The Alpha's Difficult Mate

Chapter 3

Olivia

Morgan and I were sitting in the living room with our ice cream, computer, tablet, and notes surrounding us. This was a common theme, but Livvy's mom was usually bustling in and out of the room adding comments to what the girls were talking about. It felt weird for her not to be there anymore.

"Let's talk about the new Black Mountain store. Remind me of the details." Livvy said. She listened to Morgan as she provided the details about size of the store, location, timeline and budget.

"Wow, sounds like you are on top of everything, Morgan. Great job!" Livvy said, smiling at her best friend. Morgan looked up from her computer and stared at Livvy.

"One slight hiccup." Morgan said.

"Ok, lay it on me." Livvy said as she leaned back on the couch and picked up her Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream.

"When we began planning this store, it was added to the contract that one of the managing members be on site during construction, etc. At the time, your mom was planning to go. Now, you will need to go." Morgan said quickly.

"Can't I pay you to go?" Livvy pouted.

"No can do. I have finals. You will have to go. I think it might do you good Liv. Get away for a little bit. It has been a while since you have been with a*****e for its construction and design. Black Mountain Industries has been great to work with so far. They are very excited to have Sassy join them."

"It has been a while. It might be fun to start to finish the store. And you are right that it might do me good to get away for a little while. Will you set up someone to come take care of the house?"

"I will personally come take care of the house. That way I can check your mail for anything important and forward it to you." Morgan replied.

"Ok. I will make plans to go after we meet with the lawyer tomorrow. By the way, I am thinking of getting a dog."

"Wait, what?" Morgan asked, shocked at the change of direction of the conversation. "Why on earth would you get a dog?"

"I have always wanted one, you know that. I am alone now, so having a pet would keep me company too."

"Oh....kay. Maybe put it on the back burner for after Black Mountain. It might be hard to train one while you are away and you wouldn't want to leave it here."

"Just an idea. I will think more on it. Can I ask you a question Morgan?"

"Always."

"Why did you become my friend?"

"Because you were you. You walked into school like you owned it. You were so confident in who you were."

"Arrogant you mean." I laughed.

"No, definitely confident. I can't begin to imagine what it is like to be you. You have always been amazing and had this brain that allowed you to see things that others cannot even dream of grasping. You were never mean about it though. You are like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, but you don't have the social awkwardness. You walk into a room like a badass and no one ever really intimidates you. I wanna be just like you when I grow up. Even though you are younger than me." Morgn replied. "Why are you asking this?"

"When I was three, I wondered what was wrong with me. Why would my dad just up and leave. Did I do something wrong? I know my parents argued over my schooling. My mom was so proud of me and wanted what was best for me. My dad? He wanted the easy way. Even at three, I understood that. I was not easy, so he must have left because there was something wrong with me."

"Livvy!" Morgan yelled. The look on her face showed me that she was angry at where my thoughts were headed.

"I know now that it wasn't something wrong with me. It was something wrong in him. He made his decision and never cared how that decision affected us. Thinking about this made me wonder why you decided to remain friends with me. Being my friend was not easy - especially when I graduated early and we didn't see each other all the time."

"Because friendship isn't about being easy. And as your friend, I demand that while you are at Black Mountain, you take time for you as well as work. They have an incredible spa. Actually, maybe I could head up with you and come back for my finals. We could spa together."

"That sounds wonderful."

"Then that is what we will do. I will book it! Yay!" Morgan squealed. I laughed at her. Sometimes I forgot that Morgan was finishing high school. I can't wait for her to graduate and come on board full time. The company will then pay for her college classes. I know that her parents are stressing on how to pay for it. Morgan has been saving most of her salary from working flex with me, but she has no idea what I have planned yet.

"Ummm. Any idea why my mom just texted that she is on her way over?" Morgan asked, staring at her phone.

"Maybe." I replied. That was fast! I had a feeling that her coming over meant that she must have found out that I paid off their mortgage. We heard the front door open.

"Where are you girls?" Mama T yelled.

"Living room!" Morgan yelled back. She looked at me and the look on her face was between shock and fear.

"Olivia Adrienne Matthews! What have you done?" She questioned. Her hands on her hips reminded me of Morgan. Poppa stood behind her.

"Hi there Mama T! What have I done? Um... can you be more specific?" I hedged.

"Olivia...."

"Mama, what's wrong?" Morgan asked as she got up and walked over to her mom.

"Olivia paid off our mortgage." Poppa said. All three turned and looked at me.

"Why would you do this Livvy?" Mama T asked. I gestured for them to have a seat and waited until they were comfortable.

"Poppa. Mama T. You both have been like second parents for as long as I can remember. You have watched me grow, helped me grow, fed me, hugged me, held me, listened to me, helped me become emancipated, helped me start my business, and gave me the greatest best friend in the whole world. You have been by my side through the death of my mom and handled things for me when I couldn't get out of bed."

"You don't owe us anything for that Livvy. It has been a joy being there for you." Poppa said.

"I know I don't owe you. You are not the type of people to have checks and balances in any relationship you have. This was not something that I felt I owed you. It is something that I wanted to do for you because life is short. I learned that the hard way recently. Mom didn't get to do all of the things on her bucket list. I don't want that for my other parents. So here is the thing. Once Morgan graduates from high school, I am offering her a full-time position with my company. Once she is a full-time employee, the company will cover her college courses. You won't be paying a thing for her to get her degree. Morgan has already expressed that she wants to work for the company, so this works out for all of us. Morgan will get her degree, and you will be able to take trips and do things that you were unable to do due to your mortgage and saving for college."

"Livvy....." Mama T started with tears in her eyes. She then stood up, walked over to me, and embraced me. I hugged the woman who accepted me and made me a part of her family. Hopefully, tomorrow at the lawyers will go just as well.