Page 15 of Raise Me Up

Heat spreads through me. I do my best to ignore it, terrified of the consequences of allowing space for hope when it comes to Liam.

“Put it wherever you think is best.”

He leaves me malfunctioning in the hallway, questioning if my brain hit a snag or if someone unplugged me.

By the time I remember how to be human again, Liam’s already moved outside to start up the grill.

I place the little plant on the windowsill above the sink, where it should get enough sunlight to stay happy. Then I wander out onto the patio with him, perching on the railing.

“How’s the studio?” I ask nervously.

A delicious sizzle comes from the grill as Liam flips the burgers. “Busier than expected. I’m considering bringing in more help when Hail goes back on tour.”

Sadness washes over me. I know this is the reality of my twin’s successful career, but I miss him when he’s gone for months at a time.

At least Liam won’t be going with this time.

He closes the grill and strides over to me, leaning against the railing. “How’s the new job?”

I smile. “Good. Really good. I love my patients.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I nod, tucking my hands under my thighs as I kick out my feet. “There’s this one older lady named Iris. She’s an absolute fireball. No one else knows how to deal with her, but I won her over with football talk. It’ll be bittersweet when I get her up and walking again.”

Liam assesses me with that emotionless mask of his.

“What?” I flush.

“I’m proud of you.”

My chest tightens as surprising heat builds behind my eyes. I wasn’t aware I needed to hear those words of approval. My own parents hadn’t shown up at my graduation. My dad was too busy giving corporate presentations, and my mom went to get a pedicure.

But Liam was there, propped up against the back wall. He’d snuck out before I’d had a chance to thank him.

Liam returns to the grill. “Want to grab us some plates?”

Grateful for the distraction from my emotions, I jump down from the railing and browse through his cabinets. Most of them are empty, and my worry about Liam heightens.

Did I miss something? Does he regret retiring? Is he planning on returning to the stage?

It’s hard to glimpse anything under that fortified armor he clings to. I’m not sure I’ve seen the true Liam since that first night he appeared outside our house, clothes torn and eyes haunted.

I pull out plates as Liam walks in with the cooked burgers on a tray. He stacks up ingredients on toasted brioche buns, topping them with a homemade sauce.

“Sit,” he orders, setting one of the finished plates on the kitchen island.

If I wasn’t so worn out from work and the gym, I’d sass him a bit. Probably for the best I keep my mouth shut. I wouldn’t put it past him to force my ass into a chair, and I’m not sure I can handle that dominant side of Liam right now.

I sit on one of the island stools as he slides a can of strawberry lemon Poppi across the counter. Myfavorite. He’s effortlessly smooth like that,remembering the small details when you’re convinced he doesn’t give a shit about you.

I’ve seen him turn on the charm. I had to bear witness to those mind-melting grins he flashed at everyone else in school and on stage.

Liam pays attention, even if he acts indifferent most of the time.

“Family shit?” he asks.

My head jerks up to him. “What?”