Page 87 of Liam

"I don't know much of what happened," she said. "But I can guess."

Her call to meet had blindsided me a little. I wasn't sure what to expect. I acknowledged that Jamal was her son, and as his Mamma, she likely wanted to meet to defend him.

"He told me about his conviction," I said.

"I thought so. Jamal was in a bad place when that happened. He's not like that. It surprised all of us that any kind of abuse was going on. That boy is as gentle and sweet as they come."

I frowned at the table. "I know that. That's not what has me concerned." I looked up at her. "It's the fact he didn't trust me enough to tell me at first. He broke up with me instead."

"Liam. I know you struggle with your self-worth. I can see through you." Mamma pursed her lips. "Do you think maybe your negative ego is getting in the way of your happiness?"

I blinked repeatedly as comprehension rushed in. She was right. My hesitation wasn't entirely that he hadn't trusted me, even though that was huge, it was because Jamal had given me a reason for breaking up with me that wasn't my fault. My ego hadn't known what to do with that.

Fear.

His decision to delay telling me his story had been driven by fear.

I, in turn, had been overcome by fear as a response.

What were we so damned afraid of?

Mamma placed her hand on mine. "Jamal is miserable. He threw his wheelchair down the stairs a few nights ago. I honestly thought he'd gone down with it."

Fuck.

I nearly stood as every muscle in my body tensed. I'd done that to him. How could I love him and do that to him? My fears were unfounded. I'd been stupid.

"Is it possible you're in love with one another?"

Tears pooled in my eyes, and I nodded. I'd nearly thrown away everything we'd been working toward. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I almost ignored it, but something told me to answer.

It was Jamal.

"Jamal?"

He was crying. Every hitch in his breath sent spears through my heart.

"Liam … I need you."

"What happened?"

"I was attacked in my office."

This time I did stand, my heart threatening to leap from my chest. "Are you hurt?"

"He dumped me over. I can't get back into my chair."

"Jeezus, Jamal … I'll be right there."

"What's wrong?" Mamma's voice was high and thin, laced with concern.

"Is that my mom?"

"Yeah, we met for coffee."

He skimmed right over why I was meeting with Mamma. It would be obvious. "Please don't tell her what happened. She worries about me enough already."

"I won't. I'll be right there, beautiful."

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