Page 41 of Georgia: Britain's Story: Part 1
“Carly, baby, you want help?” Sandy calls out to the invisible guest.
“No, just trying to do too much. I just came from Liam’s and I’m running a bit behind. Just flustered as usual!”
Carly — well, I’m assuming it’s Carly — rounds the corner wearing a chef’s jacket, jeans, and kitchen clogs.
“Oh, didn’t know you had company Miss Sandy. Sorry!” She waves and moves to walk back to the counter, but Sandy stops her.
“Psh, you know it’s not a problem! Carly, this is Britain, Liam’s girlfriend. Britain, this is Carly, the woman who works wonders in the kitchen.” She leans in, holding a hand over her mouth to faux whisper to me, “And prevented Jim from divorcing me over my lack of kitchen skills.” I giggle.
“Carly, it’s really nice to meet you,” I say to her. She’s a pretty brunette, maybe a bit younger than me.
“So you’re the girlfriend,” she says excitedly towards me. “I’m so glad I’m getting to meet you! We’ll have to swap numbers so if you have any preferences or allergies, you can just let me know! Like, were last week's meals okay? Style-wise I tend to lean ‘low carb, high protein’ with his diet.”
She’s asking me about last week's meals, but I’m a bit confused. It must show on my face, because she says, “Sorry, I just assumed you were the one eating with him. He’s never asked me to cook for two before, well, until last week, and then here you are. Oh shoot,” she says. She’s worried she misspoke.
The warmth in my belly is growing. It’s that old familiar feeling, but the happy one. I just smile and say, “I, um, didn’t eat what you cooked last week, but I will definitely let you know in the future.” I give her a warm smile, hoping she knows she didn’t do anything wrong. It was me, again. She returns my smile and says, “Okay!” Then walks with purpose back to the kitchen to start prepping.
I look over to Sandy who’s looking at me with a shit-eating grin. “Ooh baby, I knew I liked you! Giving him a run for his money?” She smacks my leg, making me blush.
“Maybe,” I say. “He called you this morning to tell you I was his girlfriend?” I just can’t imagine Liam being a momma’s boy, still.
“He dropped it nonchalantly. But yes, I speak male. He called to let me know.” Her demeanor is all-knowing, and I’m 100% buying it. She knows everything.
“You know, he really likes you, babe. I won’t get involved because y'all are adults and life is messy, but try to take care of my baby, k?”
“I’ll try.” That’s all I can do. “So, wait, if you don’t bake the bread and the stuff at the shop, is that Carly, too?” I ask Sandy.
“Nope, that’s Jim, baby.”Of course it is.
FIFTEEN
Liam
For the last week I haven’t left work before 6:30, so when I block out my calendar starting at 5:00 P.M. to make sure I’m home for Britain, the questions come rolling in.
“You got a hot date tonight, brother?” Niko slips his head into my office this afternoon.
“Maybe.” I’m not sure I’m ready to tell the whole office I’ve got a girlfriend for the first time in a decade. I did tell my mom, and I don’t know which is worse, her or the whole office?
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, really?” I don’t even acknowledge him, just keep typing my email.
“Your silence is answer enough. Who is she?” I look up at Niko, but don’t say anything, I really don’t want to give him a bone to chew on.
“Aww, come on man. I see how it is, worried she’ll leave you for one of us? Hey Max!”Fuck, no. “Max, come in here, Liam’s dating someone and it’s serious.”
“Yeah, I know, I just signed for these,” he’s holding the huge bouquet of flowers I ordered.
“Don’t you dare open that card,” I tell Max, but it’s too late. He’s already lifted one side of the card and read at least part of it.
“Your girl’s name is Bambi? Like for real?” Max asks.
“Get the fuck out!” Niko says, then moves to look over Max’s shoulder. I stand up without a word, taking the bouquet from Max.
“No,youget the fuck out,” and I wait for them both to exit my space, slamming the door on both of them. Even with the door shut, I can hear them outside in the hall, not leaving.
“He hasn’t had a serious girlfriend, in like, ever.”
“I know, man. Who is this Bambi?”
