After a minute, Liam gets in the driver’s seat and starts up the car with a delicate purr. “Ready?”
“Yep. Thank you.”
“Of course. I’m going to apologize in advance, because if it’s not a simple battery swap, I’m no help to you. And even then, Andrew will probably be the one changing it out while insulting me for not remembering how.”
“What a guy.”
“He lectures because he cares. Just ask him.”
Liam’s cars are too nice to give him a whole lot of auto-repair experience. I don’t have that excuse, so I’ll be watching carefully. “What was your favorite thing you ate tonight?” I don’t want any drops in conversation. It’s not normal for us to be alone together in a car, but this feels normal so far, like the kids are asleep in the back seat and we’re just out running errands and talking about our day.
“My favorite, huh? Let me think.”
I adjust the air conditioning vents to blow right on me, and he sets up his navigation to get us to O’Reilly’s. He has to concentrate as we wind our way out of the neighborhood. Someone on the corner must be having a party because cars are parked everywhere.
Finally, he says, “I’d have to say the cake. I can’t believe it had three whole cups of shredded vegetables in it.”
“Well, the cream cheese frosting helps.”
“Okay, the frosting was my favorite thing I ate tonight. Don’t tell Marisol. What was your favorite part?”
“The salad.”
“I should have guessed that. So, uh, this is probably a good time to ask you about something.” But he doesn’t ask. He just keeps sneaking glances at me like he needs to make sure I’m ready for it. So much for normal.
“Out with it, Liam.”
He sighs. “Did you hear Andrew ask me about Maggie?”
“Yeah, the man can’t whisper to save his life.”
“I was afraid of that. I’m sorry.”
“So, what did Maggie ask Andrew about that had to do withme?”
“I feel like I need to back up and explain what happened the night we broke up first.” When I nod, he goes on. “She didn’t like that I introduced her to my kids as a ‘friend.’ She said that you were more important to them than she’d ever be. I’m paraphrasing, but that was the extent of it.”
“So, she wanted to know if I was still working for you?”
“Not exactly.” If he had a tie on, he’d be loosening it. Knowing him, his need to tell me the truth is fighting with the urge tonottell me the truth. I’m not sure which one I want from him.
“You have to understand; lawyers like to take charge. She left me with some parting advice that’s none of her business. She thinks we…” He gestures between the two of us, obviously hoping I’ll fill in the blank.
I raise my eyebrows. “I’m not following.” More like I’m not about to assume anything. This would be the worst moment for a guess.
“She thinks you and I should… be together.” His gaze fixes on the road ahead.
I don’t want to look at him either. If I do, I won’t be able to stop analyzing whatever reaction he’s willing to give, and I’m afraid of what I’ll find.
Maggie thinks Liam should be with me. That’s a bold ex-girlfriend move. It actually reminds me of that scary blonde lady fromThe Sound of Musictelling Captain von Trapp that Maria will never be a nun.Hint, hint.
It’s one of Callie’s favorite movies, so I can quote it like a pro.
And now I’m picturing Liam in an old-timey tux dancing with me in the garden with his heart in his eyes. New fantasy unlocked. I’ll bet Liam’s a good dancer. It’s the confident way he walks. Plus, he’s sporty. The skill should transfer.
“She doesn’t get what it’s like to work closely with someone in your own home and keep things professional.” He’s so earnest, it’s adorable.
“Yes, this feels very professional, Liam.”