Chapter 78 What do you think he means by that?
OWEN
Tears were streaming down my face as I watched my best friend move from her bedroom to her little art studio. My sweet girl. She means the world to me.
I remember the first time I ever saw her. My family had just moved to our small town in Nebraska. My dad lost his job in Denver, so we ended up here. The town had one high school, one junior high, and one tiny elementary school. That first week was lonely. All the kids had known each other forever, and I was the awkward new kid who showed up halfway through freshman year.
Lia had been sick that first week. Then, on Monday, she walked into my first-period class. She was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. It was like someone turned the lights on in a dark room. The whole class seemed to brighten when she came in. People called her name, and she smiled and waved. Then, to my shock, she sat right next to me.
"Hi, I'm Lia. You're the new kid, right? What's your name?"
"I'm... I'm Owen Mathews."
"Nice to meet you, Owen. Made any friends yet?"
"Not really. No one seems too interested in the new guy."
"That's because they've all grown up together. They're waiting to see what you're like before they let you into their little groups."
"Well, you seem to be friends with everyone."
"My dad's the principal. And I'm nice," she said with this huge, honest grin.
I smiled back. She was.
"Listen," she said, leaning in. "You and I are going to be great friends. I can just tell."
"Well," I said, my stomach knotting up. "There's something you should probably know about me before you decide that."
She just tilted her head, curious. "It's not a decision, Owen. I walked in, saw you, and thought, 'That's my person.'"
I was stunned by her. I just blurted it out. "I'm gay." I wanted to get it over with, so she could give me a polite smile and move on.
"Oookay," she said, her smile not fading. "Is that it?"
Is that it? Did she not understand? Even in a city like Denver, I’d faced plenty of bullies.
"You don't seem to care," I said, completely confused.
"That's because I don't. Actually, that's even better. I won't have to worry about you hitting on me like some of the other boys around here."
We both started laughing. That was the beginning of us. We were inseparable until I left for New York. We stayed in touch, but life got busy and I didn't call as much as I should have.
Seeing the scars on her body now felt like a physical slap. The guilt that washed over me was almost too much to carry. I wanted to find that bastard Liam and make him pay.
I wiped my face and went to the kitchen to start breakfast. That was our routine. I cooked breakfast, she handled lunch, and sometimes dinner, depending on if I had a show or a date. I was frying sausage links and scrambling eggs when my phone rang. I answered without looking.
"This is Owen, how can I help you?" I said, my cheerful customer-service voice on.
"Hey, Misfit, darling."
I closed my eyes. Shit. Willis.
"Willis, my big guy. I wasn't expecting your call today."
"There's a reason. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I need to end our arrangement. My wife is getting suspicious. As a parting gift, I've transferred five thousand dollars to your account. I hope that helps."
I was silently jumping up and down on my toes, pumping my fist in the air. That's what Lia saw when she walked into the kitchen. I quickly held a finger to my lips to stop her from speaking.
"Oh, Willis, baby. I'm so sorry to hear that. But I completely understand. And thank you for the gift."
"You're amazing, Misfit. Thank you for the last couple of years. They were memorable."
"You're welcome, big papa. I hope everything works out for you. Have a wonderful day."
Willis hung up. I looked at Lia.
"Well, our sugar daddy has officially retired. The rent is back on us. But good news, he gave me five grand on his way out, so we're covered for next month, plus some for bills."
"Not a problem," she said, looking relieved. "I've decided to go set up my easel in Central Park today. Try to drum up some clients. I finished Mr. Morelli's paintings, and I can start Mrs. Simpson's piece while I'm there."
"That's a great idea. Anyone who sees you work will hire you on the spot." I plated our food. "So, I wanted to talk more about Beast. You're clearly comfortable with him. Do you feel ready to start putting yourself out there again?"
"What we did last night was... amazing. He makes me feel safe. Besides you, no one has made me feel that way in a very long time."
"Did you show him your scars?"
"No. I made him turn off the lights. He seems attracted to me, but what if he sees them and he's disgusted? I don't think I could handle that right now. I'm barely confident enough to look at myself in the mirror. When I do, all I see is Liam... doing it all over again."
"I think you should talk to him and show him. He likes you more than you realize. I don't know if you noticed, but every time one of his brothers got near you last night, he got super territorial. More than once, when you weren't looking, I saw him mouthing things and making gestures behind your back. Hex and I were cracking up."
"What kind of things?"
"Well, to the three guys who surrounded you after he kicked Raven out, he mouthed, 'Back the fuck off, I will end you.' Another time, when a different brother started walking toward you while he was getting you a drink, Beast straight-up body-checked him and pointed for him to leave. And when you were playing pool... you didn't notice, but you had the whole room's attention. You know why?"
She shook her head, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Every time you bent over to take a shot, your dress rode up pretty high. Every head in the room tilted, trying to get a better look. It was like watching a bunch of bobblehead dolls. And I bet Doc and Bear got a real good look down your dress, too. The way it gaped when you leaned over..."
"Are you saying I was flashing everyone?" she screeched.
"Just your thighs. But yeah, your cleavage was on full display, too."
"Oh my God, Owen! Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was a little preoccupied with Hex. And honestly, I was having too much fun watching the crowd, and Beast's reactions. He was shooting murderous looks at his brothers the whole time."
"Oh, God. He must think I'm a total slut."
I barked out a laugh. "No, honey. I'm sure he knows exactly how innocent you are. Especially after last night. Did you know you swore?"
"I did not!"
"Oh, yes, you did, cupcake. I distinctly heard an 'Oh, shit' come out of your mouth."
She covered her mouth, her cheeks turning bright pink. I knew she never swore. Her dad was really strict about that. My Lia was a good girl.
My phone rang again. I really needed to start checking the caller ID. I hit the speaker button as I set our plates on the table.
"This is Owen."
"Hey, baby."
I melted instantly at the deep, familiar voice.
"Hex. Hi."
I looked at Lia with wide eyes. She was biting her lip, trying not to giggle. I knew I looked like a complete lovesick fool.
"I know you had that... situation this week, but I want to see you today. Do you and Lia want to come to the clubhouse later? I can come get you around five."
"Um, actually, that situation was canceled. Permanently. So I'm free from here on out. And yes, Lia and I would love to come tonight."
"I'm so happy to hear that, mi amor."
I looked at Lia. She mouthed, 'My love.'
My eyes went wide. Whoa.
"I'll see you at five, then. Don't wear any underwear. It'll just get in the way." He paused, and his voice took on a knowing tone. "Oh, and Lia? I know you're listening. I hope you're ready for what's coming for you. See you soon, baby boy."
The line went dead. Lia and I just stared at each other, our eyes huge.
"What do you think he means by that?" she whispered.
"I have no idea, cupcake. No idea at all. But I'm excited to find out. Maybe you should skip the park today and go do a little... self-grooming. You know what I mean."
"Oh, I do. You're right. I'm going to splurge. That money from Willis is a blessing. I'm going to go get waxed and buffed and polished."
I laughed as she ran out of the kitchen to get ready. I have a feeling my girl is about to be swept right off her feet. And no one deserves it more.