21. Eliza

21

ELIZA

" T here she is," said Mike, coming in through the studio door a few minutes after I'd unlocked it. "I thought you'd changed your mind."

"Come in," I said when I noticed he still stood just inside. "I would never." I beamed at him, then went wide-eyed. "Wait. You did receive the money, did you not?"

He chuckled. "Yes, lass, I received it."

"I was away for a few days with, um, my friend."

Mike walked over to where I was fussing with one of the kilns. "Quit trying to pull one over on me. I know love when I see it. Had fifty-five years of it myself."

I stopped what I was doing and turned to him. "Your wife…"

"Past away two years ago in December."

"I'm so sorry for your loss."

Mike patted the side of the kiln. "If I had it to do over again, I'd spend less time with these and more time with her."

I had no idea what to say, so I patted his arm like he had the kiln.

He cleared his throat. "Tell me about your beau."

What could I say that would make sense to anyone but Levi and me? We'd met two weeks ago and were mad about each other. I'd spent seven days in what had become one of my favorite places in the world with a man who mattered more to me than everyone but Niven. "It's new but, um, intense."

"I saw the two of you looking at the house next door."

"We did."

"Going to make an offer on it?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so. It would be quite an outlay of cash after what I've already spent on the studio. I mean, it was worth every penny. More, actually."

Mike surprised me and squeezed my hand. "Settle down, lass. I'm teasing."

"You aren't the real estate agent, are you?" I asked, putting my hand on my hip.

"Nah. I own the place."

I laughed. I should've guessed.

"I think you should move in, even if you don't buy it."

I scrunched my eyes. "And why is that?"

"You belong there. If you want, I'll give you a tour after I show you how to use this ol' gal." He patted the side of the kiln a second time.

My mobile rang. "Sorry, but could you excuse me for just a moment?"

He motioned with his hand and nodded.

I almost answered, "Miss me already?" but thought better of it. Thankfully, I had since my mother's name appeared on the screen.

"Hello," I said, wishing I'd thought to let the call go to voicemail.

"Eliza, your father tells me you're in town."

"I'm not, actually."

"Tell me you haven't returned to that God-awful city in Scotland."

I rolled my eyes. "Edinburgh, and no, I haven't."

"Right. That one. So, does that mean you're in Alfriston?"

"No, but close. I'm in Brighton." I squeezed my eyes closed and would've hit myself in the head if I didn't have a witness. What in the world had possessed me to tell her where I was?

"I need to see you. It's a matter of some urgency," said my mother.

"My apologies, but I don't know when I'll return to London."

"I'll come to you. I should arrive around five."

"Millicent, err, Mother, that isn't necessary. I'll ring you back tomorrow and let you know when I can be in the city."

"As I said, there's some urgency. I'll ring when I'm closer, and you can let me know where you'd like to meet."

I dropped my hand when she ended the call, and looked up at the ceiling. If there was anyone I didn't want to see today, other than my father, it was her. "Bloody hell," I muttered, then remembered Mike was within hearing distance. "I, um, that's to say…"

He held up his hand. "No need to explain. I've got daughters of my own. Daddy's girls, my wife used to say. They argued with her since the day they were born. I'd say they were right about your age when they finally started getting along."

"No chance of that for me and my mum. My father either."

He pulled up a stool and sat down. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Not everyone is meant to be a parent. Although it's a good thing they were, or I'd not be here."

He winked. "I agree."

"I spent a lot of time in boarding school, then away at university. Before they shipped me off at the ripe old age of seven, I had nannies. None who lasted very long. God. Sorry. I'm rambling." I motioned to the kiln. "Shall we?"

Mike shook his head. "You need to talk more than you need to fire that thing up."

"Really, I'm fine."

"You aren't, lass, and you know it. I take it she's on her way to see you."

I wasn't sure how he knew that, other than from hearing her side of the call. "Brighton is big enough for me to hide, right?" I laughed, but I wasn't joking. Whatever my mother needed to discuss with me, I sensed it was something I didn't want to know.

"Where's Levi?" Mike asked.

"Surrey. For work. He said he'd return in time for dinner."

He nodded. "In that case, tell her to meet you at Bill's."

"Okay. But, um, why?"

"My buddies and I will be at the bar around five, like we always are. We'll keep watch over you until Levi arrives."

I studied him. "Why do you think I need watching over?"

"It's written all over your face, lass."

I spent the next few hours only half listening to Mike. I'd messaged my mother, suggesting we meet at Bill's. Now, I wished I'd stood firm on my refusal to see her today. I hated that I was wasting his time, but it wasn't as though I had a switch to turn off the anxiety related to seeing my mother.

