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But I' my partner lock me out, keep me away, abandon me emotionally

I' level

I don't want to hurt But the alternative is worse Locking everyone out, hiding allto embrace love—

That isn't a life

It's not the life I want

I don't want to keep everything to myself anymore I want to have someone there To be there for him

Can Liam do that?

I don't know

But I know I have to ask I have to try

I promised Preston

I sort through hts as I shower, fix tea, make toast The raspberry jam is a far cry from the fancy stuff at the Pierceinin this future where I let someone take care of me

Maybe it's not Liam Maybe it's someone else

But, fuck, I really want it to be Liam

I need to say so, somehow explain

At least, I need to find him

I pull out my cell, but I chicken out I text Danielle instead

Briar: Did Liam come back to the city?

Danielle: He and Si

Briar: Thanks

Danielle: What happened?

Briar: Love is complicated

Danielle: It is

If he's on his way, I need to get dressed I need to do so I find a simple outfit A black sundress and sandals

My phone buzzes with a string of texts

Danielle: He's downstairs He asked me to say that

Briar: How are you involved?

Danielle: Opal is texting me

Briar: I have an audience?

Danielle: Apparently Should I tell them to step off?

Briar: I prefer one on one

Danielle: She says no promises

Briar: Tell her I'll buy her a bottle of gin if she does

Danielle: She says you're not good for it unless you stick with Liam

Briar: Is she really doubting my word?

Danielle: Sounds like it

There's a knock on my door

Danielle: Shit, I think it's happening Good luck, Briar We're still friends, no matter what happens

I take a deep breath Let out a slow exhale

Easy breaths

Steady breaths

It's six steps to my door