Made by Us: Giselle and Liam's Story (The Made Series Book 3) Read online

  I’m available tomorrow at 3 pm. Meet me at the Starbucks on Nelson Street. Don’t be late.

  He replies. Can’t wait to see you.

  Maybe I shouldn’t have done that, but it’s innocent. We’re just two old friends catching up. Right?

  Chapter Three

  Liam and I need to discuss what happened—well what didn’t happen last night. After I shower and throw on an orange tank top with white yoga pants, I take a deep breath and go find him. He’s sitting on the couch watching TV.

  “We need to talk.”

  He turns off the TV. “Yea, what’s the problem?”

  “My problem is that my boyfriend doesn’t want to have sex with me.”

  He shakes his head with disgust, “Our relationship isn’t based on sex and right now sex isn’t important.”

  “It’s important to me. Is there someone else?”

  He walks over to me and gently lifts my head. “There’s no one else, we just need to take things slow.”

  “We’ve been together for months, if we go any slower my vagina is going to close.”

  Liam frowns. “Giselle, what’s wrong with you? You’re starting to sound like your slutty friends.”

  “They have nothing to do with our problems”

  “I wasn’t aware that we had problems. Don’t start acting like them.”

  “This conversation is pointless. Guess my feelings and what I want don’t matter.”

  I stand there, looking into his warm chocolate eyes, hoping he will say something, anything that will make me feel better, but he doesn’t. His phone begins to ring. Glancing at it, he says, “I have to take this.” I start to walk away, but he grabs my hand stalling me. “Let’s not fight.” He kisses my forehead.

  That just pisses me off more. I feel like I’ve been fed a load of crap. He’s not sleeping with me because someone else has to be in the picture. It can’t be any other reason.

  In my room I see my phone lighting up. There’s a text from Ethan.

  Looking forward to seeing you, little rebel.

  I haven’t been called that in forever. Little rebel. My friends wouldn’t consider me as rebellious. What have I done?

  I reply, Me too.

  I wish Marcia was here to help me pick out an outfit. I look through my closest for something casual and not sexually inviting. I settle on a cream pleated flowing blouse with slit sleeves. My denim jeans are rolled up showing off the camel, open toe patterned shoes with matching handbag. Liam knocks on my door. I ignore him. A few moments later, he walks in and sits on the bed beside me.

  “I just got a call from my friend, Mike. He recently opened a restaurant in Houston and wants me to train his chefs. If I accept it, I’ll be gone for two weeks. I want to know your thoughts.”

  “If you want to go, then go.”

  “We’re business partners and I want to make sure you’ll be able to handle Indulgence in my absence.”

  Wow! I’m unsure how to feel with business partners being the first thing he thinks of when it comes to us. We’re in a relationship as well.

  “Everything will be fine. When are you leaving?”

  “We’re flying out on Monday morning.”

  “Okay.”

  He leans in to kiss me but I move my head to the side, causing his lips to miss mine.

  Quickly I state, “I think I’m coming down with something.”

  He clenches his jaw.

  “Whatever, Giselle. I’m going to call Mike and let him know I accept his offer. I hope you feel better.”

  When the clock strikes 1:00, I get ready for my upcoming reunion with Ethan. After I apply moisturizer, I put on some foundation and Sinnamon lip gloss, since this is a special occasion. God I hope I don’t sin. Before I head out, I spot a note on the kitchen counter:

  Went to Mike’s.

  -Liam

  “Good,” I say and take one last look at myself in the foyer mirror before exiting.

  Walking into Starbucks, I become uneasy with seeing Ethan after all this time. It’s 2:50. I order a green tea and have a seat in the far back corner. This is pathetic. I’m acting like a teenage girl again, sneaking around to meet with Ethan. He better not be late, maybe I shouldn’t be here. Grabbing my purse, I realize being here is an unwise choice. Then in walks Ethan. Time has been really good to him, he looks the same but hotter. Still has that gorgeous long dark hair and is wearing his signature bad boy black leather jacket. Our eyes lock as he heads towards me.

