By the time we reach the bar downtown, the music is loud, the lights are warm, and the atmosphere is a pleasant surprise.
Presley invited a few of our friends to come with us tonight. Blair and Willow grew up with us, and they are also sisters. They’re fun to hang out with from time to time, but they can be a lot.
My sister tells us a story about catching two of the equipment managers going at it in a storage room, and I can’t help but laugh.
Drinks flow, and Presley orders another round of shots. One of them has a birthday candle sitting in whipped cream, and everyone around sings “Happy Birthday.” I’m mildly embarrassed, but I’ll admit that I’m having a good time.
And slowly … I feel like I can release the breath I think I’ve been holding since Liam got to New York.
I laugh and dance with my sister and our friends. I let myself exist for a moment outside the bubble of being a mom, and all the weight of Liam and the what-ifs.
By drink number three, I’m not exactly drunk. But definitely tipsy enough that my emotions are sitting a little too close to the surface.
Presley leans in when we get back to the table from the bar. “Have you talked to him?”
“Who?”
“Liam, dummy.”
I shake my head. “No. And I also texted Aaron and told him about Liam’s reaction, and he’s not responding. I thought about calling him, but honestly, I just don’t know if I can hear his explanation right now.”
“Ugh.” She rolls her eyes. “I can’t even tell you how pissed off I am at Aaron. Do you want to know what I think?”
I raise my eyebrow. “I don’t know, do I?”
“Of course you do.” She brushes her long hair over her shoulder. “I think Aaron’s in love with you. And I think he thought he’d just … get Liam out of the way and pretend to be the hero.”
I shake my head. “No, he’s not in love with me. We’re just friends.”
At least that’s what I’m telling myself because if I even consider what she’s saying to be true, I’ve been betrayed by my best friend in the worst possible way.
“I’m right, Al.” She nods. “But I think you should talk to Liam.”
“I texted him, and he didn’t reply.”
“When?”
“The day it happened.” I lift a shoulder.
“Aliette Grant. Once?”
“Yeah. And he’s definitely avoiding me at the complex. I know he’s been there, but it’s like he slips in and out before anyone can see him.”
“I’ve seen him.” She smirks.
“Well then, maybe you should talk to him.”
She just laughs at the edge in my tone.
“Seriously though, do you want to talk to him?” She watches me carefully.
I stare at my glass.
“Yes … ” I answer before I can even stop myself.
Because the truth is, I don’t want things to end like this. With him walking out of my office, angry.
I don’t want a bitter, contentious relationship with him. It wouldn’t be good for Sera, and it wouldn’t be good for the team.
