But times changed, and now he’s with Dessie, and as much as I try to like her, I can’t. I’ve tried desperately to welcome her into our home, but something about her I can’t quite put my finger on. I don’t know if it’s because of her job and my experiences with Liam or because of the way she latches onto Noah when I’m around. It could also be that she’s always sullen when we go out to dinner after Noah’s games. It’s as if my presence bothers her.
I try to look at the headline, but the gentleman next to me stuffs the paper into the front pocket. Only the top of Noah’s head is showing, which makes my fingers itch. I could tap him on the shoulder and ask him to borrow it, but I’m afraid what the story might say.
Fortunately, the captain comes on, alerting us that we’re starting our descent. I peek out the window, only to see nothing but water. I’ve mentioned to Liam a few times that the band should do a fan cruise. Of course, I said this in front of Jimmy who I knew would be up for it. Liam, not so much, and Harrison was on the fence. Liam doesn’t like the idea that fans would have access to him twenty-four seven. I told him it wouldn’t be like that, but he doesn’t believe me. I figure once I can lay out the details and show him we’d have our own private space that fans couldn’t access, he might go for it.
As soon as the plane lands, the man next to me is up and out of his seat. His newspaper is still in the seat pocket, beckoning me to take it. I reach for it, only to hesitate long enough that the passenger behind me motions for me to go forward. It’s best I leave it there. The less I know from the tabloids the better off I am. I have learned that lesson the hard way.
There’s a car waiting for me as soon as I step off the plane. The sign the driver holds up says, “Mrs. Liam Page.” I can’t help but laugh at how over the top Liam is sometimes. There are times
when he wants us to be completely anonymous, and other times when he wants to flaunt it. This is one of those moments.
The driver takes my bag and helps me into the back of the car, where a present waits for me. I open it, tossing aside the wrapping and the lid, only to find a two-piece bathing suit with Liam’s autograph imprinted on the fabric. The card attached reads, “To the love of my life. Enjoy your week with the girls. You deserve it. Paige and I will hold down the fort. Oh, and be sure to wear the bikini. Every man needs to know who you belong to. Love, Liam.”
The bikini is white with red piping and black letters. I shake my head at the thought of wearing this, but know that Liam will expect pictures. I send him a quick text letting him know I’ve landed, I have my present, and I love him.
The drive to the hotel is quick and a bit terrifying considering the driver is weaving in and out of traffic. I close my eyes too many times to count, praying that I’ll make it to the hotel in one piece. I breathe a sigh of relief when the car stops and my door opens.
“Mrs. Page,” the bellhop says as he reaches for my hand. I want to correct him, telling him that my name is Westbury, but I let it go. This is Liam’s doing because he knows that Page pulls more weight. “Your friends are in the cabana waiting for you. I’ve been directed to escort you there immediately.”
“What about my bags?”
“I’ll take care of them,” he tells me as he guides me into the lobby and down the hall. My heels clank against the marble, tempting me to take them off, but he seems to be in a hurry so I follow along until we’re back outside and he’s pointing to a cabana. “You’ll find the rest of your party there.”
The pool is crowded. The laughter and splashing brings me back to a time when Liam and I used to do that. It seems that relaxation weekends have gotten away from us the older Betty Paige gets. Liam never wants to leave her because he’s gone so much. I get it, but a weekend away with my hubby would be nice every now and again.
I find Jenna and Katelyn, with drinks in their hands, staring straight out into the pool. “Who are you guys staring at?” I ask.
Both squeal and jump up, wrapping me in their arms. I’ve tried not to let the fact that they don’t live in Beaumont get me down, but feeling their arms around me now, makes me long to live near them again. It’s time Liam and I move. My parents have retired to Florida, and while Liam feels responsible for Mason’s dad, I’m sure we can convince him to move. Besides, Bianca could use a roommate or Harrison’s mom.
6
Katelyn
As soon as I see Josie, all is right in the world. For as long as I can remember, she has been my rock, my go to… my best friend. Not seeing her every day is the drawback of living in California, but that’s where my kids are. If I could be in two places at once, I would be. Because where Josie is, so is Mason.
I thought about suggesting we meet in Beaumont for purely selfish reasons. I miss Mason’s dad and would like to try my hand at convincing him to move closer to me. There was a time when I thought he and Harrison’s mom would become more than friendly, but what I thought was happening was nothing more than two parents getting along for their children.
Harrison likes having him around as well. He was the same age as the twins when his father was killed and I think having Mason’s dad around filled the void Harrison felt. Mr. Powell is also very supportive of Quinn, giving him the chance to have a grandfather.
The other reason is Mason. Sometimes I feel like I’m betraying him by not being in Beaumont to tend to his grave. I know his father does it and so does Josie, but he was my husband and the father of my daughters. A part of me feels like I should always be there, but that wouldn’t be fair to Harrison.
Josie returns from the bathroom and takes off her cover-up. I spit my drink out all over my lounge chair as she stands in front of Jenna and me with her hands on her hips.
“What in the…” I start to say, trying to contain my laughter at the bikini she has on. Only Liam would do something like this, to mark her so everyone knew she was taken. Not that she would ever look in another man’s direction.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jenna says. “That is something Jimmy would do.”
“Right! But no, my husband thought he’d be funny and had this waiting for me when I got off the plane.”
Josie sits down with a huff. I half-expect her to cover up, but she doesn’t. I know she’s proud to wear the swimsuit. Our waitress appears with a fresh round of drinks and appetizers.
“This is paradise,” Josie says as she sips her cocktail. After she sets it down, she reaches for my hand. “Are you okay?” she asks, knowing that my thoughts weigh heavily on my mind.
“Wait, what’s going on?” Jenna asks, sitting up. I look from her to Josie and back to Jenna, who moves over to my chaise lounge. “I knew something was bothering you earlier.”
Taking a deep breath, I bite my lower lip to keep the tears at bay. “Today is the anniversary of when Mason proposed,” I say, shaking my head. “I know it’s just a day and that most people don’t remember it twenty-plus years later, but I do. Each year, it’s like a ton of bricks weigh heavily on my chest.”
Josie slides over next to me and pulls me into her arms. “We’re here for you.”