Fireproof (Book 4 in the No Control Series)

“Sara...I’ve never heard you use that four letter word before.” Liz says.
Sara looks down. “I know.”
“What happened?”
“I’ve always thought Harry was a great guy. While I was doing all those horrible things, I began to have feelings for him. I tried so hard to suppress them. Liz, that day at my apartment after Harry left I sat there and cried until there were no tears left. I called and made an appointment with the counselor. The next day as I began to tell the counselor everything I did to you...I felt as though I was outside my body watching a stranger talk about all these atrocious things she'd done and I immediately felt regretful.”
Liz gives her a hug. “And your feelings for Harry?”
“I started off just using him...but he was so kind and supportive. I found myself falling for him, I just wouldn’t admit it until that day at the counselor’s office.”
“Mummy.” Ella yells.
Liz looks up to find her sweet daughter bounding down the stairs with Liam and Olly right behind her. “Sorry, Love, I couldn’t hold them off any longer.” Liam says.
Ella runs to Liz for a hug then Liam hands Olly to her. They all sit on the sofas and Ella approaches Sara. “I haven’t seen you.”
“No, Ella you haven’t and I’ve missed you.”
“Where were you?”
Sara lifts Ella onto her lap. “I made some bad choices, Ella. I did some not nice things and I feel very bad. I’m working on being a better Sara. That’s why I’m here to see your mum and dad because they are two of the best people I know.”
Ella wipes away the lone tear sliding down Sara’s cheek.
“Ella, if I’ve ever made you sad...I’m sorry.”
“Okay.” Ellas says before giving Sara a kiss on her cheek.
Liz grins, hugging Olly to her chest. “Maybe we can all learn something from Ella.”
Liam kisses Liz, whispering “I love you” in her ear. Liz looks down, feeling awkward with Sara there.
“No Liz, don’t do that. Please don’t act differently because I’m here. My dear friend, I am no longer jealous, I am happy for you. I promise.”
Liz smiles, turning to kiss Liam.

After playing with the kids for awhile, Liz pulls Sara into the kitchen to talk privately. “What about Harry?”
Sara blows out a breath. “He’s not answering my calls, so I guess I’ll leave a message. I’d like to meet with him but I’m afraid I’ll fumble my words.”
“Maybe you should write him a letter. I feel it’s easier to express yourself through writing. Plus it will give him time to work through his feelings.”
“Are you actually giving me advice to get Harry back?”
Liz rolls her eyes. “Oh God, I think I am.”
Sara laughs.
“Honestly, Sara, how you treat Harry will affect our friendship. If you hurt him again...you’ll be out of Liam and I’s life forever. I know that sounds harsh.”
“You have been anything but harsh. As always, you have been kind and classy. I love you, Liz.”
Liz remains quiet.
“It’s okay if you don’t-”
“I love you, Sara...I’m just trying to decide if I still like you.”
“Fair enough.” Sara agrees.
“Would you like to stay for dinner?” Liz asks.
Sara smiles. “Thank you, but I think I’ll go home, have a glass of wine and write a letter.”
After Sara tells everyone goodbye, Liz walks her to the door. “I’m glad you came over today, Sara.”
Sara reaches in for a hug. “Elizabeth Payne, I want to be just like you when I grow up.”
Liz laughs. “Good night, Sara.”

Notes