Page 32 of Broken Desires
I’ve never been Ian’s biggest fan, but right now, I’m silently thanking him for cutting through the tension that’s obvious, even to me.
Liam responds with a polite shake of his head. “I doubt it. Our paths don’t seem like they’d cross.”
This Liam is new to me. He’s not just defending; he’s on the offensive with every word, and I can’t lie—I’m here for it. Seeing him like this is oddly satisfying.
Ian flushes a little at the jab, but instead of backing down as he usually would, he goes on.
“I’m sure I’ve seen you before.”
“Well, I visit California annually for the Vanderbilts’ golf tournament. Perhaps you’ve seen me there? Or maybe you were caddying?” Liam is nonchalant, but the underlying dig is unmistakable.
I can’t contain a snort at Liam’s remark, quickly turning it into a cough and reaching for my water, all too aware of my sister’s glare.
“Or maybe you’ve been to London?” Liam adds, throwing another possibility into the mix.
Ian’s never left our small corner of the world, despite his grandiose self-image, courtesy of his status as the pastor’s son. “Ian’s idea of travel is the church retreat upstate,” I add, not bothering to hide my amusement.
“That’s not accurate. I joined a church delegation to Northern Europe eight years ago,” Ian asserts, a hint of pride on his face.
I half expect Liam to counter that, too, but instead, he simply nods. “Perhaps I just have one of those faces.”
“You really don’t,” Lily unexpectedly admits, then seems caught off guard by her own words. It’s undeniable—Liam’s charm is evident, and even Lily can’t overlook it. After regaining her composure, she turns to me with a less-than-subtle dig. “Well, at least my husband can drive to the supermarket, unlike you. Does Liam know about your DUI? That you can’t drive?”
Her words hit hard, deflating me. Haven’t gotten around to my criminal highlights yet, I think bitterly.
Liam, unfazed, continues eating. “She mentioned it,” he lies smoothly, throwing me a supportive wink. “But being her driver isn’t a problem for me.”
“I’ll be able to drive again soon,” I counter Lily’s snide comment.
Liam casually mentions, “And we’ll have you learning stick shift if you’re up for driving the Aston Martin.”
That catches Ian’s and Dad’s attention instantly—cars, their universal language.
As Lily gears up for another jab, Mom cuts in, “Are you staying at a hotel nearby?”
Liam shakes his head, “No, we’re planning to head back home tonight.”
Mom catches the “we” immediately. “We?”
“Yes,” Liam affirms, placing his hand over mine. “Vanessa and I.”
Dad scowls at our joined hands, and Mom looks utterly shocked.
“Wait just a minute, young man. My daughter is here for the week, and you have no right to make decisions for her! And keep your hands to yourself at the table—it’s improper for unmarried people,” my father erupts.
Jesus M. Christ, not this again, I think, bracing for the usual tirade.
“Yeah, well, considering all the men she’s been with, I’d say she’s already on her way to hell,” Lily chimes in with her two cents, ever ready to cast stones.
“Lily!” Mom snaps, more to curb Lily’s outspokenness than to defend my honor, I’m sure.
I attempt to withdraw my hand, feeling the weight of their judgments, but Liam’s grip is firm, unwavering. “It’s not up to me,” he acknowledges, then turns to me, his gaze softening. “Do you want to go home?”
Considering the disaster this visit has been and how Liam’s presence is stirring the pot even more, I nod without hesitation.
His smile is all the assurance I need. “Then it’s settled,” he declares confidently.
“It is absolutely not settled!” My father’s face turns a shade of purple I didn’t know was possible for a human.