“Especially.” Liv kissed her longingly, not really interested in the wedding planning any more. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Grace returned her attentions for a moment but stopped when Liv nudged her to lie down.
“What?”
“I talked to Ojiichan about moving in here. He’s already packing.”
“He’s awesome.” Liv wanted to go back to kissing, but something in Grace’s eyes stopped her. “But?”
“But he’s a lot more enthusiastic than I expected. And, being a pushy old man, wants to move in next week.”
“Seriously? Next week? That’s great, right?”
“For him, yes. I didn’t get much choice in this one, though. He pretty much told me to pack and get it over with.”
Liv brushed a strand of hair from Grace’s eyes and tucked it behind her ear. She held her face with that hand, and Grace leaned into her touch. “Are you good with this? You can stay at the cabin if you need to—until we get Harry settled. Unless he plans to sell it right away.”
“He’s not selling it. He wants to keep it for Matt or my parents when they come to visit so they don’t have to go to a hotel.”
“You can still stay there.”
Grace shook her head. “No. He’s not having that. He used his army voice and ordered me to pack. He said it’s tough love time. I have to get past my insecurities and move in with you.” She smiled. “He reminded me most of my stuff is here anyway so what’s the difference?”
“The difference is your independence, right?”
“I won’t be losing that.” Grace kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’ll be gaining a life with you, instead. I should have seen that all along, Olivia. I’m sorry I didn’t. I never know when the damage from Carly is going to crop up and make me afraid to walk down the street by myself. But I promise you I’m working on it.”
“I know you are. That’s never been a question for me. I don’t want you to do something because Harry or I pushed you into it. Got it? Promise me you’re good with this.” Liv searched those deep brown eyes before her and found no trace of doubt. But she really needed to hear it.
Grace didn’t let her down. “I promise. It’s about time we started our life together, don’t you think?”
“I do.” Liv kissed her again, this time with a much lighter heart. To think they’d be together all the time, in the same space—incredible. She almost wished she could go to the cabin and get Grace’s stuff right now. Almost. The woman kissing her clearly had other ideas, and Liv was not about to disappoint her.
****
Warrick was kind enough to give Terry an empty office to make her noon phone call. Her nerves were rattled at the prospect of a confrontation with Preston. Sally’s calm voice greeted her after two rings.
“Hello, Mrs. Alexander. I’ve got Mr. Preston here in my office. Mrs. Preston couldn’t come. Are you all set?”
“I am. Thanks, Mrs. Johnson.”
“Of course. Now, it’s my understanding Bryce told Felicia she has to attend a different school and she can’t stay at Whitehorse Elementary. Is that correct?”
“That’s what she told me. And apparently he used the ‘r’ word again.” Terry thought she heard someone in the background and assumed it was Mr. Preston. “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.”
“I said, how the hell can you know anything she says is true.” Mr. Preston was unnecessarily loud, and Terry had a sudden urge to hit him.
“Because she isn’t a liar. I know my daughter.”
“And I know my son. Your kid keeps trying to kiss him. I should file sexual harassment charges on her.”
“Are you kidding me? They’re eight years old. They don’t know anything about sex. Just like any kid, she sees people kissing and thinks that’s how you tell someone you like them,” Terry said.
Sally said, “I think we need to take a step back. Let’s discuss the issue of Felicia kissing—or trying to kiss—Bryce. Mr. Preston, I have to agree two eight-year-olds kissing is hardly sexual in meaning. Mrs. Alexander, I trust you’ll speak to Felicia and explain that she should not do this again.”
“I already have.”
“Mr. Preston, I must impress upon you we will not tolerate any kind of bullying. That would include your son’s use of inappropriate language.”
“So what? Her kid gets off scot-free?”
“That’s hardly—”
“It’s not the same,” Sally interrupted her. “She didn’t hurt Bryce with words and taunts. There’s a difference, Mr. Preston. We can’t allow children to think for one moment it’s okay to use derogatory words of any kind against other children. Nor can we allow them to think taunting another child is okay. It may seem like nothing to you, but to a child it can be everything. Were you ever bullied as a child, Mr. Preston?”
“No. What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Maybe everything,” Sally said. “Did you know there are documented cases of children under the age of ten who have committed suicide due to bullying?”
“That’s crazy. Little kids don’t know how to kill themselves.” Mr. Preston didn’t sound like he believed his own words. Terry heard his doubt plain as day.
“The Internet gives them a lot of information. So do other kids. My point is we don’t know how any child will react to a bully, whether it’s a hurtful word or physical harm. So we have to stop it the minute we know it’s happening.”
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air. Terry hoped it meant Sally’s words had sunk into Preston’s thick brain.
“I’ll tell him to stop.”
“That’s a start, but please do more,” Sally said. “Tell Bryce why he needs to stop. Explain the consequences of his actions. That will go a long way coming from his father.”
“I’ll try,” Mr. Preston said. Terry heard the distinct sound of a chair scraping across the floor. “I have to get to work.”
Terry released the breath she’d been holding and spoke when the door to Sally’s office opened and closed. “Thanks, Sally. I don’t know how you do it.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of practice. It will probably happen again, too. Might not be Bryce, but I’m sure some other kid will pick up on the word and its use.”
