Page 120 of Liam

Somehow…

Some way…

Roman exists.

And so do I.

… and so does the boy currently stroking my hair, holding me tight while I cry into his chest. My eyes drift shut, catching beneath my closed lids. Liam shifts closer until there’s nothing between us. If the world ended right at this moment, he’d never know the impact he’s had on me. He’d never know the true extent of my regrets when it comes to him. He’d never know that his hope for me all those years ago in that nurse’s office pushed me through another day. Another lifetime. “I think…” I whisper, fatigue sinking into my bones, like watercolor on paper—distinct at first, then spreading rapidly.

“You think what, baby?” Liam asks, but he’s distant. So far away.

My body falls into darkness. But my mind… my mind is alive enough to latch on to a single thought. I think I’m in love with you, Liam Preston. Deep, soul-crushing, heart-aching love.

47

Liam

I wake up the next morning to Dayna sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to shake Addie from her sleep. She’d passed out before she could tell me what she was thinking, and as far as I know, she’d slept peacefully since. Well, as peacefully as her mind could handle.

Addie stirs, groans, almost in annoyance.

I sit up.

“How’d she sleep?” Dayna asks me.

“Good, I think. She didn’t wake.” I know, because I spent all night awake, just in case she did.

“Roman got her an appointment an hour from now, so she needs to get up.”

Addie rolls onto her back, her eyes fluttering open.

“There you are,” Dayna sings. “We’re going to take Liam home, then go back to Roman’s apartment so you can shower and dress, then we’ll take you to your session, okay?”

Addie nods, but doesn’t speak.

She waits until Dayna’s left the room, closed the door behind her, to peer up at me. Her hair’s a mess, loose from the braid, eyelids heavy, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her more beautiful. She takes my hand, holds it to her chest, and whispers, “Thank you.”

I whisper back, “Always.”

Addie

Thank you.

I smile when I read the text. They drove me back to the studio less than a half hour ago, and I wanted to reach out, but she beat me to it.

Liam

You said that already.

Addie

Yes, but I was half asleep, and I didn’t know if you’d take me seriously, so THANK YOU.

Liam

I told you. Always.

Addie

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