Page 37 of The Bitter Words

He points to a fancy chair that faces him, directing me to take a seat. There’s another one and a table that is situated between them. While he finishes up his business, I scan the room.

It reeks of a billionaire record label owner’s office that blends luxury with its high ceiling and large windows with views of the city.

It also mixes creativity through an artistic flair in the music-themed design and vibrant colors and cutting-edge technology like a state-of-the-art sound system and high-definition screens for video conferencing.

In an instant, I feel about an inch tall. It reminds me of how I felt when Mr. Hemings put Livianna and me up at The Beckett Brand Whispering Pines resort.

How am I ever going to be able to repay someone for this kind of opportunity?

I turn to the side when another area across the room catches my attention. It’s a spacious area with a large, seemingly custom-made dark suede sectional couch big enough for at least three people to sleep on.

Two chaise lounge chairs are situated on either side of it. There’s a table placed in the middle of the furniture and a full-sized bar area against the wall, full of all kinds of high-end liquor and snacks.

I release a heavy breath and lift my gaze to the sky, ready to say a prayer. The ceiling above is made of mirrors.

That’s fucking weird, but who am I to judge?

“Cash.” The power in Leon’s voice causes me to jump. He gets to his feet and strolls toward the bar. “Don’t be afraid to come in. Take a seat somewhere. Let’s share a drink and talk.”

“Yeah, sure.” I try to settle down by silently telling myself I’m meant to be a rockstar and follow him. “I’d like that.”

“Guinness?”

“Yes, please. That’s perfect.”

He gets behind the bar, pulls two bottles out of a see-through fridge, and hands me one. My ring, which was a birthday present from Livianna, hits the side of the glass and clinks.

Leon notices it. “Nice bling. What’s the design in it?”

“It’s black gold, blue topaz, and sapphires.”

“I see that. What’s the pattern?”

“It’s two hands holding a heart with a crown over it.” I take a drink of my beer, standing on the other side of the bar.

“Oh, it’s an Irish wedding band.” He leans closer, inspecting my right fourth finger. “Or do you call it a Claddagh ring?”

“Either. I tend to lean toward a Claddagh ring, though.”

“I should’ve known what it was, but I couldn’t make out the details.” He pulls back and a dark shield goes over his light gray eyes. “I’m taking a wild guess and saying the blue topaz and the sapphires are birthstones.”

He’s right and I’m about to admit it, but his jaw twitches and his shoulders square. A pulse of tightness waves through me.

Something about his stiff stance puts me on guard, so I swerve. “Do you know much about Irish heritage?”

“Just what your dad shared with me over the years. I noticed the heart points toward you. If I remember correctly, that means you’re in a relationship.”

“That’s right.”

“Sit and tell me about the woman you’re dating.” Leon gestures to a stool.

I don’t wanna share much about Livianna. She’s been through enough and doesn’t need everyone to know about her life. My insides turn into a ball of prickly nerves.

I give him the basics. “Her name is Livianna Hemings. You met her before at the show you went to.”

“Oh, yeah. The girl who tried to kill herself.” His comment rolls off his tongue like he’s forgotten about my history. It’s callous, dismissive, and false.

My chest ignites. “Livianna didn’t try to commit suicide. She partied too hard one night. That’s all there was to the story.”