“At least I’ve got you in my corner.”
“She really is a sweet child, but I think you already know that.”
“I do.” Terry smiled. “I should get back to work, too. Thanks for doing this.”
“My pleasure.”
Terry disconnected and stuck the phone in her pocket. It sounded like Mr. Preston got the message. Now if only things with William could be so easily resolved.
****
The following Wednesday afternoon, Liv and Grace went to the community center. After getting their lists figured out, they needed to secure the building for a second day. Grace arrived at Liv’s office before lunch, and they walked, hand-in-hand, to the center.
Liv had a giddy feeling in her stomach as they approached the building. The planning for the wedding had gone on for a few months now but looking at the center made her realize it would soon be a reality. Amazing.
Grace squeezed her hand, and Liv returned the gesture. She had a smile on her face as big as Liv’s. Maybe she was thinking the same thing. It was going to happen. Liv gave her a quick kiss before they entered the center.
Genta Dubois, the center manager, greeted them. “Hello, you two. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Grace said, “We hit a tiny snag with our wedding plans, and we need your help.”
Genta’s expression was dubious. “I can try.”
“We need to book the center for an extra night.” Grace gave Liv a significant look. “Someone plans to have half the city attend, so we need to split up the festivities.”
“Two parties?” Genta laughed. “That’s going to be exhausting.”
“But fun,” Liv said. “Seriously. I can�
�t get married and not invite the guys I work with.”
“Is that who the second party is for?”
“Mostly, yes. I mean, they’re important to me. Besides, the first time I got married—mistake that it turned out to be—we eloped. The guys at work were upset about it. Let me just say that I never knew men could be so sensitive. I heard about it for weeks.”
“So, you want the night right after your wedding reception?”
“Yes, please.” Grace held a little tighter to Liv’s hand as they followed Genta into her tiny corner office. They waited patiently while she checked her planner.
“Done. Under one condition.” She grinned up at them. “You let me provide the drinks. I could use an excuse to enjoy a good party.”
“Deal.” Liv shook her hand once Grace released it. “Thanks, Genta. Seriously. You have no idea how much this helps us.”
“If it keeps the newlyweds-to-be from having a fight, I’m all for it.”
“Oh, there was no fight,” Grace said. “I told her no more than fifty guests. Period. And like a good fiancée, she said, ‘Yes, dear,’ and came up with this crazy idea of a second party. I have a feeling I’ll be asleep on the flight to Avignon.”
“Avignon? In France? Seriously?” Liv was surprised by Genta’s sudden fit of laughter. “Gracie, I hope you speak French, because if you rely on that one to do it for you, you’re going to end up on a boat ride to the middle of the Mediterranean with no way home.”
“Ha-ha.” Liv stuck her tongue out at Genta. “My French is passable.”
“Your French is horrible,” Grace said. “I’ve heard it. Don’t think for a moment I’m going to live here and not learn French. In fact, I’ve been taking classes.”
“And I’m just finding this out why?” Liv wondered if there was some weird conspiracy going on to make her look like an idiot.
“I was going to surprise you, but now I’m thinking you should come with me. It wouldn’t hurt to at least try to speak French while we’re there.”
“They all speak English,” Liv said. “And when did this discussion become about my language skills?”
Grace shrugged and gave her a conciliatory kiss. “Because it’s fun to tease you. You’re so very easy. No worries, babe. I got this. Languages are my thing, remember? Je t’aime, Olivia.”
“I love you, too. Thanks, Genta—for the room booking. Not for busting my ass over my French.”
“I was taking Gracie’s side. I like her better than you.”
Liv resisted the urge to flip off her friend, as they left the center. She didn’t mind the teasing and was honestly glad to know Grace was making friends of her own. It was important to Liv for Grace to be comfortable in Whitehorse. She wasn’t even a little surprised to learn Grace was taking French lessons.
“Want to get something to eat?” Grace asked, taking her hand as they meandered toward Liv’s office.
“Of course. Got a spot in mind?”
“There’s this new restaurant I’d like to try out. It’s the one near Burke Park.”
“Anything you want, honey.” Liv kissed Grace on the cheek. “Thanks for letting me have a second party. It means a lot to me.”
“I know it does.” Grace pulled Liv into a quick embrace. “And as for the French stuff, it’s just something fun I decided to do. I planned to speak French once we got to Avignon. Thought it’d be cute to see the look on your face, but I got the reaction I wanted.”
“And? Was it cute?”
“It was.” Grace sounded very satisfied with herself. “But I’m biased because I think you’re cute all the time.”
Liv chuckled. “Nice save. I’m glad we’re having a real, honest-to-God wedding with all our friends. I missed that when Jane and I eloped.”
“You never told me you two eloped,” Grace said.
Liv faced Grace. She didn’t appear mad, but Liv sensed her disappointment. Liv hated talking about Jane, especially after the woman nearly ruined her relationship with Grace. “I try not to think about it. It was the most impulsive thing I’ve ever done, and my parents—my mom especially—were furious. Not to mention the shit I got from my brothers.”
