Page 16 of All Signs Point to Malibu

Okay, so I stalk my ex-boyfriend online. Who doesn’t?

“Your dad keeps me posted when he comes to maintain the pool,” I say, slightly flustered. He peers at me with those dark brown eyes I thought I’d stare into forever—back when I was young and naive and thought someone like me could actually have a real, long-term relationship.

Back when I had no idea that fate had other plans. Because Liam’s life was entwined with mine, I could never seehisfuture either.

As far as “gifts” go, this one is severely lacking.

Liam stares at the pool and clears his throat. “Yeah, I, uh...had another opportunity here.”

And maybe now I do too?

Nope. Not going full speed ahead with wedding plans just yet. We broke up for a reason. Though looking at him now, that reason—which I assume was a very good one—is eluding me. He’s only gotten better looking in the last few years—definitely more muscular and his hair is slightly longer, curling around the collar of the shirt. Just the right amount of stubble covers his square jawline. He looks healthy and happy, but there’s something about his demeanor that hints at unease.

“Let’s take a look at this crack,” Liam says, bending next to the pool and examining the concrete.

I stare at him, enamored, as not-so-repressed feelings start to resurface.

Liam was the first guy I ever dated. He was my first kiss. My first sexual experience. My first and last heartache. Opening up to people is not something that comes naturally to me given my predicament. Relationships are based on trust and honesty. Which basically rules me out of ever having one.

So many times over the years, I wanted to tell Liam my secret. Almost did a thousand times, but no one has ever known—not even my mother. And parting with it would mean making myself more vulnerable than I’ve ever found worth it.

Even for Liam.

Breaking up and going our separate ways once things reached that critical point of shit or put a ring on it was probably for the best. Although I can’t help wanting to know his opinion on that.

“Doesn’t look too bad yet,” he says. “Good thing you caught it now, before it completely collapsed and you’d have an indoor pool in your basement.”

Water damage is definitely not something I want to deal with. “Think you can fix it before this weekend?”

Liam stands and grins at me. “Another epic influencer party?”

My eyes narrow. How does he know about that?

“What? I follow you on social media.”

He what? “The Liam I remember acted like he didn’t even know what social media was.” Anti-attention despite being one of the most charismatic, smart, athletic guys in school, Liam was modest and not a fan of what he always referred to as “Look at Me” culture.

Ah, right—the main catalyst in our breakup. Different worlds, different passions, different values.

“Someone once told me I needed to use the power of the socials to advance my career,” he says with a shrug. “But before you get too impressed, I’m following like four people and I have exactly half that many followers.”

I laugh. “Then I’m honored to be one of the chosen few.”

Our gazes meet and hold in what Amelia would refer to as a “beat of romantic connection,” and my lack of recent sexual pleasure decides to fuck with me. Is there a statute of limitations on breakup sex?

Fortunately, before I can embarrass myself in the most epic way by suggesting it, he clears his throat and looks away.

“I can get a crew here tomorrow morning. If they only partially drain the pool, fix the damage and then give it a few days to set, we should have it up and functional for your party.”

“Thank you so much,” I say then hesitate before asking, “Would you like to stay...for a drink? I could make lunch.” We could have that breakup sex we never took advantage of.

Liam checks his watch, shakes his head regrettably. “I have someone waiting in the van. Rain check?”

I hide my disappointment. “Of course. Yeah. Anytime.”

We start to head around front and I turn to him. “If you’re not doing anything Saturday night, you should stop by.” I’m afraid if I don’t set up an exact time to see him again this will turn into that thing where friends say “we should do this again sometime” and it never happens. A future relationship or second chance may not be in the cards, but Liam was my best friend for a significant portion of my life. He was there for me when my mother died, when I launched my business. We have history and if he was back home for a while...

“Thought the party was just for potential VIP clients,” he says.

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