“Anytime, Rory. I want you to be happy, and Liam is your key to that, I just know it. You deserve this so much,” she said.
“Okay, stop it or I’ll cry off my makeup,” I said, and we both laughed. At that moment, the front door opened.
“Hey, girls, I’m home,” Brody called.
Marissa looked down. “I think I’m going to read in my room,” she said. Before I could protest, she hugged me one last time and said, “Have fun tonight. You look beautiful. Call me if you aren’t coming home, okay?” She quickly walked away and went into her room, closing the door.
I sighed and walked out of the bathroom and into the living room. “Hey Brody.”
“Hey Rory, wow! You look beautiful, little sister. Where are you going dressed up?”
“Liam is taking me out. It’s his mom’s birthday and he asked me to tag along since his dad is coming too.”
“Yikes, hope it goes well. Liam hates his dad more than you hate our parents,” he said. He walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. After popping off the top, he took a drink. “So, meeting the parents, huh? You must like him.”
“What’s not to like?” I asked, smoothing my dress. “Liam is gorgeous, sweet, funny, and not pushy. He’s different,” I said.
He walked over to me and wrapped me into a hug. “He seems to be different with you. I know how he was back in college, and while I love the guy, he was a total man whore. But, I’ve never seen him actively go after a woman before. The way he looks at you…he sees you like we all do. You’re beautiful, inside and out, and you deserve to be happy again.”
“What is this, make Rory cry her makeup off night? I haven’t even gone out yet!” I laughed and pulled away from him. “And while you are making your little speech, I’m going to turn that right around and throw it back at you, big brother. Marissa.” I said.
He shook his head exhaustedly. “Don’t, Rory. Just don’t.”
“Oh no, don’t you start. What the hell is your problem? She loves you, Brody! Why are you going to hurt her like this?”
“I don’t want to hurt her, Rory. That’s why I am stopping it before it starts. I shouldn’t have kissed her last night. It was a mistake.”
“It wasn’t a mistake, and you know it. Stop being a pussy and go in her room and get her! If not, you really are going to lose her forever. She told me she’s giving up on you.”
Hurt shot across his face. “She did?”
“Yes, and I’m telling you if you don’t snatch her up, someone else will. She’s beautiful and a total catch. You could do a lot worse.”
“I know,” he said, exasperated.
“Tell me something. Did you like kissing her?” He nodded and smiled a crooked smile. I walked closer to him and punched him in the chest. “Brody! Seriously!” I shouted, and pointed at Marissa’s bedroom.
He threw his hands up in the air. “All right! I’m going!”
Just then, I heard the intercom buzz. I glanced at the clock on the wall. Seven o’clock…he was right on time. I pressed the button to let Liam up and soon there was a knock at the door. I looked at Brody again and glared at him until he started off toward Marissa’s bedroom. Smoothing my dress one more time, I opened the door. There stood Liam in a crisp black suit, white button down shirt, and a red tie. He looked gorgeous. “Liam,” I breathed.
His eyes were wide and he looked me up and down. “Rory, you’re so beautiful,” he said, taking my hands in his.
“Thank you,” I said. I squeezed his hands. “Are you ready for this?”
He blew air out through his mouth. “No, not really. But having you with me will help.”
“I hope so.”
“Are you ready?”
“I am, just let me grab my purse,” I said. I walked back in and peeked down the hall.
Brody was knocking on Marissa’s door. “Marissa? It’s Brody. Listen, can we talk for a second?”
Just as I grabbed my clutch purse I saw Marissa open her door and she held the door open, inviting him inside. Please make this work, I thought to myself. “Ready,” I said, taking his hand and walking out the door. Here we go.
