“And how about you?” I ask carefully. “How do you feel—about everything? Considering your rocky relationship.”
He thinks for a moment. “Honestly? I feel pretty good. I’ve been thinking about what you said that day, and you’re right. It’s a privilege to still have your parents around. I want to reach out more, try to understand them. Maybe we can build a bridge and actually get each other.”
“That’s a big step,” I say gently. I want to tell him I’m proud of him, but I’m not sure it’s my place.
Ash glances at me, his jaw softening. “I know.”
We lapse into silence for a few beats. It’s not awkward. Just… full. Like the moment after the credits roll and you’re both still processing.
“They asked about your parents,” he says after a moment.
I nod. “Yeah.”
“You okay?”
I stare ahead. “It’s always a little weird. Saying it out loud. That they’re… gone. But I’m okay. You were really sweet, by the way. You didn’t have to hold my hand under the table.”
He shrugs. “I wanted to.”
My heart skips.
The silence stretches again, but this time, it’s charged.
“I wish we could skip to the part where we’re home,” he murmurs.
“Why?” I ask, even though I know.
“Because then I could kiss you without worrying about merging into traffic.”
I bite my lip, heat blooming in my chest. I can’t wait to be home either.
***
But when we pull into the driveway, I spot a figure slouched on the steps near the front door. My stomach tenses for half a second—until the porch light catches familiar curls and a goofy grin.
“Oh my God,” I say, squinting. “Is that Liam?”
Ash leans forward over the steering wheel. “Yep. And unless my eyes deceive me, your brother is hammered.”
Liam throws his arms in the air the moment he spots us. “There you are! Took you long enough, lovebirds!”
Ash parks and kills the engine, sighing. “Buckle up. Hurricane Liam has made landfall.”
I’m already laughing as I open the door. Liam stumbles to his feet, surprisingly steady despite the empty beer bottle dangling from one hand and the disco-level enthusiasm in his voice.
“Hellooo, fake fiancé and future sister-in-law!” he sings, giving me a dramatic bow. “Wait—no, something’s not right there.” He pauses, thinking. “Brother-in-law, that’s it.” Then he snaps his fingers for emphasis.
“Oh God.” I groan, but I can’t stop smiling. “Liam, it’s a Thursday.”
“Exactly.” He winks. “Best night to party. Expectations are low.”
Ash walks up beside me. “Dude. How many drinks have you had?”
“Enough to text my ex and forgive her cat,” Liam says proudly. “We’re friends again. The cat and I. Not the ex.”
Ash snorts. “Good to know.”
Liam claps a hand on his shoulder. “I missed you, man. Thought I’d pop over. Crash your love nest. Remind you what poor life choices look like in real time.”
