Loving Liberty

by Belinda Boring

  “Just friends?” The second those two words escaped, I cringed. That was one of the problems with talking so openly with Oliver, I became relaxed enough that I didn’t think before I spoke.

  “I’ll be there for you in any way you’ll let me.”

  It wasn’t exactly a yes or no response. I wanted to ask him to clarify, but my nerves had already taken a beating. “I’m glad we met. I have a feeling that even though I still think you’re dangerous, you just may save me.” I finished my comment with a yawn.

  “You’ll save yourself and I’ll be the one cheering you on as you do it.”

  “I swear you’re too good to be true. Is it sad that I’m still not used to being treated this . . .” My tired brain tried finding the right word.

  “Well? Nicely? Like you matter?” There was a hard edge underlying his response.

  “Yeah. Like I don’t have to constantly prove myself or dodge hidden barbs.”

  “I’m going to be honest with you here. I know I said I wouldn’t add any pressure and that I’d let you make your own choices. I don’t want to be like everyone else in your life, but hearing you say that . . .” There was no mistaking his anger. “I want to come get you right now and protect you from them. Just say the word and I’m there.”

  I didn’t know what to say. Part of me wanted to ask him what the word was so I could scream it. Part of me whispered to be careful—that those who seemed too good to be true, often were. Instead I yawned again, loud enough that he heard it.

  “I should let you go. You have school tomorrow, right?”

  “Yeah, and then the date with Andrew.” I could’ve sworn I heard a low growl come from him. “My goal is to be totally unimpressive so he never wants to see me again.”

  “Or you could just say no.”

  “Oliver . . .”

  “I know, I know. I just hate knowing you’ll be out with him when you could be talking on the phone with me. Promise me you’ll call if something happens. I can be there pretty quickly. You know . . . be your knight in shining armor.”

  I laughed out loud at the image. “Deal. Maybe I can eat like a pig and he’ll be so disgusted he’ll ask for the check immediately.”

  “Wipe your mouth on his sleeve,” Oliver added.

  “It’s just one date. How bad can it be?”

  “I hope you don’t find out. If he makes a move on you or acts in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable, you tell me.”

  A wide grin spread across my face hearing the protective, almost possessive threat. Even though I was nervous about going tomorrow night, knowing Oliver was merely a phone call away took the edge off. The idea of him punching Andrew for being a jerk was icing on the cake. “I promise. I don’t think he will; but if he does, you can go cave man on him and defend my honor.” I couldn’t stop laughing.

  “I’ll say it again. No one treats you that way. Not if I have any say in it.”

  “Thanks for chatting with me, tonight. I like learning more about you. I still have more questions, but they’ll need to wait until I can keep my eyes open.” I mumbled between yawns.

  “Sweet dreams,” Oliver spoke softly. “Oh, and Liberty? My father did try to stop me with threats. I kept walking and chose me instead. Night.”

  There was a small click as he hung up and I dropped my phone beside me. He’d definitely given me a lot to think about. Oliver had openly declared I was important to him and that he cherished our friendship.

  I’ll be there for you in any way you’ll let me.

  I was definitely falling in love with him and I was surprised that it didn’t scare me as much as I thought it would. It was more thrilling than terrifying. Even the idea of kissing Oliver sent shivers through me.

  I settled back into bed and closed my eyes. His face danced before me as memories sparked. It was insane how strongly we’d connected, how alive I felt around him. Whatever was building between us was forbidden—forbidden by my parents—but my heart didn’t care. It joined with the rebellious voice in my head that shouted to hold on to Oliver tightly, and never let go.

  The phone buzzed again, causing me to jump.

  “Hey, forget something?” I answered, not bothering to look at the screen. It was already late and I rarely got calls after nine.

  “Hello? Liberty?” A male voice asked. It sounded somewhat familiar, but I couldn’t quite place who it was and didn’t recognize the number when I glanced at the screen.

  “Yes. Can I help you?”

  “This is Andrew.” Just like that, the euphoric afterglow of talking with Oliver came crashing down.