After walking me through the use of the two kilns, which were from the same manufacturer, as well as the furnace, we went through the supplies he had on hand, which were few, as well as the vendors he'd used to procure them in the past.

"They'll give you the same deal they gave me, lass. I'll make sure of it."

"You're very kind. My apologies if I seem distracted. I do appreciate the time you've spent with me."

"Let's lock up and take a look at the house. Shall we?"

I was about to suggest we do it another day, but there was still an hour before I was scheduled to meet Millicent, and I needed to keep my mind occupied.

"As I think I told ya, luv, there's a tenant on the lower level who've been here for years. You'd do well to let them stay."

He hadn't told me, but Levi had. "Mike, I told you I can't purchase the house at this time."

"You said you didn't think you could. I know better."

There was a sparkle in his eye, but I didn't push it. Like before, maybe he was only teasing.

Once we were inside, I knew why he'd insisted on giving me the tour. The views were breathtaking, and the space was warm and inviting.

"My son oversaw the remodel a few years ago. He's a contractor, you know?"

I ran my hand over the surface of the kitchen island. "It's lovely. Truly." As was the rest of the house. There were small pieces Mike had created in several of the rooms. Most sculptors started with a test version before undertaking a large-scale version. I had no doubt that's what these all were. Of course, each one looked perfect. It would take me years to achieve his mastery.

"Thank you for bringing me over here," I said as we were leaving.

"Time to head to Bill's, lass."

"Ugh." My groan was audible.

His smile was sympathetic, and I imagined it was the kind a good father would give their daughter.

"Hello, Eliza," my mother said when she came in the front door of the restaurant where I was waiting. Unlike with my father, we cheek-kissed.

"I can seat you now if you'd like," said the woman who'd greeted me when Mike and I arrived a few minutes ago.

"Thank you." I motioned for my mother to go ahead. Likely, after years of having to do so with my father, she chose the chair facing away from the entrance. I happily took the one opposite.

"Your father informed me of your disrespectful behavior the day he so graciously invited you to his club."

"I had plans," I muttered.

"That is not why we're meeting. It's the other things you've done."

My eyes opened wide. Things I'd done? What would that be other than my doing my level best to avoid spending time with my parents since I was old enough to do so? "On with it, then." I looked at my watch in the same way she had when I was younger and trying to discuss something with her. The message, then and now, was her impatience at having to listen to something that held little interest.

"While I'm certain Nigel was more than happy to carry out your plan to ruin us, what you instigated disgusts me."

I blinked several times in quick succession. What on earth was she talking about?

"After all we've done for you both, rather than thank us, you've set out to ensure we're bankrupted."

"From what I understand, the seriousness of your debt was all on you. For the record, I didn't instigate anything. What Niven did?—"

"You always were a liar," she spat, albeit quietly enough so those in the dining area didn't hear her. It was all about appearances with both my parents. Actually, I found it surprising she'd agreed to meet in public. I glanced over at the bar and saw Mike watching us. Had he heard? She was facing him, after all. Maybe he could lip-read.

"What do you want?" I had no intention of giving her anything; I just wanted to know how bad their current situation was, given it had to be dire for her to drive to Brighton just to speak with me.

"The apartment."

"Sorry. What did you say?"

"Your father and I will be moving into your flat in Mayfair. We know you unceremoniously removed the Stanley family from their home."

"It's my home. Grandmother left it to me." I clenched my fists. She'd baited me, and I took it. Why hadn't I kept my mouth shut, even if it took literally biting my tongue?

"Yes, well, you did an outstanding job of manipulating her, didn't you?"

I laughed out loud. "Yes, you're right. All those days I spent at her graveside as a toddler certainly paid off. I was four years old when she died."

"It was Margaret's doing."

"She was their daughter, as you are not." Something occurred to me. "Is this why she supported you for all those years? Purchased the apartment for you? Did Nigel guilt her into it?"

She raised a brow, perhaps at the use of my father's first name. "She owed us in the same way you do?—"

"I owe you nothing, and neither did she."

Her eyes bored into mine. "We never should've permitted you to attend boarding school in the States. You were spoiled and selfish before your year there, and you returned far worse. You were a wretched child who's turned into a vengeful, spiteful, acrimonious adult."

"Perhaps if I hadn't been feral." I shook my head. Again, I was engaging when I had no intention of doing so. "Given you are incapable of acknowledging that you and Father are responsible for every plight you face, I see no point in continuing this discussion. I will not allow the two of you to move into my home, nor will I give you any money."

