AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“At least tell us what he looked like. Was he fuckable?” Ellie always cuts right to the chase.
“Stop! He looked good. Okay, he looked better than good, but that doesn’t mean I want to go back down that road.” I insist. The lies just keep on coming like word vomit.
“Don’t you think this could be fate, Liv, that you two ran into each other after all these years?” Kate questions me, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. I consider her question.
“I don’t believe in fate anymore. It was bound to happen at some point.”
“Did he ask to see you again?” Kate pushes, not letting it go. This is the question I had hoped they wouldn’t ask. I know they will be all over me once they hear my answer.
“Yes, but I told him no. I hardly see the point in that. He’s happy in New York and I’m happy here. And I would have to be crazy to take a chance on him. Come on, you’ve both heard the rumors of all the women he’s been with. It wouldn’t be good for either one of us to go down that road again just to go our separate ways.”
“They’re rumors, Olivia. You of all people should know about judging people without knowing the facts. Don’t you think you should at least hear what he has to say? I really think you should re-consider, Liv. If you really feel like this is no big deal, then what’s the harm in meeting him?” Ellie pushes.
“It’s not going to happen. Time to give up, girls.”
They stop pushing me, but I know it won’t be for long. These two know me better than anyone and I’m sure they can see right through me, like a perfectly clean window.
I push all thoughts of Parker from my mind. He is my past. That’s where he needs to stay.
One thing I know for sure - I can’t fall for Parker Bennett a second time.
Five
Parker
I am sitting with my family at one of the long rectangular tables by the pool, the quiet hum of conversation occasionally broken by a peal of laughter or the clinking of glasses. We have finished dinner and are on to dessert.
The sky has darkened but the backyard is glowing under the mini lights wrapping the trees, the tall space heaters keeping guests warm. Candles surround the flowers running the length of the table. Seeing the flowers make my thoughts drift back to Livy. I’m trying to be present, to enjoy the evening, but the truth is I can’t get her out of my mind.
Sitting across from me, my father’s arm is draped behind my mother’s back. They look so happy. It’s enviable.
“Parker, let’s get a drink,” Hunter says from behind me, clutching my shoulder. Hunter and I have been close friends since our days playing soccer and football together in junior high. Back when we were teenagers, he was pretty much a fixture in our house, practically a part of the family.
I rise from my seat and follow Hunter to the bar where we find Jules ordering herself a glass of Riesling. I order us each a scotch on the rocks and hand one tumbler to Hunter.
“Hey Jules, drinks are on me tonight. Order whatever you like.” Hunter jokes as we stand together at the open bar.
“Seriously Hunter, no wonder you are single with lines like that.” Jules rolls her eyes and takes a sip of her drink.
Hunter laughs it off. He has known my sister for years and their banter is like a well-rehearsed routine. Jules knows that every now and then Hunter needs to be put in his place and she has no problem being the one to do it.
“So, Parks have you heard any word on the Cape May project?” she asks. “I know Dad is anxious about it but won’t dare ask today and break Mom’s ‘no business talk at my anniversary party’ rule.”
The sound of annoyance in my voice is evident in my reply to Jules. “Nothing yet. I keep checking my phone and not a word from Nelson. Jordan is on it, though, so I guess I just have to be patient.”
“Like you even know the meaning of that word, Parker,” Jules jokes. Even I have to admit she’s right.
“What word? There are so many words Parker doesn’t know, Jules. You need to be more specific.” Liam laughs, nudging me as he joins us at the bar. “Did you tell Hunter who you ran into today?”
“No. Are you holding out on me?” Hunter smirks with one brow raised in my direction.
Not wanting to answer this question, I try to play it off as matter of fact as I can, “I ran into Olivia today before the party. My mom hired her to do the flowers.”
“Olivia Madden?” Hunter asks.
“Yes, Olivia Madden,” I respond. I didn’t plan on getting into this tonight.
“Interesting choice of florists by Mrs. B.” Hunter shoots me a questioning look. “So, how did that go?”
