Page 48 of All Signs Point to Malibu

“Why don’t you hire someone else?” I shrug as though the solution is simple.

“William hired them. His call.”

“He also hiredyouto take charge,” I say gently, but with intent.

Liam frowns as he glances up from the phone. “You think I’m pussying out?”

Yes. “It’s just not like you—not standing up for what you think is the best decision.”

Liam nods and sighs again. “You’re right. It isn’t. Normally, I’d have no hesitancy to speak my mind. Give my point of view and argue my case. With William, it’s different because he’s Sonia’s father. Pissing off the boss means pissing off my future father-in-law, which in turn will piss off my future wife and I’ll be cut off again. Not that there’s been much time for sex these days,” he rambles in frustration mostly to himself.

I wince at the TMI. I’m over him, but I still prefer not to think of him having sex with someone else. I sense he could use a laugh, though, so I say, “If you’re not getting laid anyway, maybe it doesn’t matter a whole hell of a lot if you piss them all off?”

It works. The tense aura around him eases slightly as he grins. “Again, you’re right.” He sighs, then stands a little taller. “William put me in charge of this build and I need a crew who is on the same page.”

I beam proudly. “There’s the Liam I love... I mean, in the totally platonic sense of the word.” And I truly mean it. The more time I’ve spent in the midst of his love life, the clearer it’s become that I no longer want to be the object of it.

He grabs me unexpectedly and hugs me and even the familiar scent of his cologne does nothing for me. And when his grip tightens slightly and the embrace lasts a beat too long, I don’t linger, soaking it up, I gently ease away.

“Thanks, Hails. This was just the wake up I needed,” he says.

“Of course. Anytime. Won’t even charge you.” I pause then, because I have to know the extent of his obliviousness, “And I’m sure after the first resort, the others will be easier.”

Liam shakes my head. “Honestly, I think I’m one and done.”

Yep. Still being kept in the dark.

Liam’s phone chimes with another message. “I have to get back, but great seeing you.”

“You too. And don’t worry about a thing—the engagement party plans are right on track.”

His face and mind are blank.

“Yourengagement party,” I say with a laugh.

“Engagement party! Right. That’s this weekend. I’ve been too busy to give it a second thought. Great. Thank you...for everything.” He waves distractedly as he heads back toward the boardroom and I stand there even more convinced that I’m doing the right thing.

Cracks are already forming in the relationship that have nothing to do with my efforts. Well, not completely.

Communication, trust, and honesty are the pillars of a solid relationship and it seems as though Liam and Sonia are struggling with all three.

As I walk to my convertible a moment later, my cell phone chimes with new email messages—RSVPs to the engagement party. I sigh. A lot of people are going to be disappointed when this wedding gets called off, but for now they’re in excited, oblivious bliss.

As I reach the car, my phone rings with a FaceTime call from “Sonia.” I quickly turn to block any obvious signs that I’m at her family’s resort. Those palm trees in the distance look like every other palm tree in California, right?

I hit Accept and the call connects.

“Well?” I inject as much enthusiasm in my voice as possible. I may not be supporting one of her life choices, so I’ll try to balance the universe—and my own karma—by genuinely supporting the acting career. I’ll destroy her love life but help make her a star.

Sounds like a fair compromise. She might even thank me...

“He offered me representation!” Sonia says, buzzing with excitement. Her cheeks are blushed and her eyes sparkle—she tried that new highlight and contour technique from AirbrushQueen45—and her complexion is flawless. Definitely brought her A appearance to the meeting with Jay and by the sounds of it, her A game.

“That’s wonderful!” I say and I mean it. If he saw potential in her beyond her movie star looks, Jay will benefit her career. Once he commits to a client, he’s all in.

“Promise me you didn’t have any pull over that,” Sonia says.

I shake my head honestly. “I just set up the meeting.”

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