Unplugged (Blue Phoenix, #3)(42)
Phoebe laughs. “So romantic though! I think there’s a reason you and Liam reconnected. You might’ve been too young then, but the world can’t keep you apart if you’re meant to be together.”
“My fifteen year old self whole-heartedly believed that. Now? I’m not sure, but I’m not going to miss the opportunity.”
“You deserve someone who’s nice to you. I think I’ve seen you smile more this past couple of weeks than the whole two years I’ve known you. And that’s without Liam being here!”
She’s right. Someone turned the colours on the world up a notch when Liam walked into my house the other week. The everyday stress is bearable, because each mundane day of my hassled routine to school and home, dealing with a five year old, is one day closer to Liam coming back. At first, I doubted I’d see him again after Ella’s party, but the constant texts and occasional phone call are from a man who is thinking of me.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” I say with a small smile as we cross the road.
“I want good things for you! Ella was telling Jordan all about him.”
“Really?” Again the pang of fear she’ll get hurt. “I’m not sure Ella should get excited about Liam yet.”
“You’re talking about yourself, aren’t you? A sexy as hell rock star, who your daughter loves, texts you constantly.” She indicates the phone. “Beats a plumber who treated you like crap and rarely visits his daughter.”
Craig doesn’t visit Ella much even though he still lives in Cardiff. A couple of times he’s arranged to come over and take her out, and then cancelled at the last minute with no explanation. Craig never visited Ella on her birthday, the evening of the party, Craig called her to say ‘Happy Birthday’ and brought a gift the next day. Personally, I don’t think a five year old should have an iPad but his guilt was huge this time. Craig looked like crap too and though he said he didn’t come on her birthday because he was sick, I suspect inebriated is closer to the truth. Luckily, Ella didn’t mention Liam to him. Craig’s manipulation at Christmas and words about his love for his daughter annoy me, as does how weak I was allowing myself to be sucked back into his control.
Not anymore.
Phoebe waves goodbye as she climbs into her Subaru. She works across town, part-time secretarial work. She doesn’t need to work but likes buying herself pretty things, as she puts it. Phoebe has family nearby who help out with school pick-ups, giving her more opportunities. Unlike me.
The walk home takes ten minutes, and I sigh when I remember how much housework waits for me at home, mentally running through my list of things to do before I have to collect Ella. If I get on top of things, I could take an hour to sit in the garden with a book. Self-indulgent, I know, but the weather’s warm and there’s few days left before Ella’s home full time.
I’m mid-way through cleaning the bathroom when the doorbell rings. I pull off my rubber gloves and wipe my face with the back of my hand before answering the door.
Liam.
I stare at the apparition unable to speak. His wary green eyes are combined with the wide-smile that accentuates how amazing his jawline is. I attempt not to stare at his toned physique, his presence triggering my usual shaking reaction. This man is hotter than I remember every time I see him again. I’m snapped out of my admiration for Liam when I consider how I look with my sweaty face and hair, dressed in a scruffy shirt and old denim cut-offs.
“Hello?” Liam waves a hand in front of my face and I catch sight of what he’s holding in his other hand, a bouquet of pink and white lilies. Nobody buys me flowers. The last time anybody did, I was in hospital after Ella was born.
I rub my eyes with the palm of my hand. “This is becoming a habit. What are you doing here?”
“Huh. Nice to see you, too.” He pulls a face, but his eyes twinkle with the Liam cheekiness.
“No, I mean, yes, it is; but you’re not due back until the weekend.” I push my fingers beneath my fringe that’s sticking to my face in an unattractive way
“I couldn’t wait any longer to see you.”
“You could’ve called! Look at me!”
He sweeps a gaze over my ensemble. “I am and you look beautiful.”
I shake my head. “Flowers and compliments? You’ve been reading the ‘How to be Romantic’ manual then?”
“Cover to cover. Aren’t you going to ask me in?”
I step back and as he passes me, he leans down and inhales. “Mmm, Eau de Bleach.”
I poke him in the ribs. “Like I said, if you’d called...”
He tips my chin. “Like I said, I couldn’t wait any longer.”
Thankfully, my general sweatiness caused by cleaning the bathroom also masks the sweaty palmed reaction to Liam’s arrival. The shaking isn’t as well hidden.
Liam misreads my confusion. “Didn’t you want to see me?”
“Yes! I just didn’t expect you, allow me some shock!” I head into the kitchen to find something suitable for putting flowers in. Liam watches as I move things around inside the cupboard, the best I can find is a large, glass jug.
“Hmm. The manual never said anything about how to deal with chicks who don’t fall into your arms when you bring her flowers. I’d better go home and re-read the book in case I missed that section.”