  His baritone voice asks, “Giselle, you weren’t trying to leave were you?”

  “No, I was getting situated.”

  He chuckles, “You know I can always tell when you lie. Have a seat.”

  Ethan pulls my chair out and I sit down. This is the man that I fell in love with and his bad boy image.

  “Why did you want to see me?”

  “I miss you.”

  “Ethan, I don’t have time for your games and lies.”

  He reaches for my hand and lays his on top. I don’t make him move it.

  “This is no game. I’ve been waiting a long time for this day.”

  “How did you find me?”

  “That doesn’t matter. All that matters is we’re back together.”

  I jerk my hand away.

  “We are not together! You deserted me years ago and never gave us a second thought.”

  “Leaving you was the hardest decisions I ever had to make. But I couldn’t give you all the things you deserved.”

  Quietly I respond, “All I wanted was you, nothing else mattered.”

  “I know. That’s why I had to choose the outcome for us. Love wasn’t enough.”

  “You still should have said something.”

  He grabs my hand, “Let’s take a ride.”

  I throw my empty cup away as we walk outside. He leads me to a black Harley Davidson.

  Smiling, I say, “Some things never change.”

  Ethan hands me a black helmet, then pulls his hair back and puts his on. He assists me as I climb onto the back of his motorcycle, but I think he was only trying to cop a feel.

  When he gets on, I wrap my arms around his waist. The engine roars and we’re flying down the road. Riding with Ethan has always been my high. We used to go riding for hours and I would always miss curfew. Back then I did whatever I wanted and was completely reckless with him. When I was 17, Ethan dared me to go into 7-11 and steal something. “Something small, because I know you’re scared.” So I decided to steal a bottle of wine and that’s when he started calling me “little rebel.” He was such a bad influence, but always a good time.

  I don’t know of how long we’ve been joy riding, but the sight of my car, brings me back to reality. Climbing off the bike, Ethan helps with removing my helmet.

  “My hair’s probably a mess.”

  He runs his hands through my shoulder length hair and fluffs my bangs, “No it’s perfect, like you.”

  He has a longing look in his eyes. I know what this means and should stop him, but I don’t want to. He leans forward and kisses me. His soft lips against mine, reminds me of all the things he used to do with his mouth. I wrap my hands around his neck as he caresses my back. This must stop, but it feels so good. Liam enters my mind. I push Ethan off of me.

  “I can’t do this. I’m with someone.”

  “It’s obvious he isn’t making you happy.”

  “That’s not true.”

  He kisses my cheek, “We both know you’re lying.”

  I don’t respond.

  “Have dinner with me.”

  “I can’t. Need to get home to Liam.”

  Ethan glares and asks, “You live with him?”

  “Yes, we live together but we don’t share the same room.”

  Why did I tell him that?

  He grins. “I’m going to call you tomorrow.”

  He hops back on the motorcycle.

  “It was good seeing you. Hopefully, next time I can see all of you.”

&nb
sp; I should smack him, but I smile like a fool.

  Driving home, I ponder on what I allowed Ethan to do. Kissing him is a huge no no. At 23 years-old, I know better and this isn’t proper behavior. Ethan’s the past and Liam’s my future. I just don’t understand why Liam isn’t interested in having sex and there’s a chance another woman may be in the picture. Oh my god, I hope he isn’t one of those down low men. Okay, I’m being stupid. The speakers let me know I have an incoming call from Liam.

  “Hello?” I answer.

  “Hey, where are you?”

  “On my way home.”

  “Are you feeling better?”

  “Yes.”

  “Mike has invited us to dinner, do you want to go?”

  “Yeah, sounds like fun.”

  “He made reservations for 7 at Waldorf’s.”

  “Okay, see you soon.”

  I take a quick shower and ready to go in no time.

  “You look beautiful, Giselle.”

  Tonight, I’m wearing a white shirt dress elaborated with gold sequins around the V-neck and cuffs. My wedge sandals are satin sheen gold with an ankle strap, the opened toe shows off my recent shellac nail polish.

