I sit on the edge of the tub and challenge a plastic catfish to a staring contest while I wait for Liam to finish cleaning up his beard. Finally he rinses his razor and turns to me with an expectant look.
But I stall. “Who is it tonight?”
He adjusts his glasses, and his eyes go unfocused as he tries to recall. “Andrew—no, he prefers Andy. Works for a consulting firm in Austin. He’s taking me to a speakeasy downtown.”
“Bit of a drive, isn’t it?”
“Worth it. God, Sadie, you wouldloveAustin. We’re going, before you leave.”
I hum my agreement, but I’m too distracted by my own plans for the evening. “I’m trying to go out tonight, too, but I don’t know where to go.”
Liam’s brows bounce up. “In Austin?”
“In Heller.”
He snorts. “With who?” Okay, rude. He turns back to the mirror and gets to work styling his hair in its usual wave. “Is it adate?”
“No,” I say too quickly. “Noah and I are just…bored.”
“Uh-huh,” he deadpans. “Well. There are a few options for a not-date. The mall has movies and bowling, though it’s ancient and full of preteens. You could grab blizzards at DQ, or hit up theApplebee’s happy hour. I’ve taken boys on walks around the park, but at this hour, that would come across as awfully suggestive.” I’m sure he only says this so that he can snicker at my reflection as my cheeks glow red.
But then he slaps the green marble of the sink, and I jump.
“I’ve got it. Take him to the diner. It’s open 24/7, has pancakes to die for, and it’s cute as hell without being too oppressively date-y. It’s called Mama’s, it’s down on…”
He keeps talking and giving directions, but I’m already bent over my phone, making the pitch to Noah.
listen I’d kill for some pancakes rn
fuck yeah
want me to drive?
pleeeeaaase i’ll buy you pancakes
deal
how’s 8?
see you then!
Noah sends through his address. Liam laughs, and I look up again, suddenly aware of the smile that snuck its way back onto my face as I stared at my screen. “Oh hush,” I say.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“I heard it all the same.” I stand and smooth down a few unruly strands of hair on the side of his head. “You look nice—have fun, okay? I’ll come pick you up if you need me to.”
“Probably not, but thanks, Sadie.” Liam pauses, and something in his expression softens. His eyes grow big and sentimental.Here we go.“Date or not, I’m glad you’re going. I’m glad you’re getting out more.”
I roll my eyes good-naturedly, even though I’m internally grateful for the same. “Bye,Liam.”
Back in the guest room, Howard and I stand in front of the closet. A few days ago I’d finally emptied my suitcase and shoved it under the bed. Putting my clothes into the closet felt a little too much like the beginning of setting down roots, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable feeling.
That’s what scared me the most.
“I don’t know what to wear, Howard. Unless you think I should go like this?”
Howard blinks owlishly at my sweatpants and old tank top. I turn to inspect the hole that’s forming right on my ass.
