Page 23 of Love Under Construction

They offered no explanation, simply floated around as if nothing happened. And here I was worried about how everyone would respond if they knew about Jameson and me? Not that there was anything to know about...us. You know, Jameson, the man who has gone above and beyond, in spite of my often very shitty disposition, to be there for me - in a way my mother couldn’t, or wouldn’t, I’m not sure which.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I take a deep breath and face the small group that is still here. They all do the same thing that everyone has been doing for the last two or three days. Looking at me with pity, hugging me way too tight and telling me how sorry they are about what happened. As if that changes anything at all.

The minute I’ve made my rounds, I try to slip into the kitchen for food only to be cornered by Mom. “Oh, Olivia, so nice of you to join us. How are you feeling dear?” I can tell by the way her words slur that she’s been drinking, again.

“Much better now,” I say, reaching forward and taking her glass from her hand. I take a big swallow, confirming what I already knew. Dad’s Macallan. “How are you holding up Mother Dearest?”

My mom leans in and whispers a threat about how a lady should behave and not embarrass her, that makes me chuckle.

“Yes, heaven forbid I shatter the glass house you live in.” I snark back. No longer able to hold on to every ounce of restraint I’ve had since this all began.

I can see the anger in my mother’s eyes andUncleDevin’s quick approach. I’m sure this isn’t going to end without a blow. But before things inevitably get worse, Jameson plays the white knightagainand pulls me away from the scene that is about to unravel. I want to fight him off and stand my ground, though I don’t have the energy.

“My parents wanted to speak to you,” He guides me to the corner of the living room where his parents welcome me, as always.

“Liv, we wanted you to know, our house is open if you’d like to join us tonight instead of staying here,” his mom, Greta says softly.

“You know what Mrs. Phoenix? That sounds like a great idea. It will just be for the night though; I think I’ll be making my way back to New York in the morning.”

At the mention of returning to the city, Jameson perks up. “I thought you were going to stay for another week or so?”

“Yeah, well, I think I’ve had about all I can handle of being home,” I tell him.

“Whatever you think,” Jameson shrugs. “If you want to leave now, we can head back to my parents' house.”

His dad steps in, “Actually, why don’t we all hang around for a little bit longer. Let the rest of the guests leave, and hopefully, we can sneak her out of here without a scene from Dehlia.”

“God, I wish that wasn’t the case, Mr. Phoenix. I’d love to get out of here, but you’ve got a point. My mother will without a doubt, cause a scene if I try to leave right now.”

“Let me go get you some food instead,” his mother insists. “You must be hungry, and I know Dehlia won’t corner me in there.”

“I really appreciate you all,” I whisper, fighting back the overwhelming feelings.

Greta pats my shoulder before she walks away.

I eat, thanks to Greta’s help and we sit around, waiting for the house to completely clear out. As long as I stay close to Jameson and his family, I’m safe. The minute I move, my mom corners me and begins berating again. By the time the last of the visitors leave, I’ve already escaped to pack my bag. I don’t waste time telling my mother goodbye. Instead, I make a quick exit with Jameson and his family.

The drive back to their house is quiet, and as soon as we arrive, Jameson offers to help me settle into his room.

“Want to tell me what your hurry to leave is all about?” Jameson questions, closing his bedroom door behind us.

“Oh, I don’t know.” I throw my hands in the air, annoyed that he seems so clueless. “What reason is there to stay? You’ve seen how my mother’s behaving. I’m sure she’s boning my ‘uncle,’ and my dad’s gone. So what the hell is the point in staying? I’m better off getting back to the city and my kiddos. Doing the one thing I know how to do best, teach.”

“Christ, you’re kidding about your mom and Devin, right?” he rubs his temples and shakes his head in disbelief.

“I wish I was. How did I not see it, Jay? How did I not see all the lies all these years? Hell, how did I know notice, my father, - fading away before my eyes?”

Jameson sighs, “They put up a good front? I don’t know.”

“But all these years, how did it not click?”

“I don’t know that either.”

“And don’t think I’m over your involvement in all of this,” I glare.

He smirks, “I didn’t think you were. My involvement in ‘all’ of this was merely keeping you safe. And looking back, I know I’d do it all again in a heartbeat,” he moves closer to me. “We’re not going to pretend nothing’s happened between us either.”

“Keep telling yourself that. What happened was a mistake. A moment of weakness,” I the half-truth slips off my tongue. A moment of weakness? Yes. A mistake? Maybe. But it’s certainly one I’d love to make over and over again.

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