“Because I can read you better than you think, Ari.”
With a satisfied smile, he turned on his heel and headed for the backyard. He didn’t look back for me, but he already knew I’d follow.
I paused before stepping outside and took a deep breath.
There was nothing scary about a party.
Liam hesitated by the door waiting for me. He didn’t try to rush me, which I was thankful for.
I nodded when I was ready, and he smiled reassuringly.
The party was nothing like Liam’s Fourth of July party. That one had been loud, with people everywhere, and completely over the top. Mine was much more subdued, which I was thankful for. There was no deejay playing this time, only music filtering from a Bluetooth speaker. Twinkle lights were wrapped around the chairs and chaises, adding to the atmosphere. Some kind of glowing orbs floated in the pool, which was currently unoccupied, but I doubted it would stay empty for long. Food was set up and a three-tier cake in a soft purple hue towered above the table.
I spotted Ollie, Talia, and Liam’s other friends laughing by the stone wall and my eyes continued to flit around until I saw Rebecca laughing with two of the other girls we worked with.
While the change in atmosphere was a welcome one from the Fourth of July party, there was also something else noticeably different.
My relationship with Liam.
On that day we’d still been tiptoeing around how we felt. I don’t think either of us had figured it out quite yet, but at least we weren’t denying it anymore. I still didn’t know what was to come, but that was okay. Tomorrow isn’t promised to us, only today.
I smiled up at Liam then, silently thanking him. I might’ve reacted badly at first, but I was truly grateful. His thoughtfulness was astounding.
“I’m going to go say hi to Rebecca.” I took a few steps away from him, letting him know that I really was okay and he didn’t need to watch over me.
He nodded, watching me closely like he expected me to have another meltdown any second. After a quiet moment, he nodded once.
I let out a breath as I slipped away from him and joined Rebecca, Ashley, and Bree. I didn’t know Ashley and Bree all that well, but enough that it wasn’t awkward being around them.
“Hey, guys.” My voice shook a little with nerves; afraid they might ask about earlier. “I’m so glad to see you here. This was quite the surprise.”
Rebecca bumped my shoulder playfully with hers, jostling the drink she held in her hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone that surprised before. We got you good.”
I laughed awkwardly. “Oh yeah, so surprised.”
“I take it Liam didn’t tell you about the sleepover, either, then…” She lifted a brow in question.
“Uh…that would be a negative.” I bit my lip nervously. A sleepover? Why would he do that? He knew I woke up screaming every night and the last thing I’d want to do is have anyone else know. Having Liam know was bad enough.
“He said you hadn’t had a birthday party since you were fourteen, so I said we had to have a sleepover. I mean, it’s only customary for a fourteenth birthday party. He didn’t seem to like that idea, but I insisted. I got your back, girl. We’re gonna do this right.” She giggled and then hiccupped. I eyed her cup, wondering how much she’d already had to drink. “Talia said she’d join us for this slumber party, but these two whores are ditching us.” She pointed at Ashley and Bree. “What could possibly be more important than a slumber party?”
“Sex,” Bree replied with a grin.
“Do you hear her?” Rebecca poked my arm and pointed at Bree. “She’s worse than a guy.”
Bree laughed and took a sip of her drink. “You’re only saying that because your vagina’s full of cobwebs.”
Rebecca blinked at me and then burst into an uncontrollable laughing fit.
“Maybe lay off on the alcohol a bit.” I grabbed the cup from her hand and held it captive.
She lunged at me. “Give that back!”
I evaded her easily and sniffed at the cup, gagging in response. “What the hell is that?” I coughed.
“I have no idea, but it’s delicious.” She tried to take the cup from me again, but I held it out of her reach.
“Fun sucker,” she mumbled, her shoulders sagging dejectedly.