Chapter 29

*Livie*

I returned to work Monday morning, a little over a week since I first learned about my family secret. I was desperate for the distraction, and happy to throw myself into all things work related. If nothing else, the turmoil in my life was making me an excellent employee. Silver linings, and all, right? My focus was interrupted by my cell ringing in my desk drawer. I didn’t need to look at it to know it was Beth. James wasn’t ready for the family to know everything just yet, and I didn’t want to lie to my best friend and sister. I blamed work and being a newlywed on my recent absence, but I missed her and really needed to talk to someone about everything that had transpired over the past few weeks. Making a mental note to call her after work, I stood up to get another cup of coffee before diving into the next contract.

As I wandered into the kitchen area, I ran into Noah. He had been spending most of his time in Mormont, getting the new office up and running. The guys had hired a top-notch business manager to oversee the day-to-day operations, but for the first year or so, Noah planned to spend most of his time there working side by side with her until everything was running smoothly. My heart hurt for Jess, having her husband gone so much.

“Hey, Liv.” Noah greeted me without taking his eyes off his coffee. “Need some fuel?” He held the carafe out toward me.

“Oh yes, please.” As he refilled my cup, I noticed he looked tired. Like he had somehow aged in the past few months. “Everything going ok?”

“Yeah, all good.” He placed the carafe back on the hot plate, then sat at the small table in the corner of the room.

As I followed his lead, I asked, “How are things going in Mormont? The new manager working out, ok?” Settling back into the chair, I sipped my coffee.

“Uh, um.” He took a swallow out of his mug and nodded his head. “Um. Yeah. She’s doing ok.” His voice wavered, just for a moment. Just long enough for me to question what he wasn’t saying. Before I could ask, he jumped up from his seat, saying. “Well, better get back to it.” As he started through the doorway, he turned back to me. “Hey Liv, I have to go back to Mormont tonight. Could you maybe call Jess and have dinner with her? This has been really hard on her, and I know she’s lonely.” The sadness in his voice was unmistakable.

“Of course! I’ll give her a call this afternoon. You sure everything is ok?” I studied his face for any indication of what was weighing on him, but he was hard to read.

“Yeah. It’s just tough, being apart so much. Thank you, Liv. Really, I appreciate it.” With that, he turned on his heel and walked down the hall.

I returned to my office and settled into the chair behind my desk. My frustration with James over not telling his brothers about Marcus was waning. Noah and Chris had so much on their plates already, and hearing about everything James and Marcus had gone through wasn't going to help. It was so lonely not being able to talk to anyone, though. Emotion threatened to overwhelm my senses, tears pooled at my eyes. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to shake off the thoughts waging war in my head and heart. Pushing forward, I grabbed my phone and tapped out a text to Beth, Sam and Jess. *Drinks after work?? I think we all could use some sister bonding!* They all three responded almost immediately. *Absolutely yes!* Sam suggested we go to Martina's, a new tequila bar downtown. With plans confirmed, I sent a message to James letting him know. *Have fun and please call if you need a ride home!* He was on call tonight, so I assured him we'd grab an Uber and be safe.

The remainder of the day went by quickly as I channeled all of my focus into getting through the last of the contracts, confirm client meetings and reviewing the propsed benefit package our insurance broker put together for us. Wilson Enterprises still only had a few employees, but the guys decided it would be better to implement a benefit program now so we can continue to attract top quality employees as the expansion continues. Noah popped in on his way out and thanked me for spending time with Jess. I made a mental note to be more intentional when it came to spending time with my new sisters-in-law. Around six I closed up the office and drove home, deciding to Uber from the house rather than worrying about leaving my car at the bar.

When I entered the front door, I was greeted by a fresh bouquet of sunflowers thanks to my amazing husband, who had also left a bottle of Tylenol on the front table with a note to have fun. My phone beeped, letting me know the Uber driver was nearby, so I hustled to the bedroom and changed into flats, pulled my hair up, and touched up my lipstick. As I left the house, I made sure to set the alarm and lock the deadbolt before hoping into the backseat of the SUV waiting in the driveway. Fifteen minutes later, the driver pulled up to Martina's where I saw Beth and Sam walking to the door. I felt giddy as I pushed open the door and greeted my sisters. "Who's ready for some serious tequila?" I giggled as Beth threw her arms around me.

