Chapter 5
Liam dropped the subject. He shrugged off his jacket and placed it on the couch. He froze when he saw the cake on the table from the corner of his eye.
After a slight hesitation, he said, “So, about that birthday wish you made yesterday…”
Stephanie could tell he was feeling things out, so she replied with a lighthearted tone, “It was kind of awkward since no one knew it was my birthday, so I made a joke. I thought they’d catch on, but they didn’t. Sorry about that.”
Liam let out a sigh of relief after hearing what she said. “So, what did you really wish for?
“I wish Mom and Dad to stay healthy and all their dreams to come true.”
Her wish was simple, but it came from the heart.
Liam felt a warm tug in his chest. He brushed her nose and smiled. “You’re so thoughtful. Your wish is sure to come true.”
Stephanie felt the same. She was sure her blind date would go well, that she’d get married, stay with her parents, and take care of them into their later years.
Over the next few days, Liam stayed in almost all the time, barely stepping out. He noticed several things missing around the house and asked about it more than once.
“Steph, where’d the matching mugs you got go?”
“They broke a few days ago.”
“What about the tie you gave me?”
“I’m not sure. It probably got swept away in the wind while drying outside.”
They were small, unimportant items, so Liam didn’t give them much thought. Stephanie made up an excuse to brush him off every time he asked.
Meanwhile, she’d put together a long list. She was set on trying every famous restaurant and local dish before leaving the city.
She’d followed a low-fat vegetarian diet for years to maintain her shape, and it had been ages since she’d let herself dig into a hearty meal. Still, the beauty she had worked so hard to maintain hadn’t brought her the love she hoped for.
Liam felt nothing for her—whether she was stunning or average, curvy or slim, wearing makeup or not, it made no difference. Her flawless look, earned at the expense of her health, meant nothing to Liam, who only had eyes for Maeve.
The birthday cake Stephanie indulged in awakened her appetite and reminded her that love wasn’t the only source of joy.
Great food, flowers, and care from families and friends were all key parts of life, and she shouldn’t have to give up one for the other.
Liam noticed Stephanie was heading out more often. He called out to her, “Out again? Where are you off to?”
“I’m going to Westfield for lunch.”
Watching the heavy rain outside, Liam casually asked, “Are you meeting up with someone? Do you need a ride?”
Stephanie shook her head and bent down to change her shoes. “I’m going alone to try some foreign dishes. Don’t worry about it, I’ll just grab a cab.”
Liam gave her a confused look after hearing that. He remembered how she’d always kept her meals light to maintain her figure. So what made her start craving food all of a sudden?
But she was so skinny that he thought she really should eat more. He was honestly worried the wind might just carry her off.
Realizing he had no plans for the afternoon, he got up, grabbed his jacket, and went over to Stephanie. “Let’s go. It’s pouring outside, and I can give you a lift.”
Stephanie was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to join her.
The rain grew heavier, and the streets were almost deserted. The slippery roads had Liam holding the steering wheel firmly with both hands. He asked Stephanie to get his phone and plug it in to charge.
She did as asked, and the second she connected the charger, the screen lit up with an unread message.
“Liam, you joining us at the bar? Maeve’s here, too.”
Stephanie saw it and was about to act like she hadn’t when Liam asked her to help him reply. “Tell him I can’t make it and we’re grabbing some foreign cuisine.”
She glanced at him and saw a flash of something complicated in his expression. He wore a frustrated, defiant look, but a glimmer of hope hid beneath it, almost like he was waiting for someone’s reaction.
Stephanie knew exactly what he was up to. Just seconds after she hit send, Liam’s phone rang.
It was Maeve.
Liam saw the call coming in and couldn’t help but smile, but he didn’t say if he was going to answer it.
After about ten seconds, he acted like he’d just noticed the ringtone, pulled over, and grabbed his phone. “I’ve already told you—”
“Li, some guys asked for my number and started getting handsy. I was pissed, so I smashed a bottle at them. Now they’re cornering me at the bar. I need your help!”
