Page 7 of Chasing Liberty

“Taste this and tell me what you think.” She slid the glass toward him.

He took a gulp. “Tastes as disgusting as white wine always does.”

She sighed and pushed the glass away. “That was no help.”

He reached for his bottle and remembered it was empty, so he downed the contents of his water glass. “Liberty, I need to speak—”

“Can I have everyone’s attention.” Sam stood up, his commanding voice gaining everyone’s attention. “I’d like to first wish my lovely daughter, Freedom, a happy birthday.” He saluted her with his glass.

Everyone at the table, and surrounding tables, followed suit.

Freedom brushed her hair over one shoulder, looking a bit flustered. “Thanks, Daddy.”

“It has just been brought to my attention that Honor and Cave have found out that they’re expecting a baby girl. Congratulations to you both.” Pride shone in Sam’s expression.

Honor stood and went to give him a hug.

“Thank you, sir.” Cave shook Sam’s hand.

“They’re expecting a girl,” Liberty whispered as if Wyler hadn’t heard Sam.

Wyler leaned forward, seeing a mysterious gleam in her eyes. “Are you crying?”

“Of course not. I’ve got something in my eye. I need to go to the restroom.” She pushed back her chair and practically flung herself out of the room.

“Is she alright?” Freedom asked, a look of concern in her silver-blue eyes.

“Something in her eye,” he said as he kept his eyes on Liberty.

“Should I go and check on her?” Freedom started to get up.

“I’ll go.” He quickly stood up. Now was as good as a time as any to have that talk.

He strolled down the corridor toward the women’s restroom and knocked on the door. “Liberty?”

“What, Wyler?” she called through the door.

“Are you alone?”

“No. I have half of the restaurant in here with me and we’re throwing a rager.”

He could practically hear the eye roll in the tone of her voice.

Grunting, he opened the door, and peeked in. She was standing at the sink, and she caught his gaze through the mirror. “This is the women’s restroom,” she whispered.

He crouched down and looked for feet in the stalls. He stepped deeper inside, closed the door, and blocked it with his body. “We need to talk.”

She swung around, her eyes wide and glazed. “It couldn’t wait? I need to use the toilet.”

“Go ahead.”

“Not with you in here. What’s so important?”

Swiping off his hat, he pressed it against his chest, feeling like he’d been socked in the stomach. “Don’t do this, Liberty.”

“Don’t use the toilet?” One brow lifted. “You’re acting weird. And I guess I am too. I don’t know what is wrong with me.”

“Liberty, you and I…we need...” He took a step toward her.

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