Page 6 of Liam

"Sounds kind of date-ish."

"Hardly. Liam is not going to be interested in someone like me."

"I thought you said he was a nice guy."

I sighed. "Meera."

My sister rolled her eyes. "Jamal."

"You don't get it."

Meera hauled my comforter over my chest. "No, I don't. Any man would be lucky to have you, brother. I wish you could see that about yourself."

"I'm tired."

"Okay. You go to sleep and dream about the man rather than do anything about it."

"Goodnight, Meera."

My sister lingered at the door. "I'm serious. Don't write yourself off so easily." She turned off the light, shut the door, and left me to my thoughts. Liam had been friendly and seemed genuine.

And he'd looked at me with such curiosity.

Was there something there?

I cleared my mind of him, lifted my phone, called up my calendar app, and checked my schedule for the following week. Not only business but personal. As well as running the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Youth Centre, I had to schedule time at the physical therapist and mobility gym. It had been three years since my accident. There was much room for improvement. I'd never walk again but I'd increased the strength and improved the mobility of my legs.

Small victories.

I called Liam's smile to my mind. He'd flashed it at me a few times. Perfectly straight white teeth and plump pink lips. And his eyes—a startling blue; his gaze wandering over my face. I'd had trouble breathing as he'd gifted me with his unexpected attention.

He must be used to that—leaving men breathless.

When he'd emerged from the washroom, his blond hair down, cascading onto his shoulders, and his shirt open, his bare chest exposed—my heart had nearly stopped beating.

I'd been close to cardiac arrest when he sat beside me.

And damn if he didn't smell amazing as well.

And his voice …. God, his voice.

I covered my face.

Stop it.

Men like him didn't want men in wheelchairs. Too much proverbial baggage. My disability level came with several mental challenges as well. Feelings of anger and uselessness are at the top of the list. Never mind my inability to partake in some activities I knew Liam was interested in. I could keep up with running and skiing but there were no accommodations for people like me to surf. It would be a sure-fire way for me to drown. I'd love to watch him, though.

Liam taking the time to talk to me made me feel good about myself. Not once had he looked at my wheelchair. Although, that might have been due to how much he'd had to drink. I'd considered offering him a ride home, but I was concerned he'd need help into his apartment, and I would have been unable to assist him. The drag queen he'd come with, his date, had hung around at a different table from where the guys had been gathered with the other three of us.

Liam had invited him to join us, but he'd refused. He had looked frustrated with Liam and their conversation appeared terse. The vibe between them was overwhelmingly negative.

Had Charlie taken Liam home? Had they engaged in sex? I didn't like to imagine Liam with the guy. Liam deserved someone who loved him and looked at him with affection.

I closed my eyes. I'd treat him with so much affection if he gave me the chance. I gave my head a shake. That wasn't going to happen, but I'd have that opportunity for affection ashis friend instead. I'd give him a call tomorrow and set up something for us to do to hang out.

I liked coming to work each Sunday. It was quiet. We didn't have any programs running but kept the Rainbow Youth Centre open for those who needed someplace to go. A few of our youth were unhoused and it was getting cooler out. My sister, Meera, had made sandwiches for them all.

I started my daily rounds. Each space had to be tidy and in good repair. The volunteers were great at keeping things orderly, but it was my responsibility to ensure it.

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