Page 50 of Because of Liam

Chapter Thirty-One

As soon asI step in the hall, Skye and Logan look at me from their spot on the couch.

I walk into the kitchen and grab two water bottles, a couple of cheese sticks, and a bunch or grapes. I set them on the counter and open cabinets until I find what I’m looking for, pulling out a box of crackers. When I turn to Logan and Skye, they’re both looking at me expectantly. “She’s okay. Or she’ll be okay soon enough.” I look pointedly at Logan, willing him to read what’s in my eyes and he gets it. I can tell by the way his eyes open slightly and the press of his lips.

I look at Skye. “She will talk to you. Just give her a little time.” Then I look at Logan again with a warning not to say anything. This silent communication is something we developed as kids so we could make sure our stories matched when we did something that would annoy our father, a way to avoid his fury. And every little thing annoyed him and unleashed his anger on us. We got really good at silent communication.

I return to her room and close the door behind me. River’s sleepy eyes are on me. I sit on her bed and brush a lock of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Her skin is no longer blotchy, but her eyes are still red. A small smile plays on her lips and I place the food on the bed between us. “I come bearing gifts.” I grab a water bottle, break the seal, then give it to her. River sits up and takes a long sip from. There’s a question in her eyes. “I told them you’re okay and to give you time, but you need to talk to your sister.”

She takes a deep breath. “I will—I just need time to get my head around it.”

“I know you do. But first eat something and then go to sleep. Call me when you wake up or if you need anything, okay?” I open the second water bottle and drink from it as River pops a grape in her mouth. “I’ll tell your sister you’re sleeping and not to disturb you. Is that okay?”

She nods. I run my knuckles across her cheek, lean in, and kiss her forehead. My lips linger on her skin. I close my eyes, inhaling the scent of her. River smells like something exotic, spicy with a touch of cinnamon. It’s heady.

“I want to talk to Logan. See what he can do in a case like this. Is that okay with you?”

She hesitates. “I guess. I-I feel so ashamed. I feel so stupid.”

“Look at me, River.” When I’m sure her eyes are on me and she’s taking in every word, I continue. “Do you think I’m stupid or I should be ashamed for what happened to me?”

“No!” Her reply is fast and angry. “Of course not! None of it was your fault. You had no control over it. You didn’t choose it. How can you even ask me such a thing?”

“Exactly! I didn’t choose or have control over it any more than you did. You were drugged, and I was overpowered. It wasn’t your fault any more than it was mine. We both should have been able to feel safe among friends. If you feel this way about me, then grant yourself the same level of respect and kindness you’ve shown me. Can you do that?”

“I can. I guess it would be very hypocritical of me to judge my situation any differently than yours.”

“That’s my girl. Get some sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.”

“Liam?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you stay with me until I fall sleep?”

I move the food to the nightstand and settle in her bed. She curls into me, her back to my chest. My arms find their way around her waist as if they had done this a thousand times before. Her body melts into mine. Her scent, the way her chest rises and lowers with each breath, it’s all so new to me and yet so familiar. Like remembering a dream. Something that has never been real before and yet I’ve lived it. Memories of a tomorrow I hope for.

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