“When did you get this?”
“Earlier this year when I turned eighteen.”
Mom starts laughing. “You know, I almost had a heart attack when she came home with it.”
Ana strokes it, smiling slightly. “Do you have any other ones?”
“A small sun on my hip for my dad. I’m actually planning on getting the Ursa Major constellation on the back of my shoulder.”
Her eyes shine. “Gotcha. So, you’re still into astronomy?”
“Yeah. But Ursa Major has a special connection for me.” My heart irregularly beats at the reason behind it, but I don’t dare voice it to her.
Ana pulls back. “Kate, trust me, this isn’t bad. Imagine seeing your child covered in tattoos.Ialmost had a heart attack.” They both start laughing, but I don’t. Personally, I think he looks beautiful.
“Talking about me, are we?”
Speak of the devil.
“Yes, all good things, Liam,” Mom says, and he has a small smile on his lips.
“Mhm. Sure, Ms. Kate.” He turns toward Ana. “I’ve gotta run to the auto parts store. I need something for my car. Can I take yours?”
Ana shakes her head. “Sorry, bud, but I have to have someone come look at both Dad’s and mine.”
Mom looks at me and smirks, and I look at her, confused. “Liam, you can take my car.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
BIANCA
My eyes widen immensely.This is why moms can’t know things—they turn around and do this.
His eyes widen too, and he doesn’t say anything for a solid second. “Really, Ms. Kate? I mean, you don’t have to.” Ana looks over at her, and they stare, almost communicating with their eyes. Ana sips her drink contentedly while Mom reassures him.
“It’s alright, Liam, and it’s been years. You’re grown now. Call me Kate.”
He smiles and shakes his head. “You know I can’t do that, Ms. Kate.”
She rolls her eyes. “Can’t say I didn’t try. And don’t worry, I don’t mind letting you use my car.”
“Um, okay. Thank you,” he mumbles while a slight blush comes to his cheeks. I glare at her slightly, making note to talk her ear off about this betrayal before she digs the knife in deeper.
“No problem, the car and keys are at home, though. Bianca, you wouldn’t mind going to get them with Liam, right?” I look at her in horror while I start to mentally sweat, or maybe I’m sweating in reallife. I sit there, looking off into the distance like a complete moron, not understanding why I can’t say something.
Freaking anything.
“Bianca? You wouldn’t mind, right?” Mom asks again. I’m ready to shake my head because I have no idea what to do, and really hate that she’s playing Cupid right now. She has this pleading look on her face, and I sigh.
“Nope, not at all,” I reluctantly reply, standing. “Um, do you need anything?” She shakes her head. Liam and I lock eyes for a brief second. I try not to gawk at him as he crosses his arms, and I swear his blush from earlier deepens a tiny bit.
“Um, ready?” he mumbles, and I hesitate before nodding. He sends one back and walks to the door. I look behind me to see Mom and Ana whispering to each other. My eyes meet theirs and I blush even more. He holds the door open and I start the walk back to the house. I’m nearly levitating with how fast I’m walking, and I don’t look back, but I know he’s behind me. We don’t say anything; I’m mentally preparing myself for being driven by someone new.
“How’s your arm?” He gestures at the wrapped wound while I nod noncommittally. “Any updates since?” Awkwardness drips from his words, but I shake my head. He looks like he wants to say more before just sighing. Truth is, I can’t stop the worrying thoughts running in my head right now.
It’s been years since the accident, and even though I have most of the memory under control, cars trigger me the most. I’ve learned to handle Mom’s driving, and now Josh’s, even if it took me forever to get in the car with them. Someone new driving freaks me out—I mean, I still hyperventilate with Jamie sometimes. Finally getting to the house, I use my key to unlock the door and walk in. He stays outside, thankfully, and I close the door slightly.
Josh is on his laptop, Olivia nowhere in sight, though probably in her room. His eyes dart to mine and I send a polite nod his way as he glances past me, obviously looking for Mom. Grabbing her keys, I’m heading back outside when he clears his throat.
