“Sounds very good.”
****
And things are good, very good. Until Friday, when I say fuck it and leave early around four. I have to be at a work dinner at eight tonight, and a client’s launch party Saturday that starts at six, but I won’t get there until after seven. Already, I’m resenting not getting home to Holly until late. Once I’m home, I don’t see Holly, but I hear her phone go off in her room. I know she usually reads in her room once she’s done for the day.
“Hey, Amelia, nothing much. I’m just reading the book for the book club on Saturday.”
There’s silence for a few minutes.
“Umm, I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.”
More silence.
“Okay, no, I won’t do that either.”
Amelia’s response is much longer.
Before Holly’s voice had been soft now she sounds pissed. “No, I’m not going to lie to Ethan. One, I don’t lie to people I care about, it always comes back to bite you in the ass and two, I’m not a good liar. Ethan would see right through me and he won’t be forgiving about it. Didn’t you tell him just a few days ago you were going to be an adult? Tell him you have plans on Sunday with your guy, or maybe we can all have brunch together where you finally introduce them. Since Ethan doesn’t usually take me out, we can do it here. I doubt he’ll listen to me much, but two buffers between Ethan and the guy are better than one. Your brother cares about you. I get he’s not the sweetest guy about it, but I believe what he told you. He isn’t trying to control you, he’s trying to protect you. Don’t hold that against him.”
Silence for less than thirty seconds.
Now Holly sounds sad. “That is a low, fucking blow. You know what, Amelia? Fuck you. You are such a fucking child. You go on and on about Ethan not treating you like an adult. It’s because you never fucking act like one.”
Fucking Amelia. I walk into Holly’s room to find her in a ball her eyes are filled with tears but she looks like she’s trying to keep from crying. Without hesitation, I lay on the bed and pull her into my arms. Her arms go around my neck, she sniffles. “I’m sorry I called Amelia a bitch.”
“You didn’t, you just told her to fuck off. However, you were well within your rights to call her a bitch. What she asked of you wasn’t fair. You said ‘no’ nicely more than once. But that’s Amelia, she’s always pushing to get her own way. Do you want to tell me what she wanted you to lie about? You don’t have to. I’m simply happy you weren’t willing to. I’m glad to know your policy on lying.” I squeeze her tightly to assure her.
“She wanted me to tell you we had brunch, then shopping plans for basically the whole morning and afternoon on Sunday. Essentially, she and her boyfriend, even though she shied away from the title, are doing the brunch thing then movies. Since they both work a lot, Sunday is one of the few days they can get together.” She snuggles into me with a sigh. “What are you doing home so early? Not that I’m complaining.” A hand goes down my chest.
“I have a client dinner tonight at eight. The guy’s a nice man, however he always keeps the meeting going until at least midnight. I don’t want you waiting up, because if you did, I’d keep you up way too late.” She laughs. Fuck, her laughter makes my chest ache. “When I come home, I do want to find you in my bed.” It’s an order.
“Yes, lord and master Bishop. Dressed or undressed?”
“Guess.”
Holly giggles like a little girl and I’ve never heard anything so cute in my life. My arms tighten around her. “I’m sorry I listened in on your conversation. I should have let you know I was here. However, I won’t say I’m sorry to learn you’ll never lie to me. You’re right, you’re as clear as glass and I hate liars.”
“It is your home and it’s okay. Lying only ends up getting you all tangled up trying to keep everything in order. You’re right though, I’m horrible at lying. I was always so sure my dad knew I was lying. I think I’m still sure people can tell.”
“Feeling better?”
“Yeah, sorry I got all weepy on you.”
Squeezing her tight, I shake my head. “No apologies. If anything, I should be apologizing for Amelia.”
“You home in the middle of the day feels like a special treat even if you’ll be gone tonight. How about I give you a special treat?” She asks as she unzips my pants.
Damn, I’m lucky.
Chapter Twenty One
When my phone rings and I see it’s Amelia, I’m happy. I hate the idea of being at odds with her. I had given in to lunch, but it had been stilted and uncomfortable, without our usual goodbye hug. Then she starts talking. Asking me to tell Ethan that on Sunday we’ll be out for brunch then shopping. The idea of lying to Ethan is wrong, no way. When I tell her no, she asks for me to simply agree with her version of the day. She’ll give me her card, I can spend it shopping or at the bookstore. Not going along with her makes her angry. She goes on and on about how she helped me land Ethan. I owe her at least th
is one little lie. It’s no big deal, just go along with her.
Now, I’m annoyed. I don’t like lying, period. I never lie to the people I care about, the truth always comes out. It makes me angry to hear her talk like I owe her and maybe in a way I do, but not at the cost of what I have with Ethan. Then she says if I didn’t like lying, then why haven’t I told Ethan I was in love with him?
That’s when I lost it, saying horrible things I could barely remember. When Ethan’s arms come around me, I melt in relief. I love it when Ethan holds me, he’s so strong, vital, and he makes me feel safe every time. My world is right when I’m in Ethan’s arms.