Page 35 of Stand Your Ground

Like something was on her mind.

“You alright?”

I asked before I could think better of it, and Livia blinked, looking at me like I was crazy. “Of course. I’m fine. Why?”

“You just look… I don’t know. Not yourself.”

“Because of the outfit?”

“Because of your eyes.”

Her head snapped back a little with the comment, mouth shutting as those warm brown eyes searched mine. I internally grimaced as she repeated, “My… eyes?”

Well, might as well own it now.

I nodded. “They’re usually playful and sultry, like a jungle cat’s.”

She scoffed a laugh at that.

“I’m serious,” I said, but I laughed a little, too. “I know it sounds dumb, but it’s true. Don’t act like you don’t know it when you do that little black line thing at the edge of your eyes, too.” I waved my finger at her. “But right now, they seem… distant. Cold.” I swallowed, debating if I should leave it there, but I couldn’t help but add, “It’s like you put that makeup on to cover something up.”

Livia didn’t show even a hint of emotion, but she paused for a long moment before answering. “You seem very confident about that assessment.”

I shrugged. “We’ve been friends for years. I pay attention.”

Livia hummed, sipping her wine. “Well, I don’t know what you mean.”

“So, everything is fine?”

She opened her mouth, shut it again, sighed, and sat her glass down. “No. But it kind of freaks me out that you can tell.”

“What’s going on?”

“If I give you the abbreviated version, do you promise not to ask questions so we can get down to business?”

For once, I wasn’t keen to what she was offering, but I nodded my agreement.

Livia sighed. “My parents cut me off when I was eighteen, right after high school graduation. I haven’t seen them since. The only tie I still have to them is my baby sister.” She paused, a sad smile as she looked down at her nails. “Their pride and joy.” Her eyes met mine then. “And I just found out that she’s getting married and wants me at the wedding.”

I was so pissed at myself for agreeing not to ask questions, because about a hundred of them were beating at the back of my throat and begging to get out.

Why did they cut her off?

What did that mean?

Why did she say her sister was their pride and joy as if she wasn’t?

What happened between them?

Was she still close to her sister?

Why was the wedding upsetting news?

Was it because she didn’t want to see her sister, or because she didn’t want to see her parents?

Or was it because she didn’t feel welcome, even though her sister invited her?

I longed to know the full story and all the dynamics, yearned to peel back the layer Livia had so graciously lifted the corner of so I could see more of her.