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My stomach growls, just at the thought, and I dash down the hall, straight to the bathroom.
I take no time at all to shower, and I braid my hair rather than drying it, because it’s quicker, and then put on the jeans I was wearing yesterday, and another top. I’m going to have to think about some new clothes, I suppose… but not right this minute.
Right this minute, the smell of bacon is driving me insane, and I go straight back to the kitchen, where Mom’s just transferring the eggs to the plates.
“I thought I’d head into Portland this morning, if that’s okay.” I look at her as I’m speaking and she nods her head.
“That’s fine.”
“You don’t mind me taking the car?”
“Of course not. We were planning a lazy morning, anyway.”
“What are you going for?” Dad asks.
“A new phone… and I might see if I can pick up some clothes, too. Is there anything you need me to get while I’m out?”
“I can’t think of anything,” Mom says.
“But you will, five minutes after Livia’s gone.”
“Yeah, and because I don’t have a phone, you won’t be able to call and tell me.”
Mom chuckles. “I can see the value of you getting a new one now.”
We finish eating and, although I offer to help clear away, Mom won’t hear of it and insists I go out and enjoy myself shopping. I don’t have the heart to tell her I’m not capable of enjoying myself, but I thank her anyway and pick up my purse and Mom’s keys before I call, “Goodbye,” to them both and head out the door.
I’m halfway to the garage when I hear footsteps behind me, coming up the path, and I turn, gasping, when I see Hunter, striding toward me. He’s wearing stonewashed jeans and a pale gray t-shirt. They’re the kind of clothes he usually wears when we’re in Newport, and for a moment, I’m mesmerized by him… by the pain in his eyes, which I know matches my own. I’m still not ready for this, though, and I turn back toward the front door.
“Don’t… please.” He reaches out and grabs my arm, stopping me. “Please, Livia.”
He sounds desperate, but what right does he have to take that tone with me, after everything he said and did?
“Let me go, Hunter.”
He doesn’t, but instead he turns me around, taking hold of my hand rather than my arm. “Don’t ask that of me. I can’t let you go.”
“You didn’t seem to have a problem with it on Friday, in your office.”
He sucks in a sharp breath, like something hurt him deeply. “I know… and I’m sorry.”
At that moment, the front door opens, and Hunter startles, stepping back and releasing my hand. I turn and see my father, who looks from me to Hunter before he steps outside, leaning heavily on his walking stick. Mom’s behind him, and as he starts toward us, she puts a hand on his shoulder.
“Leave it, Connor. Come back inside. Livia can handle this.”
Dad shakes his head, glaring at Hunter, his face darkening. “You’re Hunter Bennett?” he says.
“Yes.”
“I’m Connor Hopkins. Livia’s father. Not her natural father, you understand, but her father, nonetheless. I—I gather you think my d—daughter might have gained employment in your company and started a relationship with you, in order to d—defraud you.” Mom must have told Dad about our conversation, and he narrows his eyes, stepping forward slightly. “If you truly believe that, young man, you don’t know L—Livia at all… and you’re certainly not worthy of her. For your information, the man who cheated your father hasn’t been a part of Livia’s life since she was a baby.”
“So Ken Bevan is her father? Her natural father, I mean?” Hunter turns his gaze on me, looking confused.
“Yes, he is. B—But what difference does that make?” Dad says, raising his voice slightly. “It doesn’t excuse your b—behavior, if that’s what you’re thinking. Livia wasn’t even aware of his existence until she came back here on Friday afternoon, crying her heart out, because you’d fired her, and she didn’t understand why. H—Her mother and I had kept her identity a secret from her because we wanted to p—protect her… and if we were wrong in doing that, then we’re sorry. For Livia. Not for you.”
“Connor, darling… calm down.” Mom tugs at his shoulder again. “Please stop this before you have another stroke.”
Something flips in my head… a need to protect my dad, I guess, and I step in front him, facing Hunter, but putting myself between them.
