Page 83 of Liam

Thankfully, I get to the studio early enough that I know she won’t be there and rush to gather what we need, throw it all in a backpack, and get the fuck out of there. I’ve barely stepped foot on the porch before darkness takes over—the same darkness that lives in Adelaide’s eyes. They widen when they catch mine, and I quickly look away. She has the audacity to speak first. “Is something wrong with your phone?”

In my head, Dad’s words replay like a broken record.

“There are no greater regrets in life than the words you spill in anger.”

But the pain in my chest… the pure rage in my gut has meseething. I press my lips tight, exhale through my nose as if that’s somehow going to help.

It doesn’t.

I can feel it… that anxious energy sweeping through my veins, creating havoc through my insides. Adrenaline spikes, streaks through my muscles, and my hands form fists to hide the trembling.

I attempt to sidestep her, but she only blocks my path more.

Silence. I need to get through this insilence.

“Liam? What?—”

“Am I afuckingjoke to you?”

Her eyes widen, pupils so dark they can hideanything.

Power.

Lies.

Deceit.

“Liam,” she says, a heavy exhale leaving her. “I don’t know what happened, but?—”

“It’s like the note all over again, isn’t it?”

“What?” She shakes her head, her brow furrowed. “Whatnote?”

I scoff, the adrenaline pushing me so close to the edge of the cliff, I can almostfeelthe unsteady ground beneath me. “Real fucking convenient that your memory loss kicks in at the parts of my life Iwantto forget.”

Her mouth opens, closes, opens again, and if I weren’t so in tune with the ways of Adelaide Baker, I’d almost fall for it.

Again.

“So what’s the deal?” I ask. “You have a boyfriend you’ve been with for years, and I’m what?”

It’s instant—the way her shoulders drop, her eyes drifting shut—hiding thetruth.

“I’m just a pawn in another one of your wicked games, aren’t I?”

“No, Liam. I wouldn’t?—”

“Bullshit, Addie!”

She cowers at the loudness of my voice.

“You have and you would! And you know what the most fucked up part is? I’m not your only victim this time. Does your boyfriend know?—”

“It’s complicated, okay?” she cuts in, matching my volume.

“Oh, yeah. I’m sure it is.” I roll my eyes, stepping closer. “Let me guess…” I spent all night thinking about what her excusewould be, so I already came up with one—solely to hurt her. “He wanted an open relationship—just for the summer—and you agreed. Because deep down, you know he doesn’tactuallylove you. Or evenwantyou. Because who the fuck would? Only a sucker like me would fall for your bullshit!”

Her eyes fill with tears, but she doesn’t back away. Doesn’t fight back. And I know it’s not because ofhowI’m acting. It’s because of what I said. There’s a truth in my statement… I just don’t know which part.

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