Page 70 of Made for You

“Hi Gran, you’re here early.”

“Oh you know, years of being up before the sun never dies. I’ve been restless not baking as much as I used to. I’m excited to be able to do it this weekend.” She wiggles her restless fingers in the air causing me to chuckle.

“Well come on in, let me show you around.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her throughthe door.

“Oh my goodness. What a beautiful kitchen.” She spins around taking in all the beauty of this old farmhouse turned industrial kitchen. “Is that the original crown molding?”

“Sure is. Liam said he and Nathan spent a whole winter painstakingly refreshing it before the kitchen was totally remodeled to be made more efficient.” It’s my favorite part of the kitchen next to the large farmhouse sink with the picture window overlooking the cliffs.

Gran walks around taking in the kitchen and where everything is, opening each and every cabinet.

“I made some waffle batter, it’s in the fridge and should be enough for the weekend. And there are two dozen bagels, and a dozen fresh muffins. The fridge is also all stocked up, for lunches and dinners.” I open the refrigerator and show her all the prepped meals.

“Aren’t you the little busy bee?” She eyes me suspiciously, “What is going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

“I made a mistake Gran, and… I love Liam.” I hang my head.

“Oh honey. I’m sure Liam will be more than forgiving. That boy has loved you since you were kids. The day you came back is the day we started seeing our Liam come back to life.” She rubs my shoulder in a comforting side hug.

“I don’t know Gran, I was pretty awful to him. I don’t deserve his forgiveness.”

“Trust me, honey, talk to him. I think you’ll be surprised.” She gives me a loving smile.

“I was on my way to find him when you got here. I need to apologize whether he forgives me or not.”

“What did you and Emma learn about Alexander?”

“Not much, he told me that they’re buying a local farm who reached out for help. It seems plausible, but I can’t imagine an old farmer from Balsam Cliffs reaching out to a stranger.” I shrug.

“I don’t believe that hogwash.” She grimaces.

“I don’t know that I do either. I’m just saying that’s what he told me, and Emma is checking into it.” I grab the last pan off the counter and put it away in the cabinet, “Okay, I’m going to go grab my stuff, and see if I can catch Liam before I leave.”

“Okay dear, drive safe and let me know when you get to the city.” She kisses my cheek and pats my shoulder as I leave.

I drive down to Liam’s house, and knock on the door, hoping to catch him before his day starts. But no answer ever comes. I drive up to the barn, but don’t see any lights on, I guess it isn’t meant to be today.

Maybe it’s for the best. I’ll have a long ride to sort through my feelings and decide what I want to say when I do get to see him when I’m back. And I might have some answers from Emma by then.

By the time I’ve arrived in Massachusetts, almost in Connecticut, I have officially made myself cry.

I’ve been thinking about the whole situation for almost seven hours straight between the drive and the traffic.

On the off chance that Alexander is telling the truth, Liam was still looking out for me, he wasn’t trying to control me and make decisions for me like my mother has been doing for years. He’s always looked out for me, even as kids when he didn’t even know he was doing it. He’s fiercely protective of me, and loves me in a quiet way even if he hasn’t said it yet.

And I’m done waiting and playing games, I’m going to tell him as soon as I get back.

I smash the button on my steering wheel to bring up my phone, “Message Liam,” I tell it.

“What would you like to say to Liam?” My car responds.

“I’m so sorry for kicking you out. When I’m back I want to talk to you as soon as possible.”

My message repeats back to me through the speakers and I confirm to send the message. It’s almost dinnertime, so I don’t expect an answer back.

I turn up the music and a smile spreads across my face, happy that I’ve sorted my feelings and apologized to Liam, even if it was just through text, I put it out there and I feel lighter knowing that he knows I am sorry for my actions.

About four hours later I pull into the underground parking garage, and park in the empty spot that used to be mine. Or still is for appearances sake anyways.

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