“Because you ran off or because of Jane?”
“Both. We were together all of a month before we eloped. Spent the weekend in Toronto and flew back to what I thought would be well-wishers, but no. Just a lot of hurt feelings. Sara didn’t talk to me for two weeks. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.”
Grace brought their linked hands closer and placed soft kisses on Liv’s knuckles. “You weren’t thinking, you were feeling. It’s what you do.”
“I guess. I wish I hadn’t. I know I told you about her sleeping around on me and how she up and left one day without a single word, but I never told you the hardest part.”
“What’s that?”
“I had to take care of the annulment and clean up all her messes. Unpaid bills, money missing from our joint account, and the savings all gone. Not to mention I was a complete basket case the entire time. If it wasn’t for Sara and my family, I don’t know what I’d have done.”
Grace kissed her tenderly. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“And if I ever see Jane again, I’ll slap her.”
Liv smiled. “No you won’t. But thanks for the sentiment. I hope she’s gone for good this time. I did hear she was headed to British Columbia. They can have her.”
“Still, if she comes back…”
“Gotcha.” Liv laughed, but the sound died in her throat. Parked a few blocks from them was a very distinctive green Jaguar, close enough to First National Bank the driver could see the front door. Liv recognized Angel seated behind the wheel, though she was too far away to tell what she was doing.
Something in her gut told Liv this was bad. The police still needed to talk to her about the assault on Terry, and Liv didn’t trust Angel to leave Sara alone. Before she realized it, Liv was halfway to the street corner.
Grace jogged to catch up to her, clearly surprised by her sudden dash.
“Olivia, what are you doing?” she asked when she reached her. “What’s wrong?”
“That’s Angel,” Liv said as if it were all the explanation needed. In her mind, it was enough.
Grace grabbed her arm and stopped her. “Oh no you don’t.”
“Oh yes I do.” Liv was determined. Her protective button was pushed, and there was only one thing on her mind. Angel Harrison. “I’m going to talk to her, Gracie.”
“You told Sara you wouldn’t. You can’t go back on your promise.”
“You don’t know Angel like I do. I can get her to leave Sara alone.”
“I’m sure you think you can, but I’m not going to let you.” Grace’s grip was strong, and Liv found it hard to free herself. “You’re a good friend, and Sara knows it, but she’s also a big girl. She’s told the police and her boss what’s going on. As long as Angel stays away from her, everything is fine. If you go over there, you’ll end up in a fight with her or make threats that might come back to bite you in the ass. And you’ll make more trouble for Sara. Is that what you want?”
It wasn’t. She wanted desperately to protect her best friend, but she also really, really wanted to smash her fist into Angel’s face. She almost wished she’d hit her the last time she confronted her over Sara. But Grace was right. Going after Angel was a bad idea.
Liv took a couple of deep breaths to calm her temper. After a few moments, she pried Grace’s fingers off her arm. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You’re a good friend, Olivia. And Sara knows it.” She pulled Liv so close they were sharing the same air. “Don’t be sorry. I’m not.”
“I would have probably slammed her head into the steering wheel.”
“I doubt that, even though you might want to, but there’s no point arguing with her. She’s going to do what she wants.”
“I know. But I might have enj
oyed it.”
“For a few seconds, sure. But you know being violent never fixes anything.”
The emotions in her words were reflected in Grace’s eyes, showing her sadness now. Liv pressed her lips to Grace’s in an attempt to remove the sadness. “It doesn’t,” she said, her lips hovering over Grace’s. “Thanks for stopping me.”
“You’re welcome.” Grace kissed Liv back. “Want to go to lunch now?”
“I do. After I call Charley. She needs to know that Angel’s in town.” Liv kept an eye on Angel’s car while she waited for Charley to pick up.
“Hey Liv. What’s up?”
“Angel Harrison is sitting in her pretty little sports car in front of National right now. Thought you’d like to know.”
“Do not engage, Templeton. You hear me?”
“Damn. Does everyone think I have a hair-trigger temper?”
Charley and Grace chorused, “Yes.”
Charley said, “I’ll get someone over there to make contact with her. You wander off in the opposite direction.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Liv said and disconnected the call.
“Ma’am? She’s two years younger than you.”
Liv shrugged. “Can’t help it. She’s got that authority thing down to a science. Ordered me to wander off in the opposite direction of Angel.”
“Good plan.”
Liv stole one last look at Angel before giving Grace her full attention. “Can we wait until the police show up? I know the bank has security people and all that, but I’d feel better—”
“Of course we can wait.” Grace directed her to a bench near the bus stop. “I worry about that impulsive streak of yours sometimes.”
“I’ve heard that more times than I can count. From Sara, my parents, even David, and he usually encourages my impulsiveness.”
“Your brother is worse than you are. He’s a bad influence.”
“But he’s a fun influence sometimes. You didn’t mind when he impulsively started dancing with you at the pub a few weeks ago.”
“He’s a good dancer.” Grace bumped shoulders with Liv. “Must run in the family. Plus, he’s kinda cute.”
“God, don’t tell him that. I’ll never hear the end of it. Did I ever tell you he used to try to steal my girlfriends when we were in school?”
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