Page 32 of The Penalty Box

I nod, offering him a small smile. “Then I forgive you.”

He returns my smile, although I can still see that what happened is weighing on him. The door creeks open, drawing my attention. Liam is standing in the doorway. He taps his wrist impatiently.

“You should go,” Noah comments, looking at him too.

“He gets a little grumpy when I’m not around,” I offer in a way of explanation. My eyes are still glued to my best friend, a small giggle escaping at his impatience.

“Do you think we’ll ever be friends again?” Noah asks.

Breaking my staring contest with Liam, I turn to look at Noah’s serious face. “Maybe. One day.”

“One day,” he agrees.

* * *

LIAM

Brushing my damp hands against my pants, I step forward and press the doorbell. I can hear the sound echo inside the house, followed by the footsteps and then the door opens.

“Liam?” Evie’s mom looks at me for a moment, confused. “Why are you knocking?”

Wards and Clarks don’t have the habit to knock on each other’s door, but if I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it right.

“Hi, Aunt Emma.” I give her a nervous grin. “I’m here to pick up Evie for our date.”

Her mouth opens in a little O, before she nods. “I see.” She gives me an approving smile. “Come on in.” Then she turns toward the staircase and shouts, “Evie, Liam’s here!”

“Coming!” Evie yells back.

While we wait, Emma turns toward me. “Going somewhere special?”

“Yup, but it’s a secret.”

“That’s what he told me too,” Evie complains as she descends the stairs. I turn around slowly, taking her in.

Her locks are bouncing with every step she takes, pink lips frowning in displeasure. She’s dressed in a light gray sweater and one of those plaid gray-yellow skirts with black tights and boots. Just like a ray of sunshine in the middle of the dark sky.

“You look beautiful,” I say, wrapping my hand around her waist when she hops off the stairs.

“Flattery won’t get you far, Ward,” she pouts.

“It got me you, didn’t it?” I grin.

“You two are so cute!” Evie’s mom sniffles loudly.

We look at her. I completely forgot she’s still standing there and by the look on Evie’s face so did she.

“Mom!” Evie drawls, her cheeks turning pink in embarrassment. “It’s just Liam.”

“Just Liam, she says!” Emma rolls her eyes. “You kids go, have fun.” Then she turns to me, lifting a warning finger. “You better bring her home by midnight, mister.”

“Sure thing. Let’s go?”

* * *

“You brought me to the ice rink!” Evie squeals happily, looking out the window as I park my car.

“It was always our thing.” I shrug, trying to play it cool. “Ready to go?”

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