  “Oh. Hi Andrew. I wasn’t expecting your call. Are you cancelling tomorrow night’s dinner?” I asked, trying not to sound hopeful.

  “Heaven’s no. I’m looking forward to dinner as much as you are. I know it’s late, but I just wanted to remind you I’d be by to pick you up promptly at seven o’clock. I detest being late, so please be on time. Your mother assured me she’d see that you’re kept on schedule.”

  I wanted to hang up. There were so many things wrong with this conversation; from assuming I was excited to him thinking I was naturally a tardy person who needed help. If this was just a glimpse into how tomorrow evening was going to be, even ten minutes with Andrew would be too long.

  “I’ll be on time. Thanks for calling,” I answered, sarcastically, signaling I was ready to end the conversation.

  “I’m not done, Liberty. I also wanted to add that we’ll be dining where a lot of my clients and prospective clients will be. I trust you’ll be suitably dressed. It was something I forgot to discuss with your mother.”

  Really? “Then you’ll be happy to know she picked out my clothes,” I assured him, through gritted teeth.

  “Good. Good. Then I’ll see you tomorrow.” Without anything further, Andrew hung up, leaving me glaring at my phone.

  “What a pompous jerk!” I exclaimed to the empty room.

  It struck me hard just how different my two phone calls had been. In one, I’d been treated like an equal and another as though I couldn’t string two words together without the help of my parents. It was frustrating to be treated like a child, especially from someone my family hoped I would marry.

  I wouldn’t marry Andrew Hampton if he was the last man on earth. That arrogant . . . grrrr! I thought, angrily.

  The only good thing about the conversation was that I hadn’t been my usual, polite self. Andrew may not have acknowledged it, the sarcastic comment about who was dressing me, but it felt good. It was one small step forward for the genuine me.

  Placing my phone on the charger, I let out one last angry sigh before lying back in bed.

  I’d survived years of being treated like this, so one more night wasn’t going to kill me.

  I just hoped I didn’t end up wanting to throttle him.

  Chapter Eleven

  “He’s here. Stand up straight, Liberty. And for goodness sake, smile.”

  It had been like this for the last two hours; a constant stream of critique and ordering about. You would think she was preparing me to meet the Queen of England, for all her fussing.

  “Erica, go tell your father Andrew is here.”

  Erica had been a steady black cloud the whole afternoon, watching from the wings as I grudgingly got dressed. I’d have given anything to change places with her, but anytime I tried suggesting it, our mother had shot it down. Now that he was finally at our doorstep, there was nothing left to do but go with the flow.

  To get through the prodding and primping, I daydreamed it was Oliver picking me up for dinner. He’d come to the door and be greeted warmly, my father shaking his hand while my mother commented on how great his manners were. There was no chance of it ever happening, but it made this all bearable.

  “Good evening, Mrs. Montgomery. You have a lovely home.” Andrew’s strong baritone announced him.

  “Oh, please. Call me Patricia.” I wanted to roll my eyes at how it made my mother blush and how she raised her ha
nd to her throat, pleased.

  “Okay then, Patricia.” His smile was fake like the rest of him.

  Erica looked on longingly as my father came out from his study and slapped Andrew on the back, in greeting.

  “How’s business, Andrew? I hear nothing but amazing things about your future. Sure I can’t steal you and have you work for me?” My father was always on the lookout for rising stars in the business world. Seemed he had his sights on my date for other reasons than marriage.

  “I’m sure I could be persuaded, given the right incentive, Lyle.” Glancing over at me as he answered, his meaning as plain as the boring tie he was wearing. The innuendo wasn’t lost on my parents, either. It earned me a “don’t-screw-this-up” stare from them both.

  Everyone’s future was up for grabs tonight. It was a pity that mine was the only one I didn’t want involved in the drama.

  “Let’s go,” I interjected. “I remember you saying you hated being late.” I wanted out from under my mother’s scrutiny but ended up endearing myself to Andrew. He beamed proudly and held out his hand.

  “I’m so glad you remembered, Liberty. Come, let’s head out before the restaurant gets too busy and we can’t hear each other talk.”

