Page 72 of Cougar

“What happened with the doctor?”

“Dude, I told you we’re just friends. We actually hang out a lot, but I’m not into her like that. I banged her that one time after the foundation dinner, and afterward I felt like shit. I shouldn’t have pursued her like that. She’s a smart, beautiful, educated woman who deserves more than to be fucked over by a punk like me.”

“Are you saying she’s too good for you?”

He huffs out a laugh. “Yeah. I think she’s meant to be in my life, but just as a friend and nothing more.”

“Wow, man. That’s deep. It looks like someone’s found his conscience.”

“Shut up.” He turns his attention to the television.

“As your best friend, I’m gonna to have to disagree. She’s not too good for you. However, you are definitely a punk.”

Liam just shakes his head before taking a swig of his beer.

“Why do you do this?” I ask.

He looks over at me. “Do what?”

“Act like you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve to be happy. It’s because of Vanessa.”

“I know.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. “I miss her a lot. She was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I fucked it up. I tried to see Coach while I was in town. I think he still hates me.”

“Coach doesn’t hate you. He’s a little pissed at you, but he’s actually rooting for you.”

“You saw him?”

I shrug. “We had lunch last month.”

“Did he say anything about Vanessa? How she’s doing? Where she’s living?”

I lean my head back against the couch and blow out a breath. “All he said was that she’s happy.” I cut my eyes over to watch his reaction.

He lowers his head and picks at the label of his beer. “Is she with someone?”

“Yes.”

Liam nods. “Of course she is. She’s beautiful. Only an idiot like me would let someone like Vanessa go.”

“If it makes you feel any better, Coach thinks he’s a prick.”

Liam exhales a puff of air out his nose. “Not really. She should be with a good guy, not a prick.”

I nod. “True, but you know Coach. He thinks everyone’s a prick.” I poke him in the arm. “Including you.”

He just nods, still messing with the label.

“Have you tried calling her?”

“Every day.”

I raise my brows. “You call Vanessa every day?”

“Sometimes I text.”

“How long have you been doing that?”

“Since the day she left.”

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