Page 6 of Lily's Shadow

That gets my attention quickly. Usually when a man starts a conversation that way it leads to nothing good.

“Austin, do you have a girlfriend?” I ask, almost afraid of his answer.

“No.” He says as I sigh in relief.

“A wife?” I ask.

“No, No it’s nothing like that but umm. I live with my mom.” He says it quickly as if afraid of me thinking badly of him for it.

“Why do you say that like it embarasses you? Lots of adults live at home and help their parents. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, I lived with my dad in the Governor's mansion until I moved in with Fiona two years ago. I’ve only gotten my own place since I’ve been here in White Summer.” I state with a smile.

He seems to stand taller at my words, then unlocks the door to let us in. We step into the kitchen where Loki makes himself comfortable under the table and Austin encourages me to have a seat. He is pulling plates and dishes out of the oven, quickly setting the table.

“Sorry it might be a little dry from the oven. I didn’t realize how long it would take us to get back.” He says.

“Austin, this looks amazing. Did you make it all yourself?” I ask. I’m drooling over what looks like parmesan chicken, grilled asparagus and cheesy garlic bread. I wait until he joins me at the table before I dig in.

The moan that escapes my lips at my first bite is completely unintentional. I look up to see if he heard me. Yep, he must have. He isn’t eating, just looking at me. If I didn’t know why we’re here, I would swear I see lust in his eyes.

For the next hour, while we eat he tells me about Erica. The shit she pulled disgust me. Cheating on him was bad enough but to follow it up by ruining his career, then taking him to the cleaners in the divorce. Now she is holding the baby over his head. I can’t wrap my mind around the type of woman that would stoop so low.

Just as we are finishing dinner a noise in the hall startles me. Loki is instantly on guard, neither of us are expecting the beautiful older woman that walks into the room.

“Oh, I’m sorry dear. I thought you would be done.” She says, walking further into the room.

Austin clears his throat and stands up, holding his hand out to the woman. “Lily, I would like you to meet my mom. Ellen Montgomery. Mom, this is Lilyanna Harris and her fur baby Loki.”

“I just came out for a glass of water. Nice to meet you Lilyanna and thank you for helping Austin.” She pats Loki on the head, then turns away, still holding her empty glass.

“Mrs. Montgomery?” I stop her before she leaves.

“Yes dear?” she turns back

“You forgot your water.” I state, looking at her glass.

“Please call me Ellen and it’s no bother I’ll just get some from the bathroom faucet.” She smiles brightly.

I can’t help but laugh as she disappears back into the hall. Austin is pure red from embarrassment. The room falls into silence while Austin finishes clearing the table. I wait until he sits back down to continue our talk.

“First Austin, I need some questions answered. What is your plan?” I ask.

“I didn’t really have a plan. She blindsided me today and the words just slipped out of my mouth.” He answers honestly.

“Well the first thing you need to do is call a lawyer. Do you have one or need one?” I ask expectantly.

“I had an attorney back home, but honestly I don’t trust him with this.” He states.

“Alright, well let’s start there. I wasn’t lying about who my father is. We are close so I can make some phone calls in the morning and get some recommendations from him. I should warn you, My Dad is very protective. If he finds out about this he is probably going to have you investigated.” I look at him for a reaction.

“After everything I just told you, you know shits going to come up from my time with Erica.” He answers.

I put my hand over his on the table. “Austin I promise you, the people that work for my dad are used to digging through shit and finding gold. If you’re honest with me they will find the truth.”

“I swear to you everything I have told you is the truth.” I can see the truth in his eyes.

Maybe I shouldn’t be so trusting but I believe him and my dog loves him already. Loki has never steered me wrong.

“Next, our engagement. The people in this town love to gossip. I need to know what you expect from me.” I ask, butterflies in my stomach.

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