All Good Things Exposed (2 page)

"What do you want for breakfast?" Trisha asked, ruining the little pleasure I found in the moment.

"Nothing."

"Liv,"

"I'm not hungry, Trisha." I said flatly. I hoped she didn't press this. I didn't want to waste the energy. Today was a big day for me and I needed to save all the vigor I could.

"You're all bones, Liv." Trisha shivered. "Are you trying to kill yourself? Cause if you are I can give you a few less painful ways."

She was angry. I could hear it in her voice. But the thought of food made me physically ill and I didn't think I could eat just to appease her. "Please don't do this, Trisha." I said tiredly. "I'll eat lunch, all right?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You promise?"

The little shit would make me promise. "Promise."

"Fine." She pointed her finger threateningly. "But you will not get out of that promise later."

I rolled my eyes. "I wouldn't have tried."

"Lair." She accused before nodding to the hall. "Go get dressed and we'll catch a ride to Liv Books Café together."

That was what I named my café bookstore. Liv Books Café. Actually, it was more Trisha who named it because I hadn't been able to get my mind into the game long enough to come up with a fitting name. But I liked it. It felt right. It felt good.

"I am dressed."

Trisha scowled. "No you aren't." She shook her head. "You're not wearing that on opening day."

I looked down at the brown pencil skirt and champagne shirt. What was wrong with this? "I'm not changing. I look fine."

"Yeah, you look fine." Trisha stated coolly. "But you should look extraordinary."

"It's a bookstore." I sighed, already feeling drained. Handling Trisha on top of not sleeping was becoming too much for me to bear. I would drop dead from exhaustion surely.

"It's an elegant café bookstore that you dreamt about since you were little. You're going to enjoy this day, Liv, even if I have to do something drastic."

I didn't know what she was talking about, but I didn't feel much like listening to her rambling either. I couldn't placate her with food, but I could at least change into something she thought was more fitting for the opening.

"Fine," I relented on a sigh. "I'll change."

***

Liv Books Café was beautiful and serene. It was everything I imagined it would be with tranquil green walls and elegant dark chocolate wood trim and crown molding. The floor was dark tile and the café was assembled with matching, curved wooden cupboards and stainless appliances. The dishes were all green to compliment the tranquility of the walls. It was beautiful. Calming.

I took a deep breath in and sighed on release as I stood in the entrance. At first, I was met with the decadent aroma of exotic coffee beans, sugars and pastries. Small circular tables were positioned over the floor by the door and soft cushioned chairs sat closer to the rows of bookshelves. The back of the space held more seating for patrons requiring a little more privacy. There was a small remote fireplace and the lighting was dim - almost romantic. In the far right corner, there was a double door entrance into my private office. The doors were assembled with the same wood as the trim. They looked heavy and elegant. Trey had captured every intricate detail I had ever wanted housed within these walls. He was truly exceptional.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Trey spoke beside me and I nodded.

"It is." If I were my normal self, I was certain I would have been tearing up. But I wasn't. My voice was nearly void of all emotion, but that wasn't a bad thing. As a matter of fact, it was good. It meant I was succeeding in shutting myself down to feeling. I needed that to continue walking within the world of the living. I need numbness. "Thank you." I added politely.

Trey bumped my shoulder with his and my stomach rolled at the heat emanating from his person. "You've got everything in order. You've got the staff trained, the signature lattes and the hottest books. Everything is done. This is your dream and you've worked hard in the last two months to make it a reality. Short of working my men to the bone," he chuckled. "You did good."

"I couldn't have done it without you." I said and I meant every word. I couldn't have done this without Trey. In only seven weeks, we completed the interior set up, ordered product and trained trusted employees. It was more than I could have asked from just any contractor. But in the short time I had known him, Trey had become a good friend.

"What do you say we be the first to order a drink?" He smiled sheepishly. "Before we open the doors to the public?"

I eyed him measuredly before nodding. I wished the heavy sensation in my heart would go away. "I think I could definitely use a coffee."

