Page 79 of A Promise For Tomorrow

Liam spots me, drawn to me like a magnet. Grabbing a fresh bottle of beer from the bar, he cracks it open and heads my way. At least he’s attempted to dress for the occasion, wearing a nice pair of slacks and a fitted collared shirt. The sleeves are rolled up and the top few buttons are open to reveal his tattoos. The man despises these types of events—the kind where he is required to dress up.

Killian, on the other hand, is wearing a crisp pair of dress pants and a navy blue sports jacket over his dress shirt. Hair slicked back and cleanly shaven—in typical Killian fashion. Sel is beside him, sipping a ginger ale and looking phenomenal in her red cocktail dress.

“Once again, Madison, you nailed it. The space looks incredible,” Liam applauds.

“It really does look amazing. Good call on the tattoos,” I commend, hoping we are back on semi-good terms.

His chocolate brown eyes light up with curiosity. He brings the bottle up by the neck to take a swig before asking, “What do you plan on getting? My guy finally has the chance to do your raven tattoo.”

My heart sinks at that. I have considered getting one, but every time I bring myself to do so, it just doesn’t feel right. And that’s sad. Liam was once a huge part of my life. Ravens not onlyremind me of him and the love we shared but the journey of my transformation. The work it took to start getting over my past and discover the potential of my future.

Now, the raven is a reminder of death, of endings—specifically with Liam. Permanently inking my body with one would always be that painful reminder.

Liam once told me ravens meant the truth will set you free.

And the truth is… I’m not getting that raven tattooed on me tonight.

My face must give me away, which causes his lips to turn down at the corners. I catch it before he takes a larger swig of his beer.

“I get it. Ravens remind you ofme. And that butterfly tattoo you have reminds you ofhim. You look gorgeous by the way.” He looks over his shoulder at Conor and Lexi approaching. “I’m going to go chat with Con. I’ll catch up with you later…” The disappointment and hurt are thick in his voice.

It kills me to hear it, that I am hurting him. We may have agreed to part ways, but acceptance is a whole different thing. I don’t have a second to process my troubled thoughts. Lexi is already there hugging me.

“Madison De La Cruz! This dinner is everything and more… And it’s not even the rehearsal dinner. You sure you don’t want to find a career as an event planner?” she laughs, rocking me back and forth in her arms.

I pull back, collecting her hands in mine. “You’ve been through so many of my ups and downs, always the most amazing friend. This is the least I can do for you,” I sigh.

“You don’t owe me anything. You’re my sister. Always.” She pulls me in for another hug and whispers in my ear. “Liam treating you fairly? He’s been a mess, Mad. Con and the guys were up with him all night on the beach. He didn’t get much sleep, if any.”

Once again, my heart breaks. I’m the reason he’s hurting…and there isn’t much I can do to fix it.

Only time can heal those wounds.

“I feel awful. I’m sorry this is all transpiring before your wedding.”

“Don’t be. I’m having the time of my life. And you should be too. Liam will be alright. He still has a lot of demons to work through. You can’t be a healer for everyone—even though I know you want to be.”

“I do. I wish more than anything that he can find happiness as I have in Diego.”

She looks around, cautious of who is around us. “Lainey isn’t it. I thought she was, but I’m starting to think she may have been a familiar rebound for him while you were away.”

“Seems that way. I feel bad for her. She really cares about him.” I can’t help but wear a sour look on my face.

Diego, being the man he is, notices. He stops chatting with his sister and Killian and works his way over to us.

“Ladies,” he announces himself, handing me my cocktail.

I lick the sugar off the rim and take a sip. Maybe the lavender will help me chill the fuck out. I’m tempted to eat the damn sprig garnishing the top.

Diego silently chuckles next to me, reading my thoughts as I eye the pretty purple flower.

“I thought earlier would have calmed you down,” he states confidently. “Liam say anything to bother you?” he questions, his sapphire eyes shimmering with the need to protect.

“Nothing I didn’t already know. He’s upset. I can’t really blame him.” I shrug, taking a sip of my drink.

Diego does the same. “I can’t fault him for his feelings, but he needs to stop making you feel guilty for your choice.”

“I don’t think he’s intentionally doing it,” Lexi defends him.

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