Page 47 of Trusting You
“What about you, Cece? Do you know what you’re doing?” His ever-present smile faltered a bit.
“Behind a bar? Mostly. I have bartended a bit, mainly in college and in my early twenties.”
“No, I mean with Liam.”
“I am not sure what you mean.” I started to feel defensive. Why was he asking me about Liam?
Trent stopped cleaning the bar and propped himself on his elbows. He stared directly into my eyes, his face serious. “Listen, Liam is my best friend. The Quinns are the closest thing I’ve ever had to family in my life. I love them all deeply. Liam is a good guy.”
“I agree.”
“So don’t buy his bullshit. He is crazy about you, and I just don’t want to see his heart get broken when you leave town.”
I wanted to be offended. I wanted to get mad. But Trent, with his good-natured manner and sweet dimpled smile, was just a loyal friend. And I knew he had a hard time growing up and was extra protective of the people he loved. In fact, I admired him for it.
“I appreciate your concern, Trent. But it’s not like that. Liam and I are just casually hanging out, and he knows I’m planning to leave. I am helping out here while I figure things out.”
“We are grateful for your help. Things have improved significantly since you came in and started making changes. It’s hard for him to admit he needs help, but he really respects and values you.”
I could tell what he was thinking, so I beat him to the punch. “Because I’m sleeping with him.”
He at least had the good sense to look offended. “Jesus, woman, no. It has nothing to do with that. You are smart and dedicated, and we all respect the hard work you’re putting into improving this place. I don’t know what he’s paying you but I guarantee it’s probably a fraction of what you’re worth. So thank you.”
Put away the knives, Cecelia. He is being kind.
“You’re welcome. What about you, Trent?”
“What about me?”
“What’s your plan? I know you are a machinist. What are you doing brewing beer?”
“I went to technical school and got certified, and I use that certification frequently. But I had an opportunity to do something I love and support my best friend, so I learned to brew, and I’d like to think I’m pretty good at it.”
“No complaints here. But what else? It’s awesome that you are supporting Liam’s dream. But what about you? What is your dream?”
He went back to wiping down the bar, probably to avoid answering my question. I sat and waited until he replied. “I’m not sure. It probably sounds crazy to you. But I really want to go to college and finish my degree. When I aged out of foster care, I had very few options. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn kept me on the straight and narrow—helped me graduate high school and get into technical school. I am so lucky compared to most kids like me.”
“But you want more.”
“Of course I do. Doesn’t everyone?”
“Probably. But you could do it.”
“I know I could. I take one online class every semester. I am studying business administration. But I would just love to have more time to devote to it. Actually earn my bachelor’s, you know?”
“Of course. I get it. What’s stopping you? I know Liam would be flexible here.”
“I know. I just feel embarrassed. I have a good life, I have a good job, things are fine. I feel greedy asking for more.”
Trent was one of the most loyal, hardworking people I’d ever met. “You deserve so much more and you don’t even realize it. Portsmouth State is a really good school and only twenty minutes away. I am sure you could apply for January admission if you want.”
“I’ll think about it.” He continued wiping, avoiding my gaze.
“You know, if you need help applying or getting your paperwork together to transfer your credits, let me know.”
He looked up and smiled. “Really?”
“Yeah, you know me. I’m a nerd who loves paperwork.”
