AllFreeNovel
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“So, sorry again. And sorry for what happened back at your apartment.” We’re seated at a table tucked away in the corner of the bar.
“We both have done things we regret.”
“I know, but—”
“Holls, you don’t owe me an apology. Let’s just call a truce. Let the past be the past. Not sure how long you’re here, so maybe we can just enjoy each other’s company. Friends?”
Suddenly, I’m staring back at a young Liam, barely a teenager, the first time he said those words to me.
“Look out!”
I don’t have time to do that before a gigantic snowball bashes into me. The icy shards explode across my face, and I inhale chilled air. I stand frozen, then slowly raise my hand and wipe away the snow so I can see who I’m about to murder.
“Hey, sorry, I meant to hit my buddy. You kind of came out of nowhere.”
“Nowhere?” I hiss. “I was walking in clear sight down the sidewalk.”
“Yeah, but in my defense, you’re dressed in all white. You kind of blend into the snow.”
Oh, the nerve! He’s gonna pay. I bend down, scoop a pile of snow into my gloves, and compact it into the perfect snowball. When I lift my eyes, the boy’s brows are up, and he’s looking back with a humorous smile.
“What are you going to do with that?”
“I’m gonna bring it home and name it as my new pet. What, do you think I’m going to do with it?”
“I was just asking—”
Having a brother taught me to take no prisoners. He opens his mouth, and I fire, hitting him smack in the face.
“Shit! That’s cold!”
“Don’t I know it.” With wide eyes, he suddenly bursts out in laughter. He walks up to me, and I throw up my guard, ready for another fight. He’s the same size as my brother. I can jump on his back and take him down.
“I deserved that.” He trudges through the snow until he’s within close range. I inhale a sharp breath as I get a better look at him.
He sticks his hand out. “How about a truce?”
“Truce.” I shake his hand.
“Liam.”
Liam, the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen.
“Uh. . .Holly.”
“Let’s start over, Holly. Friends?”
We spent that Christmas becoming friends. Being entranced by one another. Learning everything we could until there was no territory unsearched. And the night of our first tree lighting ceremony, he kissed me.
I blink, bringing myself back to the present. Liam stares intently at me, waiting for my response. I raise my glass. “Truce. Friends it is.” Our glasses clink, and I bring mine to my lips. I gaze over my glass at him as we fall silent for a moment, maybe both trying to figure out the rulebook on just being friends. It feels like a lifetime ago since we were just that.
“This place hasn’t changed a bit,” he starts, breaking the ice. I glance around the bar. Not a single thing has changed since we were kids.
“Tell me about it. Mr. Higsby is even on the same stool.” We both peek over at Mr. Higsby, hunkered over his beer, and laughter falls from our lips.
“Billy and I used to come here all the time. We were obsessed with their wings. He taught me how to play pool on those tables. Planned on having our first beers here. He really loved this place.”
My playful smile slowly fades. “Yeah. He did.” I take another sip of my beer, pushing the emotion back.
“Hey, sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just. . .this place brings back great memories. And I’d like to remember those.”
“I just hate that it’s all we have left of him.”
Liam reaches over and cups his hand over mine. The simple gesture sparks that old flame, and a ripple of heat runs through me. I lift my lashes to meet his. Friends. Friends. Friends. I pull my hand away, taking another gulp of my beer. “Okay! Looks like we should probably get another pitcher.” I stand, knocking my knee into the table.
A grin tugs at his lips, and he sits back casually in his chair. “Sit down, Holls.”
“What?”
“Listen, I get it. This is awkward. The two of us sitting here, trying to be friends. But I’d like to try. We can keep it light. No heavy topics. Simple shit. You start feeling uncomfortable, we drink. It will be our sign to change the subject.”
He waits for me to reply. I nod my head slowly, and he waves over to Hank, the owner of Gunther’s, for another round. “I’ll go first. How’s work? I hear you’ve really—”
I chug my beer.
He raises a brow. “Okay then, how’s city life? Heard—”
I put my empty glass down and grab his to chug.
A laugh barks out of his throat. “Okay, your favorite color still purple?”
I finish his beer, putting his empty mug next to mine. “It is. Thanks for asking. And yours? Still green?”
