So I grab it. “Hey! I can’t talk right now, but…”
“Ash said you’re on your way home with Liam Storm,” she states without preamble. “In histruck.” She says that last word like it’s the most important information of all.
“Um…yeah. It’s not a big deal.”
“Not a big deal? You’re in a truck with Liam! For thousands of miles!”
Emerson’s voice is carrying loudly through the phone, and when I try to turn down the volume, I accidentally put her on speaker.
Just as she says, “Have you and Liam killed each other yet?”
I sigh. “No, Emerson, we are both alive and well.”
Liam grins.
“What happened in New Orleans?” she asks me. “How did it go?”
“Long story. I’ll fill you in when I get back.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’m…yeah.”
“Oh, God, Haley. She was a no-show, wasn’t she?”
Emerson is like a psychic how she can get inside people’s hearts and minds.
“I’m so sorry, Haley. You went to so much trouble to meet her, and then she freaking ghosts you?”
Liam’s gaze flicks to mine.
I feel like the blood gets sucked out of my face at Emerson’s words. Something about the word “ghost” hits me hard.
“I know. She just…well, it is what it is, right?” I get out.
I finally successfully turn off speakerphone. “Em, I have to go. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Okay. Sending you loads of birthday wishes. Love you and things will get better, I promise.”
“Big hugs, Em. See you soon.”
Liam doesn’t say anything about the call until an hour later when we’re sitting at a lunch café in Baton Rouge.
We’ve already ordered, and I’m digging into a plate of fried chicken while he devours a turkey sandwich and a plate of fries.
“Do you want to talk about what happened in New Orleans?”
CHAPTERSIX
I look across the table at Liam. He’s completely focused on me, ignoring the obvious stares and whispers from other patrons who either already got a photo with him or haven’t had the courage to approach him yet.
His green eyes are warm like he’s genuinely interested in what I have to say.
“The story is kind of personal.”
“I understand. You went white as a sheet when you were on the phone with Emerson. It worried me.”
That’s sweet. And not something I’m used to from a guy.
