Page 151 of My Wife
By now, a crowd has started to gather, including Liam’s brother. “What’s going on?”
“Liam is having a therapy session,” I whisper.
A few of the other Knights must take notice and clear out the nosy nellies.
Liam frowns. “I’m done. It’s over. I’m truly sorry about that night. That you lost your sister.”
Hendrix moves to intervene, but I grip his arm, mostly because I need something to hold on to and the brothers are about the same size. Plus, I think Liam needs this moment without interference as well-meaning as it might be.
He continues, “But it doesn’t do either one of us any good reliving it.”
“You have no idea,” Valjean growls.
“You’re right. I don’t. But I was there. It was icy. Franklin said he was okay to drive. We didn’t have any reason not to believe him. Marci made him promise to go slow. He did even though she kept tickling his ear and kissing his neck from the backseat. She wasn’t wearing her seatbelt. Then we hit a slick patch. He lost control. I’ve played it over and over in my mind. Traded places. Wished that it had been me.” Liam’s voice strains.
My heart breaks for him, for both of them and for what they went through.
Liam glares at Valjean. “When we got in the car, Franklin told everyone to put on their seatbelts. No exceptions. He specifically reminded Marci. She saidyounever made her when you drove her and picked her up from school.”
Valjean’s face turns red and then his eyes dissolve with liquid and he presses them shut.
I quickly realize that he’s been putting his guilt onto Liam, and Liam has been turning his guilt onto himself. It’s too much to ask for them to hug it out, but Liam does extend his hand to help his adversary to his feet.
Hendrix claps Liam’s shoulder. “You okay, bro?”
He nods, then turns back to Valjean. “Now, apologize to my wife,” Liam says in a tone that suggests the Titans player won’t be okay if he doesn’t say he’s sorry.
Valjean mutters, “Sorry.”
The guys nod at each other and Valjean whisks down the hallway.
I call after him, “Thanks and have a great night! Good luck next season. Break a—” I wince. “I mean, don’t break anything. That’s a theater term.”
The guys chuckle. Hendrix gives his brother a bro hug and then I get a bear hug.
“I was wrong about you guys,” he whispers before letting me go and leaving us for Colette. Did he see our marriage of convenience for what it was … and what it is now?
When Liam and I get outside, it’s warm, almost summer. I let out a long-held breath.
Liam is quiet on the drive back to the loft.
When we park, I say, “Thanks for sticking up for me.”
He stiffens. “Don’t ever think you deserve anything less.”
“Ironic to have Mr. Meanie tellingmeaniesto leave me alone.”
“You don’t win by being nice.”
“Bullies always lose.”
“Are you saying I’m a bully?”
“You can be rude.”
Liam cuts the engine. “How do you propose I dealt with Valjean? He’s been tormenting me and then he brought it to you. Not on my watch.”
“You could’ve called him to talk about it before it?—”
