“What if something happens last minute and we need to cancel our arrangements?”
“I suppose we wait fifteen minutes past our meeting time, and if one of us isn’t there, we are officially canceled for that day.”
His brow furrowed again, but he moved on.
“So, I know some people are blowing this off, but I really can’t fail history. If it turns out that you hate everything about me, can you still promise me you won’t bail on me?”
Although I was completely against this whole assignment yesterday, I knew I was going to stick with it. Even if I hated him. It was hard to imagine hating him at the moment, though. Now that he was a real boy and not a prince, I was also less apprehensive about how hot he was. I was not in the market for a boyfriend. Sure, when I thought he was just a fleeting customer that momentarily crossed my path, I could admire him. But now that he was my history assignment, enjoying his hotness was off the table.
“More ice?”
My mother interrupted us and placed a new batch of ice on my back. It did seem to be helping, but I knew the couch was going to be brutal tonight. I leaned back and closed my eyes.
“I won’t bail on you. As long as you don’t bail on me.”
“Great. I’d say we should get started learning about each other right away, but you’re clearly in pain. Do you want to just meet me in the library after school on Monday and we can work out a schedule?”
Normally I needed to watch my younger siblings on Mondays after school, but I already had no phone and no email for him to talk to me. I couldn’t say no again. I looked to Rosalina, who was clearly eavesdropping, and she nodded her head ever so slightly so I knew she’d help me out.
“Sure. Monday would be fine. Only…”
He looked at me patiently, and I sighed.
“Never mind. Monday is fine.”
Frowning, he wouldn’t let it go.
“Only what?”
“It’s nothing. Forget it.”
Rosalina mumbled under her breath, “Testarda!” Then, just to annoy me, she continued. “She’ll miss the bus. Would you be able to bring her home?”
The bus was a new development in my life as well. Before this, Marco used to drive me to and from school. Liam looked to my cousin and then back at me, most likely confused as to why she was speaking for me.
“Of course.”
Guilt hit me again. Such an Italian thing.
“I’m sure you live on the other side of the universe. It’s fine. I will find a way home.”
“Don’t be silly. I am more than happy to give you a ride home. To be honest, I really like driving. More than I like being home. So, you’d be doing me the favor.”
Prince Charming, you better watch out. This guy is totally after your job.
“I can take you home now, if you need. My guess is that you won’t be able to finish your shift.”
“Thank you, but I live just down the street. My mom will make me sit here icing this for another hour anyway.”
He accepted my reasoning and then sighed.
“I guess I will let you get some rest. Monday, three o’clock. Library. Be there.”
Smiling, I nodded.
“Yes, thank you for all your help. I will try not to be such a total wreck the next time we see each other.”
Liam grinned again.
