44

Liliana

“So there’s nothing going on that I need to know about?” Charity stared at me from where she sat behind her desk. “I’m just trying to be sure, Liliana.”

She’d summoned me into her office first thing. I felt like my insides were going to shake apart as I sat there.

She’d asked what was going on with Alistair and Julian at Hard Rock yesterday. I didn’t give details, but I pointed out that they had a history of tension and had only recently started to get along again.

She didn’t outright ask me if I was seeing Alistair. I knew that’s what she was really asking. But because she didn’t ask point blank if I was dating or sleeping with Alistair, I felt like I could say no—nothing was going on that she needed to know about.

Deep down, I knew it was a lie. Or at best, a lie by omission. But I didn’t feel like I could or should tell her.

“No. Everything’s fine. Alistair intends to talk to Julian soon and smooth things over.” I swallowed hard, trying to push down the guilt it was causing me to say those things. “They often have words with each other. That’s just been their relationship for years.”

“Alistair seemed pretty worked up over Julian talking to you, that’s all.” She stared at me, waiting for an answer.

“He knows what went on between me and Julian when we were together. He’s just being protective.” Not a complete lie, but certainly not the truth.

Charity said, “Okay. Just making sure. You will come to me if anything arises, yes?”

“Of course,” I assured her, then I hurried back to my desk.

I kept to myself for the rest of the day, mostly because of guilt. But I did have a lot of work to finish too. The tasting event was the next day, and I was determined that everything would be perfect.

As I left for the day, planning to go to Alistair’s with my clothes for the event, I saw Julian standing next to my car.

One more day, Liliana. Just keep him happy for one more day, then Alistair’s going to talk to him.

“Hey. What’s up?” I said as cheerfully as I could.

“I wanted to apologize. Again,” he said with a sheepish grin.

“You already did, Julian. I accepted your apology, so there’s no—”

“And I wanted to tell you that I’ve never gotten over you,” he blurted, then he looked at me with pleading eyes.

I wanted to call Alistair. I wanted to be with Alistair. But I wasn’t going to storm off, no matter what Julian said. I wanted to resolve our past like mature adults.

“It’s all water under the bridge. I’ve moved past it, Julian. I hope you will too,” I said sincerely.

“I know our breakup was my fault, and I’ve regretted that every day since,” he continued.

“You cheated on me, Julian. I don’t think you cherished our relationship as much as you imagine now,” I explained calmly.

“Like I said, biggest mistake of my life.” He stepped closer. “And I’m here to ask you for another chance. Can you give me that, Liliana?”

Alistair mentioned that morning that he’d broken up with Felicity, because I’d asked where she’d been the day before. I still hadn’t expected this.

“I cared about you, Julian. I still do,” I said honestly. “But no. I’m not prepared to do that. I’ve moved on and you need to do the same.”

The innocent, soft expression he’d worn turned suspicious and hard.

“Is there something going on between you and Alistair?”

“What?” I tried to breathe slowly to keep myself calm. I stared at him, unsure of how to respond. “Julian, I—if you—”

“Fuck,” he hissed, shaking his head. “Moved on with my brother, you mean.”

I hadn’t meant to let it show on my face. But his question had caught me off-guard.
“Julian, wait!” I said, rushing after him, but he was already in his car speeding away.

I dialed Alistair as I got into my car, taking deep, slow breaths while I waited for him to answer. It was his voicemail.

“Julian just asked me if there was something going on between us, Alistair. Please call me when you get this,” I said.

Then I waited for my heartbeat to slow enough that I no longer felt faint, and I drove away, hoping that Julian didn’t do or say anything stupid while he was upset.