Page 66 of All Signs Point to Malibu

It fuels my commitment to the cause. Better to keep the momentum moving. “Next question—How many kids do you want?”

They write and reveal. Liam—“4.” Sonia—“1 (maybe).”

Liam frowns. “I thought we both liked the idea of a big family?”

“We do, but liking the idea is one thing. Four kids is a lot of work,” she says.

“I was an only child. I don’t want that for my kid,” Liam says.

Sonia forces an awkward, embarrassed-looking smile as she glances around the yard. “Can we talk about this later?” she mutters to Liam.

He shrugs but doesn’t look pleased.

Warren’s up with his next question, but he shakes his head and tucks the paper away instead. “I think it’s time for more dancing. DJ Scale, play ‘Warren’s Playlist,’” he calls across the yard.

From the stage, DJ Scale gives Warren a thumbs-up.

I shoot Warren an annoyed look as the music resumes—now nineties rock—and Sonia and Liam head to a quiet corner of the yard to chat...or argue by the looks of the expressions and hand gestures. I watch from a distance, until I feel Warren’s hand on my arm, gruffly pulling me aside.

“What was that?” he asks.

I wave a dismissive hand. “It’s a popular wedding game. It was just for fun.”

Warren eyes me with a look of disappointment. “Fun for who?” He shakes his head and walks away.

I sigh, not thrilled with myself, but certain I’m doing the right thing...for Liam. It was just a few simple questions about important life choices and they disagreed about each one. Best to learn that now, rather than later, right?

The party continues, but the overall mood has shifted. I try to catch Warren’s gaze as he resumes his post at the grill, but he avoids me for the rest of the evening.

With Operation Breakup moving a step in the right direction, Warren’s attitude should be the least of my worries, but unfortunately, his opinion of me suddenly matters. A lot.

Hours later, the backyard is empty. I stand on a ladder, taking down the lights, while Hailey steadies it for me. I descend and tuck them into a box as she looks at me hesitantly. In a rare occurrence, she’s been quiet since the event ended.

“About the game...” she starts.

“I was thinking about it and while it may not have been the most appropriate way to bring it to light, you do have a point. Liam and Sonia haven’t been together long and maybe they are rushing things a little.” I’ll give her that much at least.

Hailey releases a stressed-sounding but appreciative thank-you.

At first, I thought Hailey was just being Hailey, but the more I think about it, the union does feel a little rushed and I know that Liam is making a lot of sacrifices. Some are expected in a relationship. Compromise, and all that, but I can recognize Hailey’s point that they feel heavily one-sided—in Sonia’s favor. Maybe the game was the only way to get Liam to open his eyes or truly hear the concerns of the people who care about him.

I’ve been in full support up until now, and my support of whatever he ultimately decides will be unequivocal, but maybe I too need to admit that I’m worried about him and these decisions.

I shove my hands into my pockets and rock back and forth on my heels. “Are you still coming to poker night on Sunday?”

“Am I still invited?”

“Yes.”

“Then yes.”

My gaze meets Hailey’s and not for the first time today a beat of unexpected connection and attraction passes between us—chemistry sizzling below the surface.

And as long as it stays there, we don’t have a problem.

TWELVE

HAILEY’S DAILY RULE FOR SUCCESS:

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