Page 42 of Playing the Player

“Some people with ADHD can be really impulsive and make bad decisions without thinking it through first.”

Sasha stops walking, turning to face me. “How do you know that?”

“I, umm…” Fuck! “After you told me about Liam, I did some research.” Her eyes immediately soften, some of her fear and anger rushing out of her at my statement. Guilt punches me straight in the chest. Why did I not just tell her the truth? Fuck, I’m an asshole. I’ve spent so long hiding my diagnosis that the lie just slipped out without a second thought. See? Impulsive and bad decisions!

“I haven't heard from my parents.” She says, walking towards the entrance again. “Do you think they even know he’s gone?”

“I don’t know, Angel. It’s what, a twenty-two hour bus ride from New York to here? They should know he’s gone by now.”

“Then why didn't they call me?” She snaps, the words coming out harsher than she intended. She immediately winces. “I’m sorry. Let’s just go in and get him.”

We take the elevator to the sixth floor in silence. I don’t want to say the wrong thing, so I say nothing at all. When the elevator doors ping open, Sasha storms down the hallway and starts hammering on Max’s door.

The second the door swings open, Liam is there. Sasha visibly relaxes and pulls her little brother into her arms so tightly I’m surprised he can even breathe. I say little brother but he actually towers over his sister.

Max is standing in the open doorway watching Sasha with a look I recognize immediately. Regret. Maybe even awe. He lost the right to look at her like that when he fucked it all up between them and he needs to stop before I pummel him.

It still baffles me how anyone would cheat on this woman. She’s incredible. Smart, sassy, funny, and beautiful. She’s everything I could ask for in a partner and more. Stupid fucker. He has lost the best thing that has ever happened to him and I bet he’s only realizing that now.

He wouldn’t need to come sniffing back around Sasha again. I’ll cut off his balls and shove them down his throat if he even tries. What if she wants him to though? She wouldn’t, would she? No, I know she wouldn't. This asshat hurt her too much, she would never go back to him. I think.

Sasha finally pulls away from Liam, placing her hands on his face and looking him up and down. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“Relax, Sashabear, I’m fine.” I chuckle at the nickname drawing the attention of both him and Max. Liam’s eyes widen. “Holy shit!” He practically shoves Sasha out of the way, moving in front of me. “You’re Conor Matthews.”

“Language!” Sasha snaps, rolling her eyes.

I grin and stick my hand out for him to shake. “Nice to finally meet you, Liam.”

“Sash, did you hear that?” He looks at his sister like I’ve just announced that I personally invented oxygen. “Conor Matthews knows my name!”

I glance at Sasha. She’s holding back a smile. Then, my eyes then travel to Max whose face is so twisted it looks like he’s severely constipated. I almost laugh. I bet he never got this reaction from Liam when he and Sasha were dating. Loser.

“Come on, let's go home.” Sash says, pushing Liam’s back so he walks towards the elevator. “Thank you, Max.” She calls behind her, not even sparing him a second glance and for some reason, a sense of pride fills my chest.

We leave the building and start walking towards Sasha’s place, with Liam talking my ear off the whole way. I was exactly like him when I was younger… Never knew when to shut the hell up.

“I love you, Conor Matthews.”

“You’re so cool, Conor Matthews.”

“Can I get a picture or an autograph, Conor Matthews?”

It’s laughable how he can’t just say my first or last name. He has to use both each time.

“You know you can just call him Conor, right?” Sasha says from beside me.

“Really?” Liam looks towards me with wide eyes again. “I can?”

“Yeah, buddy, you can.”

“Sasha! Did you hear that? Conor Matthews called me buddy.” I burst out laughing. This is so entertaining. Sure, I’ve had kids excited to meet me before, but never with this much enthusiasm. “This is the best day of my life.” He lets out a happy sigh.

We’re almost back at Sasha’s when Liam stops walking. “Wait a minute.” He points between Sash and me. “Why are you two together?”

“You’re seriously only noticing that now?” Sasha asks.

“Well, yeah. I’ve been distracted.” He says, his hand waving in my direction.