“Stop laughing at me!”
“It’s funny!” he retorts. “I wish you could see yourself.”
“Alright, everyone! Loved the coordination. Well, some of you,” the DJ says. Everyone laughs while Liam and I lock eyes and immediately point to one another. “Unfortunately, this ball’s coming to an end. So, thank you all for coming!” Applause breaks out, and some attendees head to their tables to get their things while others start to leave.
“William, Ana, thank you so much for inviting me. Again, I’m so sorry for ...” I can’t even finish the sentence without the shame eating me up inside.
“Of course, cupcake,” Ana says.
“I’m glad you came, pumpkin,” William says, opening his arms, and I smile at that. I hug him, the sense of comfort William always transfers to me warming me inside and out. We pull back, and I see Liam coming out of the venue, eyes finding mine as always.
“Bud, I’ll see you at home, okay?” Ana murmurs, squeezing his arm before walking away.
“So, tonight was fun,” Liam says, and I look around, not knowing what else to say.
I chuckle. “Yeah, besides the whole—you know.” He drapes his suit jacket over my shoulders.
“I’m glad we had it,” he responds.
I nod, mumbling a small, “Me too.”
“Want me to drive y—” he starts to ask.
A black sedan with a rideshare logo pulls up and the driver rolls down the window, interrupting him. A woman with shoulder-length, curly hair smiles. “Looking for a Bianca Harrison?” I wave, then my phone buzzes with Josh saying he sent someone to pick me up because Mom wasbusywith something. I sigh nervously as I have no idea how this woman drives, and Liam unfortunately picks up on my unease. I turn back, holding up a finger, and she nods. The window rolls back up as I come face-to-face with Liam once again.
“I can go with you, if you want,” he instantly says, and I smile at the suggestion, but shake my head.
“I’ll be okay.”
He nods, resigned. “Good night, Freckles,” he whispers, his lips pressing against my forehead. I look up, his face mere inches away. I raise onto my tiptoes, pecking his cheek, and pull back to see a pained expression.
“Night, Liam.”
I start to take off his jacket before he stops me. “Keep it. Maybe it’ll help ease your nerves a little.” My heart stutters at how sweet he, and the gesture, is. I nod and grip it tighter, the scent of his cologne enveloping me. I turn, walking toward the car. I open the door, but before climbing in, I look back to see him giving me that sweet smile, his hands in his pockets.
Looking handsome as ever in his black long sleeve and tie that he conveniently matched with my dress.
Shutting the door, I look out the window as the driver pulls out of the parking lot slowly, leaving Liam in the rearview.
CHAPTER THIRTY
LIAM
The car pulls out of the lot and I exhale as it drives farther and farther away. Sliding into mine, I don’t even input directions, taking myself anywhere besides home. I get closer to the field, needing its peace right now. Parking in the empty lot, I make no move to leave as my thoughts run through my head.
We talked about everything tonight.
Well, almost everything . . .
We finally brought it all to light, and yet, something still tugs at me. Something doesn’t let me fully enjoy this. Raising my hand, I map the constellations one by one, hoping it does away with this feeling. After an hour or so, my heart doesn’t let go of this emotion, so I suck it up and head home. After the longer drive back, as the field is farther out than the venue was, I turn right as I get closer to my house, slowing down when I reach Crystal Pines. I shouldn’t tell her. I mean, we just patched up a wound from five years ago. Talking about feelings now?
Drumming my index fingers on the wheel, I worry that it’s not the right time. Maybe months from now, maybe we can ... I have to wait for the perfect time.
The thing is, when’s the perfect time?
Finally fed up, I push my foot to the gas pedal as I rush to my destination. I used to believe that if I ever told Bianca my feelings, it would strain our friendship, but communication is what’s helped us thus far. I told her my truth today, but I didn’t tell her everything. After going through the visitor’s gate, I park at the curb in front of her house and turn off the engine quickly before hustling out. I get to her front door and knock, but no one answers.
I knock again. Butnothing.
