbing my hungry stomach. Then I turn my attention toward the center of the room where the five brothers are in a heated conversation with the big monitor on top of the table where Pierce’s face appears. Neither one of them looks happy.

  “How long have they’ve been fighting?”

  “Since Pierce…” she wiggles her nose and taps her chin. “I think he’s the lawyer.”

  She pulls out her phone and shows me her list. “Is this right?”

  Hayes yummy doctor

  Pierce hot lawyer

  Mills I want to eat him hockey player

  Vance broody smoldering (who is he?)

  Beacon heartthrob musician

  I burst into laughter. “That sums them up,” I confirm and hand over the phone.

  “What would it say about Henry?” I ask curiously.

  “Satan’s spawn,” she answers with a smirk. “I thought he was the devil in the flesh, but it sounds like his father was worse.”

  I shrug because I have nothing good to say about William. The first time I met him, he tried to run Hayes and I out of the town. He was a huge asshole with us. The next few times were while Carter was sick—and when he fought me for the trust.

  “What did Pierce say that has them bickering like cockatoos?”

  “That doesn’t sound very manly,” she observes.

  “The best way to tease them is by comparing them with animals,” I say. “It drives them crazy.”

  “That’s good to know,” she says, giving me a mischievous look. “Pierce said, ‘I’m trying, but I think we’re fucked.’”

  My stomach drops because what’s amusing to her is a life sentence to me. Eighteen months with these men.

  “They’re entertaining,” she adds, and I realize she's having a blast observing these morons.

  “They have their moments,” I agree.

  “How long have you known them?” She asks.

  “Since I was seventeen,” I answer. “I met them during my freshman year of college. Carter was moving into the same co-ed dorm that I was. My parents didn’t have time to help, so it was me and thirty-some boxes. Hayes took pity on me and made them help me.”

  “Sounds like the beginning of a nice friendship.”

  “Or a nightmare. They are hot as sin, but vicious when provoked,” I say and walk toward the buffet, picking up a little of everything and a lot of guacamole to go with my chips.

  When I turn to find a place to sit, there’s only one chair available, and it’s right next to Hayes. There’s also a plate set with a flan and a few small churros. I lick my lips, wondering where I can find some of that because there was none on the buffet table. Maybe Sophia can tell me later. Even though I hate to eat my dinner before dessert, I take a seat.

  Hayes pushes the plate with sweets in front of me along with a bowl filled with whipped cream.

  “What are you doing?” I mumble, so only he can hear me.

  He turns to look at me with a confused expression. I tap the dessert, and he smirks. I flash him an angry glare.

  “Finally, Princess Blaire decided to grace us with her presence,” Henry says.

  “Cool it,” Hayes orders. “We just started, and she was resting.”

  “That’s what nights are for,” Henry states bitterly.

  Sophia rolls her eyes and says, “And yet, you use them for work. Stop judging others for not following your habits.”

  “It’s been two weeks since I slept in a bed. You’re lucky I woke up at all,” I explain. “Do you mind doing a recount? Oh, Henry the great.”

  Sophia chuckles, and I realize that I really like her.

  “Don’t encourage her.” Henry glares at me, and I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or Sophia, but, either way, I think she’s his kryptonite, and he hates that more than me.

  “As I mentioned,” Hayes speaks, redirecting the conversation. “We just started this meeting.”

  In no time, they bring me up to speed. Pierce can’t find a way to contest the will or modify the stipulations. If we try to contest the will, we might not be able to stop the lawyers from selling the properties on time. All the contracts are signed, and the deals are almost closed. William thought about everything. Asshole.

  The house where we’re supposed to stay needs a lot of work. They pass along some pictures that Beacon took earlier today. The place is totally rundown and doesn’t have any furniture or appliances.

  Did William know the condition of the place?

  If he planned on shoving us all in there, the least he could do is give us enough time to make it a home.

  “We need a crew to come and perform a miracle,” Hayes explains, giving them an entire list of what the place requires to be livable. “If we hire the right people, it can happen.”

  “I’m not investing a cent in that property,” Pierce protests.

  “We’re all going to live there,” Hayes says in a calm, cool voice. “I’ll pay upfront, and once we move in, we can discuss how much you owe me.”