  I reluctantly put my hand in his and let him lead me out the front door. Just as I began walking down the stairs toward his Bentley, my mother called me back, pretending to have forgotten something.

  “Remember who you’re representing, tonight. Don’t embarrass us,” she said, with a sweet smile on her face, the harshness in her tone for my ears only. “Don’t speak unless he asks you a direct question and don’t contradict him. Leave this new attitude of yours at home.” She fiddled with the front of my sweater top, smoothing it out with her fingers before waving to Andrew over my shoulder. “Enjoy your evening, Andrew. Take good care of our Liberty.”

  I gave a brief nod, letting her know I understood my role in tonight’s farce of a date. This was as much a power play for my father and a notch in my mother’s social climbing belt as it was a date for me. If anything, I’m surprised they’d risked sending me and not Erica. She wanted to be with Andrew and would’ve played the role perfectly.

  Opening my own door and sliding into the front seat, I gave a short wave before Andrew slipped the car into gear and drove away.

  The date had begun and I was already wishing it was over.

  I was coming close to stabbing Andrew with my fork.

  The thought of being with someone even more controlling and domineering than my father had seemed impossible; but sure enough, within ten minutes of arriving at Fiorelli’s, Andrew had shown his true colors. There was a reason why he was still unmarried and single—he was pompous and condescending. Any sane girl’s nightmare and more.

  The first clue was the way he looked down at his nose as the waiter led us to our table. Rude comments about how slow they brought our menus, and how the table setting wasn’t to his standard, made me cringe with embarrassment. When the wine was brought out for sampling, I thought the vein on Andrew’s forehead would explode. Somehow they hadn’t read his mind and brought him a specific vintage, earning a rather loud scolding about inferior wine choices. I was mortified.

  “I hope you didn’t just apologize to him, Liberty.” Andrew caught me mouth a sorry as the flustered waiter fled our table. “He is being paid to provide a service. Coddling him won’t force him to improve.”

  “I know he’s being paid, but . . .”

  “I don’t know why he even handed you a menu. I’ve already selected what we’ll be eating, tonight.” Not only did Andrew not let me finish my sentence, he then whisked the menu holder out of my hands, and laid it down beside him.

  My mother’s admonitions rang loud in my ears, ordering me to remain silent and not cause a scene. I watched silently as he clicked his fingers in the air, summoning the poor waiter, again. His brow furrowed before he schooled his frustrations, promptly returning.

  “Yes, sir. Are you ready to order?” He stood at attention, looking between us. I didn’t say a word. It wasn’t needed.

  “My companion and I would both like the mushroom risotto with a side salad and bread. I’d like that raspberry vinaigrette and the lady would like your house dressing.” I could see the young man give me a quizzical look, but I didn’t meet his gaze. “Actually, bring me whatever fat free dressing you have. Hold off on her croutons, as well.” He handed the menus to the waiter, dismissing him.

  “Andrew, I don’t like mushrooms. They make me sick.” I hated how hesitant I sounded.

  “I’m sure you just haven’t had them made properly before. You’ll love these. The chef is a genius.” He spoke so matter-of-factly, as if he couldn’t consider someone not agreeing with him.

  I toyed with the wine glass in front of me, waiting for him to talk. I quickly discovered Andrew was a name dropper, something I had a hard time respecting; believing, instead, a person’s own merits should speak louder than those with whom they were associated. After listening to him prattle on about how closely connected he was with this person and that, tuning out his droning became easy. He didn’t even notice I had checked out, clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice.

  “Your food, sir.” I was saved by the delivery of our meal. My plan was to pretend to sample the risotto while eating the safer salad and bread. “Is there anything else I can get you both?” The waiter made the mistake of addressing me. I shook my head and was relieved when he left before Andrew could further embarrass himself and me.

  “He was just being polite,” I interrupted the silence, picking up my fork.

  “It was incredibly rude for him to ask you, considering I’m the one paying the bill.” Andrew jabbed at his food, clearly annoyed. “I have a good mind to talk to the manager and lodge a complaint.”

