Page 34 of When It Rains He Pours

Standing on the sidewalk, Liam hailed a cab. The yellow taxi pulled over and he pulled the rear door open. “I'll catch up with you later.”

“Okay,” I said, slipping inside. “You're not coming too?”

“No, I'll grab a different ride, I have some shit to do.” His voice was dry and scratchy, like he was ready to lash out at me for being so negative.

“Alright, so we'll talk later?” The question hung in the air for a moment, dangling uncomfortably between us.

“Maybe.” Closing the door, he slapped the top of the car and walked in the opposite direction.

This feeling came over me and I wasn't sure what to do with it.

I felt. . . empty.

I couldn't make sense of it, I couldn't place it comfortably into some part of my brain.

Because I didn't want him to leave. . .

I wanted him to stay.