“Aria, this is Liam, yourson.” Carpi takes hold of her hand, and I wait for her to realize her mistake, but she doesn’t, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt this… hopeless before.
“Leave before I kill you.”
“Okay!”
I’m still stuck there as Capri tries to de-escalate.
“We don’t say those things. Let's go to your room for a little while to cool down, and when we come back, you can apologize to Liam.”
My mom opens her mouth, but Capri cuts her off before her words cut me again. “We’releavingnow.” She pulls her away, and I keep my eyes on them as they walk off.
Capri looks over her shoulder with an apologetic look, but I walk off before they can come back out.
I’m nearing my bike when I hear my name, but I don’t stop.
“Liam, please wait!”
I swing a leg over my bike before starting it. Capri steps in my way and rests her hand on my helmet before I slip it on.
My eyes meet hers, and she looks at me so damn sympathetically. “Liam–”
“Capri.” I shut my eyes and try not to yell because I know she’s trying to help, but she needs to leave me alone. “Ijustgot off a six-hour plane ride after a long ass game, and we fucking lost anyway. I’m tired. I’m in pain and-”
When my voice cracks, my head snaps over at her. “Move.” I struggle to keep my voice low, but I do. She takes a step back without another word. I slip on my helmet and keep my eyes away from her before speeding off.
I grip the handles so hard, my hands hurt, but I won’t stop shaking, and these stupid fucking breathing exercises aren’t working. My anger only heightens with every breath I take, making me speed between every car in my way.
When I get to my penthouse, I head straight for the gym and take out my anger on the punching bag. I’m not sure how long I’m in there, but I didn't put on my gloves or wrap my hands, so they’re bleeding by the time I notice, but I also feel better, so I stay for another hour.
By the time I shower and climb into bed, I’m so beat I could sleep for days. Just as I close my eyes, my phone lights up with a message. I don’t pick it up, but then it dings again, and I let out an annoyed breath before grabbing it.
Sage
Heyy
Are you in the city?
Yes.
Wanna hang out?
Hang out or fuck?
What did I tell you about saying that, Liam Leslie?
Have sex*
Thank you.
And both…
Tmrw.
I turn my phone off and turn in my bed, but then my eyes land on the gift I got for my mom. I stare at it for a few seconds, but the picture of us and my little sister facing me suddenly makes it hard to breathe, so I roll out of bed.
Omw*
“You look tired.” Sage tiltsher head to the side as she studies me.