  Pleased, I reply, “Thanks, so do you.”

  Liam looks handsome in his charcoal sweater, which has a white button down shirt underneath it and khaki pants. As we head to the door he slips on a metallic gray blazer. In the car, I apply C-Thru lip gloss.

  “I love that you aren’t a high maintenance women who wears tons of makeup.”

  “Don’t let the girls hear you say that. They hate that I really don’t wear it.”

  He grabs my hand, “Who cares what they think; you’re perfect the way you are.”

  Now I really feel bad for spending time with Ethan.

  At Waldorf’s, we walk hand in hand and Liam tells the hostess that we’re here with the Walker party. Mike Walker stands once we reach the table. He’s a very attractive man, but I’ve heard that he’s a player. Marcia said that he sends his women to her boutique and spends a lot of money on them. Figures Liam’s friend would be a whore.

  “Giselle this is my good friend Mike.”

  He takes my hand and kisses it.

  Looking at Liam, he says, “She’s very beautiful.”

  “Back off, she’s mine.”, replies Liam with a smile.

  Liam pulls out my chair for me as the waiter comes over. Mike orders us champagne.

  “Giselle, thank you for letting me steal away Liam for a few days.”

  “It’s no problem; he’s the best.”

  There’s a lot of business talk throughout the evening. They try their best to include me in the conversation but my thoughts are on Ethan.

  “Giselle, it’s such an honor to meet you. Liam always speaks highly of you. I understand that Marcia is a friend of yours.”

  “Yes, she’s one of my best friends.”

  “I’ve been conducting a lot of business with her recently.”

  Yeah, I know, you send your slut of the evening there.

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Yes, I’m rather fond of her boutique and salon.”

  I just smile and take a sip of my champagne. Once our entrées are ordered, I excuse myself to the ladies room. I really don’t need to use the restroom, I just want to see if Ethan texted me. My phone shows a message from him. The blood rushes to my cheeks and I can’t control the smile on my lips.

  Ethan: Little Rebel, I need to see you again.

  Me: I’m free on Monday after 2 pm.

  Ethan: Perfect and you will be staying the night.

  I throw my phone back in my purse immediately before I change my mind and make my way back to the guys. Dinner seemed to drag on and finally after dessert we leave. Mike thanks me again. He and Liam are meeting again tomorrow; darn I could have told Ethan I would see him then. On the ride home, Liam thanks me for joining him for dinner. He asks what I thought about Mike.

  “He seems nice enough.”

  We make small talk until we enter the apartment.

  “I’m going to take a bath and go to bed. Care to join me?”

  Liam sighs, “I’m going to catch up on some work. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Chapter Four

  Early morning is my favorite time of day. Everything is peaceful and quiet. Running at this time relaxes me and helps me focus on what needs to be accomplished. Today my mind is racing: should I go see Ethan again? What about Liam? I don’t want to hurt him. I never got over Ethan. But he did break my heart.

  It was Tuesday, May 16th, 2000. I woke up in a fantastic mood and excitement filled the air. It was my wedding day and I was going to marry the love of my life, Ethan Thomas. We had been together for three phenomenal years. He was my first in everything, relationship, love and sex.

  Ethan was every parent’s worst nightmare. He was a rebel and didn’t respect authority. He drove a motorcycle, wore a leather jacket, smoked cigarettes and sometimes weed in public. They didn’t approve of our relationship and weren’t going to support this marriage. They just didn’t understand our connection. Ethan and I had so much in common. We both had crappy birth parents and were adopted by families outside of our race. Ethan was born in Japan and adopted by an older American family.

  The night before, my father told me if I went through with this marriage they would cut me off. My mother kept saying we were too young and needed to go to college and experience life before marriage. I told them they wouldn’t change my mind, Ethan and I were meant to be together. My father stormed out of the room and my mom cried.