"Great." I watched as Trey made his way to the waiting barista I'd hired. She beamed at him, obviously interested in more then serving him coffee. I wished her well. As far as I knew, Trey and Trisha had spent one mind-blowing night together before calling it for what it was. Great sex with no ties. I'd asked and she'd told. Trey wasn't interested in anything more with Trisha and she was still searching for the man who made her melt on more than one occasion.

Trey paid for two coffees even though I was more than okay with him putting them on the house and waltzed back over to me with a grin on his face. His green eyes were looking right into mine and I wished I could feel something more than ill. Why couldn't I feel for Trey what I felt for Jace?

At the thought of Jace, a blush crept into my cheeks, warming my pale skin. Trey's eyes flickered with appreciation for the color and I looked to the toe of my pumps in shame. He thought I was blushing for him. Oh dear…

"I would've gotten you a white hot chocolate, but you don't really drink them anymore so I decided we would try something new - a cinnamon honey latte. I hope you like it."

"Thanks." I brought the cup to my mouth and inhaled. It smelled decadent. Like holiday in a cup. The thought made my throat feel tight. Who would I share this holiday with? I had been hoping to be with Jace. "We should open the doors."

As I said the words, Trisha barged through the smoked glass with a takeout bag clutched in her fist. I groaned and she squealed. "This place looks amazing!" At my disgruntled expression she huffed. "We'll open the doors as soon as we eat."

"Fine," I knew there was no way I was getting out of eating lunch. I had promised Trisha I would eat and I knew there was no way I could get out of it. "I'm getting a soup from the café."

"Oh no you don't." Trisha set her takeout on a table and scowled daringly at me. "You're eating with us, like it or not."

"Trisha," I sighed pointing to the bag. "Whatever you have in there is going to make me sick."

"I don't care." She shrugged. "It'll be worth it."

"No it won't." I argued tiredly.

She set steady eyes on me and Trey bowed his head to take a seat at the table. Oh, I was in for it. "I'm sick of staring at your bones. Sit your skinny ass down and eat, Olivia."

I rolled my eyes and plopped down on a chair. "You're being dramatic."

"I don't care." Trisha sang as she opened the bag of takeout. At the scent that wafted from the bag, my stomach rolled. I didn't know how I was going to survive this. It wouldn't be lack of food that killed me. I was certain it would be Trisha and her unrelenting demands.

"Smells delicious." Trey moaned and I fought the urge to bolt to the back office.

Trisha pulled a container from the bag and set it in front of me. "Singapore noodles, your favorite."

I glowered as I pulled off the lid, stabbing the noodles with my fork. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, sweets." She smiled, shoved a deep-fried chicken ball into her mouth and continued. "What do you have planned tonight?"

I quirked a brow. Was she asking me? I hadn't gone out in seven weeks. I spent every night holed up in my room or on the couch with a bottle of wine. Surely she wasn't serious? "Are you talking to me?" I asked when Trey didn't answer her.

"Uh, yeah." She chuckled.

"I'm going home." I answered quietly.

"It's opening day and you're telling me you don't have anything planned?"

"Nope. Nothing planned." I muttered tensely.
Please don't harass me. Please don't harass me.
I repeated the mantra in my head as though it held the divine power to save me.

It didn't work. "Well, it's a good thing I planned the night for you then."

My eyes shot up from the food to meet hers. She was staring at me as though daring me to challenge her. "I'm not going out, Trisha."

"You're not sitting at home." She stated.

To my left, Trey shifted uncomfortably. "I told you this wasn't a good idea." He said quietly to Trisha. "She needs more time."

"Shut up, Trey." She snapped without taking her eyes from my face. "You've had enough time to mourn your relationship with Jace. Either you get over it and move on or you take him back. It's your choice."

I couldn't believe this conversation. "Whatever, Trisha." I waved my hand. "We'll go out."

She beamed. "Great. I bought you a dress."

Chapter 2

Trisha linked her arm with mine as we walked to a club I hadn't bothered to remember the name for. The dress I wore was skimpy. But I had to expect that as Trisha bought it. The black silk was riding up my thigh as I walked, but I barely cared.

"Just wait until you meet the bouncer!" She sighed and Trey grunted behind us. "He's dreamy, Liv."

"Um, hum." I nodded.

Trisha huffed. "I cannot wait to get a bottle of wine into you. You seriously need to loosen up."

