Page 11 of #Resort Love
Stepping out of the bedroom, I quietly made my way downstairs, trying not to disturb Liam while he worked. My vision was oddly sharper, but my perception felt off, causing me to stumble down the stairs. By the time I reached the bottom of the steps, my vision had adjusted enough for me to find my footing as I walked into the sun-soaked living room.
After going through my normal morning routine, I walked to my office with a hot cup of tea, the spicy aroma tickling my nose. I sat down and started preparing questions for Mr. Farra. He didn’t specify how much money I would make or the type of benefits I would be offered, so I wanted to be fully prepared for our talk, though I wasn’t sure how I’d even be in contact with him.
I had been so preoccupied with being fired and with him and Samian bombarding me that I hadn’t thought about givingMr. Farra my number before I drove home on Monday. Yet, he made it sound like he already knew how to get hold of me. He even knew where to send the envelope. He did mention my brother, but the thought of Caleb giving him my number and address made me bristle.
After a few hours of prepping what I could, Liam finally came down for lunch. The air was thick with an awkward tension from yesterday’s unresolved conversation. My father’s sudden appearance hadn’t helped matters either. Running a hand through his hair, Liam cleared his throat when he saw me. His eyes shifted nervously. “How are you feeling?” Liam asked slowly.
“Better,” I murmured. “No headache or anything.”
The conversation stalled for a moment as Liam rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said softly, his hand falling to his side. “I know that you are trying your best, and it couldn’t have been easy to tell me about being fired. I also know that seeing your father yesterday was hard.” Pausing, Liam shifted and avoided looking my way. “You might not like what I’m going to say next, but I think you should at least listen to John.”
The air felt heavy from the weight of his words. I narrowed my eyes and listened to Liam, though anger slowly crept up my throat.
“You don’t know this Ambrose guy, but it seems like John does. And by the way your father acted, I think Ambrose is someone you should stay away from.”
“You mean, the man who abandoned his daughter and family thinks someone is bad news?” I mocked. “That’s the person you’re really going to listen to—the side you’re going to take?”
“I’m not taking anyone’s side,” he said quickly, putting hishands up in front of him. “I just think that you should take a moment to think this through. John hasn’t spoken to anyone in the family for years, but after hearing about this job offer, he came to talk toyou, to warn you.”
Ignoring his last point, I scoffed. “Not taking anyone’s side? Liam, you should be takingmyside,” I said, my frustration quickly building. “You should be listening tomyopinion andmythoughts. Not the opinion of some random sperm donor.”
“Sybil, stop for a moment to think here,” Liam said, exasperated. “It just doesn’t make sense! Why would a random dude come toyouwith a job offer from a company that you never even apply to?”
His words struck deep, making my cheeks flush and heat creep down my neck. My breath grew sharp and my muscles tensed, the tingling feeling from yesterday returning, and crawling down my arms. My father never thought I was good enough or even worth staying for, but with Liam taking his side about Mr. Farra’s offer, it felt like Liam shared those same thoughts about me. My chest ached like it was being torn in two.
I was about to respond when an oddly, melodic knock sounded from our front door. Exhaling, I walked down the hall, finding Mr. Farra and Samian waiting outside. Spotting me through the window, Mr. Farra gave me a wide smile, wiggling his fingers in a small wave.
Suspicion wormed through me, making my shoulders stiffen. Hesitating, I slowly opened the door, greeting the two men with forced politeness. Mr. Farra’s smile grew while Samian gave me a slight nod, his face still carrying that reserved, bored look from yesterday. Opening the door wider, I gestured for them to come inside.
Acting like he owned the place, Mr. Farra made his way tothe kitchen, Samian silently following behind, his hands in his pockets. Closing the door, I cringed at Liam’s low, mumbled hello when I heard Mr. Farra’s deep voice eagerly introduce himself.
When I entered the kitchen, Mr. Farra quickly turned to face me, the sudden movement making me stagger back a step. “Well? Have you thought about my offer?” he asked. His eyes were bright, excitement coloring every word.
Swallowing, I glanced at Liam. His face was hard and cold, refusing to meet my gaze while he picked at something on the counter. I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could, the front door slammed open, hitting the wall behind it.
I jumped, turning to the hallway. I quickly shuffled out of the way as my father stormed into the kitchen, his face mottled and red. Grabbing Mr. Farra’s shirt, my father pulled him in close and bared his teeth. “I don’t know how you found her, but you need to leave. RightNow,” he growled, shoving Mr. Farra back toward the hallway. My father was shorter than Mr. Farra by a foot, and his haggard frame looked so brittle compared to Mr. Farra’s athletic one.
I stood there, stunned, when Mr. Farra began to laugh loudly while straightening his shirt. “Ah, John! It’s so great to see you. It’s been so long, my dear friend. Tell me, how is your research going?” Mr. Farra raised an eyebrow, taunting my father.
My father’s face paled. He stepped closer to Mr. Farra, his rage radiating from him. “Myresearchis none of your concern,” my father seethed. “Leave my daughter out of whatever plot you're planning.” His voice trembled with venom.
My heart jumped, my throat growing tight. “So, you do know each other?” I whispered, mostly to myself.
My father grimaced, quietly looking away, while Mr. Farragave me a wicked grin. “We do indeed, Ms. Sybil. We met, what was it now, ten years ago?” Smirking, his eyes cut to my father, whose face hallowed with whatever memory he was reminded of. “He was working on a little project when we met, and I graciously offered my help.”
“What project?” I asked, my voice trembling. What was so important that my father searched out strangers instead of turning to his family?
My question only made Mr. Farra’s smile grow wider. “Hmm, I wonder. What was it again, John?” he asked, his voice mocking and wry, “If I remember correctly, it was something about you, actually, my dear Sybil.”
My eyes whipped to my father’s, disbelief surging through my veins. The man who wanted nothing to do with me was working on some kind of project about me? It didn’t make sense. If it was about me, he should have stayed and worked on itwithme. I would have gladly helped him with anything that he asked of me. I would have done anything to make him stay.
I waited for my father to answer, but all he could do was shake his head, shame flickering in his eyes. Done with my father’s inability to answer a question, I turned back to Mr. Farra. “Mr. Fa?—”
“Ambrose,” he interrupted, giving me a warm smile. “Please, darling, call me Ambrose.”
“Fine,” I sighed, exhausted with the whole exchange. “Ambrose, I accept your offer.”
“Sybil,” my father breathed, his voice filled with alarm.
