I can't deny that it makes me feel better to think about it like that. Brody has no idea, and if we're careful, he'll never know. He'll never have to know … except for the fact it's clear that Liam and I aren't done with each other yet. The more we see each other, the bigger the secret we have to keep will be.
* * *
Back at Brody's apartment,I shower and throw on my pajamas, leaving my phone in the other room so I don't obsess over it. Liam said he'd call, so I should believe him. I'm a ball of nerves as I crawl into the futon bed Brody's been letting me use in the guest room and grab my bag, fishing the phone out.
Nothing.
Oh, well. It's only been an hour or so, and he did have to get drunk Brody settled for the night. Maybe I just have to wait a little longer.
Thankfully, Liam quickly puts me out of my misery.
Liam: Are you awake?
Me: Yeah. I was waiting for you.
Liam: Sorry. I wanted to get Brody inside before I texted.
Me: I understand. Is he okay?
Liam: Yeah he's fine. Puking up a lung right now but otherwise okay.
Me: Ew.
Liam: Yeah. At least I didn't have to clean it up.
I grin down at my phone, imagining him taking care of Brody. Some things never change.
Me: Do you plan on being his babysitter forever?
Liam: God, I hope not.
Liam: Hey. Come to football practice tomorrow.
The offer is a surprise. I've never cared for the sport, but I used Brody playing as an excuse to see Liam in his element quite a few times in the past. It seemed silly to do now that we were older, but seeing him hard at work? Hmm. It isn't a terrible idea.
Me: You don't think Brody will get suspicious?
Liam: He's going to be so hungover I don't think he's going to have two brain cells to rub together.
Me: LMAO, fair point. Okay. Text me when and where and I'll be there.
Liam: Awesome. It starts at 8, so be there at 7:30 just to be safe.
Me: Right. I'm going to sleep now.
Liam: Work hard, play hard, baby. I'll see you in the AM.
I turn the phone on silent and plug it in, then roll over and pull the blanket up. I haven’t gotten used to the noise of the city outside the window, and it takes me longer than usual to fall asleep. As I lie there, my mind drifts back to what happened between Liam and me tonight, and I smile as I drift off, parts of me tingling as I remember just how good he made me feel.
4
LIAM
Iwake up to the sound of my alarm screaming, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m well-rested, well-hydrated, and ready to get to work.
Brody, on the other hand, who I can hear groaning from the couch in the living room, is another story. If this weren’t such a frequent occurrence, I’d almost feel bad for the moron, but I’ve run out of give-a-fucks when it comes to Brody.
“Brody,” I yell as I get out of bed, stretching. “Time to get up. We’ve got practice.”