“Nothing.I had meetings.”My tone is flat, disinterested.
“You could have rescheduled.”
“No, I couldn’t.”I glance down at the time and then at my cousin, realizing there’s only one way to shut this down.“But I am going.”
Morgan quirks a brow and a ding announces the elevator’s arrival.“You are?”
“Yes.The jet will be back tonight and I’ll be in Montreal tomorrow.”I brush her to the side and step into the elevator.“Have a good day, Morgan.”
18
Paige
The fresh earthy smells of basil and mushroom waft through the air and if I didn’t know where to find Sam and Mom, I’d follow my nose.Padding barefoot toward the kitchen, I smile happily.
Mom and Sam are busy laying out small bowls along the countertop filled with toppings for our homemade pizzas, a family tradition started by Sam.It’s been a while since we’ve done this, and I’ve missed it.
It’s been a little over twenty-four hours since I left Toronto and I’m glad I came.At first, it was a bit bumpy with their many questions about my landlord, my lawyer, and Zach.But once I reassured them that everything was under control and I even added Drew into our conversation via video, they settled down.
Sharing with them news of my self-defense classes also helped.I never wanted to feel as helpless as I did every time Joel Hummel came into my home.Walker had been the one to tell me of a really good instructor and Morgan was more than willing to come with me.
All in all, being with my parents and away from billionaires, creepy landlords, and everything else, I’m feeling settled and more like myself.
“Yes!Pizza.Do you have artichokes?”I pop a black olive into my mouth and savor the salty flavor.
Leaving Zach the way I did wasn’t my finest moment.I could have handled it better.I like him, and in a short time he has become a friend of sorts and dangerously close to becoming someone I could count on.And that’s why I had to leave.
“How can you even ask?”Sam feigns mock insult.“Paiges, I’ve got your back.”
I laugh, loving his pet name for me, and give him a side hug.“Of course you do.Thank you.”
When I first met Sam, I was sixteen and clueless about the culinary delights of the world.He introduced me to my first artichoke, among many other things.Totally taken with him—my mom’s new and very attractive boyfriend—I pretty much did or tried anything he suggested.
In fact, that first time we made pizzas, I picked every topping he did whether I’d ever tried it or not.He could have sprinkled the pies with manure and I would have said “yes, please.”
“I think we have everything.”Mom surveys the array of little bowls brimming with all kinds of toppings.
I stand in front of one of the three pizza stones, ready.Mom hands me a glass of wine and at the same time there’s a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Sam says.“You get started.Livvy, you know what I like.”
Needing no further encouragement, I lick my lips at the white doughy goodness and spread the vibrant sauce in a circular motion.Grabbing a handful of cheese, I sprinkle it onto the tomato-red canvas as Sam enters the kitchen.
“Look who’s here.”
Absently, I lift my head, preparing to get back to my task, but freeze at the sight of Zach standing next to Sam.A small leather bag is firmly in one hand and he meets my surprise with a devilishly sexy grin.
“Hello.”His voice is tender and inviting.
No surprise, he’s well-dressed and stylish in a custom charcoal suit that he’s probably been in for more than ten hours, but somehow manages to look as if he only just put it on.
My legs wobble and with a thunk, I drop the metal spoon filled with tomato sauce back into the bowl, hardly comprehending what I’m seeing.“Zach?What are you doing here?”
“Honey, is that any way to greet him?”Mom wipes her hands on a towel while advancing on Zach.“I’m Olivia, Paige’s mother.It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Hello, Olivia.I’m Zach and it’s great to finally meet you, too.”He looks from Mom to Sam.“Thank you for having me in your home.”
“Any time.”Sam pats him on the shoulder and saunters over to a large bowl resting on the counter, covered with a damp cloth.
