Page 27 of Accidental Attraction

Chapter Nine

The weekend flew by, and before I knew it, it was Tuesday, the day I was meeting up with Lilly and Julie for wedding stuff. I was nervous to be alone with the two of them, afraid that I might let something slip. I was also nervous about picking things out for a wedding that was a total hoax. It was nine in the morning, and I had to meet them at eleven at some bridal shop. I wasn’t quite sure what Liam’s mother had in mind, but I had a feeling Lilly was going to go all out.

I was currently sitting by the window, staring out at the backyard with a cup of coffee in my hand. Liam had left for work a while ago, leaving me to the wolves. Lilly called me yesterday saying Liam was not allowed to come with us today, since we might be picking out a wedding dress.

Ever since our date last Saturday and me realizing I was starting to fall for Liam, I felt a little awkward around him. I couldn’t look him in the eye. I was afraid he would figure it out and tell me to leave or that he didn’t feel the same. I was an open book. I had to get past my little crush on Liam before things started to get even more awkward. We’d been really good these last two weeks, and I didn’t want to ruin it.

Deciding I had been staring out the window long enough and that I should go get dressed, I set my feet on the cold tile and headed to put my empty cup in the dishwasher. As I walked to my room, I sighed at how empty the house was. It wasn’t bad when Liam was here, because I could talk to him. But being here all alone just made the house feel more empty.

Once I was dressed in a casual pair of black leggings, an oversized cream-colored sweater, and a pair of black boots, I was ready to go. My blonde hair was down, air drying, and curled softly at the ends. I was twirling my ring around my finger, standing in the middle of my room. Jenna, you can do this. You’ve met Julie and Lilly before, and you know they are nice. Just be yourself, and it will be fine. My phone rang. I picked it up and shook my head.

“Hello?”

“Hi,” Liam said through the phone.

“Hey, Liam. Is something wrong?” He usually didn’t call me.

“Nothing’s wrong. I was just calling to tell you my driver will be picking you up here in a minute to meet my mother and sister.”

“I thought your driver took you this morning?”

“I decided to take the Audi today. I just wanted to let you know, so if you need anything just ask him or call me. And don’t let my mom and sister scare you, okay? They have the tendency to go over the top and make you want to run for the hills.” He chuckled.

“Don’t worry, I think I can handle them.” I smiled.

“I know you can. Just remember you don’t have to say or do anything you are not comfortable with. And if they get too personal, just tell them to back off. If they don’t, I can tell them to stop.”

“Liam, I think I’ll be okay. Your mother and sister will be fine. I will let you know when I am back home, okay? I better get going. I don’t want to be late,” I said, glancing at the clock on my bedside table.

“Okay, have fun. And…I’ll, uh, talk to you later.”

“Have fun at work. Bye, Liam,” I said, hanging up. It was times like these I wondered if Liam really did care or if he was just worried that I would spill the beans on our deal again.

With one last look around my room, making sure I had everything and that I looked okay, I grabbed my bag and headed toward the front door. When I opened the door, I saw the black Cadillac that Liam’s driver used. I locked the door and headed for the car. Last week Liam gave me a set of keys to the house, since he now trusted me. As soon as I got close to the car, the driver’s side door opened and a middle-aged man stepped out. He looked about medium height with light brown hair, and he appeared to be in his forties, “Hello, Ms. Howard,” he said politely, going to open the back door.

“Hi, uh…” I trailed off. I had forgotten to ask Liam his driver’s name.

“Mathew, Mathew Hedly,” he said.

“Hi, Mathew. Thank you for driving me today,” I said, sending him a small smile.

“It’s no problem, Ms. Howard.” He smiled down at me.

“Please call me Jenna.” I climbed into the back seat, and he shut the door behind me. I sat there silently as he got back in the car and started driving away from the house. It was weird sitting in the back of a car as someone drove. I wasn’t used to being chauffeured around.

“So, uh, Mathew, where are we going first?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“Mrs. Stanford and Ms. Julie are waiting at the Highland Town Center for you,” was all he said. As we drove in silence, I took out my phone and texted both Sophie and Candy. I hadn’t seen Sophie in a while and wanted to hang out with her soon. I was hoping I could hang out with both of them. Who knew? Maybe they could become friends.

The ride continued for twenty minutes or so before we finally came to a parking spot. Glancing out the window, I saw both Lilly and Julie step out of a store and come toward the car. Without waiting for Mathew to come around, I opened the door and stepped out.

“Jenna!” Lilly said as soon as she was in front of me and tugged me into a hug. “It is great to see you again.” Standing to her side was Julie. I sent her a smile, and she smiled back.

“Thank you, Mathew. If we need you again, I’ll give you a call. I think we will just stay around here,” Lilly said, giving Mathew a smile and a wave before grabbing my arm and leading me away.

“How are you, Jenna?” Lilly asked as she led us somewhere.

“I am good. How are you?” I asked politely.

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