Page 23 of Always Been You
Chapter Eleven
Lawliss
What is Edmund doing here? That question has been running through my mind non-stop. I thought we weren’t going to see each other again. The last time I saw him was a week ago and since then, he’s been on my mind.
For years he stayed away, so I thought he would continue; that’s what ignited my reckless decision in Florida. How was I supposed to know we’d meet again just a week after our night together? A night ingrained in my body, soul, and mind. A night that’s awakened a desire I thought buried. It’s been a week, yet I can still feel his hands all over me. His taste has been living in my head rent fee.
What have I gotten myself into? I sigh and pick up my glass, taking in my surroundings.
Eddie is currently sitting between Elisa and me, his left hand draped on the couch behind me. I just wish it was on my body instead of the couch. Dashiell is beside Lauren, with Aria sitting to his right and across from me.
Dash has been unusually quiet since Eddie arrived. The guy Eddie came with is now sitting alone in a one-man couch that was added to our booth. I recognize him as the man who brought the documents Eddie made me sign.
Everyone here seems to be enjoying Eddie’s company, acting as if no time had passed since we last saw him. Well, maybe they’re really excited to see him again but I can’t bring myself to share in their joy considering I met him a week ago and what transpired.
Eddie’s regaling us with stories about his life, but he hasn’t mentioned two important things that I find strange: why he left in the first place and why he’s back now. All he’s been talking about is his grandparents, whom none of us have ever met. Considering we were practically family, that in itself feels off but from the way he describes them, they seem like good people.
“If it hadn’t been for my grandparents, I would have—” he begins, but I cut him off.
“What are you doing here?” I blurt out, looking Eddie straight in the eye with my heart racing as if it’s about to drop. I won’t deny that his earlier comment about the way I’m moving on didn’t hurt, and if I’m being honest with myself, that’s why I’m acting this way—giving off the I don’t care attitude when all I’m doing is seeking attention, which is ridiculous if you think about it.
“Can’t I be here?” he replies, raising a brow.
“I don’t know. Maybe because you haven’t stepped foot here and by here, I mean Louisville since the death of your parents,” I say, taking a measured sip of my drink. My voice drips with casual indifference, though my chest tightens. The table quiets and I feel my heartbeat racing louder, but I press on.
“Or maybe because this bar should be the last place you’d want to be.” I obviously know what this place used to be. After all, we all have memories of here.
“Lawliss!” Aria chastises, her tone sharp.
I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Aren’t you all curious why he’s here after so many years?” I glance around at the others. “Am I the only one who thinks something seems off?” I’ve felt that way since I first saw him here. Surprised sure, I am, but someone who vanishes into thin air and couldn’t be found suddenly comes here? My logical part refuses to think all is pure coincidence. Dash clears his throat, shooting me a look that clearly says, cut it out.
I shake my head and chuckle. “What do you want to say to me, Dash baby?” I tease, watching as Eddie’s jaw tightens and his eyes darken. Dash’s reaction isn’t lost on Elisa, who perks up, sensing the tension.
“What’s wrong, Dash? Why are you so quiet?” Elisa asks, her tone playful but probing.
Dash laughs nervously. “It’s a nice night to be out,” he answers, avoiding her gaze.
“Indeed it is,” I mumble, swirling my drink. I feel he’s hiding something but what do I know? Dash is a mysterious guy.
“Dash, did you get into trouble with anyone here or is it Eddie?” Elisa asks in mock shock, causing me to chuckle and Lauren to nearly choke on her drink.
“This guy?” Lauren says, gesturing at Dash. “In trouble? Please. If there’s any issue, it’s probably just anxiety.” She turns to look at Dash, who seems genuinely shaken.
“What the hell!” Lauren exclaims. “It’s not like your mom’s here or any client.” She remarks, glancing at the rest of us. Her gaze finally settles on Eddie, whose gaze is fixed on me. I’ve felt his gaze on me throughout the night but I’ve chosen to ignore what it’s doing to me. It’s like I have a crush on him all over again, which doesn’t make sense to me.
“Are you one of his clients?” Lauren asks, her expression suddenly serious.
“And if I am?” Eddie replies in a bored tone. He picks up his whiskey, which he’d ordered earlier when the server came by to take our refill orders.
“I don’t know,” Lauren says plainly. “I’d just ask if you’re the type to make or unmake his business.”
Dash is already a millionaire and doesn’t need most of the clients he takes on. For some reason, though, he insists on working with those who could shake up his PR consultancy, claiming the challenge helps him grow. Eddie’s gaze lingers on Lauren for a moment, his expression unreadable. The air seems to thicken around us, the weight of unspoken tension pressing against the booth. Then he lets out a low chuckle.
“It was good while it lasted,” Eddie says, setting his glass on the table before standing.
“Sit down, Edmund,” Aria says, her tone flat but carrying an edge of warning.
He hesitates for a fraction of a second, enough for me to catch it but then leans back, settling into his seat with deliberate nonchalance. “Fine,” he replies, his voice calm, though the sharpness in his gaze betrays him. “What do you want, Aria?”
