If Only

Chapter Thirty-Four (Part B)

JADE

I know I must have looked like all the blood had drained from my face when I turned around to face Lizzy. I couldn't bring myself to hang up the phone without putting on an act, or else I'd be caught.

Think, Jade, think fast!

Tyrone's name kept repeating in my head like an annoying refrain, and I took it as a cue. I said, not minding who was on the other end of the line, just to save both our skins.

"I gotta go, Tyrone. See you tomorrow!" My voice came out in a high pitch, which was echoed seconds later by Lizzy upon hearing Tyrone's name. I could only hear Jared's protest over the other end, but I didn't get a chance to hear it clearly before I hung up way too quickly.

"He called you right after leaving. God, he really can't be away from you for even a short while?"

I could only let out a small chuckle, still anticipating how Jared might have reacted after hearing Tyrone's name. Lizzy, on the other hand, was excited, cheering for me. If only she knew the kind of pretentious cousin she had.

"Umm yeah. He just kinda asked me to check if he left something."

"He left YOU here," Lizzy said, laughing.

"Lizzy, there's nothing going on between Tyrone and me. It's just my dad who's so keen on playing matchmaker."

"Well, he seems to be doing such a great job."

I snickered and kicked some sand beneath my feet. It was starting to get cold outside, and I wanted to go in for warmth. Lizzy wanted to stay out for a bit, so I excused myself and headed towards their house.

As soon as I stepped inside, I heard hushed voices belonging to Uncle Tom and Aunt Meredith coming from the kitchen. I hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but I was sure I heard my dad's name in their conversation. So, my feet stopped moving, and I listened intently to what they were saying.

Meredith: She looked upset.

Tom: Because she is. I don't know what Gerard is planning for that child, but I am not comfortable with it. He's pushing his daughter way too much.

Meredith: Poor Jade.

Tom: I wouldn't be taking favors from him knowing it would upset Jade, but what can I do? Gerard's drawn a thin line for me to walk on here, and I didn't have much choice.

Meredith: Oh Tom, what did he do this time?

Tom: The Gallahads.

Meredith: What about them?

Tom: He knew about Martin Gallahad being our biggest client, and he said he could make them drop the deal on the Malibu real estate with me if I won't do as he says. That'd be a huge loss on our part if we lose that deal.

A gasp much louder than I intended left my mouth, and my hand instinctively flew to cover it. I heard them fall into silence, which only confirmed that they had heard me. In a hurry, I pulled myself together and started walking towards the stairs, still in pure shock. I didn't notice that I had bumped into a vase, causing it to shatter across the floor. Flowers and water were scattered everywhere, creating a loud noise and a big mess in their living room.

Not thinking much about it, I crouched down and started picking up the pieces I had created. My mind was racing, still in disbelief that my father could do something like this. He could easily jeopardize their livelihood just for his own benefit. Poor Uncle Tom, poor Aunt Meredith, poor Lizzy. None of this would have happened if not for me.

I was trembling all over as I tried to hold back the sobs and the tears threatening to fall. I needed to pull myself together.

From my peripheral vision, I saw Uncle Tom and Aunt Meredith rushing in from the kitchen. Aunt Meredith returned with a broom and dustpan. I could hear Lizzy from behind me at the front door.