She knocks on the front door, and within seconds, I can hear someone on the other side, unlocking it. “Bristol!” Her mom pulls her in for a hug.
“Mom, you can let go now,” Bristol says with a laugh and her mom releases her grip.
“Hi, I’m Liam.” I hold out my hand to introduce myself.
“Emerson. Yes, I remember you.” Her introduction is short as she glances me over and I’m not sure if she’s about to slam the door in my face. She then smiles and pulls me in for a hug. “So, you two are friends now?” She glances from me to her daughter, awaiting an explanation.
“Something like that,” Bristol says with a laugh. “Liam is my boyfriend.”
“Come inside out of the cold.” Her mom ushers us into the house, and I remove my shoes along with my coat. “You two are dating? Since when?”
How close is she with her mom?
“Since none of your business.” Bristol laughs nervously, and I want to kiss her, but I refrain from doing anything that might make her uncomfortable. “It’s new. Can we stop with the millions of questions, please?”
I’m relieved Bristol is forcing her mom to change the subject.
“Fine. Fine. I’ll leave it alone.” She ushers us into the kitchen where Kyler Greyson, Bristol’s father, is cooking dinner.
To be honest, I kind of expected a billionaire to have a staff, at the very least someone to answer the door, like a butler, and a chef.
“Bristol, I’m so glad to see you.” He turns around, giving his daughter a hug. “And who do we have here?”
“Liam Moretti,” I say, offering my hand to introduce myself.
Kyler is wearing an apron. He doesn’t look nearly as intimidating as I imagined him to be, but coming face-to-face with him, I’m still out of my league.
He removes the apron and hangs it in the pantry. “I was just getting dinner started. Do you eat brisket?”
“Yeah, that sounds great. Can I give you a hand?” I offer Kyler.
“That isn’t necessary,” Emerson says, grabbing a seat at the countertop. “You’re our guest.”
I don’t point out that the question was intended for her father. I force a polite smile as Bristol sits a seat away from her mom, leaving one small stool in the middle for me. No, thanks. I’d rather not squeeze between those two. I opt to stand, at least for now.
“I have to say, I do appreciate all you’ve done for my daughter, keeping an eye on her and keeping me informed as well.” Kyler glances at me, and Bristol’s smile vanishes from her face.
“Dad! I didn’t invite Liam over so the two of you could harass me.” She folds her arms across her chest, her eyes glowering at Kyler.
I’m glad I’m not on the receiving end of that anger right now.
“You’re right. I’m sorry,” Kyler apologizes. “But I did invite you over for dinner. I wanted to tell you myself, before you hear it on the news.”
Bristol glances at me, worry mounting on her face. I step up from behind, resting my hands reassuringly on her shoulders, trying to silently let her know that I’m here to support her.
“Your mother and I have been discussing a change for a while now.”
I can’t see Bristol’s features as she faces her father, but her shoulders tense.
“Mom already left New York. She’s been living here. That’s quite a change.” Bristol gestures to the house and glances from her mother to her father. “Are you getting divorced?”
“What?” Kyler’s face goes ghastly at the question. “Of course not! Why would you even think that, Bristol?”
“Mom lives here. You live in New York City. It seems like you’re separated or something.” Bristol leans back and I wrap my arm around her, giving her a hug.
“Sweetheart, we’re not getting divorced.” Emerson turns to face her daughter. “Your father and I just want to be closer to you.”
“But what about the team? The Ice Dragons are in New York,” Bristol says, shaking her head. “I don’t understand. Your dream is owning the hockey team. You’re not giving it up, are you?” Her voice raises an octave, and I can hear the concern in her tone.