Chapter 8
Liam
After making a quick stop at a store to buy my mom a present, we arrived at Noir et Blanc early. While Rory and I waited for my parents to arrive, I thought of all the other places I’d rather be. I can’t believe I agreed to come to this tonight. Being at this restaurant and seeing the snooty people dressed to the nines reminded me of all the things I’d run away from. I hated this life…the rich, snotty people that only cared about money. I was ashamed to even be associated with people that acted that way. I had tried my entire adult life to distance myself from all of this. Thank God Rory came here with me…this girl was special. She wasn’t like all these trampy society women. She was confident, intelligent, self sufficient, and captivating. I know she had to be nervous being here, but it never showed on her face. I was in awe of her.
She had her hand in mine, rubbing it comfortingly when I looked up and saw him. My father…dressed like American royalty in his Armani tuxedo. He’d gone gray since I last saw him, and he had shaved his signature beard and just had a nicely groomed mustache. When his eyes found me, I actually thought I would die of shock because he actually looked happy to see me. I looked over at Rory, who squeezed my hand. “You can do this, Liam. Just breathe,” she whispered to me.
He came walking over to me, holding out his hand. “Liam,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see you, son.”
I placed my hand in his and gave it a quick shake. “Father.” I said curtly.
He looked me up and down, and then over to Rory before looking back at me again. “You’re looking well.”
“Thank you, so are you. Where’s mom?”
“She ran into a lady from our country club and she stopped to say hello. She’ll be along in a moment.”
“Oh.” That was all I could think of to say.
“And who is this striking young lady on your arm?” he asked, his eyes back on Rory again. He looked charmed by her, but if I knew my father, he was judging her by her visible tattoos and piercings as an unsuitable mate for his only heir.
My jaw tightened as I felt her squeeze my hand harder. “Father, I’d like to introduce you to…”
“Rory? My goodness, is that you?” My mother was walking over to join our group, a mixture of shock and joy on her face. “What a lovely surprise!”
Rory glanced at me and muttered under her breath, “There’s no going back now.” With a wink at me she momentarily let go of my hand so she could greet my mother. “Mrs. Tanner, it’s wonderful to see you again.”
My mother kissed both of her cheeks, happiness bursting out of her. “I didn’t know you two knew each other! How did you finally meet?”
“At a little club called Shadow about three weeks ago. Maybe you’ve heard of it,” I said to her, smirking. When Rory joined me again at my side, I kissed the top of her head, and she looked up and smiled at me.
“Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m so glad,” she said, and leaned into kiss my cheek. She turned to my father. “Oh, Grayson, darling, I’m being rude. Forgive me. This is Rory Shaw. She’s been my hairstylist for the past three years, and I don’t think there is a lovelier woman in the world than this one.”
My father held out his hand to Rory, and when she placed her hand in his, he leaned in and kissed it. “Rory, it’s wonderful to finally meet you. My wife talks about you often. You certainly do make her look beautiful.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Tanner. It’s not hard, she’s already beautiful,” Rory replied, winking at my mother.
“Oh, you don’t have to be so formal, dear. Please, call me Grayson,” he said. Boy, the bastard was laying it on thick.
My mother patted his arm. “Grayson, don’t bother. I’ve been asking her to call me Vivian for years.”
“Well, it is your birthday. How about I start tonight?” she asked my mother, and I couldn’t hel
p but smile. She was so charming it hurt.
“Tanner, party of four!” called the hostess.
“That’s us. Shall we?” my father asked, holding out his arm for my mother.
I took Rory’s hand in mine. “Thank you for being here.”
“No problem, Tanner,” she said, and we followed my parents to our table.
After we had eaten, everyone was sitting around chatting. Well, my parents and Rory were talking. I was making the occasional grunt when the conversation flowed to me. I didn’t know what was going on with my father. He was being absolutely charming and warm. Something was going on, I could tell. The last time we’d spoken to each other he gave me a black eye and I cracked his jaw before he told me I was a disgrace to our family name. Now, he was acting like none of that happened at all, and that we were just a normal family. My mother had been pleading with him for years to try and make things right and he’d always resisted. Why now?
“So, Rory, tell me, how is business going? I have seen your work first hand, and I must say, you are very talented,” he said.
