AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Always.” I kiss his cheek and hug him.
His arms around my body are warm and comforting. It’s a grounding feeling I need right now. My heart is skipping several beats each minute from being in Marchant’s presence. And not because he’s fairly good-looking, but because I can feel him studying me and looking right through me.
I take a tentative seat next to Dad and listen in as they continue their conversation. Salmon fishing plans, bingo at the local hall, the farmer’s market this weekend… They glaze over topic after topic, even mentioning the NFL draft before Mom whisks Dad away for his medication.
Now, alone, Marchant’s focus is solely on me. “How are you, Liv?”
“I’m good,” I reply.
“So good you forgot your shoes?”
“It happens to the best of us. You should ask my grandmother.”
A smile curves his lips. “Your mom mentioned you’re seeing someone.”
“That’s right.”
“And how’s that going?”
I sit up straight and stare into his eyes. “I’m not here for an impromptu therapy session, March. I’m not eighteen anymore. I have a handle on my addiction.”
Silence buzzes between us.
“Do you?” he asks honestly, genuinely.
I suck on the inside of my bottom lip. “Mostly. Sometimes.”
“Want to talk about it?”
I raise my eyebrows, and he holds his hands up.
“I won’t charge you.” He winks. “No, I’m genuinely interested in how you’re coping, Liv. And to let you know that, if you need an impartial friend to discuss it with, I’m here.”
I study him for a minute. His eyes are soft and compassionate. He’s leaning back in his chair, his hands resting on his legs. He means it. Just to talk.
And I feel the burning desire to talk to someone who doesn’t know but understands. Someone who truly can make sense of everything for me.
The words tumble from me softly. From how we met, to our constant run-ins, to our ‘safe’ agreement. From the dangerous feelings to where we are now. How all of it makes me feel.
“And he’s gone until tomorrow night?”
I nod. “I won’t see him until Monday, but I’ll be busy working to open the new bar, so I don’t even know when.” I run my fingers through my hair.
“Is this the first time you’ve been apart since you accepted how you’re feeling?”
Another nod. “Yes.”
“And that feels…”
I meet his eyes. “Being apart from him is like someone’s torn my soul out and is shredding it right in front of my eyes.”
He blinks, my words throwing him off. Hell, they throw me off. No matter how true they are, I’m constantly surprised by the strength of my feelings for Tyler. I’m constantly surprised by how they consume me.
I take a deep breath and stand. “I have to go. I’m sorry.”
“Wait.” Marchant stands and hands me a card from his pocket. “You ever feel the need for a coffee, call me.”
You ever feel the need for a free therapy session over coffee, call me.
