Page 53 of Impossible

Chapter Twenty-Two

Riley

This can’t be happening. How could I let Liam talk me into coming tonight? I should’ve known better. We weren’t ready for this.Theywere not ready for this. We let the supportive opinions of my friends and his brothers overshadow the truth, that we moved into this too fast. Peyton is looking at me like I'm the devil, like I preyed on her innocent, grieving brother. That’s not fair, though. I’m grieving too. Becca was my best friend.

As Shirley and Robert approach, I can only hope that Liam finds a way to get me out of here. There is absolutely no way I can manage to make it through the entire evening. Right now, I feel like I need to excuse myself before I start crying in front of everyone.

“If you will excuse me, I need to use the restroom.” I stand up and begin to walk towards the sliding door.

“It’s the second door on the right in the hallway past the kitchen,” Beverly shouts.

When I reach the bathroom, I quickly shut the door and fall against the sink, resting my hands on the granite. I look up in the mirror, a stranger staring back at me. Who is this person? I have always been the quiet one, ready to lend a helping hand whenever I could. Never wanting to be center of attention or disliked by anyone. Always trying to accommodate other’s needs. I can hear Becca’s voice now telling me,‘You need to stop worrying about what others think of you and do something for yourself for a change.’What would she think of me now? Would that still be her advice if she knew that I stole her husband? What would she think of me falling in love with Liam? But it did happen. I did fall in love with him. Is that so wrong?

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a light knock on the door. I take a deep breath before I open the door. To my surprise, it's Jackson standing there with a worried look on his face.

“Hey. You alright in there?” he asks while leaning against the wall, arms folded.

“I’m fine. Thanks.”

I’m not sure what else to say. No, I’m not fine, but I can’t tell him that. He must see through my bullshit.

“Don’t let Peyton’s reaction get to you. She’s a feisty one, but she has a good heart. She’s just taking her grief out on you and Liam. You guys aren’t doing anything wrong. It’s nice to see Liam happy again. Thanks for looking out for him.”

He has no idea how much his words help. For him to go out of his way to find me and say this to me means a lot.

“Thanks. Maybe tonight was just too soon.”

“Fuck no. Tonight was as good as any night. Look, it was going to catch people by surprise, sure. But that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with it. I say, go out there and don’t be afraid to be by his side. You’re what he needs right now.”

I can’t help but chuckle at his intensity. He’s a lot different than I am. I don’t do well with sticking with my actions if they offend others. This whole situation just feels...impossible.

“Thanks. Maybe I’ll give that a try. I appreciate your support. It means a lot.”

“No problem. Now what do you say we get back out there?” he drapes his arm over my shoulder like a playful brother. I don’t have a brother, I kind of like the protective vibe I’m getting from him.

When we walk back outside, everyone is talking and laughing. Shirley is holding Harper while Robert and Frank are talking. The mood has seemed to lift a bit and I’m relieved. Maybe we can get through the night without Shirley or Frank finding out. I hope everyone can agree that now is not the time for them to find out. It’s clearly a big step for them to come over for dinner. I take my seat next to Liam, looking for any type of indication of what he is feeling right now. He seems like he has relaxed into the environment. I take a big gulp of my wine, hoping I can muster up some courage to see this night through.

“It’s so nice to see you,” Shirley says to me.

“It’s nice to see you too, Shirley,” I reply shyly.

The next hour is spent with easy conversation. The grandparentsoohandahhover Harper, while the boys seem to spend their time making fun of each other. Peyton’s boyfriend, James, seems to join in on the bash talking like he is one of the guys, while Peyton sits in silence. I’m starting to get a little annoyed at her level of anger towards me. She knows nothing about my relationship with Becca. How could she pretend to know what Becca would be okay with? If anyone knows, it would be me...or Liam. Besides Shirley and Frank, I'm the one here with the longest history with Becca.

Liam excuses himself to go to the bathroom. When I look up, he is standing by the door waving me in. Everyone seems to be distracted, so I quietly get up and meet him in the kitchen. He is standing there, looking all sexy in his black t-shirt and dark jeans. If we were anywhere else, I wouldn’t be able to resist him, but I’m acutely aware of where we are. Liam, on the hand, seems to think otherwise. He motions for me to come over to him with his index finger. When I reach him, he takes my cheeks into his hands.

“How are you doing, babe?” he asks with so much concern in his voice.

“I’m shitting myself right now, Liam. How do you think I’m doing?”

He laughs. Seeming to find humor in my response.

“It’s fine. Minus Peyton’s inappropriate outburst, which I assure you I will be taking care of, everyone seems to be okay. My parents are cool with it, I can tell.”

“Okay. What about Shirley and Robert?”

He winces. “That was unfortunate timing. But I don’t think they would have a problem with it either. Maybe we don’t go flaunting anything in front of them tonight, but we can tell them eventually.”

”As long as we play it cool tonight. I think your family was about all I can handle right now.”

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