Bella and the Happily Ever After Read online

  I squeeze her leg. “You ready to try out your next career option?”

  She glances out at the water. “Am I going to be a surfer?”

  “Nope. You’re going to save them.”

  It’s cold outside but luckily, it’s not too windy as we make our way down the concrete steps that lead to the beach. I didn’t arrange this one ahead of time because I wasn’t able to find any lifeguards online, so I’m just going to wing it. Hopefully it works.

  We walk up to the first wooden lifeguard tower. There’s a guy sitting in there, wearing a wetsuit and sunglasses.

  “Hey there,” I call out. “Could we talk to you about your job for a minute?”

  I’m a little worried that he’ll tell us to leave him alone, but instead he shrugs. “Sure. Come on up.”

  “You are very ambitious,” Bella whispers as we walk up the stairs that lead to the tower.

  I chuckle. “Hey, it’s a job. Aquatics was on my potential career list. I thought we’d try something water-related.”

  The lifeguard’s name is Jake and he tells us all about his job. He works for the city and it’s a full-time gig since the beach is open year-round. He tells us there isn’t much downtime even during the winter because people are always out here swimming even in the cold. We chat for a while, and then we let him get back to his job.

  “So, what did you think?” I ask as we walk back to my truck.

  Bella’s upper lip curls. “Eh…”

  “No worries. We still have two stops left.”

  Bella adjusts the radio, turning down the volume. “What if I don’t find anything? What if you take me to a hundred places and none of them inspire anything in me? What if I’m just some pathetic loser who will work at a fast food place my whole life?”

  I frown. “First of all, you are not a pathetic loser. Secondly, I love fast food.”

  She rolls her eyes, and I smile. “Don’t stress, babe. Just think of these trips as fun excursions. Maybe you’ll end up loving one of these careers, or maybe you won’t. You’ve got time to figure it out.”

  “I guess you’re right,” she says.

  I know the next trip won’t be career-worthy, but it seemed fun when I was looking up other stuff to do here in Galveston. We go to one of the historic and beautifully preserved mansions that were built back in the late 1890s. There are tours held here every hour, and Bella and I get in line for the next one.

  “How is this a career?” she whispers as we wait on the wraparound Victorian porch.

  “Tour guides, antique home restoration…” I say, looking around. Our tour guide appears, and she’s dressed to the nines in a long flowy gown and bonnet that looks straight out of those Jane Austen movies my mom always watches late at night. “Costume design?”

  Bella examines the woman’s outfit. “That could be fun…”

  Our tour begins, and there are five of us in the group. Bella and I hang in the back, letting the three elderly woman who are with us stay closer to the tour guide since it looks like they could use the help hearing her. It’s fun learning about how people lived over a hundred years ago. No central air conditioning, no electricity, but the homes were beautiful. I wonder if my dad would appreciate something like this, or if his architectural affections are only for the large and expensive designs.

  An hour later, we’re just in time for the third meeting I’ve arranged for her. We get back in my truck and drive down to the other side of town where my Aunt Riley works.

  “Real estate,” Bella says as we pull into the parking lot. “Nice.”

  “It seems fun,” I tell her. “My aunt is excited to meet you.”

  “Ooooh,” Bella says, clasping her hands together in front of her chest. “I get to meet one of your family members?”

  “Yep. My mom’s sister. Don’t believe anything she tells you about my rebellious toddler years, okay?”

  Aunt Riley greets us with smiles and freshly baked cookies. She’s my mom’s older sister by twelve years, and unlike my mom who frequently dyes her hair brown, Aunt Riley’s hair is a pepper gray, pulled into a ponytail, that bounces as she hands me the tray of cookies.

  “I’m so happy to meet you,” she says, giving Bella a hug. “Here’s your first lesson: freshly baked cookies will fill a house with the scent of home. Always have some ready when you’re doing an open house.”

  “I can get behind working with cookies,” Bella says.

  Aunt Riley grins. “I just took pictures of a new house today. Come with me. I’ll show you my office and how I post a new listing online.”

