Page 62 of Addicted

Once seated, they leaned into each other and Owen tilted his head to the side, resting it on top of Liam’s.

“Being here is a good distraction. And The Pointe needs me. I like being needed.”

“Oh.” Liam bit his lip. He was almost too embarrassed to say it but he’d do anything to make Owen feel even the tiniest bit better. “I, um…I need you too.”

Owen stilled and, when Liam peeked up at him, he was staring back in wonder. Before Liam could even blush Owen’s lips were on his and they kissed gently, slowly, with only a hint of pressure, and despite himself, Liam wanted more but Owen broke away.

“I don’t think Marci would appreciate finding us tangled up on the couch again, although you do make me want another round of that.” Owen cupped Liam’s cheek with his palm and Liam leaned into it. “Your presence helps me. I should have called.”

“It’s fine,” Liam insisted. “Am I allowed to wish you a happy birthday now?”

“Of course, but you won’t be the first. Marci got to me this morning.” Owen managed a weak smile.

“I thought Finn would be the first,” Liam tried to joke but something dark passed through Owen’s eyes. “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”

“No, you didn’t. Finn and I…we’re not talking right now.” Owen got up and flipped a switch on the side of the desk phone, allowing calls to come through instead of going to voicemail.

“You’re not?” Liam had a sinking feeling it was about him.

“He was being a jerk so we’re in a cooling-off period.”

Liam was too afraid to ask how Finn was being a jerk so he changed the subject. “Marci was thinking about canceling your party tonight.”

Owen frowned. “Why? Does she know?”

Liam didn’t have the heart to reveal that Angelo had seen Owen leaving court the other day. It would only be a reminder of what Owen was going through and Liam wanted to maintain the small bit of relief that he was feeling.

“She said you sounded upset on the phone and asked me what to do.””What did you tell her?” Owen’s voice was cautious, unsure.

“I said that it might be good for you?” Liam responded with the same caution. “But I can have her cancel it if-”

“No. I’ll go. I admit I’m not feeling very festive but it’ll cause more trouble to cancel it than to attend.” The phone rang, cutting through the room and Owen glowered at it.

Darting to the desk, Liam picked it up without a second thought. “The Pointe wedding and catering hall, how may I help you?”

21

OWEN

“Didyouliketheparty?” Liam took in a deep breath of night air, closing his eyes to savor it as they left Bar None. A few patrons exited right behind them and Owen put his hand on the small of Liam’s back, steering him a few feet away so he wouldn’t be jostled.

“I did.” Owen settled against the white-painted brick wall. “You were right. Seeing everyone gathered there for me, for my birthday, helped get my mind off things. I do feel a little better.”

“Good.” Liam looked up at him with shimmering eyes full of adoration and Owen took a quick look around, deciding that no one would notice if he hugged Liam. It was a little awkward since Owen had a bag full of gifts on his shoulder and balloons in his hand but he still managed to embrace Liam, bending down to sniff his neck and enjoying how Liam shuddered in response.

“You were a godsend today, thank you.”

Owen didn’t know why fate had brought this man to him once again but he was grateful for it every day. The time following court had been a blur; he still couldn’t remember how he’d driven home. He’d thought he’d been prepared for anything, even prepared to lose, but once he’d gotten the verdict it had been more devastating than he’d imagined. And the fight with Finn hadn’t helped, leaving him feeling doubly lonely. He knew he should’ve called Liam or Dr. Lawson; both had reached out to him and Liam deserved to be told everything, the whole story of why Owen had lost, but Owen had gone for obliteration instead, spending the rest of his personal time drinking and suffering through a depression-coated hangover.

He still hadn’t been able to fully function when he’d arrived at The Pointe, but Liam had stepped in with comfort and then played bouncer, screening Owen’s calls and telling everyone that Owen had meetings all afternoon as well as bringing Owen lunch and reminding him to hydrate. It had given Owen the time and space he’d needed to parse, to restart his brain so he could slowly rejoin the living and prepare for a birthday party he wasn’t sure he could get through.

But it had gone better than expected. As he’d looked around at the decorations, the gifts, and the staff talking animatedly with each other, he felt thankful. Thankful that he still had good things in his life and that they provided a sense of belonging and potential. It reminded him that even though he’d lost he wasn’t alone.

Pulling away, Owen gestured across the street to where he was parked. “Can I give you a ride back to The Pointe so you can get your car?”

Liam shook his head. “It was such nice weather that I walked to work today. I can get home from here. Oh!” He looked down at the messenger bag resting on his hip. “I forgot to give you your gift.”

“Why don’t I drive you home? I can open it in the car.” The staff had pooled their money, giving Owen a generous gift card to one of the restaurants in town, along with a few silly presents that had everyone in stitches, but Owen knew Liam was going to give him something thoughtful. It was just the kind of person he was.

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