wore off, leaving Emily completely terrified. Tears started running down her face, and she realized the very dangerous turn the situation had taken.
Chapter Twenty-Nine:
Ashleigh
It had been three weeks since Ashleigh had returned from Montreal. Three weeks had gone by since her ‘Liam Epiphany’. That is what she was calling her revelation, realizing she did in fact have strong feelings for him. Three weeks had gone by, and Ashleigh had done nothing about it. Ultimately she wanted to tell Liam in person, and this trip to London was just the right moment.
Over the last few weeks she had thought endlessly about precisely how she would tell Liam she loved him. The moment had to be perfect. It was almost as if she was planning a proposal or something. Ashleigh had done a lot of self-reflection over the past few weeks, but there was no way she was ready for that to happen. Or was she?
I’ve got to let go of this need I have to control my life. Love, loss, pain, sadness, fear and anger, I want to experience all the emotions. Not the ones I allow myself.
She couldn’t stop thinking about Liam as she looked out the window of the plane staring at the clouds below. In a few short hours she would see him, and they would probably spend the entire weekend in bed together. Before boarding she had stopped by the gift shop at the airport and picked up a “Pure Michigan” ink pen for Liam. She was going to give the pen to him along with a card when she told him how much she loved him and was ready to begin her life with him. She knew that Liam would appreciate the thoughtfulness of her gift, just as she adored the Union Jack keychain he had given her. Placing her headphones in her ears she leaned her chair back and drifted off to sleep.
Liam’s driver had picked Ashleigh up from Heathrow and was taking her to the Corinthia Hotel, the hotel where she and Liam met for the first time. Ashleigh would be meeting him there in a couple of hours for dinner. She made reservations for two at The Northall and would suggest after dinner drinks at The Lobby Lounge. For the final touch of her plan she had booked The Hamilton Penthouse, just for one evening though. Ashleigh hoped the weather would be nice so that they could sit under the stars on the terrace like they did all those years ago drinking champagne and talking all night. She checked into the hotel on Foursquare and sent Liam a Facebook message letting him know she had arrived.
The smell of fresh flowers rushed over Ashleigh as she opened the door. The penthouse was breathtaking, and it looked just as she remembered. Her favorite room was the bathroom in the upstairs master suite, which hosted a separate walk in shower and a freestanding Apaiser stone bath. Her phone buzzed as she was hanging her clothes in the wardrobe room of the upstairs master suite. It was a Facebook message from Liam saying he could not wait to spend the evening with her.
After a quick nap Ashleigh began getting ready. She had selected a silver, floor-sweeping Jenny Packham gown for dinner that had a sexy slit in the front. For the special night, she had purchased a few pieces of very sexy lingerie from Chantelle, including a nude Demi-Cup bra and matching thong. Styling her hair straight, she pulled her tresses back in a low ponytail and swept her bangs to the side before adding the final touches to her makeup. A few strokes of black Diorshow mascara thickened up Ashleigh’s long lashes and a slick gloss of red painted her full pout.
Looking in the mirror Ashleigh smiles, “Damn, not bad Ashleigh. Eat your heart out, Liam.”
Ashleigh grabbed her gift for Liam that was sitting on the table in the entry way. She had placed the pen and card in small gift bag with tissue paper and tied a white ribbon on the handles. The white ribbon symbolized hope for their future together, and inside the card she wrote: MY DEAREST LIAM, SOMEHOW I ALWAYS KNEW IT WAS YOU. YOU ARE MY LOVE, MY FUTURE. I AM HOME WHEN I AM WITH YOU.
She also included a quote from Maya Angelou, “LOVE RECOGNIZES NO BARRIERS. IT JUMPS HURDLES, LEAPS FENCES, PENETRATES WALLS TO ARRIVE AT ITS DESTINATION FULL OF HOPE.”
One last check in the mirror and Ashleigh made her way downstairs for dinner. She was slightly nervous, but confident.
