I know I ran. I know I panicked and left. I chose to walk away, to let him have his dream.
I’ve lived with it every day since. And we’re fine, I tell myself. Truly fine.
Except I’ve never really let go of Liam Callaghan.
I’ve dated, sure. Nothing serious.
Nothing that ever came close.
Maybe because it’s hard to figure out how to bring someone new into this life. Perhaps because I compare everyone to him.
The Liam standard.
He made me feel like the most precious thing in the world. And I know, deep down, that if I’d told him I was pregnant, he would’ve given it all up. Hockey. His future. Everything. He would’ve stayed, found some dead-end job, and I would’ve spent my whole life feeling guilty for ruining his.
So I ran. I let him have the dream.
And now he’s living it, the NHL star, the top of his game. Everything worked out exactly the way it was supposed to.
So why does it feel so hollow?
Why am I sitting here on my bedroom floor, crying over old photos of the boy I thought I’d never see again?
5
LIAM
Detective Harris clears his throat.“Mr. Callaghan, appreciate you taking the time. We’ll keep it short. You remember anything about your attackers?”
I shift against the pillows, wincing. “Two guys. Came out of nowhere.”
“Can you describe them?” Ruiz asks, clicking his pen like it personally offends him.
“Middle-aged,” I say. “White. Both were wearing dark leather jackets. Worn, like something from a pawn shop.”
“Names?” Harris presses.
I shake my head. “No.”
“Seen them before tonight?” Ruiz again.
“No.”
They look at each other doubtfully.
Harris glances down at his notebook. “Any idea why they might target you specifically?”
“Could’ve been random,” I lie easily. “Wrong place, wrong time.”
“You don’t think they were waiting for you?”
I shrug. “No clue.”
“Did they say anything? Make any threats?” Ruiz asks, watching me too closely.
I keep my eyes on the monitor beeping beside me. “Just yelled. I don’t remember words.”
Ruiz leans back. “You’re a big guy, Mr. Callaghan. Didn’t think to fight back?”