"Not me! I want goofy tequila." Sam had an affinity for terrible jokes and she did not disappoint. Beth rolled her eyes, but we all had a good laugh as we saddled up to the bar where was Jess was already seated.

"Sammie!!" The bartender yelled out from the other end of the bar as he caught sight of us sitting down. "What's shaking, beautiful?" He was tall and muscular, not bulky but lean, and had a smile that went on for days. Sporting dark blonde hair, a deep tan and sea blue eyes, he was the definition of island sexy.

"Um I need to know why that incredible creature knows your name!" Beth hissed excitedly into Sam's ear.

"Down girl, you are dating Trav right?" Jess chimed in, giggling.

"I can window shop!" She retorted.

Sam laughed, saying "We grew up together. It's why I suggested this place. I knew he wouldn't push about your i.d.'s." She whispered the last part, earning a sheepish smile from Beth and I. We tended to forget our age since we spent so much time around adultier adults. You know the ones who seem to have their shit together. "Hey, B! The girls and I are in desperate need of tequila!" He acknowledged us with a nod before returning his focus on the drink he was preparing. A few minutes later he slid a flight of tequila shots in front of us before diving into the explanation of each tequila. We wasted no time trying out each one, letting it wash away the stress of the last few weeks.

Three rounds later, "B", also known as Bartleby, slid a tray of nachos in front of us. "Are you a wizard?" Beth asked, earning laughs from all of us.

He leaned casually against the bar, watching as we dug into the food. "No, I've just owned a bar long enough to know when to pace food into a tequila session to ensure a marathon and not a very gross sprint. I also have some exceptional barbacoa I'll be feeding you later." He winked at Beth, flashing us all his megawatt smile before turning to a customer who had just sat down.

"Sam." Beth looked at her sister-in-law with the most serious face she could muster after several rounds of tequila. "Why the hell did you marry my brother when THAT was available?"

"Beth." Sam matched her seriousness, smothering a grin. "Your brother is a beast in the sack." I erupted in laughter at the look of horror on my best friend's face.

"That was completely uncalled for." Sam and I continued laughing as Beth downed the last of her drink and waved it in the air signaling for another round. "There's not enough tequila on the planet to scrub that shit from my brain." I hopped up to find the ladies' room, and on my way back noticed someone was now occupying the stool next to mine. I slid onto my seat, and reached for my drink when I caught something in the corner of my eye that made me turn towards my neighbor. When his eyes caught mine, I froze in my seat.

"Mrs. Wilson, fancy seeing you here."

Hearing his words, Jess, Beth and Sam turned towards to the man who had joined us at the bar. Beth gasped when the recognition hit. "Detective?" She squeaked. He most definitely knew we were underage, but here we were sitting at a bar. Still frozen, my mind ran through every single scenario that could play out in the next few minutes.

"Carl! Brother, its been too long! How's it hanging?" B's voice broke through the ice that filled my veins, as Detective Shepherd turned away to greet the bartender. They shook hands, B asking, "You off duty? What can I get for you?"

"Hey, man. I am indeed. Just thought I'd stop in for a quick drink before heading home. Can I get a double Corralejo? Neat?"

"Reposado?"

"Is there any other kind worth drinking?" Carl and B shared a laugh as his drink was prepared. "Liv. I'm not here to bust you." He leaned in my direction, his voice was barely above a whisper. "This is genuinely a coincidence, but since the opportunity has fallen in my lap, I do have a question for you." He shifted his body so he was facing me. I heard Beth laugh, her attention diverted back to her sisters-in-law now that the threat of being busted drinking underage was over. "Are you happy?"

He held my gaze, and I studied his face for signs of an explanation for his question. Was this a joke? Or a trick? "Am I happy?" I repeated, almost roboticly, trying to search the words for meaning as they rolled over my tongue.

"It's not a trick question." Grabbing his drink, he took a hearty sip of the pale liquid. Following suit, I downed my drink, still struggling to find an answer that won't draw the wrong kind of attention from a man who once suspected my husband of child abuse.

"I am." My words came out almost defensive. "I'm very happy, actually. I have a wonderful husband, a set of sisters I have always dreamed of, and a wonderful career on the horizon." As I spoke, my head began to nod in further confirmation of the state of my life.

"Good." His face flashed with relief, or gratitude, just for a moment before he finished his drink, dropped some cash on the bar, stood then walked to the door leaving me in utter confusion.