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“He’s like a brother to me. Just like Garrett.”
“I’d love to meet him. And all your other friends too. Your dad had quite the list.”
I nod but remain silent. We’re years away from that if it ever happens.
“So, who was that guy you were talking to? He’s a hottie.” She nudges my shoulder with hers like we’re best friends.
I shrug. “He works for Dad and Uncle Mike.”
“He seemed quite smitten with you. Is there more than just friendship there?”
“No.” It comes out harsh, so I fake smile to soften it.
“Is it because of Luke?”
I press my lips together.
“I hope you know you can talk to me about him. The men you surround yourself with can’t understand what you’re going through.”
I narrow my gaze at her. “They understand just fine.”
She shrugs. “It might be nice to have a woman’s perspective. But if you’re not ready for that, I understand.”
I sigh as we take a step forward in line. My dad and Garrett sit with their legs sprawled out in front of them as they watch us. I hate that she’s right. While I adore Garrett and the guys back home, I haven’t been able to talk about Luke. It was even hard with Vera because she was so close to Brando.
“He broke my heart. I trusted him, and he betrayed me. It’s not something I can just snap my fingers and get over.”
Her face falls, and she adjusts her hat. “Livvie, I’m sorry I broke your trust at such a young age. It’s probably not helping with your current situation, and I’m so sorry about that, honey. I wasn’t thinking about anyone but myself back then. I promise to do better.”
We stare at each other until the line moves. I step forward as I struggle how to respond. Of all the apologies she made so far, this one hits me the hardest. Is she the reason I can’t get over what Luke did?
She must sense my discomfort because she changes the subject. “But anyway, maybe the hot guy can help you move on? You know what they say. Nothing helps you get over your ex like the next guy,” she winks, and I offer a polite chuckle.
I catch sight of Charlie as he chats with a group of guys. He turns in my direction, and I know he’s watching me through his sunglasses. His lip curves up on the side and he returns to his friends. We’re both drawn to each other like magnets, but it’s different from the way Luke pulled me in. It seems silly, but it’s like I’m under a spell. My thoughts get swept away and I’m ruled by nothing more than hormones and baser instincts. I have zero control, which should scare me, but Charlie only ever makes me feel safe.
“Charlie and I are just friends.”
She takes the hint and remains silent for a minute as we move up in line again. “I’m sorry for what Luke put you through, Liv. But I can tell you from experience, forgiveness will set you free. Your dad forgave me and look how happy we both are.”
“You left dad for selfish reasons. Luke left me to protect me. Even though he betrayed me, his intentions were pure. It’s not the same.”
She nods. “You’re right. But if your dad can forgive my selfishness, it should be easy for you to forgive Luke.”
I walked right into that one. She rests her hand on my arm. “You don’t have to forgive him. That’s your choice. I just think you’d be happier if you did. Even if you don’t get back together, at least you could move on.”
I’m annoyed that she knows me so well already, but I let it go. It’s our turn to order, so we pick up the hotdogs. “Dad likes mustard and—” she brings the hotdog up to the barbeque sauce pump. “Barbeque sauce. I remember his disgusting condiment preferences,” she says, and I can’t help but laugh.
I drown Garrett’s hot dog in ketchup and relish, then put mustard on my own.
She grins and we return to the dock. They make room for us as we pass over the food. “Don’t you think Liv and her new friend would make a cute couple?” Barbara asks my dad, winking at me.
My dad halts mid bite and glares at me. “What friend?”
Barbara gestures in Charlie’s direction. “What’s his name?”
“Charlie,” I say.
My dad looks over at him and narrows his gaze. “Really? You like him?” he asks.
