Page 68 of Meet Me at the Grand

“If that’s what the client requires. I know you must be itching to get out of there though. You haven’t spent time in a small town. Have we ever had a project in any place smaller than a million people?”

“Don’t think so. But I haven’t minded being here. It’s a great place, actually.” A place a guy could put down roots—if he didn’t have other obligations.

But Dad wasn’t just an obligation. It was Liam’s privilege to help him. To make sure he had a nice long life after retirement. He’d promised Mom, after all.

His dad’s mouth twitched the way it did when he was surprised by something. “I’ve got another project starting next month in Chicago that I was going to put you on, but other than that, you’ve got nothing else that’s pressing, time-wise.”

Wait. “You’re sending me out again? But Travis and I are still planning to pitch our project to you.”

“And I’m still planning to hear you out. But these things take time, and in the meanwhile, we have other projects on the docket.”

“But Dad…” Liam sat up straighter on the bed. “It’s not just about the Bertram project. I thought we’d talked about…well, one reason I want to stay in LA more is so you could start backing off. You know, begin to really think about retirement?”

His dad waved him off. “I’ve got time, son. Lots of time.”

Seriously? “Maybe. Maybe not.”

“Now what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just that…I don’t know.” Liam ran a hand through his hair. “Your doctor said you needed to reduce your stress. To take better care of yourself. And that was two years ago. Tell me. What’s changed since then?”

“Now, son?—”

“Nothing. That’s what.” Blowing out a frustrated breath, Liam turned his face toward the window. From here, he could see the streetlamps illuminated along Blueberry Boulevard and the harbor. There weren’t any people out at this time of night, not that he could see, anyway. Most everyone was tucked away in their cozy homes. Their fireplaces were probably lit. Maybe they were eating pizza and watching travel documentaries with the peopletheyloved.

Whoa. Loved?

He didn’t love Dani.

But you could. If you’d only let yourself.

He blinked against the soul whisper.

“Liam.” His dad’s gentle voice filled the room. The same voice that had told him his mother and baby sister had died. The same one that had told him everything was going to be okay, all of those nights when nightmares had awakened him. The same voice that had cheered at every football game, that had cried out “That’s my son!” when he’d walked across the stage to receive his college degrees.

Dad had always been there for him. How could Liam turn his back on him? He couldn’t.

Not even for the possibility of love.

“Sorry, Dad.” He turned his attention back to the screen, where his father leaned in, concern etched into every crevice of his face. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I just worry. I…I can’t lose you too.”

“Aw, son.” Dad started to lift his drink then paused and set it back down. Pushed it away, out of the camera’s view. “I promise I’ll do better. Maybe you’re right.”

Liam perked up. “Right about what?”

“I’ll think about it, okay? I just hate the idea of retirement. What am I going to do with myself all day, huh? Sit around alone and watchJeopardyin my underwear?”

Liam snorted at the vision. “Or, you know, find a hobby. Golfing. Fishing. Reading.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Going on dates again.”

“Pshaw. It’s too late for that.” He patted his belly. “Besides, I’m too much of an old fuddy-duddy for anyone to be interested in me like that.”

“Whatever, Dad. You’re a caring, generous guy, and any lady would be lucky to have you.”

“He’s right, you know.” A female voice intruded on their conversation, and before Liam knew it, Marianne was pushing Dad out of the way and waving at the screen. “Hi, shoogs. Good to see you.”

Dad pushed right back against her. “Move out the way, woman. Can’t you see I’m talking to my son?”

She smacked his shoulder and laughed. “Charles Stone, you just have a little patience.” Marianne held up a plastic bag by its handle, a local restaurant’s logo across the front in bright scrolling font. “I came all the way down here to bring you some dinner, so you’d best be nice to me.”

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