"You miserable…"

Whatever else she said, I didn't hear. When I raised my head, Levi was within a few paces from the table.

"Hello, my love," he said, leaning down to kiss my cheek. "Sorry I'm late." He turned to my mother. "Introduce me to your friend, darling."

"I'm not her friend. I'm her mother," she spat back at him. "And I was just leaving."

"So soon? Can't you stay and join us for dinner?"

I nearly smacked him but breathed a sigh of relief when my mother stood. "This conversation isn't over, Eliza."

"It is, Mother. Unless you and Father wish to apologize, don't contact me again."

She looked from me to Levi and opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it, then turned and left.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked when he pulled a chair from another table and sat beside me.

"The note you left at the studio. I sent messages and rang, but when I didn't hear from you, I figured you and Mike were busy getting things set up and went straight there." He glanced over at the bar and waved to Mike, who nodded once.

"He must've left it. I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He covered my hand with his. "You're trembling."

"She's…she's…" My eyes filled with tears, and I turned to him in an attempt to hide my face from the others in the restaurant.

"Come on. Let's get you out of here." He tossed some money on the table and helped me from my seat.

On our way out, I glanced at Mike. "Sorry," I mouthed. He shook his head and waved like Levi had to him.

His car was parked out front. He opened the door, helped me in, then drove to the flat. It wasn't until we were inside that he spoke again.

"Do you want to tell me what she said to you?"

I shook my head.

"Very well." Levi took my hand, led me to the sofa, and pulled me onto his lap when he sat. I loved it when he held me this way. If there was ever a time I needed his comfort, it would be whenever I was forced to see my parents face-to-face.

"I say he's worse, but she is."

Levi brushed my hair from my face and stared into my eyes.

"She wanted me to allow her and Nigel to live in my apartment in Mayfair. She actually accused me of asking Niven to step in and force them from their home. She called me horrible things." Tears spilled over onto my cheeks. "She's an awful person." I rested my head on his shoulder and cried.

"Shh," he soothed as I let the anger and resentment I held inside out in a way I'd only ever done alone.

Levi stroked my hair and let me cry. Somehow, he knew that's what I needed more than soothing words. There wasn't anything anyone could say that would negate the years I'd spent enduring my parents' cruelty and disdain. I'd always thought they were worse to Niven, but looking back, I realized it was a lie I'd told myself to lessen my own pain.

"Thank you for coming to the restaurant."

"I wish I could've arrived sooner. After my meeting in Shere, I had another in London."

"I'm sorry you felt as though you had to return this evening. It was a long day for you."

"Look at me." Levi put his finger on my chin and raised my face. "No matter the length of any day, I will always return to you by any means possible."

My eyes darted back and forth between his. "What happened?"

He half smiled. "See how easily you read me? Only things related to work and of no real matter."

"I'm so ashamed of what you saw."

"Do not be. You are not responsible for anyone's behavior but your own."

"Thank you, Levi."

He brushed my lips with his and wiped my tears. "How went it with Mike today?"

I rolled my eyes. "He took me over to look at the regency house. Did you know he owned it?"

"Not officially, but I had my suspicions."

"It's lovely." My eyes scrunched. "He doesn't live in it. Besides the lower level, which he didn't take me through, the closets on the other floors were all empty. Wait, do you think he's the ‘tenant'?"

Levi shook his head. "We would have seen him coming and going at least once. I believe he approaches the studio from the opposite direction."

"No matter. Regardless of how hard he pushes, I won't be buying it."

"You will not."

My eyes scrunched again. "Why do you say it in such a way?" He opened his mouth to speak, but I put my fingers on his lips. "You bought it, didn't you?"

"As an investment, yes."

"I wonder why he took me through it, then."

"Perhaps to see how you liked it? I hope you're not angry with me."

"Why would I be?" All Levi had done since I met him was look out for me, care for me, and comfort me in a way no one else ever had.

"Yes, indeed. Why would you? I'd like to propose we agree on something."

"Go on."

"Whatever I do is with the best intentions and, I'm sure, vice versa, and that is how we react."

I smiled. "I already have done. When you said you hoped I wasn't angry with you, the first thing I thought of was you've done nothing but care for me."

"El, it may be too soon for me to say how I feel, but you should know I do. Here." He rested his hand on my heart.

"I do, and you should know the same."

He nodded, and we kissed.

"I haven't arranged for food to be delivered to the flat, so rather than carry you into the bedroom to make mad, passionate love to you, I think we should eat first."

I laughed. "We should. If only because we'll need our strength once we are in bed."

"I like the way you think, El."