Page 38 of The Grumpy Actor

Okay, that’s not what I expected at all.

I’ve always known he doesn’t rely on emotions, but I assumed acting was his passion.

Well, his love for money can still be considered passion, right?

No. Doing it solely for the money is quite…

“It’s vain.” He steals my chance to respond. “I know it is, but back then, all I wanted was enough money so I never had to lack anything again. Acting was my easiest way to achieve financial security, so I took it.”

It’s not vain.

I know that much from the sadness hidden deep in his voice. He’s trying to hide that emotion, but he’s failing at it.

It wasn’t just about the money. The need for financial security must have come from a place of lacking.

I study the dark shadow that has fallen over his face.

There are deep-rooted things I don’t know about Liam. His past must have shaped him into who he is now. From here, it looks like not all of it was rosy.

My heart goes out to him even without knowing exactly what happened in his life.

Did I ever know Liam?

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting financial security. It takes a lot of courage and consistency to want it and achieve it, Liam,” I say softly, placing my hand over his. “You shouldn’t think any less of your reason. After all, you made it this far.”

Liam turns toward me, his eyes filling up with warmth.

He takes my hand in his and pulls me closer against his chest.

The movement catches me off guard, but I don’t complain about it.

Being in his arms is one thing I’ve always loved and still do. I’ll just enjoy this moment before I return to reality, where we’re not together and never will be.

“I never knew my parents. I grew up in an orphanage, and when I was eight, I moved to a foster home,” he says.

His tone is flat and void of every emotion. It’s almost like he has detached himself from the story he’s narrating, like it didn’t even happen to him.

Hearing what he just said doesn’t sit well with me. Just knowing that he didn’t grow up with a family makes my heart hurt.

And maybe just a few things about his behavior begin to make sense to me.

“I changed about eight foster homes before I came of age. It was hard. I didn’t mind the fact that I wasn’t like the rest of the kids I met at school. I just hated how weak it made me feel when I couldn’t afford basic things that every kid my age had.”

It must have been horrible. I place my hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat against my palm, imagining the little boy who grew up without the love he deserved.

I spent my early childhood sheltered by parents who loved me. And even when Dad died, I never felt as though I was lacking anything because Mom and I were there for each other.

Liam didn’t have any of that. It isn’t fair.

“Things like books, clothes, and three square meals a day were a luxury. Most of the foster homes I got into were run by people who only took in kids so they had an extra source of income.”

There’s a hint of pain in his voice now. It’s clear the events of his past still have a hold on him.

“I met Julian when I started a new high school after I changed foster homes for the eighth time. He was the first friend I had, and I didn’t even want the friendship. Basically, Julian adopted me, and it’s still one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

My respect for Julian triples as soon as he says this. He told me about Julian when we were dating, even though I hadn’t met him yet.

I knew of the strong bond they shared, but I didn’t know the circumstances of their first meeting.

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