Page 59 of So That Happened

What the freaky-deak is happening? Liam never has any stories at all, never mind long ones.

Annie: I have many questions.

Liam:I’ll answer one.

I smirk as I type out my question.

Annie:Do you moonlight as a Dolly Parton impersonator?

I wait. Patiently. With bated breath (can you blame me?)

But there’s no reply.

Probably took that a step too far. It’s not every day that I ask my boss if he does a cross-gender country tribute for fun on a Friday night. But I guess that’s small-fry compared to what we’ve already been through.

After a few moments, I stash my phone away, cursing my stupid foot-in-mouth syndrome. There were literally a thousand less ridiculous things I could’ve texted him.

I sigh as I wander into Trader Joe’s and pick up a shopping basket. Lonely Friday nights call for hipster junk food. At least I can feel young and cool while inhaling copious amounts of calories.

I reach for a package of Everything But The Bagel kettle chips, and then head to the dip aisle. I check my phone again. Still no reply.

Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted. And maybe it’s a good thing that he didn’t text back.

Because I know there’s more to Liam Donovan than what I’m seeing. But I also know that digging is dangerous. I’m already intrigued by him—the last thing I need is to dig so far that I catch feelings. For my freaking boss. With the rock hard biceps.

And yes, I know this for a fact because I felt them that fateful morning.

My skin heats at the memory.

I remind myself that, even if I did like him like that—which I don’t—it could never be reciprocated. I’m a totem pole of all that he despises: flightiness, lateness, spontaneity.

And even if I wasn’t,he’s still my boss.Who appears to be very interested in (but not dating) a woman known for her shapely calves.

Goodness knows, after what happened with Justin, developing anything other than professional interest in someone I work with is out of the question. I’m going to need a bucket of ice cream and a reread ofRising Strongtonight to get myself in order.

I stand in front of the freezer for way too long, staring at the flavors before selecting a black tea and boba non-dairy dessert. I want to try something I’ve never had before. New experiences, that’s what my second chance in Atlanta’s all about.

Not repeating mistakes.

Which means that I will have no more thoughts of Liam. Just me, my calories, and my good friend Brené.

Pleased with my decision, I head for the checkout.

Ding!

I balance my phone precariously on my basket as I open the text. My heart leaps a little when I see the name at the top of the screen.

Liam:Grease-era John Travolta, actually.

Dammit.

17

LIAM

“Ready to go, Leggsy?” I ask as I buckle into the driver’s seat.

Getting Legs ready for her dance class was an experience. For one thing, I learned the hard way that you can spray a bottle of hairspray the wrong way.