My sister looks at me knowingly. “And?”
I drop my head back and sigh. “Okay, fine.” I look at her, my eyes starting to water. “How could he trust me now? I thought I’d gotten over him. But after seeing him and spending time with him, clearly, I haven’t. And now, whatever it is that we’ve started, it could already be over.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I think I just all but guaranteed that it is.”
“Alie, I don’t know the guy well, but based on the look on his face when he walked out of your office today, I don’t think it is.”
“I can’t stop thinking about the way he looked at me before he left. Like I’d broken something that he couldn’t fix.”
She doesn’t say anything—because what can you say to that?
“What am I going to do? I’ve ruined this. And any feelings he might have had for me … oh God, our kiss. He must think I’m awful.”
She takes my hand and squeezes it. “Or maybe this is just the hard part before it gets better.”
I wish I believed her.
CHAPTER
TWENTY
Alie
It’s been seventy-two hours since I’ve seen or heard from Liam. And today is my birthday, which I pretty much forgot, which says a lot about my mental state.
But my sister and parents didn’t forget. They brought in lunch for me today, and we had a small cake in one of the conference rooms, just the five of us.
When I get back to my office from taking Sera to the nursery, my sister is waiting on the couch.
“What are you still doing up here?”
“We’re going out tonight,” she declares. “I’m not letting you sit on your couch, alone, on your birthday.”
I shake my head. “Nope. No, I’m not at all in the mood for going, Pres.”
“Too bad,” she cuts in. “You need a night out so you’re not overthinking every life choice you’ve ever made.”
“I have a toddler.”
“Already taken care of. Mom and Dad are going to watch her so we can go out.”
I drop my head back and groan, “I can’t believe you basically kidnapped my child.”
“Pfft. Kidnapped? She’s thrilled to spend the night at Mom and Dad’s. They spoil her rotten.”
It’s true, but still.
“Come on. Finish up your day, and let’s get out of here.” She stands and claps twice.
“You know, you’re really annoying sometimes.”
“Oh, and wear that little plum-colored slip dress tonight.”
“And you’re telling me how to dress?”
She waves as she walks out, so I give her the finger, and her laugh rings out all the way down the hall.
