Page 45 of Liam

The night wears on, filled with theories and plans, but mymind keeps drifting back to Aleria. My friends are right. I need to be careful, to be sure. But a part of me can’t shake the feeling that by the time I’m ready, it might be too late.

“It’s getting late,” Alex says.

“Promise you won’t do anything rash?” Diego asks, keys jingling in his hand.

I hold up three fingers in a mock scout salute. “Promise. No drunk texts, no grand gestures, no complications. I’ll be good.”

They file out, Ryan pausing at the door. “We mean it, Liam. Sleep it off.”

“Yes, Mom,” I call after him, closing the door behind them.

The silence settles heavy around me. I last approximately seven minutes before reaching for the scotch. One drink turns into three, which turns into half the bottle. The room spins pleasantly as I sprawl on my couch, staring at the ceiling.

What do they know anyway? They haven’t seen the way Aleria’s eyes light up when she talks about her work. They don’t understand how it feels to watch her with Jake, knowing I had my chance and blew it.

My hand reaches for my phone. The screen blurs in and out of focus as I pull up Aleria’s contact. My thumbs hover over the keyboard.

Liam

tell jake hes a lucky bastard... wait no dont tell him that...

just wanted to say you looked pretty today... i mean professional... dr james...

My thumb hovers over the send button, my heart pounding an erratic rhythm against my ribs. The words stare back at me, a testament to everything I shouldn't be feeling.

“What am I doing?” I mutter, the familiar panic rising in my chest. I drop the phone onto my chest, running a hand over my face.

“I'm never drinking again.”

Chapter Thirteen

ALERIA

Itake a deep breath, my hand hovering over the restaurant door handle. “Just be normal,” I mutter to myself as if repeating it enough times will make it true. “Don’t talk too much about work, don’t think about Li— Nope, not even going to finish that.”

I push through the door, the warm air inside hitting me like a wall of social anxiety. My eyes scan the room, seeking a familiar face. I spot Jake waving from a table near the back. I plaster on what I hope is a normal-person smile and not a grimace of panic. I’ve never been on a double date before.

As I weave through the tables, I bump into not one but three different chairs. By the time I reach Jake, I’m pretty sure I’ve left a trail of mild destruction in my wake. Smooth, Aleria. Real smooth.

“Aleria.” Jake stands as I approach, his smile genuine and warm. “You look amazing.”

I glance down at my dress. “Thanks,” I say. “You look dressed.” Oh no, did I say that out loud?

Jake chuckles. He gestures to the man beside him. “This is my friend, Mark.”

Mark nods, his smile friendly. “Nice to meet you, Aleria. Jake’s told me a lot about you.”

God. What has he told him? About the time I tripped over my own feet and nearly face-planted into Jake’s crotch on our first date? Or the time I accidentally called him Liam when he passed me the salt?

“Hi, everyone.” Mia swoops in like a social butterfly on a rescue mission, and we all take our seats. “Aleria, honey, you okay? You seem a little flushed.”

Mia, my lab partner and confidante, is a perfect blend of charm and brilliance. Her ability to put people at ease is a stark contrast to my social awkwardness, and that’s exactly why I asked her to join me on this double date.

I force a laugh, perhaps too loud judging by the startled looks from nearby diners. “Just excited about dinner.”

Mia sends me a glare, then turns to the men. “So, Mark, Jake, what do you guys do?”

Jake leans back, looking relaxed. “I’ve been at the bank for five years now. Investment banking.”