Chapter 12

Liam

I watched as Lorna walked out the door. She looked so much better now and up so close. I cant believe she just walked in here looking for a job. I had just put a help wanted sign out this morning, because Beatrice had asked I got some more help. She worked for free and it was getting to much for her to handle herself. Its usally just her and myself everyday the store is open.

I hear chuckling from behind me I turn slowly to see Beatrice bent over chuckling.

"What's so funny?"

She tries to stop laughing as she wipes tears from her eyes.

She starts to mock me "Here mrs Frances, let me take that application." In a mock robot voice. 

"What are you talking about?" she slowed her laughing down and  looked up to me. 

"Liam, I love you but you were awkward and robotic through that whole encounter, what is your problem? She seemed like a nice girl and you basically hired her so why were you so stiff? I have seen you talk to women before that was not the same thing I just witnessed."

"I-"

"Do you know her?" 

"No, well yes but its complicated."

"Complicated? Is she in trouble?"

"I hope not Beatrice, but if she is I guess we will have to help her and bring her into out family wont we?" 

Beatrice smiled "Yes my dear we might just have to."

I kept my face straight but inside I was excited and smiling to myself just at the thought of getting to know Lorna. She has peaked our intrest a while ago but watching her from the sidelines will never compare to being in her presence. With our short encounter I witnessed with Beatrice she was kind and somewhat shy. 

Anger ran through my vans at the reason why she may be shy, Her abusive husband was probably the cause for that. If he was like most abusive husbands he isolated her to a point she didnt know how to interact with others. 

Then why was she looking for a job? A small voice whispered in my head.

Was she running from him? Was she safe? The guys and I had all seen what that man was capable of. She still had some bruising on her face from his last incident of rage. 

I had to call the guys and figure out a way to get her started maybe Ryan can figure out a way to work around the background check at the moment or possibly expidite it. 

I looked around my store, It was my comfort place my second home. It was decorated in a fashion to resemble a space someone put in their home. Along the storefront windows were literally reading nooks, each filled with cream and blue pillows. The shelves were in the middle of the store but instead of industrial looking bookshelves the shelves were made of dark wood and the shelves ranged from 3ft tall to 6 ft tall. It made the space more welcoming. There were comfortable sofas all throughout the store and lounge chairs matching the cream and blue theme. It was one of 50 stores in America and I was extremly happy that my goal was accomplished. We had become known for our wide selection of books our kid friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 

We kept the amount of employes low as to give everyone that comes to our store familarity. Seeing as I was the owner, I needed even less employees but having Lorna here would be nice. 

Snapping out of my thoughts I decided to call Ryan. I pulled out my phone clicked on my favorites and clicked on Ryans picture. 

*Ring ring he finally picked up on the third ring.

"Hey Li whats up?" I smirk at the nickname the guys adoringly call me. 

"Hey man I need a favor and I think your going to enjoy it just as much as me."