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He's always been a die-hard ro about his parents' divorce His need to prove he was different than his dad

At the end of the day, we're all the sa better than our parents

Only he's about to lose his dad

I' his actual father

He's losing his father and I can't let on

"You haven't been here in years," he says "Why are you having brunch with Dad?"

"I was here Friday," I say "For your party"

"I don't mean parties" He pulls open the bottom drawer Finds an ancient bottle of Maker's Mark "This is froe"

"Aged"

"It stops aging when you open it" He sets the bottle on the desk Motions go ahead

"How about a glass?"

"What are you doing here, Liam?"

"Your dad invited me"

He stares at me It's not quite Simon level of suspicion, but it's a lot

"I know Lee is a blonde, but is that your preference for the party? Might be ain," I say

"Liam"

"I can't plan my buddy's party now?"

He folds his arms "Aren't strippers a little obvious for you?"

"There's a twist"

He rolls his eyes

"I can't tell you It will ruin the surprise"

"If you're not going to tell me why you're here—"

I have to say so "Two reasons"

He o on

"You want the good news or the bad news?"

"You know the answer to that"

I do He's a bad news first kinda guy But, hey, ive him a choice? Maybe he's in a mood

No, he is in a mood

An I don't want to deal with Lia on with my father mood

Preston is obviously fading I can see it Even Briar can see it She looked at him with concern the second she saw hiuy to approve of ive a shit about anyone approving of her?

I need to distract Harrison

Thank fuck this is my wheelhouse

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I ask "Accepting the invite to the house?"

"I can't say no," he says

"You can tell your fiancée to ask her sister to stay home," I say

"Really? I can tell my bride to ask the maid of honor to skip the rehearsal dinner?"

"It's your wedding You can do whatever you want"

"Is this about Simon and Vanessa?"

"No shit"

He doesn't buy it "It's been a long time He's over it"

"Uh-huh"