Page 49 of Liam

“Wow, a rare night-blooming cactus,” I say, ducking awayfrom Jake and toward a nearby bush. My heart pounds as I pretend to examine the ground, praying the jogger hasn't spotted us.

“Aleria?” Jake's voice is full of confusion as he crouches beside me.

I emerge, leaves in my hair and my dignity in shreds. “Oh, um...it seems I was mistaken. Just some very interesting leaves.”

“You're really passionate about botany, huh?” Jake says, looking both amused and bewildered.

“Oh yes,” I say with perhaps too much enthusiasm. “Fascinating subject. All those plants.”

Mia’s eyes narrow. “Since when do you like plants?”

“Since always? You know what they say, a cactus a day keeps the doctor away?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s apples, not cacti.”

“Right, of course.” I nod. “I was testing you. Congratulations, you passed the cactus test.”

The walk ends with a gentle goodbye. Jake leans in, hesitates, then gives me a quick peck on the cheek. It’s sweet, but I feel a twinge of guilt at the relief that washes over me when he pulls away.

“I had a great time,” he says, and I think he means it.

“Me too,” I reply, and I’m surprised to find I’m not lying. “Thanks for understanding about the cactus incident.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Never a dull moment with you, Aleria.”

We part ways with promises to call.

Back at my apartment, I collapse onto the couch with a groan that could wake the dead. Schrödinger looks up from his perch with judgmental eyes.

“Don’t judge me,” I mutter, plucking a leaf from my hair. “You try going on a date when your brain won’t shut up about your boss.”

Schrödinger blinks, unimpressed.

“I know, I know,” I sigh, replaying the evening’s events. “Jake was great. Kind, funny, actually interested in my rambling about quantum physics. He’s everything I should want.”

I pause, looking at my cat as if he might have the answers. “So why couldn’t I stop thinking about Liam?”

Schrödinger yawns and turns away.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I mutter, dragging myself off the couch. “I need sleep. Maybe in the morning, this will all make sense.”

I check my phone and find a work email from a few hours ago. It’s from Liam, asking me to come in early tomorrow. My heart races as I read the message, a mix of anticipation and dread washing over me.

I type a response.

Of course. I’ll be there.

By the way, was it you I saw at the park tonight?

I delete it. That wasn’t him. That was me losing my mind, imagining Liam in some random guy.

I try again.

Yes, I’ll be there. I hope everything is okay. I’ve been worried about?—”

Delete.

I’ll be there.