My Everything (7 page)

“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?”

Aubrey sets her fork down and holds her napkin got her mouth while she swallows her food. “Nothing yet.”

Josie’s eyes go wide and I know what she’s thinking.

Aubrey waves her hands in the air. “Oh no, don’t think anything bad. This is my first time in the US. Nick wanted me to get to know Beaumont before I find a job.” She looks over at me and smiles. She’s right. She doesn’t need to work.

“Well if you find yourself bored, I’m hiring.”

“What happened to Jenna?”

Josie looks at me. “Jenna is still there, but the shop is busy.”

“Thanks for the offer, Josie, I’ll consider it.” That answer seems to be enough for Josie, she nods and continues to eat. Aubrey looks at me, her eyebrows go up, her silent way to telling me to ask the question that brings us all together, but I can’t seem to find my tongue.

I shake my head and continue to eat refusing to make eye contact with her or anyone else at the table.

Liam and I help ourselves to seconds, as the ladies chat about everything from fashion to the latest movies. They seem to be getting along great and that means a lot to me. I’d like for Aubrey to have some friends here and it’s not that I’d expect an invite to Katelyn’s for Sunday football, but it would be nice to have my friends back.

Liam sets his fork now and clears his throat. He rests his hands on the table and folds them. I don’t know what’s about to happen, but I have a feeling I’m not going to like it. The Liam I know from high school wasn’t reasonable and he has no reason to be now.

He’s about to rip my heart out of my chest and there isn’t shit I can do about it.

Chapter 9

I resign myself to accepting the worse. If I was in Liam’s shoes I wouldn’t want my son to have anything to do with his mother’s ex. I should never have asked. I should’ve just waited until I saw him again and asked how he’s doing just like any other doctor would do and forget the countless hours I’ve spent with him. After tonight all I’m going to have is memories.

My hands clench under the table when Liam looks at me.

“When I came back, I wasn’t planning on staying. I had a life away from here and as much as I wanted to see Josie, I wasn’t going to interrupt her life, but then I saw Noah and I knew there was no way I was letting him go.”

Liam picks up Josie’s hand and kisses it. There’s no denying the love they have for each other.

“If it was up to me, you’d never see Noah again. I’m that selfish of a man when it comes to him. I’ve missed so much time with him. I don’t want to share. Everything you did – the bumps and bruises, the colds, the coaching – those are all things that I imagined doing one day. I’m not saying this is your fault. I’m thankful that Noah had you and that you were man enough to step up and play dad for a child that wasn’t yours because not too many men will do that, especially considering the history between us. But this isn’t up to me.” He moves the ring on Josie’s finger back and forth. She nods at him and mouths that she loves him.

Liam takes a deep breath. “Noah wants to see you. Most importantly, he wants you to coach his football and baseball teams. He didn’t like his coach this year. In fact, I think the only one who did is Candy Appleton.”

I can’t hide my smile. Aubrey claps her hands before throwing them around my neck and giving me a kiss.

“I can see him?” the emotion is thick in my voice as I look at Liam, not Josie, for confirmation.

“I’m not going to deny my son because that would be wrong. You’ve been a part of his life for a long time and he has the right to continue a relationship with you if that’s what he wants. But know this, Ashford, if you hurt my son again by disappearing for a year without a word, I’ll hunt you down and make you pay. Am I clear?” This is the first time Liam looks at me. His gaze is deadly and I have no doubt he’d follow through with his threat. I know I screwed up and plan to do whatever Noah asks to make it up to him.

“Crystal.” I say because other words escape me. I can’t believe Liam just said I could see Noah and not just see him, but coach him as well. “Thank you,” my voice cracks as I fight back the tears. I told myself I wouldn’t cry, especially in front of Liam. I can’t show him any weakness that he may want to exploit later.

Aubrey stands and pulls me into her arms. “I told you he’d be reasonable,” she whispers in my ear. I pull her to me, burying my face in her neck and let out a long, ragged breath that I didn’t know I was holding. I let her go all too soon, remembering our guests. She kisses me lightly on the cheek before turning back to Liam and Josie.

“Do you guys have time for coffee and dessert?”

Josie looks at Liam, he nods, which I know makes Aubrey’s heart soar.

“Do you really want coffee, Westbury, or another beer?” I try the friendliness tactic knowing it’s a stretch.

Liam cracks a smile and shakes his head. “Beer.”

“Coming right up.” I gather up our plates and carry them to the kitchen. Aubrey is busy preparing dessert and coffee.

“Just you and Josie on the coffee.”

“Okay, babe.” I take a moment and nuzzle into her neck.

“I love you. Thank you for pushing me to do this. You’ll love Noah, he’s an amazing kid.”

Aubrey turns and captures my lips, pulling away all too soon. “I can’t wait.”

Josie is piling napkins and gathering the bowls when I come back in. “What are you doing?”

“Helping,” she says sheepishly. Liam shakes his head and takes the offered beer out of my hands.

“She does this all the time.”

“Some things never change.” My comment causes Liam to laugh. I join in when Josie shoots him a death stare. It’s easy to see why they are meant to be together.

“Can I ask how Noah’s doing?”