  “Sounds fun,” Bella says. This is the most interested she’s been all day. Maybe my final stop here in Galveston will be a good one.

  Aunt Riley puts an arm around me. “Nephew, will you sit here and man the front desk? My assistant is out to lunch.”

  “Sure thing.” I drop into the rolling chair that’s behind the front desk and sit up straight, lacing my fingers together on top of the counter. “Do I look official?”

  “You look very handsome,” my aunt says with a sarcastic grin. “But not like you sell real estate.”

  I hang out up here while Bella and my aunt retreat to her office. Luckily, no one calls or comes into this small workplace, because I’m not sure what I’d do other than go back to my aunt and tell her someone was here. After about ten minutes, the door opens and I sit up, hoping I can look moderately professional as I greet this potential customer.

  But the girl who walks in is wearing a black button up shirt with my aunt’s logo on it.

  “You must be the assistant?” I say, getting up from her chair.

  “Yep. I’m Andrea.” She takes off her sunglasses and her eyes widen. “Oh my God, you’re Liam Mosely!” She drops her car keys and Starbucks cup on the counter and turns to me, all smiles. “I’m a huge fan.”

  Those are words I haven’t heard in a few weeks, and honestly, I’d almost forgotten what it was like to be around fangirls.

  “Oh… uh, thanks.”

  Her tongue darts out over her bottom lip. “So…what are you doing here? I’ve been telling Mrs. Riley to invite you over for ages. She always says you’re busy traveling and stuff.”

  “Well, not anymore,” I say, scratching my neck. I’m still not sure how to announce to people that I’ve quit the professional motocross scene. I guess I keep hoping that everyone will already know. “My traveling days are officially done.”

  Her eyes light up like I’ve just told her something special. “That’s cool,” she says, leaning a little closer. “So, you’re in Houston full time now?”

  “Yeah. Well, Roca Springs, actually.”

  “I don’t know where that is,” she says, smiling brightly. She reaches out and runs her fingers down my arm. “But I’d love for you to show me.”

  Whoa. Not good.

  I can’t believe I didn’t realize this girl was flirting with me. Man, I’m off my game. There was a time in my life, not so long ago, that I already knew every girl who came around was interested in me. Funny how a few weeks with Bella makes me forget all about that.

  I take a step backward. “It’s a three hour drive away,” I say, making extra sure to have no sign of flirting in my voice.

  She is undeterred. Her eyelashes blink a few times as she gazes up at me, her lip slightly poked out. At first glance, you might not notice it, but I do. I’ve been flirted with enough times to notice that slight lip pout.

  “I have a girlfriend,” I blurt out. “She’s actually back in my aunt’s office learning about real estate.”

  Andrea’s flirty demeanor doesn’t change one bit. “She doesn’t have to know anything,” she whispers, reaching out and touching my arm again. She gives me a sultry look and then winks. “I’m very discrete.”

  I can’t help myself. I burst out laughing. Covering my mouth with my fist, I shake my head. “Oh my God, no. I’m sorry but no. My girlfriend is amazing and—well, no. Frankly, I’m offended that you think I’m that type of guy.�
��

  Her expression turns to ice. “Every guy is that type of guy if the right offer comes along,” she hisses. “Oh well,” she says, flipping her hair and walking behind the front desk to her chair. “Your loss.”

  There are some things I do miss about being a professional motocross racer. The money, for one. The factory bikes that were maintained by professional mechanics that ran like a dream. The cool free clothing by brands I love.

  But this? Flirty girls who think I owe them something just because they want it?

  I don’t miss this at all.

  9

  Bella

  It’s not even very late by the time we’re driving back home, but I’m exhausted. I loved all of the career adventures that Liam took me on today. I don’t think I could ever be a lifeguard, mostly because I’m not a great swimmer and I don’t want to get skin cancer from being outside all day. The mansion we toured was so surreal and awe-inspiring that I make Liam promise me we’ll go visit all five historic mansions in town and take the tours for all of them one day. But do I want to be a tour guide? Not really. Public speaking and I do not make a good pair.