“Thank you, Grayson. I stay pretty busy. I am usually booked for three to four weeks in advance,” she answered. Wow…I didn’t know that.
“That’s wonderful. You’re parents must be very proud of you,” he replied.
She cleared her throat and looked down at her plate. “Well, I wouldn’t know. We don’t really speak much anymore.”
My mother reached out her hand and took Rory’s. “I’m sorry dear.”
“Thanks, Vivian, but it’s okay. I have all the love I need,” she said. I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, and my mother squealed like a teenager, making me roll my eyes.
“Well, I think it’s time for us girls to go powder our noses. What do you say, Rory?” she said.
Rory turned to me, and I nodded. “It’s okay, go. I’ll be here when you get back.” She leaned in and tried to kiss my cheek but I moved my head before she could and caught her lips. She giggled and stood up to walk to the restroom with my mother.
It was silent for a moment before my father spoke. “She’s absolutely enchanting, Liam. And your mother seems quite taken with her.”
“She is enchanting, Father. Mom’s actually been trying to set us up for years. I am just glad I met her on my own. As you can surely remember, I don’t like to have anything or anyone pushed on me.”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, I guess I deserve that.”
I scoffed. “You think so?”
“Liam, let’s not do this, all right? I am trying here, son. It’s your mother’s birthday, and this is what she wants. For us to be a family again.”
“What’s stopped you for the last ten years? You knew how to find me.”
“I know that, and it was a mistake. It’s not easy for a father to let his son go out on his own and make his own choices, especially when you grow up in this family. I should have listened to you and supported you in what you wanted. You’ve become a good man, Liam, and I don’t want this to sound condescending, but I’m proud of you, son.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Okay, cut the crap. What is really going on? Why all of a sudden are you being all apologetic and nice? And what’s with the compliments about Rory? She’s covered head to toe in tattoos and she has at least three visible piercings. You have never approved of people that express themselves that way.”
He looked at me with sad, nostalgic eyes. “Because I can see past all that to the woman she is…the one that is making my son look happier than I’ve seen him in years. And life is too short, Liam.”
Before I could say anything else, my mom and Rory came and rejoined our table. “Well, did you boys find something to talk about while we were gone?” Mom asked. Rory looked at me with apprehension in her eyes.
I nodded at her reassuringly. “We did, and we think it’s present time for the birthday girl,” I said. I reached into my jacket pocket and took out a small black velvet box with a red bow tied around it. “For you, Mom.”
Mom’s eyes lit up. “Oh Liam, you didn’t have to get me anything. Us all being here together as a family, and you and Rory finally together…that’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
I smiled at her. “Just open it.”
She did, and gasped. I bought her a silver bracelet with diamonds and emeralds in it. “Oh, Liam, it’s gorgeous! I love it, son, thank you!” she said, tears brimming in her eyes.
“That is beautiful,” my father said, and he took it from Mom and helped fasten it on her wrist.
“Okay, my turn,” Rory said. “Happy birthday, Vivian,” Rory said, pulling out a small bag that she’d had hidden under the table.
My mom opened it and smiled. It was a bottle of her favorite perfume, Chanel No. 5. “Oh, Rory, my favorite! Thank you dear,” she said, and kissed Rory’s cheek.
“You’re very welcome,” Rory said. I squeezed her hand under the table.
“Well, that leaves my gift,” my father said. He handed her an envelope and smiled. “Happy birthday, darling.”
She opened it and her eyes went wide. “Greece? You’re taking me to Greece?”
“Just like we always wanted,” he said, and my mother leaned in and kissed him.
“I love you, Grayson Tanner.”
“I love you too, Vivian.”
“Oh, this has been the best birthday I can ever imagine.” She turned to my father. “Dance with me?” My mother’s favorite song, “The Way You Look Tonight”, happened to be playing.
“Of course, dear.” He stood and held out her chair, and they both walked out onto the dance floor.
