Page 63 of Liam

"Never ran from someone so fast," Owen replied. "I felt like vomiting."

"I'd love to know why you attract these crazy people," Noah said. "It's uncanny."

"I'm doomed. At least with the profile Liam wrote for me, I was busy with meaningless sex."

"I can write you a new one," I replied, wanting to help Owen get out of this pit of misfortune. Noah was right. Owen had the worst luck when it came to dating and finding a husband.

"I might take you up on that." Owen drained his beer and refilled his glass.

The fact the others were drinking in front of me didn't bother me anymore. Watching them drink alcohol had caused me some discomfort at first even though I was a bartender. It was different when I was preparing drinks for customers. There was no situation in which I would be able to drink them. They were just part of my job. Now, I didn't even think about drinking.

"Jamal told his mom about us," I changed the topic.

"How did that go?" Noah asked. I'd been meaning to phone him and fill him in on what was happening with my life. But with a new husband and foster kids, he was so busy that I didn't want to bother him. It wasn't like when we were both single with time on our hands.

I played with the loose hairs dusting my nape.

"I think his mom and sister don't believe I'm good for Jamal."

Ethan set his glass on the table too hard. "What? Why do they think that?"

"If I had to piece it together, they think I'm going to get bored with a guy in a wheelchair."

Owen grunted.

I tipped my head to one side, my cheeks heating as I stared at him. "What?"

"Nothing … it's just not like you to get into a relationship. They're right to have concerns."

"What the fuck, Owen?" I rose to my feet. "Is that how little you think of me?"

Noah grabbed my arm. "Sit down. Let's talk this through."

My bottom jaw jutted out as I clenched my teeth. I dropped back into my seat, prepared to defend myself. "Jamal is not a toy I'm trying out. We have a deep connection."

Ethan touched my hand. "And the physical side of things?"

"Not that it matters, but everything works fine down there."

"I don't think that's what Ethan meant," Noah said. "You're an active guy."

"So is Jamal. He lifts weights every day. He cycles, goes running with his brother-in-law, and wants to try kayaking. He's even into skiing. He doesn't let anything stop him, including his wheelchair. He's the bravest man I've ever known. None of you understand him like I do."

Ethan withdrew his hand. "I don't think Owen meant to judge your ability to maintain a healthy relationship." He looked at Owen. "Did you, Owen."

"I'm just not sure how you're going to balance a relationship with him and your social media obsession," Owen replied. "He's going to end up competing with what others think of you."

"Fuck off, Owen. I've barely posted anything since we started hanging out."

"I noticed that," Ethan said.

I pointed at Owen. "So, you're wrong. His opinion is the only one I'm interested in." It was a new truth. The opinions of random strangers were diminishing in importance to me. The way Jamal looked at me was all the validation I needed. He was the only one who mattered.

"Let's leave it at that," Noah said. "Sounds like Liam has grown with Jamal."

Typical Noah, playing the referee. He had an innate need to protect all of us. Even if it was from each other. The table fell silent. I was happy to not discuss my love life any further. Jamal and I were going to navigate what we were doing together as a couple.

The guys didn't have a say.

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