33

Liam Garcia’s flight landed at New York international airport. He had flown down here in a hurry to meet Arthur. He got off the plane as soon the plane touched the tarmac. He did not have much time and he had to meet Arthur immediately. Now, thinking about Arthur, Liam pulled out his phone and dialed Arthur’s number for the nth time. But that guy was busy vacationing with his wife and daughter and his lover Ethan. What a combination!! He thought.

“Damn it!!” Liam disconnected the phone call when the call went to voicemail. Arthur has not received a single phone call from him since yesterday evening and that had scared the shit out of Liam.

He hopped into the car and directed his driver towards the MIXTURE which was Ethan’s photo studio. His personal investigator had got him the entire life history of Ethan. The guy was cool and jovial. Even with having made his fame and fortune on his own, he was down to earth. No wonder Arthur had fallen in love with him.

After a long drive, the car stopped in front of the studio and Liam immediately jumped down and went upstairs.

The studio was crowded and it seemed like there was an active shoot going on. He did not know who to look for so he simply looked here and there wondering if he can spot Ethan anywhere.

Liam felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned around only to find a beautiful girl standing in front of him.

“Are you looking for someone?” she asked.

Coming out of his daze, Liam spoke, “Ah, yes. I am actually looking for Ethan Francis.”

“I am so sorry sir. But Ethan is on leave,” she intoned. Of course, he would be on leave. After all, the love of his life is here to see him.

“Is it possible to get his phone number?” he asked with doubt. He knew Ethan is a big name in the fashion world and his number would not be on display for anyone and everyone.

Liam noticed the hesitation in the lady, “I am Arthur’s friend. I know about them. I am here to meet Arthur for a work related thing and I am not able to reach him on his phone or his wife’s. So…”

Realizing what he meant, “Just a second,” she said and gave him Ethan’s phone number.

“Thank you so much.” Liam exited the building and immediately dialed the number. The call went straight to voicemail.

“Damn it!!! Why the hell do they have phones for?” Liam screamed. To try his luck, he dialed Arthur’s number as one last try.

After three rings, the call was picked, “Hello,” Liam heard Arthur’s voice.

“Finally, you picked the damn phone call,” Liam said gritting his teeth.

“What are you talking about?” Arthur asked confusedly.

“I have been calling you since yesterday,”

“Oh, my phone was on silent since today morning and yesterday I had left my phone in the luggage.”

“Whatever,” Liam muttered.

Arthur had less patience than Liam at this moment. He was with Ethan and he did not want to waste any time.

“Now say what has gotten you so riled up?”

“Impatient. Are we not?” Liam chuckled sensing Arthur’s impatience.

“Liam, I don’t have all day.”

“Fine. I have to meet you now,”

“Now? As in?”

“Now, as in right now.”

“I am busy. I am in New York,”

“I know you are in New York. I literally flew here just to talk to you. It is important, very important, Arthur.”

“What is so important Liam? Did something happen to you?” Arthur asked worriedly. After all, Liam was his best friend, a long time ago.

“No, I am fine. But this is about Ethan Francis,”

Now, it was veryyy important than anything for Arthur, “Alright, I will message you the restaurant address. Come here. We have come for lunch.”

“Ok, I will be there soon,” they disconnected the phone call and Liam did not waste a single second. He got onto the car and drove away towards the address.

After persuading Vanessa, soon Arthur and his little family and Ethan and Vanessa all were on the road to roam New York. First things first, Amity wanted to visit Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Liberty Island. She had seen the images of it and heard a little about it from her grandfather. And her demand was like a command for her father. Arthur had informed Ethan on the phone that his daughter was coming with a long list of places that she wants to visit. Ethan laughingly said that he would be a chauffeur for her anytime.

And as promised, Ethan took them to a few places of Amity’s choice, now they had come to a restaurant for lunch. Actually, it was Vanessa’s father’s one of many restaurants. Vanessa was treating them for the lunch.

“Who called you papa?” Amity asked her father after he disconnected Liam’s phone call and sat down in his seat.

“It was Liam,” he said to her, raising her brows. No matter what they had between them, Liam had always pampered Amity to the core. There was no history of him telling no to anything Amity asks for.

“Uncle Li?” she asked excitedly.

“Yes, he is here in New York and wanted to meet,”

“Wow!!” she said and then got back to order the food.

Emily and Ethan had noticed a sudden change in Arthur’s behavior. But they did not voice it out since they were in the public.

Emily whispered to him, “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, he just wanted to talk about urgent stuff,” Arthur told her and she nodded her head and continued with food.

“It is a very beautiful restaurant, Vanesa,” Emily said smiling.

“Thanks. It really is not much.”

“This is exquisite. We have built a few of this grandeur,” said Arthur proudly.

“That is good to know. And I would like check sometime,”

“You are always welcome,”

Amity was staring at Vanessa with a visible pout. The staff of the restaurant were treating Vanessa like a princess and gave them special treatment.

Vanessa glanced at Amity and raised her brows and said, “I am also my papa’s princess.”

Amity turned around and hugged her father, “I don’t like her papa.”

Arthur chuckled, “Don’t be baby. Vanessa is really nice. See, she is treating us for lunch.” He tried to persuade his daughter to make friends with Vanessa. She was a really nice girl, just a little spoilt might he had. In fact, he was actually wondering if Amity will be like Vanessa when she grows up. Then again, he could not or did not want to imagine his daughter growing up.

Just then, Liam walked up to their table. Amity’s face lit up brightly. She ran to him and hugged his leg. He smilingly picked her up and hugged her tightly.

“How are you squishy?” he asked kissing her forehead.

“I am sad, Uncle Li,” she pouted, looking at his face.

“Why baby? What happened? Who made my baby sad?” he asked rubbing her cheeks.

Amity just turned behind and turned back to him. Liam did not understand what it meant. But Arthur gestured him to take a seat and Liam nodded and sat next to him with Amity on his lap. He pulled out a Big chocolate bar from his jersey pocket and gave it to Amity. Emily shook her head. She simply could not understand how much Arthur, his parents, and Liam spoiled her. Now, even Ethan had joined their gang.

Amity smiled brightly and took it. She then turned to Vanessa and said, “I am more pampered.” Everyone except Liam laughed at Amity for her cool comeback and Vanessa’wide open mouth. Liam had no idea what it was but he did catch a glimpse of Vanessa. That beauty caught his attention in a different way. He was more curious to know about her.

Then everyone got back to having lunch. Amity picked Liam’s favorite food for his order. Ethan and Vanessa were introduced to Liam and vice versa.

When the lunch was almost over, Liam excused himself to the restroom and Arthur as well. he followed him behind. Arthur waited for Liam to finish his deed.

They stood in front of the sink and Liam was washing his hand. Arthur looked at him in the mirror. He had been losing patience every minute during the lunch. He wanted to know what Liam had to say about Ethan.

Liam noticed Arthur’s nervousness and broke the news to him, “Your father’s personal investigator is tailing you. He has also appointed a hitman to kill Ethan.”