As a matter of fact, I wanted a bottle of wine too. Maybe I could forget about the piercing blue eyes that haunted my every thought. Awake or asleep. That would be a wonderful blessing if there ever was one. "I think it'll take more then one bottle." I muttered.

Trisha catcalled into the night. "She's back!" She looked behind us and giggled horrendously. "She's back Trey! My partner in crime and everything else is finally back!"

I grunted. "I wouldn't go that far, Trisha."

"Well, we'll see about that after I've gotten a few drinks into you." There was a devilish promise in her words that I tried and failed to ignore. But in truth, I wanted to drink tonight. I wanted to get totally shit-faced hammered. Then maybe I wouldn't spend the night gasping for breath at the memory of losing Jace. Maybe tonight would be the first night I awoke in something other than a cold sweat, clutching my aching heart. Maybe tonight would be the night I found a way to numb myself. I needed to numb myself.

I let Trisha hang off my arm as she flirted shamelessly with the bouncer. Her long blond hair and fuck me lips had the man putty in her hands. It wasn't long before he waved us into the club. Trisha giggled obstinately as she led me through the dim entrance. I knew Trey was close to my back. I could feel his heat and it made me want to cringe, but I held my body straight.

Trisha leaned into me. "I'm going to get us drinks."

I followed her to the bar, surprising her when I leaned over the counter. "Can I get three shots of tequila?" I looked to Trisha and Trey. "What do you guys want?"

Trisha raised a brow. "You're not sharing your shots?"

I shook my head. "Nope."

A small frown pulled her brow and she glanced at Trey. Thankfully, she didn't say anything. "I'll get a Cosmo."

Trey ordered a beer. I had a feeling he was planning to remain somewhat sober. Something told me he knew I was planning on getting drunk out of my mind and would more than likely need someone to carry me home. The bartender set three shots down and I nodded to myself encouragingly as I ignored the saltshaker. I picked up the first shot and downed it. I picked up the second and did the same. It burned. I felt it in my stomach, hot as flames. I ignored the lime wedge and picked up the third shot. I slammed my eyes shut and tipped my head back, letting the harsh liquid burn down the back of my throat. When I was done, I shoved the lime between my lips, sucking every last drop of citrus. I slammed the shot glass onto the bar and opened my eyes to find Trisha staring wide-eyed at me.

"Wow,"

"Olivia, what're you doing?" Trey asked as I leaned against the bar.

"Can I get another two shots?" I felt the burn. But I didn't want to feel…anything.

"Hey," Trey leaned down next to me. "Take it easy."

"Yeah," Trisha tugged on my hand. "Let's dance."

"Let me get these two down and we'll dance." I said as I lifted another shot and tipped my head back. Oh, that was good. It was what I needed.

In the back of my mind…I knew exactly what I needed. And, it wasn't this. It was Jace.

***

"Where's Trisha?" I asked Trey as I swayed my hips. I could have sworn she'd been standing right here only a minute ago.

"She'll be right back." Trey answered stiffly.

I giggled. "You're mad at me, Trey?"

"No." He shook his head, watching me carefully. "I'm not mad at you, Liv."

I sighed. "Good." Hands grasped my hips and I heard Trisha laugh from behind me as she ground into me, moving to the music.

"Where were you?" I asked as I turned to face her.

"Had to make a call, sweets." She answered flippantly.

I thought about asking who she had to call, but decided I didn't care as I let the music pounding in the space around me claim my movements. Each beat of the bass was a delectable seduction of my senses and I let my eyes close as I swung my hips from side to side, dipping low before rising on a note of utter bliss. I loved dancing. It was a release I had deprived myself of for some time and it felt good to get back into it. It felt right.

I had no idea how much time passed as I lost myself to the dance. I was in my own world and I felt good. I didn't feel consumed by the crushing reality that had become my life. The music soothed my thoughts despite its rough edge. I felt nearly ready to pass out right there on the dance floor when my skin tightened and my stomach warmed. My hair stood erect as my eyes popped open. I knew this feeling. It was the feeling that consumed me when Jace was near. But he wasn't. He couldn't possibly be here. This was so not his scene!