Rory turned to me. “Are you doing okay?”
My brows furrowed. “Yeah, I’m doing all right.”
“Your father seems nice.”
“I know. It’s strange. I have never seen him be this nice to anyone. I mean, he can be a charming bastard when he wants to be, but it’s usually a front. When you went to the restroom with Mom, I expected him to belittle me or say something rude about you, but he didn’t. He likes you a lot, and told me he was proud of me. It’s just…unsettling.”
“Well, maybe he’s trying to make things right.”
I looked at her. “Rory, come on. Wouldn’t you be the least bit suspicious if your parents came to your door and said they wanted to get along and be a happy family again?”
She looked angry for a moment, but then softened. “Well, when you put it that way…but believe me, our situations are different. I think this whole evening has been great. Maybe you really are on your way to reconciling with him.”
“Maybe.” We sat in silence for a moment, before another song came on. It was Adele’s “One and Only.” “Dance with me?” I asked, holding out my hand.
She smiled at me. “Sure,” and we both stood and walked out to the dance floor. I pulled her into my arms and held her close while the music filled the air. I traced my fingers up and down her spine and felt her shiver under my fingertips. She smelled like heaven and fit up against me like a glove. I smiled as she mindlessly hummed along with the music. Before I realized it, the song was over and she was pulling away.
“Hey, wait, where are you going?” I asked, still holding her waist.
“Back to the table. I have a bite of crème brulee left. I don’t want to waste it,” she said, and I smiled. Rory had a beautiful body, and she wasn’t shy about eating around anyone. I loved that she wasn’t self conscious about her curves as some women can be. I followed her to the table and took my seat next to her as she scooped up the last bite. She turned to me and smiled. “There, all done.”
I leaned in and kissed her bare shoulder. “Is it time to leave yet?”
“Why are you so antsy? I’m not going home with you,” she said, smirking.
“You’re not, huh?”
“Nope.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you said you want to take things slow with me. Well, that’s exactly what I intend for us to do,” Rory said. She raked
her finger across her plate, picking up the remaining bits of her desert, and raised her finger to her lips. She put her finger in her mouth and lightly sucked on it, moaning. Damn it, she was good. Why on earth did I tell her I wanted to wait for us to sleep together again?
“Oh, it’s like that, huh?” I groaned into her ear.
She turned her face to me. “It’s like that,” she whispered. I was about to claim her lips on mine when my parents interrupted us.
“Well, I think it’s safe to say that this part of the evening is over,” my mother laughed. “You two can’t take your eyes off each other.”
I sighed and Rory giggled, blushing. “I’m sorry,” she said.
“Oh don’t apologize dear. I am beyond delighted to see you two together,” my mother said. She walked around the table as Rory stood to meet her. Pulling her into a hug, she said, “I am so happy that you came tonight dear. What a wonderful surprise.”
“It was my pleasure, Vivian.” Rory said, and then turned her face to my father. “I had a great time this evening.”
“I’m glad, dear.” He walked over and took her hand. “It was wonderful to meet you, Rory. We should all do this again sometime,” he said, kissing her hand. Rory just smiled at him. “Maybe next time you can come have dinner at our house. We’d certainly love to have you.”
“That sounds nice,” Rory said.
Mom walked over to me and I pulled her into a warm hug. “I’d like that. Thank you for this, Liam. It meant the world to me.”
“Any time, Mom.” My father turned to me and extended his hand. I took a deep breath and shook it firmly. “Father,” I said.
“Liam, it was nice to see you son.”
I pulled Rory close to my side, relishing in the fact that she fit there to perfectly. “Thank you.” I didn’t know what else to say. We all said a final round of goodbyes and then Rory and I walked out the restaurant hand in hand. “Well, weren’t you just the belle of the ball tonight?”
She smiled at me and did a curtsy. “I try,” she joked.
“Seriously…you were amazing tonight. My mother already loves you, and now you have my father wrapped around your finger too.”
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