"True Parker"

"Liam told me you were married". He comments watching me and I get uncomfortable.

"Yes". Just answering.

"How long were you married for?" He asks.

"For 10 years".

"That's a long time". She speaks and I nod, but I'm looking at the garden and not at her. "Are you sure that those ten years have already been forgotten by you?" I look at her, somewhat confused. "I ask because I want to make sure that my son will be happy with you".

I just nod, understanding your side.

"It's been a few months since I ended my marriage, after seeing him cheat on me in my own home". I start from the beginning, remembering one of the things that hurt me the most. "It was only when I saw everything crumble before my eyes that I realized I was feeding something that wasn't real. It was always me who was looking, me who changed, me who pretended, and me who forgave. Me never feeling safe and loved, until Liam came along. I get excited and euphoric when I'm around him. And when I feel scared and afraid, he is the first person I think of. I feel safe when I'm around him, and I no longer feel the need to be who I'm not. Because with Liam it's all very simple". I say with a wry smile, as a movie of the past few days plays in my head.

"So welcome to the Helena family". Marta speaks with a smile and we both hug.

"I told you she was charming the beast, but you didn't believe me". Liam's father speaks loudly, causing everyone to turn to the garden.

I stand up and lift the stuffed animal, causing the 'brothers-in-law' in the house to applaud.

"I declare Helena the winner this year". Liam speaks beside me and raises my other arm.

Everyone claps their hands and it is impossible not to laugh, I had no idea I would win this game.

"You can take this as an initiation, sister-in-law". Karen says hugging me. "Welcome to the family".

Everyone hugs me and I celebrate. Liam hugs me and kisses my cheek, looking at me differently.

"You're even sexier to me now". He whispers in my ear, giving me goose bumps.

"All right guys, it was a great game". Liam's father congratulates his sons. "What do you say we finish the afternoon at the ice cream parlor?" Everyone shouts in affirmative and we clap our hands.

"Only first, everyone has to take a shower". Marta says getting up and some of the girls complain. "Have you looked at yourselves? You're filthy. Ice cream only after the bath".

"Yes, Mom". All the children respond in unison, making us laugh.

We then go upstairs and reverse the bathrooms.

[***]

I was snuggled up on the bench, having had almost a pot of ice cream with me alone. The ice cream parlor was literally a mess, as only we took up almost all the chairs and tables in the establishment.

Also everyone was starving and we made the owner of that ice cream shop rich by almost using up the entire stock of ice cream. Liam and I were on our way home.

"Did you enjoy today?" He asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had stretched on.

I smile just before answering.

"I took two falls, hurt my arm while trying to take Giulia's envelope, and ran like my life was at stake". I start to speak and we both laugh. "There isn't a part of my body that isn't hurting, but the day was amazing. I haven't had this much fun and laughter in years". I talk, letting out a satisfied sigh.

I was happy and Liam seemed happy too. He was giving me different looks, but they seemed to be happy too.

"You surprised me today". He said, looking at me with a smile, as he had parked the car in front of his house. "You acted like a true Parker".

He looked at me with a smile and a different look, the same way he had looked at me earlier. I felt my cheeks flush and returned the smile.

We got out of the car and walked into the house. I had already brought my things here, after all I no longer had a house. I was only left with an amount of money in the division of property that my lawyer had already deposited in my account.

So I lived with Liam now. His house was luxurious, even a little bigger than his parents'. There was a masculine feel to the house, but to me it was perfect. I look around, wondering what I would do.

I had already signed my resignation, so I was out of a job. Liam and I agreed that for the first few months, it would be better if I didn't have a job. But it would be strange to spend the whole day in that huge house doing nothing.

"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Parker, would you like to have dinner?" Liam's housekeeper appears, greeting us with a smile.

"Dinner can be served later today, we just ate". Liam speaks and flashes me a smile.

"Of course". The housekeeper speaks with a smile. "Would you like to choose today's menu?"

"Can you choose, Helena? I can't wait to put on my own clothes". He says as he walks up the stairs and I laugh again, looking at his pants.

The outfit was Erick's, who was a little shorter than Liam, so the pants were tight and short. I follow the housekeeper to the kitchen and look around, it was the first time I had entered there.

"If you like, I can introduce the kitchen to the lady". She says as she sees me observing the place.

"You can call me Helena". I say with a smile.

She then begins to introduce me to the details and to tell me what Liam normally ate at his meals.

"A lot of bacon". I say looking at the menu and she laughs.

"Mr. Parker loves bacon and likes it when we include it in his meals". She explains and I nod.

The meals were not necessarily bad things, but not good things either. There was a lot of processed foods, meats, and not enough vitamins. But still, I didn't feel entitled to change here overnight. The engagement wasn't real and I had to act knowing that.

"I'll talk to Liam and we'll see how we can make this better". Speaks and she nods. "I want to make breakfast, so you don't have to worry". I speak and she nods.