Having Mr Alcott

THREE

Lizzie’s POV

It had been a busy week of packing around the house for my parents. Their accommodation in Michigan was set, thanks to Dad’s company. I was going to miss them, but I was far more thrilled to be around Reed.

The previous night, I had booked their flight tickets, and the front door was wide open as Dad moved their suitcases into the trunk of Reed’s Ford.

“Liz, honey, come help me get this chicken breast down from the stove,” Mum hollered from the kitchen.

I sighed, closing my laptop and hopping off my bed. I strolled lazily to the kitchen, finding Mum bustling about cooking. It didn’t make sense that she was cooking; she was boarding a plane in the next few hours.

“Liz, get it down already,” she whined, focusing on the salmon she was glazing with honey.

I moved over to the stove, turning it off before bringing the pan down.

“Why are you doing all this?” I asked, picking up a fork to poke the chicken breast. It was stuffed with asparagus.

Mum didn’t even look up.

“I’m prepping meals for you, of course. I don’t want you living off junk food.”

“Mum, you have a flight in a few hours,” I protested, frowning.

“This isn’t necessary.”

She glanced up at me.

“Liz, I know how you are with cooking. I don’t want you to be stressed about it while we’re gone.”

“I can manage, you know. I’m not a kid anymore,” I retorted, crossing my arms.

“I know, but it’s a mother’s job to worry,” she said, continuing to glaze the salmon.

“And I don’t want you skipping meals or eating unhealthy food just because we’re not around.”

“I’ll be fine,” I insisted, exasperated.

“Reed’s going to be around, right? He can help if I really need it.”

Mum shot me a look.

“Reed has his own life, Liz. He’ll be there for emergencies, but you need to take care of yourself.”

“I can take care of myself just fine!” I snapped, fighting the very urge to scream.

“You don’t need to cook an entire week’s worth of meals just because you’re leaving.”

“It’s not just for you,” she said softly.

“It’s for my peace of mind too.”

I sighed.

“Fine, but you really don’t have to go overboard.”

She smiled.

“Just let me do this, okay? It’s my way of making sure you’re okay.”

I nodded and felt grateful.

My phone pinged in the pocket of my sweatpants, and I reached into it, grabbing my phone.

It was a text from Evie. Oh right, I forgot; she was getting her abortion done today.

“Hot fudge,” I murmured, typing on my phone.

She had told me a few days ago, and it had totally slipped my mind.

I sent her a text that I was going to be there as soon as possible before glancing at my mum.

I pecked her on the cheek before rushing out of the kitchen, when I bumped into him.

Reed.

I looked up at him, and he was smiling down at me. “Watch where you’re going, Bits,” he said.

I frowned at him, but that didn’t mean my insides didn’t tingle. His hands were on my sides, and we were close. Almost close enough that I could reach out and kiss him. But I didn’t.

“Sorry, didn’t see you there,” I retorted, stepping back.

He chuckled, a low rumble that got me each time.

“Clearly,” he replied, his tone teasing.

“You’re always in such a rush.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Well, maybe if someone didn’t block the entire hallway—”

“Easy, I was just teasing,” he interrupted, his smile widening.

“No need to get all worked up.”

I bristled at his dismissive tone, my cheeks flushing. “Whatever,” I muttered, pulling away from him.

He reached out to grab my arm, but I shrugged him off. “I’ve got somewhere to be,” I snapped, turning away before he could say anything else.

I could feel Mum’s eyes on me as I ran upstairs, quickly changing before heading back downstairs. Dad frowned when he saw me; he expected I'd accompany them to the airport, but going to Evie was going to save me from potentially throwing myself at Reed and whatever awkward situation would come after that.

“Evie’s at the hospital,” I cried, explaining my sudden departure. “I’ll give you a call as soon as you land,” I promised, running out of the house.

I arrived at Girlborsh and stayed with my best friend. After her procedures, I tried calling my Mum and Dad, but neither picked up. I dialed their numbers almost seven times before leaving the building with Evie next to me.

A car was parked in front of the building, and Reed was leaning against the passenger door of his Ford Mustang, wearing gray suit pants and a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses covering his eyes. I couldn't tell behind the dark tint of the lenses, but I was pretty sure his eyes were fixed on me.

"Oh my gosh,” Evie gasped as we walked out of the building.

“Who is he?”

I stopped walking, focusing on him.

“My dad's friend. The one I’ve been telling you about,” I mumbled, puzzled by his unexpected presence.

“Oh—the hot, rich guy!” she said, almost loud enough for him to hear. I wanted to strangle her. Heat flooded my face, and embarrassment swept through me.

I stopped and held Evie’s wrists, looking her deep in the eyes.

“Play it cool. Is he still looking at me?”

“Uh, yeah,” she laughed.

“He took his sunglasses off. Looks like he's ogling you to death.”

I looked back with furrowed brows, and Reed had indeed taken off his sunglasses. His head was tilted now, and he flicked his fingers twice.

"I'll call you later," I told her firmly.

“Get some rest,” I added pointedly.

But she just grinned.

"Girl, I want to know everything!" she exclaimed, twirling around to meet up with her boyfriend, Drey, by his car.

Unease swept through me, a bundle of nerves building up in the pit of my stomach.

I walked over to him, my heart pounding in my chest. Thoughts raced through my mind like:

He’s so damn hot. Why does he have to be so damn hot?

I hate him, don’t I?

I should.

“What are you doing here?” I asked when I finally reached him, looking around nervously and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Don’t freak out, okay?” he started, and I raised an eyebrow at him.

“I want you to get into the car first.”

I frowned, apprehensive.

“Why? I could have tagged along with Evie.”

He pushed off the car, grabbing the door handle and pulling it open.

"Get into the damn car, Izzie," he commanded.

I ran my tongue over my dry bottom lip, glancing around.

Evie was still parked. With a sigh, I climbed inside, and he shut the door behind me immediately. The scent of leather and musk surrounded me, along with a faint trace of tobacco. The car was clean and practically empty, unlike mum who’d stuck files in the back seat.

Reed slid behind the wheel, and I crossed my arms, glancing at him.

“Your mum called,” he said, his voice serious.

“Your dad was involved in a shootout when they arrived in Michigan.”