She noticed Liam right away. There he stood at the end of the bar sipping a martini, he was wearing a sleek navy suit with a light blue shirt underneath paired with a slate blue tie. Ashleigh stood at the hostess station for a moment just staring at him. He spotted her, and she walked over to him where he was motioning to the bartender.
“Hey love,” he said kissing her on both cheeks. “What are you drinking?”
Ashleigh felt as if her insides were melting like butter, replying sweetly, “I’ll have a glass of the Macon Blanc white wine please.”
Liam couldn’t take his eyes off Ashleigh, taking note of how especially beautiful she looked that night. Although for Liam, she was always the most breathtaking creature on any given day. Ashleigh caught his gaze. She turned away to yawn. She was tired, but her adrenaline was keeping her going.
“Ashleigh my dear, you look positively breathtaking this evening. How was your flight?”
“You’re looking quite dapper yourself, Liam. The flight was good, I was able to have a row all to myself in business class, and I managed to sleep a bit, too.”
“So you’re staying in The Hamilton Penthouse tonight? I did not take you for such a lavish spender,” Liam teased as he took a sip of his martini.
Ashleigh giggled and said, “I just wanted to do something special. I rarely treat myself, so I thought I would indulge a bit.”
Closing the gap between them, Liam whispered, “Special night? I do love those. What do you have planned?” He brushed Ashleigh’s hand with his, and she felt his breath on her cheek. The blood sizzled in her veins merely at his brief touch.
Before she could answer, and not that she was going to admit anything yet, a man in a black jacket approached saying, “Miss Preston, your table is ready. Please follow me.”
Liam had already ordered another drink for himself and for Ashleigh. Seeing the couple was being seated, the bartender stated that he would have the drinks delivered to their table.
The smell of roasted garlic and grilled peppers stirred Ashleigh’s senses as they crossed the restaurant passing by several tables. As they were seated, Ashleigh noticed the couple beside them was enjoying a chocolate and hazelnut dessert, which made her mouth water. Placing the gift she had for Liam on the seat next to her, she reached for her menu. The server came over, introduced himself and told them about the specials.
“So how have you been Ashleigh? How is summer in the States treating you?”
“The summer has been interesting. I’ve traveled a bit, and I’ve managed to keep my social calendar filled on the weekends I’m home.”
She went on to tell Liam about some of the things happening at work. She told him about how she, Emily, Ethan and a few others spent a wonderful weekend at Ethan’s lake house, while also giving an update about Emily’s unfortunate stalker situation.
“How about you, Liam? What have you been up to this summer?” Ashleigh inquired.
The server arrived at the table with their second round of drinks just as Liam was about to answer her question and asked if they were ready to order. Liam said he was ready, but Ashleigh had been concentrating on their conversation, not looking at menu choices. Quickly, she decided on the Goosnargh Chicken with braised celery, bacon and shallots.
After she took a sip of wine Ashleigh returned to the conversation with Liam, asking, “So what’s new with you?”
“Work has been going very well, and I too have been able to keep a busy social schedule this summer.”
Ashleigh was curious. Liam was always social. He rarely had a night home where he just sat around watching television. He often worked late, had meetings to attend or was out with friends. That is why it was so hard to catch him online. It seemed as though he was never home.
“Oh yeah? Wh
at’s been keeping you so busy?” Ashleigh inquired while flashing him a sweet smile.
Liam cleared his throat and said, “Well, I’ve met someone, and we’ve been dating for about a month. She’s quite charming. Her name is Lydia, and I think you would like her very much.”
Ashleigh was blanched, feeling like all the air had been sucked out of her lungs. The smile slid from her glossy lips as she felt her mouth go dry. Suddenly her ears were buzzing. What did he just say? Reaching for her wine glass she took a drink, a very large drink. She swallowed hard, and her eyes met Liam’s. Hoping Liam didn’t realize she was in total shock, she tried to open her mouth, but there were no words. Her mind was racing. Time was going by, and she’d said nothing. Come on, Ashleigh. Say something!
