She was already used to life playing games on her. Games she always losses. This time, like every other times, she didn't see it coming but for once though, it wasn't a tragedy. For once, it was going in her sense.
A smile formed on Ivy lips when her guest entered her office. As planned, two days later, standing in front of her was James Frost, a high school friend and the worst nightmare of Liam and Andy. Hate, it was all they felt for him.
"Ivy!" He called opening his arms for a hug, a grin accompanying it, but his arms was left open and empty. No one came in as expected. His smile didn't change for a bit despite the rejection.
"We aren't at that level James," she said, signaling for him to sit down in front of her. Already on her seat, she watched him taking a seat on her desk. A desk which for once was in order. To everyone greatest joy, except the owner.
"Here I am, traveling to come here just because of a mere call from you and this is how you are treated. One side love, not recommended," He complained with a buff of air towards his side fringe. His blonde hair was a mess, as if a comb never met it. Matching to his hair was his simple attire, black t-shirt and a pair of jeans.
Ivy rolled her eyes, "Oh please. The only way you could accept so fast meant you were already planning coming here. Don't try to make me believe you went all through here for me," there were no way he could, she wasn't that important.
They called themselves friends but they weren't close enough for that label. Comrade, ex classmates, acquaintance would have been better words to describe them. One thing for sure, they always have each other back. It was the only thing true and genuine between them. Love? Well they didn't have hate for the other, maybe a bit of resentment.
James didn't argues with her. He shrugged, his playful smile on. His signature smile. Air headed looks, always grinning. A perfect act to have others not taking him seriously and let their guards down. An act he performed all through his life and mastered it. Ivy knew that, the man in front of her was nothing of a docile dog, he was a wolf. A dangerous one.
"Why calling me? How can I help you, what use do I have for you?" He asked.
As she knew him, he also mastered her. They weren't they type to call the other to get updates about their life. Only business was connecting them and a deep trust.
"Use?"
"Of course. It's been weeks you arrived but never tried contact me. I guess if you did now, it's because you want something. So, how may I help you?"
"Straight to the point huh? Not even happy to see me?" they may have nothing between them, Ivy would be lying if she said he didn't have a space in her heart. Maybe not attached to happy memories but memories indeed.
"I wanted to hug you, but you ignored me so, you are the one not happy to see me," James spoke back, his eyes roaming in the room.
"Don't worry, I already know it's for fact. None of you three like me," he smirked.
True, none of them carry him in heart but for Ivy it was different. She didn't hate him, on the contrary. It was all thanks to him she became whom she was. On most parts.
"I wonder if Liam or Andy know I'm here, in your office," he said. His smirk still on his face but added to that was twinkling eyes of amusement. He was having fun knowing he could die at any moment. He bypassed the borders and entered his enemy territory. Something he had been banished of.
"Masochist much? That thrilled to have a knife on your neck?" Ivy questioned.
"What can I say? I love actions."
She already knew he was insane but it reached another level. Years ago, when Liam and Andy declared the enmity with him, each was prohibited to enter the other territory, by entering it meant, neither could have their illegal activities on the other territory without the other permission. Ivy was the only bridge between them.
His words brought Ivy back to her conversation with Liam, two days ago.
"It's about Shirley," he said and paused, waiting for her react.
Ivy frowned. No! She wanted to say, how could she help her, when she was the verge of destroying her? No! She wasn't going to help her, not anymore.
"Ivy, I know is to ask much when you are not a fan of Shirley but I really need your help here. I thought I could do it on my own but I can't. Ivy, please."
It was all it took for her to change her mind and feelings. Why should she help Shirley? For Liam. For Liam she would do it.
"Speak," she said against her heart will. At least the one who was hating Shirley.
"Thank you!" his happiness made her content of her decision.
"What I'm going to say would sound strange but it's because I have no other choice. I can't do either without."
"Say it already!"
"Ok!" He exclaimed. He sighed before adding.
"I need you to contact James for me."
"James?" Ok now she understood him.
Liam Black, asking her to contact the man he warned her never to get close again. The man he hated the most, for Shirley sake? Though she never respected the restrictions order, the thought he could let her go to the man he deemed as dangerous for Shirley infuriated her. She had the urge to hang up immediately but she was Ivy, it was Liam.
"Yeah, I know but only you can have him help me. It's about the rumors surrounding Shirley's dad." Of course. How didn't she thinks about it.
"I have been trying to prove his innocence but I couldn't do much in James territory without his approval and as you guess, I can never go to that man." But you are willing to sent in to the devil for the sake of your fiancée, your woman.
"And it's not as if he would agree to help you," she injected.
"True. I have been wondering whether to ask you or not but this situation can't continue. I tried to support them as much as possible but they would go bankrupt if I don't put an end to this rumors."
"Why are you so certain they are rumors? Have no doubt? It maybe true," she suggested.
"It can't be. I have known him for years, he is unable to do that. It just some kind of revenge. The moment I get my hands on whom cause it, he would." No need to finish his sentence, she understood.
"What if it turns out to be true. What are you going to do? Still going to marry her?" she insisted wanting to know.
"His actions has nothing to do with her. I love her Ivy, I doubt I could ever love someone as much as I do of her. There is no way I can let go of her." As she thought.
He answered just like she expected. Liam never fell for anyone. He had been with girls but just for fun. The moment he saw Shirley, it was as if something changed. Something she was never able to understand.
"You know, I told her." He paused. "About the other side of my work."
"You did?" the fact he actually followed her advice surprised her.
"I did and she decided to stay with me. Her love for me surpassed that, equally my love for her surpass this."
"I get it. I will call him and see if we can meet. I would help you." Lucky for him they already planned a meeting, and for the same reason though not wanting the same thing.
"While I understand you, I hope, for your sake, all this turns out to be false. You guys won't survive if it turns out to be true."
"I know." He answered, he voice low. Silence took in.
"And Liam, no matter what, I would be by your side."
"I know," he said his voice firm. He knew he could always count on his best friends.