Aubrey comes in with a tray full of different cookies and slices of cake. She wanted to cook, be a hostess since they were coming over here, but with Josie bringing dinner she opted for the next best thing, even though they are store bought. It’s the thought that counts, right? She sets the tray down and Liam reaches for a piece of cake while Josie takes her cup of coffee.

She lets it warm her hands before taking a sip before answering. “He’s doing well. School is school. I don’t think boys like school in general and he has a new friend that he hangs out with a lot who doesn’t play football so that’s nice,” Josie says with so much pride. I miss that. I miss being able to brag about him.

“And are you guys together?” I ask, pointing to the both of them. Josie looks shocked when I ask, but I’m trying to be friendly. I honestly don’t care and could ask anyone around town, but they’re here.

“We are.” It’s Liam who answers. He’s once again playing with her ring.

“Getting married soon?” I’m not bitter. She’s been my friend for a long time. I care about her.

Josie looks over at Liam and it makes me wonder if she’s doing the same thing to him that she’s done to me. Avoidance. She’s very good at it.

“Maybe next summer. We really haven’t talked about setting a date and with the tour, things get crazy.”

“Yeah I bet.” I take a swig of my beer, as does Liam while Josie looks down at her cup of coffee.

“So Liam, Nick tells me that you’re the lead singer of 4225 West.”

Liam’s face deadpans. He probably thought he was making it through dinner without talking about his alter ego.

“I am. Are you a fan?”

“No, not really. I’ve heard a few of your songs though.” I try not to choke on my beer. Liam starts laughing, as does Josie. Aubrey sits there, perfect as a peach.

“Well I have to say, it’s nice that I didn’t walk into a fan-fest. When Josie told me we were coming over here I just about freaked out. When I’m here I like being just Westbury, dad to Noah and Josie’s rocker, but some people don’t see it like that and bombard me all the time with merchandise to sign with promises to not sell it, only for it to end up on some auction site.”

“Oh no, I don’t need your autograph.”

“Thank you.” For the first time since Liam’s been here his smile is genuine. Maybe there is hope for us to get along and be friends.

“How are Katelyn and the girls? I really miss them.”

Liam sighs and shakes his head. Josie looks sad. My heart breaks for the Powell’s.

“Katelyn is doing okay. She’s managing and working for the band. Elle is doing fairly well actually, but Peyton, she has trouble sometimes,” Josie says, holding in her emotions. I know her heart breaks for her best friend. I’ll never forget that night when everything changed.

“That’s expected. Are the girls talking to anyone?”

Liam shakes his head.

“Well, maybe now that I’m back, I can start seeing them and help them figure some stuff out.”

“That’d be nice, Nick. You should let her know.”

“I will, Josie, when I see her next time.” Which I’m hoping is soon. “Um… I’m not trying to rush anything along, but when can I see Noah?”

“Tomorrow,” they answer in unison.

“That’s if you’re not busy,” Josie adds.

I look at Aubrey who shakes her head. “No, we’re not busy.” I reply.

“Good because he’s driving us nuts. He knew you were back and has asked when he can see you. I do believe he wants to yell at you so be prepared. Either way, he knew we were coming over here and he wanted to come. As much as I hate saying this, my son missed you.” Liam adds.

I can’t hide my elation when they say tomorrow. I can’t wait to see him. I can’t wait to hug him and to apologize for my actions. I just hope he forgives me.

“I know this isn’t what you want, but thank you.”

“It’s what Noah wants.”

Knowing that I’ll be seeing Noah tomorrow suddenly has me nervous. I know that Liam said he wants me to coach him, but what if after he meets Aubrey or doesn’t like my excuse that he hates me. I don’t think I can live with myself if he does.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Chapter 10

I stand on the football field and wait for school to get out. Noah is meeting me here. We were supposed to meet yesterday, but he wasn’t feeling well. I won’t lie, I was hurt and thought that he had changed his mind, but Josie assured me that he had eaten too much junk food the night before and was now paying the price. Something I remember him doing on occasion.

When I see him walking across the field I want to run and pull him into my arms. He’s wearing a black beanie and his hands are tucked into his coat pockets. I’m glad to see he’s not out in the cold without staying warm. I know telling him what to do is no longer my responsibility, but I’m not sure the doctor in me would be able to keep my mouth shut.

Noah looks up and sees me, he starts to run and I can’t keep my feet planted any longer. My stride is long and solid against the ground. His backpack is flopping from side to side as he pumps his arms back and forth just as I taught him. I fall to my knees when we collide and hold him in my arms. His arms wrap around my neck and he squeezes me tight. I’m unable to fight the tears as they stream down my face. I was such a fool for leaving him. He didn’t deserve the way I acted. I should’ve respected his choice in wanting to know his dad instead of making it difficult. I have so much to make up for.

Noah takes a shuddering breath and it breaks my heart to know that I’ve made him cry. I hold him tighter, hoping to show him that I’m here for him and not going anywhere.

“I’m so sorry, Noah.”

He nods against my neck and all I can do is hold him and wait for him to be ready to talk. I don’t know how long we stay in the field like this, but it’s not nearly enough when he pulls back from me. He wipes his tears, his hands pulling down his cheeks. I don’t know how many times Josie has told him not to do that, but he doesn’t listen.