“Now go on, get.” Her attempt at a Southern accent is so hilariously bad that I just laugh and do as I’m told. No need arguing at this point.
As suspected, taking an actual nap doesn’t happen. I toss and turn for a solid ten minutes before giving up completely and going through my emails. I confirm the interview scheduled with Malcolm’s sister in two days, ensuring Kate can hang out with Steven. I email India and Jay with updates, ignoring their need for confirmation if we’ll be visiting next week or not. And lastly, I reluctantly send a text to Liam, letting him know Steven is home.
My phone rings as soon as the swoosh of my delivered message sounds.
“Liam,” I mutter,rolling out of the bed and abandoning the rest time altogether.
“What took so long?” he mutters back. No time for pleasantries. I hear the sound of a car door shutting, then leaves and wind rustle as he breathes into the phone. “It takes five seconds to send a text.”
“Hello to you too.”
“How is he?” he asks, and I hear another door shut, followed by a thud and an odd rolling, scratching sound.
“He’s good. Just spending time getting acquainted. The doctor said to take it easy, so I think we’re just going to stay home for the weekend and see if anything comes back to him.”
“Great, you still have your guest room open?” His breathing gets heavier, like he’s carrying something, then I hear wooden steps creak. Familiar wooden steps.
Then the high-pitched jingle of our doorbell cuts through the house. And the phone. At the same time.
No.
I dart to the window and look down to see Liam standing on my front porch, suitcase in hand.
“Absolutely not,” I object as I barrel down the stairs.
“Absolutely yes.”.
Swinging the door open is all he needs. No greeting, no boundaries. Liam just waltzes past me, dropping his suitcase in the foyer.
“You can’t just come—”
“I’m the only one he remembers.” Liam’s words are a slice to my rib cage, hollowing me out right here in my own home. “And I’m a medical professional. You need me here.”
“Need is a stretch,” I say, kicking his suitcase out of my way and shutting the door. “But you could’ve at least given me a heads up.”
“You didn’t return my texts. For all I knew, I was comingto the man’s wake.”
If there was ever a time I could freely hit a man, this would be the man I would choose. If I was given the option to hit ten men, ten times, it would still be him every time.
“Hey, Em—” All color is stripped from Ellie’s face when she walks down the hallway and clocks her ex-fiancé standing in my entryway. “Liam, what are you doing here?”
Her words are like a dog whistle, making Benny and Steven both stand from the couch. Benny wastes no time making his way over to us and wrapping an arm around Ellie. I wish I could revel in the sickened expression that crosses Liam’s face as he watches Ellie’s showstopper husband mark his territory, but I don’t have time for that.
“You can’t stay here,” I tell Liam, shoving his suitcase back out onto the porch.
“He’s staying here?” Ellie sounds horrified, but she glares at him with pristine focus.
“I don’t know if that’s—”
Liam cuts Benny off with a hand in the air. “Steven is my best friend. I’ve known him longer than any of you.” His eyes land on me when he says that last part, the little tidbit he likes to constantly remind me of. Like a child sayingI had it first. “And I’m a psychiatrist. I can help him.”
“I’m a therapist,” Ellie snaps.
“You’re a guidance counselor,” Liam corrects flatly.
“Okay…” Benny steps between them, one arm out to block Ellie’s rising hands.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, praying I’m dreaming and that I actuallydidfall asleep earlier. “I think we should discuss this.”