  I was 18 years old and legally able to do as I pleased. I took my time in the shower and made sure my legs were silky smooth. Normally, I would wear cotton undergarments. Since this was my special day, I put on a white lace bra and panty set, it’s not every day you become a married woman. My wavy brown hair was placed in a high bun to show off the studded heart shaped earrings Ethan had given me. My dress wasn’t traditional, it was a short sleeved knee length white lace dress and I wore gold strappy sandals. I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time. I was sad that my parents weren’t going to be there, but that’s life. I pinched my cheeks and put on clear lip gloss, I was never interested in wearing makeup.

  Before I walked out the house, my parents were in the kitchen whispering. Of course this stopped when they noticed me. My mother stated, “Please think this through Giselle. You don’t need to marry Ethan today. What’s the rush, if you guys are really in love?”

  I placed my hands on my hips, “If we’re in love? Mom, you know I love him with my whole heart. He makes me happy and I’m marrying him today.”

  My father shakes his head and said “You’re wasting your life away on that loser. If you marry him, don’t come back.”

  At the courthouse, nervousness kicked in and I didn’t see Ethan’s bike. I gave myself a quick glance over, got out of the car and walked into the stone courthouse. The marble staircases separate the buildings three levels. I took the broad stairwell up to the second floor, where the Judge would be marrying us behind the double mahogany doors. My hands started to shake as I watched the clock ticking down the seconds, until I would become Mrs. Thomas. As I looked around I spotted several couples seated along the benches with their soon to be spouses. Most women were wearing long white dresses, while some men wore only a nice blazer with jeans. At first, I hoped Ethan wouldn’t show up in his leather jacket, but soon I started not to care just as long as he showed. This wasn’t the most romantic place to get married, but we said that we would have a grand wedding a few years later after we had jobs and saved money.

  I waited and waited for what seemed like hours and he never showed. Ethan stood me up. After having a perfect relationship and everything we did together, there was no explanation, nothing. How could he do this to me? I turned my back on my parents and told them what we had was real. I was going to give up my scholarship and not attend college. I felt like a fool and looked like one too. The pain fe
lt as if someone was repeatedly stabbing me in the heart. I silently wished this wound was being inflicted by a stranger and not by the man I loved.

  My only choice was to call my parents. Surprisingly, they didn’t say “I told you so.” My mother held me while I cried and my father hugged me. That was the last day we ever spoke about Ethan and I never gave him a second thought.

  Thinking about my childhood is something I haven’t done in years. By the age of 4, I knew my birth mother was a drug addict and didn’t know my father. We would go days without eating and the only thing my mother cared about was when she would get her next “fix.” My mother having sex with strange men for money and drugs was the norm for me. When she remembered that I existed, I would be sent to the next door neighbor’s house. There, an older lady gave me baths and warm meals. Soon this turned into daily visits until she became ill. She told my mother to do right by me and get herself clean, but that didn’t happen. The day my life changed was when I came home to find my mother dead with a needle sticking out of her arm.

  Some random man was there. He stood over her lifeless body and said, “Damn, she’s dead. She was a good fuck.”

  When he noticed me, I stopped breathing. I tried to run but my legs were locked and I couldn’t move. He grabbed my arm.

  “This is no place for you. Don’t scream.”

  My body was shaking; I prayed that he doesn’t do to me what I had seen men do to my mom. Even though this man was scum, he took me to a safe place. I watched him talk to a lady in an all-white uniform.

  He kept saying, “She not mine, her momma is dead. It’s not safe for her on the streets.”

  Then he left. The lady walked over to me, told me not to be afraid and gave me food.

  Months later my adoption was finalized. I would be leaving Barbados and going to America with my new parents, who looked nothing like me. They are fair skinned with blonde hair and blue eyes, while my eyes are gray and my complexion is a creamy shade of mocha.

  After my run, I’m exhausted, mentally but not physically. I wave to Frank, the doorman, and get inside of the open elevator. It’s 6:30 when I step into our apartment. My shower is quick and I throw on a green Hello Kitty tank with the matching pajama pants. Opening the refrigerator door, I grab yogurt and bottle of water. I turn around and Liam’s standing behind me, shirtless. Why does he want to continue torturing me?