Page 65 of Painted Truths

ALEX: I was trying to keep you safe from him. If he thought you were mine, he’d have backed off. He SHOULD have backed off!

ALEX: Liv?

ALEX: You know I’d never hurt you, right?

Alex lying is hurtful, but it is his keeping it from me that I’ve found so strange. So unlike him, it makes me wonder what he isn’t telling me and if, maybe, it would change how I feel towards either brother.

Whatever his reasons, I can’t wait to see him face to face to do this. He needs to know what he’s interfering with.

ME: Your brother is my McHottie. From two years ago.

ME: And I need time to figure this all out on my own. I understand your concern, Alex, whatever your issues with Henry are, and I won’t press you for that, but I need to be able to make my own mistakes. To follow my own heart, even when it goes against what you want for me. So please, unless it's work-related, I need a breather, okay?

ME: I love you.

And just as I’d asked, there are no replies, even though I know I’ve hurt him deeply with my words. And no doubt with my disclosure that should have come before now, but if I don’t figure out my feelings and Henry’s true intentions by myself, I just know, in my heart, I’ll regret it forever.

Despite my words with Alex, I am aloof and purposely obtuse in the exchanged emails with Henry, and thankfully, he is away on business for the first part of the week, so the emails are the only contact we have.

Well, those and a small delivery of one little gift box that I make Freya open, her mouth falling open in awe when she reveals a beautiful rose gold necklace inside. Held within is a single large rectangular cut gem that seems to glow and sparkle with a range of pinkish hues reminiscent of a setting sun in the middle of tiny dark blue gems that I know if compared side-by-side will be the exact colour of my eyes.

It is, hands down, the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received, and it brings a lump to my throat at his thoughtfulness while simultaneously chipping away at my wavering resolve.

Sender: Enrico DeMarco, CEO @[email protected]

Recipient: Olivia Parker @[email protected]

Subject: Favourite Song

I don’t know what you think happened with Andrea, but I can guarantee you, you’re the only woman on my mind.

Indulge me, please, Peach. I’m surrounded by boring wankers, and all I can think of are your stormy eyes. Sat in a meeting with EarPods in, listening to my favourite song.

I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours.

H

Sender: Olivia Parker @[email protected]

Recipient: Enrico DeMarco, CEO @[email protected]

Subject: RE: Favourite Song

If you could hear me right now, I’m sighing. Loudly.

Only the fact I’m being forced to sit in a meeting with the dinosaur, aka Ryan, I wouldn’t even entertain your absurd email.

My favourite song is Mabel’s Don’t Call Me Up.

Get. A. Clue…

Sender: Enrico DeMarco, CEO @[email protected]

Recipient: Olivia Parker @[email protected]

Subject: RE: RE: Favourite Song

That’s a decent tune. I think her uncle’s Save Tonight is more our pace, though, Peach. No?