Page 41 of Irresistible Love
Now Noah understood all of Sara’s concerns.
And Lily’s.
Something was definitely going on, and he had no idea what to say.
“What did they say?” he asked.
“Who? The doctor?”
He nodded.
“Basically, he said I’ve been doing all the stuff I’m supposed to, but if I want this to be fixed, I need the surgery.” She paused and picked up a fry, not looking at him. “And that I may need to rethink my dance career.”
“Damn. Lily, I’m sorry. Isn’t there another option?”
“That’s what I’m hoping for and maybe tomorrow’s doctor will offer me one.” Then she let out a small laugh. “Or maybe the one after him, because I have another appointment on Friday.”
He was connecting the dots and it seemed like William was deliberately keeping Lily busy with doctor’s appointments on key days.
“What about when you talked to your grandfather? What did he say?”
“After comparing me yet again to my father, he thinks I should get all the opinions, but that they’re all ultimately going to lead me to the same conclusion. Surgery.” She looked up at him miserably. “I hate this.”
Reaching over, he covered her hand with his. “I know you do. I wish there were something I could do or say to make this better.”
“So do I.” Slowly, she pulled her hand away and straightened. “But junk food for dinner is a good start.” Opening the wrapping on the first burger, she studied it. “Is there bacon on this?”
He chuckled. “I believe you mentioned how much you enjoy bacon, so…yes.”
“Perfect.” They ate in companionable silence for a minute before Lily put her burger down. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Are you here because you know something?”
“Lily, I…”
“Dammit, Noah! Look, I get that you’re one of the good guys and you’re all about being loyal to Montgomerys, but can you please just be honest with me?”
With the way her eyes were pleading with him, he would have given her anything.
So, he told her about the conversation he had with Sara. “She’s kind of terrified of you right now, so please don’t use that against her.”
“I wouldn’t,” she said adamantly. “I just don’t understand what is going on.”
“Did you ask William just…flat out? Did you tell him you found the paperwork?”
She didn’t respond right away, and that was essentially her answer.
“You can’t keep freaking out over what he’s doing if you’re not willing to actually have the confrontation,” he said levelly. “I have great respect for your grandfather, but I also know he’s a master of distraction. Hell, that week I spent with you and your family for Christmas, that’s all everyone talked about! That’s how he played matchmaker to pretty much every person there! He distracts and almost uses smoke and mirrors to get people to come around to his way of thinking. As long as he suspects that you’re onto him, he’s going to keep doing this.”
“Well, he can’t keep doing it forever. My parents, aunts and uncles, and my grandmother are all going to be back in a little over two weeks. So whatever he’s trying to hide, it would have to be done by then, wouldn’t it?”
“I guess, but the real question is, what are you going to do for the next two weeks? Are you going to finally confront him or just keep playing this game?”
“I’m not playing anything, Noah,” she said defensively. “I’m trying to be respectful.”
“And making yourself crazy.”