  I was dumbfounded by how arrogant he was. “Please don’t. Let’s just enjoy the remainder of tonight.” It was amazing how convincing my lie was. There was no salvaging this date. I was all but convinced Andrew was the last man I’d ever want to be alone again with. Erica could have him.

  “You’re right.” He smiled, the anger dissipating and replaced with a pleasant façade. Raising his glass, he waited for me to join him in a toast. “May this be the first of many nights together.”

  Choking on my mouthful, a little wine sprayed out and I scrambled to wipe my mouth. Andrew looked at me like I’d suddenly grown two heads, disgusted by my apparent lack of manners. I wanted to warn him about the pot calling the kettle black.

  As if I hadn’t suffered enough, he gestured for the waiter again, ordering me sparkling water after asking for my wine to be removed.

  “It seems my date isn’t able to handle her alcohol,” he disclosed, shaking his head. My face flushed, this time not as a reaction of something flirtatious Oliver loved telling me, but from humiliation. I wanted to go home and forget this night ever happened.

  “How are your mushrooms?” Andrew asked, oblivious to my discomfort. He was obviously enjoying the meal he’d chosen. I had no appetite at all.

  “I suddenly don’t feel well,” I offered, laying my fork down and taking a small sip of water.

  “Don’t tell me you’re one of those women who pretends not to eat in public and in private gorge on everything in the kitchen. I respect your wanting to maintain a trim figure, it’s why I asked for the fat free dressing for you, but you should’ve informed me before we ordered. I don’t approve of waste, Liberty.” He stared pointedly at my plate and I found myself picking up my fork again. Spearing a mushroom, it was hard not to gag when I put it in my mouth and began chewing. “Good girl.”

  And just like that, he began talking about his hopes for the future. I nodded when it was appropriate, feigning interest, pretending to be a good listener. I almost cried with relief when my phone buzzed because it gave me a chance to check the time and see how much longer this fiasco would last.

  Pulling it out of my small clutch, I grinned when I saw Oliver’s message.<
br />
  Do I need to come rescue you? Say yes.

  I was in the process of replying when I noticed Andrew had stopped talking. Glancing up, I was shocked to see him glaring at me with his hand outstretched, demanding my phone.

  “This is my time with you. Whoever just messaged you can wait.” He snapped his fingers, impatiently.

  “Sorry, I’ll put it away.” I attempted to hide it back in my purse, but he was relentless.

  “I’ll hold onto it until our date is over. That way I have your undivided attention.” There was no other choice to give in, not wanting to cause a scene in the restaurant. Andrew wore a smug grin as he pocketed my device. “Keep eating your risotto before it gets cold.” It wasn’t until after I took another mouthful of mushrooms that he continued talking.

  I wonder what he’d do if I threw up on the table, I wondered, trying not to taste what I was chewing on. The food was lodged in my throat. One wrong move and it threatened to come back up, no doubt all over Andrew. He definitely deserved it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t face another round of embarrassment. I just wanted to hurry up, get home and brush my teeth.

  The rest of the meal consisted of Andrew informing me how perfectly we were matched and that we both came from well-respected families. It was hard to believe anyone liked him after watching how he’d acted all night, but clearly he was a master at fooling those around him.

  I hadn’t forgotten about my promise to Erica. Every time he asked me a question, only to answer it himself, I attempted to bring her up. She enjoys similar things, has the same tastes in politics, literature, social issues, and music. Whenever he let me speak for myself, my answers made his brow furrow and his fingers drum against the tabletop. It was obvious we weren’t as well matched as he claimed. We were polar opposites.

  It wasn’t until we left the restaurant, Andrew leaving a miserly tip, and he was walking me up to my front door, that I broached the subject of my sister.

  “I really enjoyed your company tonight, Liberty. I can’t wait to spend more time with you. In fact, my family has season tickets to the symphony and there’s a performance this Saturday night. I’ll pick you up around six o’clock.” He wasn’t asking me, instead telling me with the assumption I’d obediently comply.