Page 10 of Love Under Construction

Peaches yips between the two of us begging for attention. Jameson gives into her while I process what he just said.

The realization hits me. “Of course you know. Greta told you,” my shoulders sag in defeat. “What else did she tell you?”

He shrugs. “ Mom didn’t say anything more than, you need to go home.”

“What I need to do, is take Peaches for a walk and then eat my dinner and pack. You need to call your crew and explain to them that the doorways must be thirty-two inches with thirty-six inches of clearance around the door when it’s opened to ninety degrees.”

Completely ignoring the way he crosses his arms across his chest and stares at me, I reach for Peaches leash and start out of my apartment, not waiting for him to follow. Peaches gets her regular twenty minute evening walk then we head inside together. I know by how excited she is that Jameson is still on the other side of my apartment door.

Sure enough, when I open my door, he’s sitting on my couch. His feet are propped up on the coffee table, and he’s filled two wine glasses. He’s making himself right at home.

Chapter 6

Jameson

I swearon my life that I don’t make a habit of lying to people. Especially not Liv. Withholding the truth or spinning it ever so slightly? Sure. Only when it’s for her own good.

Now, is one of those times.

There is absolutely no way that I can tell her that I know how sick her dad is. Not now. She needs to get to him first. Mr. Hawthorne called me himself and begged me not to tell Liv anything. I’ve already said too much by telling her that I know she’s going home. At least I sure as hell hope she’s going to listen this time and go home.

I also wish that her parents would have been upfront with her during Memorial Day weekend instead of bullshitting her about joining them at the beach house like old times.

Liv deserves to know what’s going on.

It’s not my place to tell her.

What I can do, istryto keep her company tonight. Because I know Liv and I know what will end up happening if she’s alone with her thoughts for too long. I’ve witnessed many of Liv’s anxiety attacks - not that she would ever admit that to anyone. Nor would she acknowledge that I’ve guided her through several.

Hopefully, my display of getting comfortable in her place is enough to distract her now.

“You always were a terrible liar Jameson.”

Goddamn the woman for seeing through me.

“You know. You have to. Greta would have calledyouwith all of the details, hoping that you would convince me to adhere to my mom’s request,” she pauses and taps her chin, once she’s hung Peaches’ leash back in the rightful place. “Or, Greta would have told you everything and told you there was no need for me to rush home. So, which is it?”

I open my mouth and start to deny my mom telling me anything but Liv holds up a finger.

“Think very carefully before you say whatever you are about to. I bet money that my parents arranged your arrival here. I know a whole lot more than you think, so the truth would suit you now.”

I admire her persistence. She’s also overwhelmingly calm right now, which scares me. “Liv,” I sigh. “You need to go home.” As the last word rolls off my tongue, Liv’s bottom lip quivers ever so slightly, and she swallows hard. I can see the tears filling her eyes.

“It’s bad?” She chokes out.

“I don’t know.”

“I don’t believe you,” she sniffles and wipes her eyes. “You need to leave.”

“Not a chance in hell that I’m leaving you here, upset. We can talk about how you think you know your parents sent me, and watchSex in the City, but I’m not leaving.”

Liv fights back a laugh and shakes her head, “That show has been over for a long time you idiot.”

It takes her a bit, but she finally gives in and joins me, with a scowl on her face.

We eat in relative silence for a bit, her dog laying on the floor at our feet. Occasionally Liv hiccups or sniffles but she’s not talking. That’s okay with me, for the moment. The less I talk, the less likely I am to blurt outeverythingthat I know. It’s bad enough that I’m torn between staying here and keeping this school project going and following Liv back home to be there for her.

For now, I’ll stay and let Liv have the time with her family. And I’ll make sure this project keeps moving forward. Because I think seeing this through to keep Liv’s vision alive while she is with her family - is the right thing to do.

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