I nod.
“Are you afraid I’ll fall at his feet?”
“No,” my voice cracks when I answer. I hang my head. I hate the feeling that he has a hold over me, but hell if the thought doesn’t cross my mind.
Aubrey steps closer. Her fingers splayed out in my hair. “If I had known, I wouldn’t wear the shirt. I’m not a fan by any means. I’ve heard them a few times and my friend gave the shirt to me. I’ll get rid of it, but for the record, Liam Page has nothing on you!”
I capture her lips. My hands cup her ass to bring her closer. I’ve never been so in love and I know now that my love for Josie stemmed from a high school infatuation. I have no doubt we loved each other, but not in the way that counts at the end of the night.
With a loud knock I pull away from her lips. I kiss her once more before pulling her hand into mine and walking us to the door to greet our guests. If someone had told me a year ago that I’d be eating dinner with Liam, Josie by his side, I probably would’ve punched them, but here we are, about to be civil adults. At least I hope Liam is civil because he’s the one who stands in my way of seeing Noah, even if it’s for one last time.
I open the door wide with Aubrey standing just behind me with one hand on my bicep the other on my back. Josie and Liam stand before us. Josie’s smiling and Liam’s looking down at the ground. He doesn’t want to be here anymore than I want him here.
“Come in,” I say in a fake ‘I’m so happy you’re here invading my space’ voice. Josie grabs Liam’s hand and pulls him into our place.
“Can I take your coats?”
“Sure,” Josie says as Liam helps her out of her jacket. He folds it across his arm and somehow maneuvers his off without setting Josie’s down. He hands them both to Aubrey, who nods graciously.
“This is nice,” Josie says as she looks around. I shrug and put my hands into my pockets. Liam and I don’t need to shake hands, there’s no need to get reacquainted.
Aubrey returns and slides her arm into my mine. I look down at her and try to fake a smile, but I know it was more of a grimace. I need to snap out of it and be a host or this night will be ruined.
I clear my throat. “Josie you remember my wife, Aubrey. And this is Liam.” I’m speechless when Liam steps forward and shakes her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Aubrey.”
“Nice to meet you too. Thanks for coming.”
“Oh here,” Josie holds up a plastic bag. “We brought Chinese. I hope you like it. I know Nick and Liam do, but didn’t really know what you liked, but I thought that most people like Chinese –”
“Josie,” Liam interrupts her.
“What?”
“You’re rambling. I’m sure Aubrey likes Chinese. Let’s just eat or whatever.”
“Here, let me get these out of the cartons and on the table. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. Nick, why don’t you get drinks for everyone?”
Aubrey takes the bag from Josie and gives me a kiss before she retires to the kitchen. I watch as she retreats.
“She’s very pretty, Nick.”
I nod, not ready to take my eyes off the entryway leading to the kitchen. I sigh and finally look at Josie who now has Liam’s arm around her waist. “She is. What can I get you to drink?”
“Whatever you have is fine.”
“Liam, do you want a beer? I have these new microbrews that I picked up.”
“Yeah, sure, that’d be great.”
I excuse myself and almost collide with Aubrey when she comes out of the kitchen. I kiss her briefly on the cheek. I hear her talking to Josie and it makes me smile. Maybe they can be friends. Aubrey could use a friend, but I wouldn’t want her to feel awkward.
I pour Aubrey and Josie each an iced tea and grab beers for Liam and me. When I get to the dining room area, they are all sitting around chatting, even Liam, which surprises me. He thanks me and twists off the top before taking a sip.
I sit next to Aubrey and we all dig in. Maybe it’s best that we eat before we get down to business.
“So Aubrey, what do you do?”