And now?
I’ve just dropped a bomb.
I have a kid.
And true to form, Liam gives nothing away.
No shock.
No judgment.
Not even curiosity.
He just looks thoughtful, kind, and beautiful, the way I have always remembered him.
I don’t know what I expect him to say, but his voice is soft when he finally does.
“I always thought you’d be a good mom.”
My answer just comes out of my mouth without forethought. “Well,” I say, trying for casual and failing. “He’s a good kid. He deserves a good mom.” I shrug, looking down into my coffee. “I try my best. Some days I do better than others.”
Liam leans back, studying me like he’s seeing all the years he missed. “I’ll bet you’re ninety-ten,” he says. “It’s a win. I know what the opposite looks like.”
My heart twists for the boy he used to be, always showing up to school with fresh bruises and new excuses. It’s a miracle he turned out as steady as he did, all things considered.
I must be wearing my thoughts on my face, because he rubs his own face and shakes his head. “Don’t look at me like that, Em. That was a long time ago.”
“Yeah,” I say softly. “Doesn’t feel like it, though.”
He shrugs, eyes dropping to his coffee. “I survived. That’s what matters.”
I tilt my head. “Surviving isn’t the same as being okay.”
He huffs out a quiet laugh without much humor. “You sound like one of those therapists they make us see after a bad game.”
He doesn’t ask more about Laddie, and I’m grateful. I don’t think I’m ready to tell him more, not just yet. There are too many things that would raise his suspicion.
Laddie’s age. His name.
He’s no idiot.
It’s too much right now, when we’re still figuring out how to navigate this reunion.
When Liam blurts out, “I’m sorry I kissed you,” it’s the second time he catches me off guard.
“I...uh...what?” I fumble.
“The other night. I didn’t even think to look for a ring or ask if you were seeing someone. I shouldn’t have?—
My brain makes the connection. I have a kid. He didn’t ask if I was seeing anyone.
“Oh,” I say, letting out an amused noise.
“I just wouldn’t want to disrespect that, if you have someone. I should have asked you first.”
“Liam,” I say. “It’s fine. It’s sweet of you to say, but I’m not seeing anyone. I hardly ever go out, like, at all. With anyone.”
There’s a moment of quiet between us. I almost reach out and put my hand over his on the table, but I stop myself.
