She’s not here to scold me. Not really.
“I’m trying.” I sniffle.
She pushes on the door, letting herself in. I step back, because, honestly, I could use someone to talk to about all of this. I never bring this sort of stuff to my mom because she’d worry and, most of all, she’s been through enough.
“You got any more of those brownies?”
I shake my head. I’d given them all to her. I could use one myself right now.
“I can make you some more.” I start to head toward the kitchen.
Maybe baking will take my mind off Liam. I should keep busy. Mrs. Wilson is a genius for thinking of this. Before I can get very far, I feel her hand on my arm. I turn around to face her.
“Sit down, Georgia.” She motions toward the sofa. “I wanna know why you’re crying and why there is a man in a tux sitting outside in the rain waiting for someone to open the door so he can try and sneak in.”
“He’s--” I hiccup. “He’s still out there?” I look toward the windows and it is indeed raining.
“I thought I would need to be tough with you. Some people need me to be stern to get through whatever it is that they’re dealing with and some need sweet.” To my surprise she wraps an arm around me, pulling me close to her. She smells like some sort of heavy duty face cream and Rolaids. I inhale the granny scent to soothe my soul.
“Men don’t sit out in the rain for a girl unless they’re in love.” She pats my back gently.
“In love with getting his hands on my father’s company,” I snip back and let the betrayal I feel out into the universe instead of holding it inside where it’s eating me alive. How could he have lied to me and led me on? My heart begins to race with all the moments we shared together, wondering if any of them were real. Yet, deep inside of me, I know the answer to that.
“I heard you yell. You said you’re giving it to your mom. Still, he sits.” The little crotchety, kind of nice old lady has a point. I think back to when he pleaded over the intercom for me to forgive him. The pain in his voice wasn’t rehearsed or acted, it was genuine. My heart broke more hearing him in pain. The first day I saw him I told myself that I was going to bring sunshine into his life. I’d become his sunshine, and now I’ve taken it away.
“Did I mention how hot he is?”
My mouth falls open. “Mrs. Wilson!”
“I’m old, not dead,” she snaps back. I smile, unable to help myself. I think I like it more when she’s grumpy.
“Well, he’s mine.” I wipe my face.
“You’re going down in those kitten pajamas, aren't you?” Her eyes roam over me. Mr. Grumpy Pants sits on the coffee table giving Mrs. Wilson the stare-down.
“I should get myself one.” She points at him. He jumps off the coffee table and struts to his cat house. He wouldn’t let me take his suit off, so he still looks fancy.
“Let me pick one for you,” I offer as I stand. She needs a cat that’s extra sweet, I think. I’d love to see her rolling around with one of the darling yet snotty ragdoll kittens. That would be adorable. We all need some balance in our lives. I’m seeing that more now.
She stands with me, and I open the door for her, following her out. “Thank you,” I tell her as she reaches her door.
“You’re too sweet to cry.”
“Your being sweet is going to make me cry,” I admit.
She actually gives me a smile.
“Only I get to give you shit.” She shrugs before entering her apartment and letting the door close without a goodbye.
I hear the lock click into place. I turn and look down the stairs, making my mind up as I walk down them. My gut tells me Liam isn't lying. Still, it doesn't make it okay that he’d planned on using me. Did he plan to marry me and then take the company? Become friends with me and then talk me into it? Either way, both were manipulative on his part.
I can understand wanting to hurt someone who hurt your mom. It’s relatable, but not something that I have inside me to do. My mom also told me to let it go. I’ve tried, but tonight sealed my father’s fate