  The best trip of the day was to meet Liam’s aunt. She was really nice and reminded me a lot of his mom. They’re both sweet women who make you feel right at home. I’m not totally in love with the real estate agent career, but it’s my favorite one so far. She told me about how the classes you take to become licensed aren’t that hard, and she even offered to hire me if I decide to pursue that path. The bad thing is that you only get paid when you sell a house. I don’t want to live with the stress of not getting a paycheck if the market is down.

  Despite how I had a great time at his aunt’s office, Liam seems like he’s in a bad mood when we leave. He turns up the radio and doesn’t talk as we begin the three hour drive back home. I snuggle up next to him in the middle seat of his truck, laying my head on his shoulder. He wraps his arm around me as he drives, the cruise control on.

  “You okay?” I ask him.

  “Perfect,” he says back. But I’m not sure I believe him. He’s looking weird. Maybe he’s just exhausted, too. We woke up really early and have spent the entire day doing stuff. Plus, he’s had to drive the whole time. Maybe that’s it.

  “Are you tired?” I ask.

  He shakes his head. “Nah.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, babe.”

  I get the sense he wants me to drop it, so I do. This is a first for us, an uncomfortable silence that I don’t quite understand. It’s not like we got in an argument or anything. So why is he acting weird?

  I close my eyes, and when I open them again, we are in Roca Springs. I sit up, yawning. “Holy crap. I slept the whole way home?”

  Liam nods, his gaze on the road. “Yep.”

  I put a hand to my mouth. “I didn’t drool on you, did I?”

  “Nah. You sleep like an angel.”

  It’s a sweet thing to say, but I can tell he’s still not feeling exactly like himself. Something is bothering him, and it bothers me that he’s not telling me about it. I guess this relationship won’t be one hundred percent perfect, after all. Suddenly I’m filled with worries and apprehension. Is he having second thoughts about me? Am I boring him? What’s going on?

  His phone rings, and his mom’s name shows up on the Bluetooth receiver on his truck’s radio. He answers the call through his truck.

  “Hey, mom,” he calls out. “Bella is here so don’t say anything that will embarrass me.”

  “Hi, Bella!” his mom says, her voice sounding all around us as it comes through the speakers. “How was your day in Galveston?”

  “We had fun,” I say, glancing at Liam, hoping his expression confirms my answer. He gives me a half smile.

  “When will you be home?” she asks.

  “Five minutes,” Liam answers.

  “Perfect! You’ll be here in time for dinner. Bella, will you join us?”

  “Sure,” I say. Liam’s mom makes the best food. I’ll happily stay for dinner anytime. It’s not until after the phone call is over that I remember how Liam is being kind of funny. I nudge him with my elbow. “I can go home if you want.”

  “What? No.” He slows down and makes a right turn into his driveway. “I always want you around me.”

  I wish I could just let it go and not stress about this, but he’s definitely being weird. He’s trying to look normal, but I can tell something is bothering him. The moment he turns into his driveway, I am hit with the answer like a brick to the face. I feel so stupid for not realizing it sooner.

  Liam is upset with me because he’s done all this work and I haven’t loved any of the career ideas he’s found for me.

  “Liam?” I say, turning toward him after I unbuckle my seatbelt.

  He shuts off the engine and takes out the keys. “Yeah, babe?”

  “I know why you’re upset, and I’m sorry.” My hands twist together in my lap.

  His jaw flexes. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

  I shake my head. “Yes, I do. You’re trying so hard and here I am just being a brat who doesn’t like anything. I’m so sorry, Liam.” I look up and meet his concerned gaze. “I really am so grateful for all you’ve done. Seriously. And you’ve given me a lot to think about. I’m just…” I heave a sigh. “I’m just worthless, I guess. A total non-passionate non-talented person with zero career potential.”

  Liam looks at me for a long moment. And then he starts laughing.

  “Liam!” I smack his arm playfully. “Don’t laugh at me. I said I’m sorry and I mean it. I didn’t mean to waste your time.”