“You’ve… met someone?” she managed to croak out. “That is…that’s so nice to hear, Liam.” Ashleigh was mustering all the strength she could to keep from crying in front of him. “Liam, will you excuse me? I need to use the ladies room.”
Liam stood up as Ashleigh left the table.
She pushed through the crowd and threw open the door to the bathroom. She tossed her clutch on the makeup vanity. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she noticed her chest was splotchy red. How could he be dating someone? A million thoughts came to mind. After years of keeping him at a distance, Liam had probably realized things with her weren’t going to happen, so he stopped waiting. Maybe Liam just happened to have met Lydia innocently and they had an instant attraction? Worse, what if it was love at first sight? Ashleigh grasped the notion that she may have missed her window for a relationship with Liam and quite possibly her second chance for happiness.
Ashleigh’s heart sank. What should I do? Fight for him? Declare my feelings and see if he picks me? What if he doesn’t pick me? Gathering her composure, she realized she had to remain calm and make it through their evening together.
As she returned to the table she saw her dinner had arrived.
“Ah, there you are, darling. I was about to send a search party to look for you,” Liam said with a laugh.
“Oh, sorry. I got caught up chatting with one of the ladies in the bathroom. She was asking me about my dress,” Ashleigh lied.
Staring at her food, Ashleigh felt nauseous. She was starving, but how could she eat at a time like this. Noticing the breadbasket on the table she reached for a small roll, gently tearing off a corner and popping it in her mouth.
“It is a lovely dress. I can certainly understand why she would make an inquiry,” Liam said as he cut into his sirloin drizzled with a sharp peppered sauce.
Ashleigh needed more information about this Lydia character. What did she look like? What did she do for a living? She wasn’t quite sure she could stomach listening to Liam boast about the other woman, who was now her competition. Suddenly it occurred to Ashleigh, that she totally had the upper hand in this situation. History, they shared history and a deep friendship. No random British Chippy could compete with history.
“So Liam, tell me more about Lydia? How long have you known her? Where is she from?”
After about twenty minutes of conversation, she learned Lydia James was thirty-six years old, originally from Bermondsey, a district in south London. Liam described her as being humorous with a good head for business. Physically she was about five foot eight with beautiful honey-blonde hair and blue eyes. He reached for his iPhone and showed Ashleigh a picture. He was right, she was beautiful. In the photo she had on a short, sparkling little black dress. Her hair was blowing in the wind, and she looked like a model. Lydia was tall, thin and stunningly gorgeous. In that moment she thought of Xavier and how he and Lydia would be a perfect match. Maybe she should set those two up. Ashleigh laughed to herself at the idea.
Lydia was an Advertising Executive at a firm in London. A few of her clients were interested in placing advertisements in Wanderlust, and because there were several brands and businesses involved, Liam and a few of the other senior leaders of the company were asked to attend the meeting. Liam and Lydia began talking after the meeting, and she asked him out for coffee so he went. He said he liked her quite a lot and asked if she would have dinner with him the following night. Of course she said yes.
After hearing about the fascinating Lydia, Ashleigh thought she might actually hurl. It was unlike Ashleigh to be jealous of a woman she had never met. Liam was a good judge of character, though, so Lydia probably was as lovely as he described her being. Her thoughts were interrupted as the server cleared their plates from the table.
He glanced at his watch and said, “Well this has been a wonderful evening. I unfortunately must go. I have an early meeting.” He motioned to the server for the check.
Her face fell as coldness seeped into her body. “A meeting? On a Saturday morning?” her tone was questioning. She wondered if Liam was going to meet Lydia, and now she was experiencing an emotion she hadn’t felt in a long time—jealously.
“Unfortunately, I do. When the boss asks you to come in on a Saturday, you do it.”
“Sounds serious.”
“No, nothing to worry about I am sure.”
