“It sucks that you were made to feel like you weren’t enough back then. That you thought you needed to prove to the world and yourself that youareenough. But I promise you, without even trying, you are. Hell, I’ve only known you a few days, and even I can tell that you are nothing short of incredible. I’m confident that your Pop, Gram, Viv, the people you surround yourself with, can see it too. Even when you can’t.”
Her tears fall freely now. Liv releases a sob, covering her face.
I pull her into me, wrapping my arms around her shaking shoulders. Liv’s arms wrap around my waist, gripping my shirt like a lifeline. With her face buried against my chest, silent tears soak my shirt. I run my fingers in long strokes up and down her back and rest my chin on her head. Breathing in her jasmine and vanilla scent, it’s not lost on me how perfectly she fits against my chest.
Liv pulls away from me, swiping at her cheeks.
“I hired a private investigator to find my mom, and he delivered.I didn’t know what my plan was going to be when he found her. I mean, Pop doesn’t talk about her—I think it’s difficult for him to be estranged from his only daughter.” Liv chuckles, a self depreciating sound.
“Honestly, I feel so stupid for crying over her because I hardly knew her—aside from what I told you. And what I remember isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy.”
“It’s understandable that you’re sad. You don’t need to explain or justify it. Not to me, not to anyone.” I push the hair from her face and tuck it behind her ear.
“I think I’m sadder at the idea that I will never get to know her. Like I’m mourning the loss of something that can never be, you know?”
I do. I know that feeling well.
She dabs at her cheeks then picks up her glasses and puts them back on. “Thanks”—she waves her hand between us—“for this. I feel better.”
“Anytime, Trip.”
“You’re surprisingly sweet for a guy.” She stands and waits for me to stand too.
“Wow! Your complimenting skills… Damn girl, they are top-notch. Top-notch.” I chef-kiss my fingers, and she laughs—reallylaughs. The sound tickles the edges of my heart, sending a rush of satisfaction coursing through me.
She drags her hand down her face. “There’s no saving face after that.”
It’s adorable how self-conscious she can be. Her cheeks are growing redder by the second, and she just keeps shaking her head, hiding her face in her hands.
“It’s all good. I think I know what you meant, and if I’m wrong, I’m gonna pretend I did anyway.” I pull her hands from her face, and she looks up at me with a sheepish smile.
And here we are.
Alone on the dock.
Just the two of us. Face to face.
“How about some coffee?”
“Ohhhh. Yes,please,” she mutters, turning and walking down the dock toward the house.
The words come out breathy and a little pleading, and it sends my nervous system reeling. I run my hands through my hair and take a deep calming breath, following her toward the house.
Twenty-Six
WE ALL KNOW THAT’S NOT A THING
Liv
Rachel: I have a day off from the Cafe! Any chance you ladies want to grab lunch?
Viv: Say less!
Me: Yeah, I need a debrief. Time and place?
Rachel: How about the Tavern at 12:30? They make a chicken sandwich that is to die for.
Viv: Oooooh. Yum.