  He takes my face in both of his hands. “Oh, babe. You are so sweet and perfect and—” He leans forward and kisses me. “You are not non-talented. And you haven’t done anything wrong.”

  “Then why are you acting so weird?” I ask.

  A shadow catches my attention and I see Matt, Liam’s little six-year-old brother staring at us through the living room window, no doubt wondering when we’ll come inside and play with him.

  Liam notices Matt too and he waves at him. “It doesn’t matter. I just got annoyed today, but it had nothing to do with you, I swear.” He kisses me again. The shadow in the window disappears because Matt thinks kissing is gross. “Don’t you worry about a thing.”

  “Are you sure?” I ask. “Because I feel really bad. You’re trying so hard and I just don’t know what to do with my life.”

  Liam’s soft lips stretch into a smile. “Baby, I’m not doing these career adventures as a way to force you to find something to do. I’m just doing it for fun. Because I love spending time with you.”

  I tilt my head. “Really? Because I feel bad.”

  He runs a hand through my hair. “You have nothing to feel bad about. You are the greatest thing to ever happen to me.”

  I throw my arms around him. “I’m not as cool as a six-figure racing contract,” I mumble against his chest.

  He chuckles and hugs me back. “No. You’re much, much better.”

  10

  Liam

  Spring Break weekend was probably the worst time for Bella and me to plan a day at the local motocross track. We haven’t gone dirt bike riding together since last summer before I turned pro. It seemed like a good idea last night when we made the plans. I haven’t been on my bike for fun in months. Riding with Team Loco was always work. You couldn’t just have fun and putt around on the track, feeling the wind in your face. Nope. It was all training. All business. All work.

  Last night while we were hanging out in my room, when I got the idea to take a day off from all this career research and go riding instead, neither one of us remembered that it was the start of spring break.

  Now, as I drive into the track with Bella in the passenger seat, we both turn to look at each other.

  “Spring freaking break,” she says, palming her forehead. “I completely forgot.”

  “At least our spot is empty,” I say, navig
ating through the crowded parking lot. Seems like every dirt-bike-owning person in the state decided to show up today. Roca Springs Motocross Park is fairly small, as far as dirt bike tracks go, and a good day might have twenty riders here.

  Today it looks like there’s a hundred.

  I park next to the ancient oak tree that’s right on the border of the property. It’s off the main stretch of parking spaces, and it’s so far away from the track that most people don’t bother coming here. It’s the place where I fell in love with Bella. I know I haven’t told her yet, because we’ve only been officially dating for a few weeks and I don’t want to be weird, but I love her. I love this girl. I know, without a single shred of doubt, that I do.

  One day soon, when the time is right, I’ll tell her.

  After we park, I let down the tailgate and unload our bikes while Bella takes out our riding gear and folding lawn chairs. We have a routine, Bella and I, and it’s really comforting. Most girls don’t know crap about motocross, but my girl loves it as much as I do.

  I put my dirt bike on the stand and run my hand down the worn seat cover. This old Yamaha brings back some good memories. It’s a great bike and I’ve taken good care of it over the last couple of years, but it’s got nothing compared to the factory ride I had for Team Loco. Their professional bikes cost at least thirty grand. I think I’ve put only about ten grand into my personal bike. But I love it even more because it’s mine.

  “Should I be jealous?” Bella says, giving me a flirty look as she shoves my helmet into my hands. “You’re staring at your bike like it’s a hot babe.”

  I laugh. “I was just thinking about how much I love this bike. Sure, it’s not as fast as a factory Team Loco bike, but it’s mine.”

  Bella leans closer to my bike and says, “Stop trying to steal my man or I’ll cut your tires.”

  I gasp sarcastically. “How rude!”

  She laughs and throws her arms around my neck. “This is fun. I miss being at the track with you.”

  “I missed it too. I can’t wait to get out there and chase you around the dirt.” We kiss, but I keep it quick or else my desire to make out will take over and we’ll never get out on the track.