Collided: Dirty Air (Book 2)(86)
“I fail to see what this has to do with me.” My patience wavers. I look around for a savior, but I find myself immersed in a wave of unfamiliar suits.
“Everything really. McCoy offered Liam twenty million dollars, but only if he cuts ties with you because of your connection to Bandini. Can you sleep at night knowing he gave up his dream to be your friend or your lover or whatever you kids call it nowadays? I sure as hell wouldn’t be able to. And Liam’s thinking about it. He’s actually considering giving up his best contract for a fling with a hot young thing. He won’t agree or disagree to the new contract, instead choosing to sit around with his dick in his hands, waiting for better deals that won’t come. His time is running out.”
My heart sinks into my stomach, rolling around with acid and alcohol. I want to run away from Rick and this secret Liam kept. But instead, my butt stays planted on the stool.
“People can negotiate deals and stupid conditions.” I straighten my spine because I can’t let Rick sense my fear. There have to be other options. Companies can’t act this way, right?
“Liam’s tried. I’ve tried. But a deal is a deal at the end of the day.”
I remain speechless while staring at the shot glass, wishing it could solve my problems.
“I’m telling you early enough to figure it out. To either decide if your relationship—” his eyes roam over me before he licks his lips “—or lack thereof, is really worth that much money. Not to mention his career. The clock is ticking. I wish you the best of luck with this difficult decision. For me, no pussy is worth that much. But hey, if I was as rich as Liam, I guess I’d have the luxury of choices too.” He knocks back his shot and tips the glass upside down, leaving me alone with a full glass.
Once he leaves, I swallow my shot despite my queasiness. The burn takes away from the sting in my eyes.
I leave the gala without a backward glance, not in the mood to pretend that Rick didn’t rip into my heart and steal a piece. I’m unsure of what to do and who to turn to.
I don’t know what to feel. Hurt Liam needs to think about cutting me out of his life? Happy he’s considering saying no in the first place? Confusion mixes with alcohol, my head swimming with doubt and insecurity, pain festering inside me like an infected wound.
I make it to my hotel room and land face-first in my bed, hoping alcohol knocks me out quickly.
“I’m concerned with how you’re stabbing your pancakes. Have any qualms to share?” My dad looks at me with questioning eyes.
“Only that you talk like someone from a Victorian novel. Who says qualms anymore?”
“Well-educated individuals who read lots of books. Speaking of which, how are your classes going?” He loves to check in about school.
“Really smooth transition, Dad. They’re rough, especially online.” Lies.
As of last week after Germany, I dropped my two classes and pushed my graduation back a semester. My palm shook as I pressed the withdraw button after speaking to Liam’s parents and researching art with kids. I made one of the rashest decisions of my life all by myself. No one knows about my recent life change. Not even Liam, who has lately become my go-to for all things related to me.
If that doesn’t say personal progress, I don’t know what does.
My dad tilts his head. “And what do you plan on doing after you graduate?”
“I’m not sure yet.” The words barely make it past my lips. I hate lying, but I hate lying to my dad so much more.
“There has to be some internship or something you want to pursue. Either that or get yourself signed up for a master’s degree so you can pass your accounting exams.”
That idea sounds about as fun as getting a root canal.
“What’s the rush?” I avert his gaze.
“You need to start planning your life and getting ready for the next big step. You’ve had fun traveling with me for months, but it’s time to head back home in two weeks.”
Home. An idea that used to bring me comfort reminds me of how hollow I feel. Somewhere along the way this year, my heart found a home somewhere else. Particularly with a German man who offers nightly cuddles and toe-curling morning kisses.
The tightness in my chest pushes me to ignore the thought.
Rick’s nuclear bomb of a secret makes my chest ache and my stomach churn. I struggle to comprehend how Liam battles cutting me out of his life. It’s like a sad re-enactment of some television show deciding whether to cast me out of the island or not. I don’t want to be pushed away and forgotten, but I don’t want Liam to lose his shot at winning a World Championship.
My dad’s voice rumbles. “It’s okay to be afraid of your future and what comes next. No one likes failing. But I’ve taught you to get up, brush the dirt off your knees, and try again.”
“What happens if I don’t want to get up?” You know, because my heart lies around me in a million pieces.
“I raised you to rise above your challenges. Whether it happens in a minute or a day. You will get up. It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
My dad, wise beyond his years and about one step away from creating his TED Talk.
“Of course, you can say that. You’re you. A badass who doesn’t take shit from anyone.” I grumble as I shove a fluffy piece of pancake in my mouth.