Page 63 of Made for You

“Yeah about that, Willow and I want to pay it. All of it. We’ve used the inn countless times without paying for it so it’s really just our payment. Plus we’re not there to help, and our duet went viral so we have the money. Don’t argue with me.”

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. “We’ll pay you back the six thousand, guys. I don’t expect you to bail us out.”

“No. Not just the six thousand. We already called and paid off the whole mortgage. You can’t argue with me, because it’s done.”

Luckily, Emma has no issues. “You got it big bro. No arguments over here, right Lee?”

“Fucking christ, will you stop calling me Lee?”

She smirks at me, “Yea no complaints. Be prepared for a hug when you get here G. You are coming for the dance right?”

“Yeah! We’ll be there. Rooming with Coop in the big cabin!” Willow comes onto the screen.

“Oh great. This will be the best Valentine’s Day ever. I gotta go guys, boarding is starting I’ll see you all in the morning. Hunter, you still grabbing me from Portland?” Cooper asks.

“Yeah. I’ll be leaving here in a couple hours. See you soon.”

Cooper signs off and Gunnar not too long after.

“That was easier than I thought, and we don’t lose any renovation money!” Emma is more than happy about G’s gift.

“I don’t know. I don’t like that he’s picking up Pop’s mistake. That should come from the inn, at least the majority.” I’mnot comfortable with Gunnar paying a one hundred thousand dollar note but I was too stunned to object earlier.

“Listen, we don’t punch horses in the mouth, especially when they give you a gift.” Emma places her hands on her hip.

Wyatt’s deep laugh fills the room. “That is absolutely not the saying, Ems.”

“Whatever. You know what I’m saying.” She yawns dramatically, “Okay, I’m done with you people. I have a bubble bath calling my name.”

We all say our goodbyes and I go collapse onto the couch in the living room to text Violet. I need to tell her about Alexander now.

Me:Hey you back at the inn? I need to talk to you.

Violet:I’m in my room, where are you? I’ll come to you.

I hop up and take the stairs two at a time once more, knocking lightly on her door. She opens up and lets me into the room. I take a seat on the edge of the bed and she follows.

“You’re so tense, what’s wrong?”

“I need to tell you something about Alexander.” I turn to face her.

“Okay? Did he cause damages?”

“No. He didn’t. I mean I wouldn’t put it past him, but that’s not it. I overheard him on the phone tonight. He was talking to your stepdad and told him that he was about to get you to fall in love with him and you would do whatever he says.” I decide to just spill it all out for her. "You need to stay away from him, be careful with him."

“Are you serious? Why would he say that? And how the hell would he even be on the phone with my stepfather?” She moves backwards, away from me and fuck that hurts.

“I don’t know. But I know that’s who he was talking to. Larry told Alexander that he had to get the inn and his daughter by this weekend.” I try to grab her hands, but she doesn’t let me, she pulls away.

“Why are you doing this Liam? Things were good between us? Why are you trying to ruin things now by demanding I stay away from him?” She stutters out, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

“What? I’m not—It’s true! I heard it. I don’t understand why, but I heard it! You don’t trust me?” I stand up quickly, running my hands through my hair as I pace the small room.

“No! You don’t like Alexander. You didn’t want me around him, and now this is the most outlandish story I’ve ever heard! There’s no way he knows Larry. He told me so himself! It had to have been something else and you’re misunderstanding. He’s going to see his parents this weekend for his Mom’s birthday. But for you to jump to this conclusion is nuts!” She gets off the bed, and walks to the door, opening it, “You need to go.”

I try to hold her in my arms, but she pushes me away. “I’m not wrong, Violet. You’ll see it on your own. Ask him. Look deeper. You’re shocked but I know you believe me deep down.”

“Go.” She points out the door again.