Page 16 of Liam

“Whatever you say, Romeo,” Ryan teases. “So, what do you say? Call the gang?”

“The gang?” I repeat, a smile tugging at my lips. It’s been a while since we’ve all gotten together.

“Yeah, you know. Me, you, Alex, Diego. Just like old times. We’ll figure out a day that works for everyone.”

Late nights, laughter echoing off dorm walls, the comforting weight of friendship without complications. My lips curl into a smile before I can stop them, and I find myself nodding at the phone.

“Yeah,” I say, then clear my throat, smoothing out the eager edge in my voice. “I mean, sure. If everyone's schedules align, why not?”

“I’ll set it up. And Liam? Take care of yourself, man. Whatever’s going on with your family, remember you’ve got friends too.”

I hang up, lighter somehow. I straighten my tie and head back inside.

Aleria and Jake are still deep in conversation. My eyes linger on the way Jake leans in, a little too close, and the faint hesitation in Aleria’s smile. She’s too polite to brush him off, too kind to escape gracefully.

I stop beside them, clearing my throat with just enough force to draw their attention. “Aleria? What a coincidence,” I say, letting a warm smile soften my words.

Her head snaps up, and the moment our eyes meet, her smile fades. “Liam? What are you doing here?”

Jake glances between us, his brow furrowing. “You two know each other?”

“Unfortunately,” Aleria grumbles.

I nod, gesturing to the empty seat beside Aleria. “We worktogether. Mind if I join you for a moment?” Without waiting for an answer, I slide into the chair.

“Actually, we were—” Aleria starts, but I cut her off with an easy laugh.

“I was just passing by when I spotted you. Figured I’d say hi. Small world, right?” I turn to Jake, offering my hand. “Liam.”

Jake shakes my hand, his grip firm. “Jake. Nice to meet you.”

“So,” I continue, leaning back, “how’s your night going?”

“Great, thanks,” Jake replies, his tone polite but edged with curiosity.

Aleria glares at me, her cheeks flushed. “Liam, I’m sure you have better things to do tonight.”

“Not really.” I signal a server and order fresh drinks. “Let me buy you some drinks.”

“So, do you like science?” Aleria asks Jake, a hint of desperation in her voice. “I love science. Sometimes, I talk to my experiments. Is that weird? That’s weird, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” I say.

To my dismay, Jake doesn’t seem put off by her eccentricity. “I think it’s cute,” he says, smiling. “You’re passionate about your work.”

Cute? She’s talking about conversing with petri dishes. How is this guy still interested?

I interrupt their conversation, injecting myself between them with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

I lean in, a conspiratorial grin spreading across my face. “Hey, Aleria, remember that time you triggered the lab lockdown? And then the sprinklers? The place looked like a water park by the time we were done.”

Aleria’s eyes widen, a mix of horror and anger flashing across her face. “Liam, I don’t think?—”

“We?” Jake interrupts, his eyebrows rising. “You were there too?”

“Oh yeah,” I drawl, ignoring Aleria’s pointed glare. “We were both there. Quite the experience, getting soaked together, wasn’t it, Aleria?”

Aleria’s cheeks flush a deep crimson. “It wasn’t— We weren’t—” she says, her hands fluttering. “Liam’s just my boss.”