Page 51 of Red Zone

“Social media, huh?” His tone made it sound like I’d said I sold knockoff watches on a street corner.

Liam’s jaw ticked, his gaze darting between me and his father. Under the table, I felt the warm brush of his hand against mine. Before I could react, his fingers closed over mine in a firm squeeze—not too much, just enough to say,I’ve got you.

My shoulders relaxed slightly, and I glanced at him. His expression didn’t waver, but the corner of his mouth twitched, just enough to let me know he wasn’t about to let his father’s attitude go unchecked.

“Social media is a huge part of modern sports,” Liam said evenly, his voice carrying just enough edge. “It keeps fans connected, grows the brand. It’s one of the reasons our team gets so much national attention. You’d know that if you kept up with anything at all.”

His father’s nostrils flared, but before he could respond, Fiona jumped in with a story about Liam’s childhood antics, deftly steering the conversation in another direction.

Liam’s hand slipped away, but the warmth lingered. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.

“Skye,” Fiona said after a while, her voice cutting through the lingering unease. “You’re doing an amazing job with Lily. I don’t know how you manage classes and everything else.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the genuine warmth in her tone. “I have help,” I admitted, glancing at Liam. “More now than I used to.”

Liam’s lips quirked into a small smile, and Fiona nodded approvingly.

“Well, if you ever need more help, you let me know.” She grinned. “I mean it. You’ve got enough on your plate.”

Her words shouldn’t have made my throat tighten, but they did. I managed a quiet “Thank you,” my fingers tightening around my fork.

By the time dessert—homemade brownies—was served, Lily was yawning, her head resting against my arm. I excused myself to get her settled on the couch in the living room with a movie, thanks to Fiona. When I returned, Liam was alone in the kitchen, rinsing plates while Fiona kept Lily entertained. Their dad sat at the table as he nursed what I suspected was another mixed drink.

“You okay?” Liam asked, his voice low as he stepped closer. His concern was genuine, and for a moment, I saw the Liam I’d fallen for back in freshman year—not the football star or the man still figuring himself out, but someone who cared deeply.

I nodded, though the knot in my stomach hadn’t entirely loosened. The glimpse at his family life—thanks to his dad’s demeanor—told me more than I thought I would learn just from sharing a meal with them. I caught a flicker of something in Liam’s eyes—determination, maybe, or regret. It was hard to tell. “Yeah. Just tired.”

Even with the uncomfortableness of his dad’s presence, the weight of Liam’s and Fiona’s support throughout dinner settled over me, something I could get used to.

Liam

As I stood in the kitchen, stacking plates with Skye, I could hear Fiona in the living room, her animated voice likely coaxing Lily into coloring or playing with one of the toys we’d brought over as the movie played in the background. I couldn’t help but smile at the sound of Lily’s soft giggles. At least someone was enjoying themselves. Skye excused herself to check on Lily, and I took the opportunity to speak to the problem in the room—or my life, really.

Still at the dining table, Dad slouched in his chair. As I approached, I caught the faintest whiff of Jack Daniels.

“Will there ever be a time you don’t drink?” I accused.

He smirked, swirling the liquid in his glass like he was proud of it. “What do you care? Not like I’m driving anywhere.”

I bit back the urge to snap at him. It wasn’t the time. Skye had already been on edge all night, and I wasn’t about to make things worse with a shouting match.

Speaking of Skye, she appeared in the doorway just then, holding Lily’s bunny in one hand. “I think we’re going to head out,” she said, her voice tight.

“You don’t have to leave yet.” I took a step toward her. “Fiona’s with Lily?—”

“No, it’s okay,” she interrupted, offering a strained smile. “She’s getting sleepy anyway. Thanks for dinner.”

I wanted to argue, to tell her to stay, but the look in her eyes stopped me. She was done for the night, and I couldn’t blame her. Being around my father was a mistake, I should never have agreed when Fiona put on the pressure about dinner. We should have done something elsewhere, without Dad.

“I’ll walk you out.” I grabbed her coat from the back of a chair.

We didn’t say much as I helped her get Lily bundled up, the quiet between us heavy with unspoken tension. Once they werein the car and pulling away, I headed back inside, my jaw tight as I closed the door behind me.

Dad was still at the table, his glass now empty but his smirk firmly in place. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full”—his voice dripped with mockery—“playing house with a kid that isn’t even yours. That’s bold, Liam. Real bold.”

“Watch it,” I warned, my voice low.

“What?” He leaned back in his chair with that same smug look he always had when trying to provoke me. “I’m just saying it like it is. You can play house all you want, but it won’t last. Love never does. You of all people should know that by now.”

---