Hayley rolls her eyes. “You have so much to learn.”
We are a few episodes in, and I am hooked on this show. “I admit it. I like it.” Haley gives me a stern look. “Okay I love it, but there is no way you can tell me that Damon is the guy I should be rooting for. He’s such a jerk.”
“Damon is everything. You’ll see. A few more episodes in and you’ll be like Stefan who.” We both giggle and munch on more popcorn. The actor who plays Damon is sexy. He has this signature smirk that makes me feel flushed.
“Alright. One more episode then I really need to get to the library to do some work.”
“You are a nerd,” she teases and throws a handful of popcorn at me. “Does Damon remind you of anyone?”
“Should he?”
“Come on, Liri. Talk to me. Girl to girl. You can tell me you like Killian. I won’t judge you. Okay maybe I will a little, but there’s nothing wrong with finding him attractive as long as you don’t see him as boyfriend material.”
“Fine.” I hold my arms up in surrender as I get up to throw the stray pieces of popcorn away. “Killian is a total heartbreaker. His poster would be on my bedroom wall is that what you want to hear?”
“I knew it.” Her lips quirk upward. “Be honest. Did he try anything with you?”
My mind instantly goes to his mouth on mine. “Of course not. I told you. He thinks I’m a nerd.”
“Hmmm.” She studies me. “If you say so.”
“I do.” I fidget with the locket around my neck. “How is you know…”
“Your dad?” she finishes for me with a sympathetic expression on her face. “Uncle James has his good days and bad. I was thinking…well Mom was thinking maybe you’d like to go with her to see him. The home he’s in is about two hours from here. We could drive up on a Friday and spend the night at my Mom’s then go see him on Saturday and come back on Sunday. Just think about it. I think it could be good for you both.”
“Would he even know who I am? Do you think he remembers me at all?”
“He knows some stuff but then there are times he seems like a child.”
I nod, trying to take it all in. I don’t remember my father. I was three when he got wasted and totaled his motorcycle. He wasn’t wearing a helmet and his head took a lot of damage. The man was in a coma for three months. He should have died but he didn’t. The accident left him completely paralyzed and unable to care for himself. Him and Mom had already been split up for two years at the time. She said he wasn’t a bad father he was young, selfish, and didn’t always show up when he said he would. He wasn’t dependable and she got tired of waiting for him.
“Hayley!” We both look to the door when we hear someone calling her name.
“I’m going to kill him,” she tells me with a bitter laugh. I close my laptop and stick it on my desk as she goes to answer the door.
“I’m sorry. He’s drunk and he wouldn’t shut up until I brought him over here to see you.” I look over to the doorway and see Killian holding up Liam. He appears to be drunk off his ass.
“Hey, baby,” he coos at his girlfriend and stumbles forward.
“Well that’s great.” She shakes her head and moves so they can come into our room. “I’m sorry,” she mouths at me.
I offer her a smile. “It’s fine. I need to get to the library.” I can feel Killian staring at me, but I refuse to meet his eyes. I’m not in the mood for more of his games.
Liam bends down and grabs my sketchbook. Shit.
“I’ll take that.” I go to grab it from his grip, but he holds it up higher.
“Damn, girl, you can draw.” I can smell the liquor on his breath and my stomach rolls.
“Thanks. Can I have that back please?”
“Oh shit.” He looks from the page to Killian. “This looks exactly like you.” He stumbles over to him and holds my illustration up by his face. My stomach churns, and I can’t do anything but stare at the floor.
“Give me that,” Hayley smacks the top of his head and gives me my book.
“Thanks,” I mumble and tuck it back in my messenger bag quickly.
Killian is leering at me as I slip my shoes on. “You got him under control?” he looks to Hayley.