Page 128 of Liam

“He’s just like Roman. All stoic and full of bravado, but when it comes to people they care about, people theylove, they’re giant little softies on the inside.”

I think a moment, and she’s right. She’ssoright, I don’t know why I never picked up on it before.

“Now, no pressure…” Dayna says, “but have you thought about what you’re going to do with school? Because your grades are great. You can get into any state college based on that alone. Griffin’s already contacted a few coaches from other local schools and told them about you?—”

“I don’twantto play for another coach,” I murmur. “I want to play forhim.”

“I know, but that’s not possible right now,” she says.

“I’ll just defer,” I say, shrugging. “I’ll find a full-time job and help with rent?—”

“No,” Dayna says, her tone firm.

I sit up slightly. “Why not? You’re not my guardians anymore.”

“So what?” she scoffs. “We’re your roommates now?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help financially. At least for a semester. I haven’t even picked a major yet, so it works out?—”

“It’s something we can discuss later,” she cuts in. “Talk to Roman about it, too. Get his advice.” Then she moans, getting up and standing at the edge of the bed. She pouts. “I have to go.”

I pout too. “I don’t want you to.”

“I know,” she sighs. “I kind of love it here. It’s so…quaint.”

“Quaint?”

“And quiet.Calming.”

I get up, too, stand in front of her. “You should see where the Prestons live.”

“Send me pictures.” She hugs my neck. “And I know I said don’t rush back, but double your phone calls from now on, okay?”

“I promise,” I tell her, hugging her back. “Drive safe.”

52

Addie

Liam

What are you doing, Baby Baker?

Addie

I’m never going to live that one down, am I?

Liam

Outlook looks bleak.

Yesterday, after Dayna packed her bags and left, Roman and I did, too. There was no reason we couldn’t stay at that house, at least for a few more days until Mia’s dad came to town, but it felt wrong to be there when we didn’t have to be. Last night, Roman slept on his couch, I slept in his bed, and Liam slept in the studio.

It was the first night in over a week we’d spent apart. I didn’t much care for it. Neither did Liam, going by the way we texted back and forth until the sun came up.

Liam

You there?

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