Page 41 of Make You Love Me

Lottie-

The past month and a half has been hell.

My Papa passed away the day I returned to New York. Turns out, he kept me in the dark about a heart issue he had for many years. I barely made it to the hospital in time to say goodbye. Sally kept telling him I was on my way and to hold out a bit longer, and somehow, he did.

I was able to tell him I loved him and how grateful I was to have him and Gigi in my life. Through tears, I told him I will never forget how much they both loved me and that I will work hard to be strong and happy like I know they want me to be. He was unable to speak at that point, but I felt his hand squeeze mine. He knew I was there and shortly after, he closed his eyes and passed peacefully.

Now he’s with Gigi and my mom looking over me while I figure out this thing called life.

My heart shattered that day. It hurt so badly knowing I didn’t have anyone left in my family that truly loved me. I needed Greyson so much in that moment. How could he do this to us? I still love him with all of my heart and soul. I don’t even know how to deal with this hurt.

Sorting through my Papa and Gigi's estate was time-consuming, but I’m thankful I could distract myself a little bit. It was sad but comforting looking through old boxes of things from when I was growing up. It was a blessing that they had all the proper paperwork in place because Ethel was MIA and I had no clue what the next steps were. A long-time family friend who was also their lawyer, was with me so he was an amazing help through it all.

I will never understand how Ethel can be so cold and detached. I still hurt every day from the loss of my mom and now both of my great-grandparents. But she doesn’t even seem phased that her father just died.

The reading of the will was quite an eye-opener. It was the only event Ethel seemed to care about regarding her father’s death. She might as well have stayed in North Carolina, because to my surprise, I was given everything. Every single property, including the Nori Beach home I love so much. Their priceless heirlooms, Gigi's extensive jewelry collection, their Manhattan brownstone, Papa’s remaining shares of Richmond Steel… all of it. They left Ethel a note, not sure what it pertained to, but besides that piece of paper, she left with nothing.

Being as I’m still seventeen and unable to access any of my inheritance until my next birthday, I was left with no choice but to pack up my life and everything I grew up around and move to Richmond Hills permanently. I was forced into the home of my only surviving family member, Ethel. The fact that I’m the sole proprietor of the Richmond fortune, and moving into the house of the slighted Ethel, scares the shit out of me. Thankfully she has no control over my inheritance. I can only imagine the hoops she'd make me jump through to get it. Papa set up small weekly distributions until my birthday in January when all the funds transfer to me.

Not only will I be under her control for the next four months, but this move also puts me back in North Carolina, whereheis. I’m already enrolled in Richmond Hills High School and start this week.Fuck my life.

I arrived at Ethel’s on Saturday morning. James picked me up from the airport, informing me that Ethel was out of town and was sorry she couldn’t be there.Wow, what a shocker.

Keeping myself busy, I unpacked and settled into my room. It’s now Tuesday, school starts tomorrow, and I am going fricken stir-crazy. I open my laptop and search for a way to diffuse all of my nervous energy. I came across Lights Out, a boxing gym in downtown Richmond Hills. This should do the trick.

When Papa died, I was utterly distraught. I feared for my own health and made sure to get myself to a doctor for a checkup. Turns out, I’m in the clear, for now. I was told that a condition like his was something he developed later in life, and to make sure I looked after myself and my health.

The next day I joined the local kickboxing gym Ashley goes to. She was always raving about how good she felt both mentally and physically when she left there, so I gave it a shot. Best decision I've ever made. Not only is it helping me get through one of the hardest times in my life, but I feel stronger in mind and body.

My curves are more defined now. Even though that wasn’t the initial plan, I'm not mad at the reflection I see in the mirror. I feel confident and sexy in a way onlyhiswords used to make me feel. Now, I feel it in myself. Not only do I feel good, but I know that if I can get through these past few weeks, I can get through anything, and that has given me more confidence than anything before.

Since Ethel doesn’t live too far from downtown, I figured I’d walk to the gym. I toss on a large tee over my sports bra and biker shorts, grab my sneakers, and head out.

I’ve been a ball of nerves since the plane touched down on Carolina soil, so I need a way to recenter myself. It's not long into my walk that I approach the brick building. Large graffiti lettering reads Lights Out above the glass double doors.

Walking through the entrance, I let out a deep sigh. This is exactly what I needed. I approach the reception desk and come to a stop when I'm face-to-face with a strikingly handsome guy. He has bright blond hair that almost looks white and a beautiful set of ice-blue eyes. I can feel his gaze as he peruses my body. His full lips now have a smirk on them that only brings my attention to his strong, chiseled jaw.Damn, they really do make them different down here.

He doesn’t say a word, just stares.

I clear my throat and initiate conversation. “Hi, I'm new in town and I was wondering if I could try out your gym.”

“You certainly are,” he says, as his eyes finally meet mine.Uh, what?

He stands from behind the desk and my god. Tall, pure, lean muscle is all I see. He may not have Greyson’s muscle mass, but he towers over me even more than G did, which is saying a lot.

He walks around the desk and comes to a stop in front of me. Holding out his hand to shake mine, he says, “I'm Corbin. Most people call me Snow.”

“Hi, I’m Lottie.”

We stand there for several moments and I realize how awfully quiet it has gotten in here. Glancing around, I notice most of the activity has slowed down. I feel as if all eyes are on me… Or are they on Corbin?

As if noticing the change as well, Corbin turns to scan the gym. He must come to the same conclusion because in the next moment, his deep voice bellows, “Mind your own.” Within seconds, the sounds of the gym roar back to life.

Corbin stands there shaking his head. I can't help but ask, “What was that all about?”

He smiles at me, popping a dimple on his cheek, and I swear I get a little flutter in my stomach.Wow, that was unexpected.

“Fresh meat… these hooligans aren’t used to a knockout like you walking through these doors.”

---