  “Who is going to see this through?” Henry asks. “I don’t think you understand my situation. You’re asking me to move to this town and manage my father’s businesses, while I manage my own. If I agree to stay here, I only have thirty days to prepare my people for my absence.”

  “I’ll take care of the factory,” Mills says. “I have a business degree. You could give me a hand until I get the hang of it because I don’t have any experience. What else do you need?”

  “Before you continue playing the martyr in this situation,” Hayes speaks. “Let me remind you that we can hire anyone from a CEO to whatever else is required to work for us. You need to delegate, or you won’t last long enough to see this through.”

  “You mean, stop being a control freak?” Sophia asks. “Good luck with that one.”

  Henry clears his throat and glares at her. She gives him an innocent glance.

  “The resort needs a lot of work. Am I supposed to pay for it, or are we all going to pitch in?” Henry asks.

  “Before everyone gets all worked up about who is paying what,” Pierce interrupts, “we can access the assets and cash of the companies if we need it. Jerome Parish, who is the executor of the will, has to approve all the transactions, though.”

  “I’d rather pay for the house from my own money,” Hayes says. “I don’t want the lawyer to be fucking with it because he thinks he has some authority over it.”

  “I agree,” Henry declares. “Anyone in favor of that decision, raise your hand?”

  “As much as I want to raise my hand, I can’t afford fixing the house,” I inform them.

  “You can pay us when you get your cut of the inheritance,” Hayes offers.

  “So, we’re doing it,” Pierce says over the phone.

  “Is there any other option?” asks Vance. “I’d give my fortune to skip this ordeal.”

  “We have to do it,” I repeat. “Unless we want to see the people of this town… Actually, I’m not sure what’s going to happen to them. They’ll have to move to Happy Springs, Portland, or… Do they even have money to relocate and start over?”

  Hayes runs a hand through his thick brown hair and exhales loudly. “We can’t let that happen. It’s no longer about William. It’s about the town.”

  “As I said earlier, we don’t even know them,” Pierce says.

  “That’s not the point,” I speak. “You don’t have to know someone to be kind to them.”

  “In conclusion, we stop living our lives, so the town can survive?” Mills asks. “I mean that’s practically what we’ll be doing.”

  “Did you stop living when you hurt your knee?” Hayes asks
him, and Mills shakes his head in response. “It’s the same thing. We’ll restructure the way we do business, create music, deal with legal cases, and/or care for our patients. We’ll rebuild the house, so we can live comfortably. The contractor in town doesn’t have the infrastructure to renovate the house in thirty days, but he knows enough people to lead the project. I’ll be speaking with him tomorrow.”

  The entire room goes silent, and we all look at Hayes. It seems like he’s been busy working on plan b. If I were Pierce, I’d be pissed because he doubted him. However, I’m me, and it’s hard not to want to kiss him for trying to make this work and thinking about the town. Still, I focus on finishing my delicious churros. I can’t deal with this swoony feeling right now. In fact, I have to push it away.

  “Can he convert the barn into a studio?” Beacon requests.

  “I need the barn,” Pierce interrupts. “Leyla won’t move without the kids. Find another place for your music. That’s mine.”

  “What do you mean by kids?” I ask, slightly confused and horrified. There was no mention of them having children earlier today, and why would they put them in the barn.

  “She has two horses, an alpaca, chickens, and two dogs. They are like her children, and she won’t move to Baker’s Creek without them,” he says. “You can have the barn if she signs the divorce papers before I move in—but I doubt she’ll let me leave, so I can start anew.”

  I wonder about his relationship. He sounds so eager to get a divorce, but the way he came forcefully fighting for the barn for her animals sounded off. As if he was saying, my woman comes first.

  “We can build you a studio, Beacon,” Hayes offers. “You’re allowed to commute. Maybe you can try that until it’s ready.”

  “He can only commute during concerts,” Pierce corrects him.

  “Can I have the garage?” Beacon asks hopeful.

  “Sorry kid, as I told you earlier, we all need a place where we can park our cars. We might even have to expand it,” Hayes says and taps his yellow pad. “Any special requests other than the studio.”