Fireproof (Book 4 in the No Control Series)

Today has been a bit crazy for Liz. She has been trying to get everything ready for their trip to the villa, while Liam keeps the kids busy.
They’ve finally gone down for a nap. Liz feels familiar hands on her waist as Liam whispers in her ear. “How about you take a break?”
Liz turns around, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Mmm, good idea.”
Just as Liam leans down to kiss her, the doorbell rings. He blows out a breath, frustrated.
“I wonder who that could be?” Liz asks.
“Someone who knows the gate code.” Liam says, kissing her forehead before heading to the door.
Liz hears voices, but she’s not sure who it is.
“Babe.”
Liz turns to face Liam, shocked when she sees who is beside him. “Sara?”
“Please don’t kick me out, Liz. Even though I deserve it. I’ve come to apologize.”
Liz is speechless, looking to Liam. He shrugs, as confused as she is.
“I’d like to talk to you first, Liam.” Sara says, then looks to Liz for approval.
Liz nods.
Liam directs Sara to the living room where they sit on opposite sofas.
“I’ve done some horrible things. First, I want to apologize to you for leaving Liz while she was pregnant. You entrusted her care to me and I let you all down. I should have stayed with her. Her and Olly are far more important than any job. I never would have forgiven myself if something happened to little Olly. I understand the severity of the circumstance and all I can say is thank God that Harry was there for them. So although I don't deserve it...I’m asking for your forgiveness, Liam.”
He blows out a breath. “I can forgive you, Sara, because I can see that you are truly sorry. However, I can’t say that I would be able to trust you in a similar circumstance.”
“I understand. I need to earn back the trust of many people. Thank you for your forgiveness, Liam.”
“You’re welcome. Liz may be a bit more difficult. You really hurt her, Sara.”
“I know, I feel terrible.”
“Can I ask why?”
“Why I hurt her?”
Liam nods.
“After a lot of soul searching I know the answer to that. Jealousy.”
Liz enters the room.
Liam stands, giving her a kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll go upstairs with the kids and let you two talk.”
“Thanks, Handsome.” Liz says, then takes Liam’s spot on the sofa.

“Liz, I don’t deserve your friendship or your forgiveness, but I’m going to ask for both.”
Liz sits quietly, noticing the tears sparkling in her former friend’s eyes.
“First off, I need you to know that I am sorry for the things I did to you.”
“I want you to admit what you’ve done, Sara. Then I need to know why.”
“Liz, when we were in college together you and I were the same. We didn’t exactly have guys breaking our doors down. Then you started dating Jake and let's be honest, that was nothing to be jealous of.”
Liz stays silent.
“Then you got the job touring with the band. It was like your dream job and I was happy for you, but also a little jealous. I remember the day you called me about your friends with benefits relationship with Liam. I thought, well she says it’s just sex so good for her. Then you would tell me more and more about your relationship and it sounded amazing.” Sara pauses. “Then you and Liam fell in love and got married. I was jealous. Then you had Ella and I was even more jealous.”
Liz speaks up. “Sara, I don’t understand. I was never rude. I never once rubbed my happiness in your face.”
“You didn’t, Liz. You did nothing wrong. It was all me.”
“I’m afraid I’m confused, Sara.”
“I know. Let me try to explain. I was able to control the jealousy I was feeling because you were my friend and I loved you. Then there was that night at the club, when I approached that hot model, but he liked you.”
“Sara, you know I felt bad about that. I talked to him for you and you two were together the rest of the night.”
“Yes you did. I slept with him that night and it was your name he cried out, not mine.”
Liz looks down. “Oh Sara, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Liz. At the time, I did blame you. That’s why I left town before your wedding gown shopping. I couldn’t stand anymore of your happiness.”
“Sara, why didn’t you talk to me about all this?”
“I don’t know, I should have. The final straw was when I found out that Harry was in love with you. I overheard you and Caroline talking about it before you ever told me.”
Liz sighs. She had no idea how much pain her friend was in.
Sara stands, moving to the large windows overlooking the backyard. “Then I thought...Fuck, she’s got two handsome, successful men in love with her and I can’t even find one.”

Notes