The server approached with the bill, and Liam placed his credit card on the tray. Ashleigh tried to reach for the bill before Liam, but he lightly batted her hand away. Liam stood up and kissed Ashleigh on the lips, which was weird since he just talked about his new lady friend for nearly a half an hour. Ashleigh wondered if maybe she still had an effect on him.
“May I walk you back to the penthouse?” Liam asked.
As much as she wanted Liam to take her upstairs in the hopes she could seduce him, Ashleigh just couldn’t. He looked happy, and Ashleigh wasn’t about to interfere with something that could be wonderful for him. All she wanted to do right now was go upstairs, drown herself in alcohol and take a bubble bath, like normal people do when they are hit with soul crushing news. Even though she felt awkward, a little irritated, mostly with herself, not with Liam and overwhelmingly sad, it was good to feel something other than pain and emptiness.
“No, that’s okay Liam. I know you have things to do. I think I will order a bottle of champagne and sit on the terrace. It’s a nice evening.”
“That sounds lovely. Enjoy your evening Ashleigh. I’ll ring you tomorrow.”
And just like that Liam walked out of the hotel leaving Ashleigh feeling cold and alone. This was becoming a trend. After stopping to order the champagne at the bar, Ashleigh arrived at the penthouse. Upon entering the room she stopped and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Sighing deeply she kicked off her heels. She walked up the staircase and began taking off her jewelry. Halfway up the stairs the doorbell rang. Must be the champagne. Turning back around, she walked down the stairs and opened the door to find Liam standing there. He brushed past her, and Ashleigh could see he was upset.
“Liam…hey…I thought you were on your way home?” Liam held up an envelope that had his name on it. Ashleigh was frozen. Oh no, the card!
Chapter Thirty:
Amanda
Amanda walked up to the coffee shop, where she would be meeting Julie shortly, when she noticed a young couple across the street from the café holding hands and kissing outside an ice cream shop.
She thought about Vince and how they spent the most romantic weekend together on the yacht. Vince had told her he loved her, and as a token of his affection he had given her a pair of pear-shaped yellow diamond drop earrings, which she decided she would be wearing to the gala. Vince’s beautiful words twisted inside her, wrecking her with guilt and filling her with joy. The night with Alex was still fresh in her mind, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Admittedly, she found her heart being tugged in opposite directions, torn between two men.
“Hey, sorry I’m late, sis.” Amanda’s thoughts were interrupted by Julie’s voice. Amanda turned around to see
her sister and got a bit of a surprise.
“You’re pregnant!? Oh my God, Jules!” Amanda was utterly shocked and gave her sister a huge hug.
Conner wasn’t with Julie, and she explained that last time she saw Amanda, Conner told David that Mommy saw her sister today. Julie said she did the best job she could to explain that what Conner meant was that Mommy had run into a sorority sister.
“Did David buy that story?” Amanda inquired.
“I had to be extra persuasive, because he wouldn’t let it go. You can see by my physical condition the measures I had to take,” she teased Amanda.
“Oh stop it,” Amanda said with a laugh “Do you know if you are having a boy or a girl?”
“I’m having a girl, and I’m due in November,” she said with a smile.
“What wonderful news. I am so happy for you. Can I get you a tea or something, sis?”
“That would be nice. Yes, an Earl Grey, please.”
Amanda told Julie she would be right back with her tea and walked inside the café. A few moments later she returned and found her sister on the phone. She couldn’t tell what Julie was saying because she was whispering in a soft tone. Julie sighed and ended the call.
“Everything okay Jules?” Amanda asked, hoping her sister would open up to her.
“Yes everything is fine. I was talking to Mom. She’s in the middle of planning the Labor Day celebration at the club, and she asked if I could help her out with some things. So, between prepping for the baby, working at Dad’s doing accounting and financials and now helping Mom, I’m feeling exhausted.”
“I’m glad to hear Mom is back to doing events for the club. I know that really must have hurt her to be asked to leave…you know after I brought so much shame to the family.” Amanda hung her head and sighed.
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