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Me: It’s more than a misunderstanding. I’m not sure how to prove anything when all I have is my word.
Liam: Is there something I can do to help?
Me: Don’t take it personally that I’m cancelling our dinner plans. Would you take a rain check?
Liam: I can do that. Or, if you’re even in the mood for just coffee or ice cream, we can always meet at Skippers since it’s at the far end of the wharf behind the lobster shack. It’s fairly secluded.
Ice cream has the potential of being a good remedy for a prison hangover. Although I’m not sure there’s enough ice cream in the world to undo what I went through last night.
Me: Ice cream is almost always the best answer to everything.
Liam: And ice cream can cause brain freeze, which technically…can make your thoughts temporarily go away.
For the simple fact that he made my mouth almost twitch into a hint of a smile, I’m beginning to regret cancelling tonight.
Me: I could use a distraction…
Liam: Name the day and time and I’ll be there.
Me: How about mid-afternoon?
It’s clear I got no sleep last night. I’m never this forward or decisive when it comes to making plans, but I’m desperate to focus on something else for a minute.
Liam: Today?
Maybe that was a little too forward after cancelling our plans for tonight. Shoot.
Me: Unless you’d rather wait…
I probably would if I was him. There’s no way to make this situation sound much better.
Liam: No, of course not. Today is perfect. I’ll meet you there at twelve :)
FOURTEEN
SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH 12:00 PM
Even though I know it’s just in my head, I feel like everyone I walk past is staring at me. I even dug out my baseball cap and accessorized with large-frame sunglasses. Two days ago, I left my apartment hoping to have a decent summer with some spare cash. Now I’m afraid of what news awaits me each hour of the day. The evidence the officers found came up inconclusive since my fingerprints weren’t on the baby bottle they found in my car, but I wonder how long it will be before they think they’ve found something else that can be considered evidence. I was so frazzled when the police took me away that I forgot to mention the search history on their computer, and now I wonder if it would be suspicious to bring it up now as an afterthought. I would hope they would take a look for themselves if they’re searching all possible sources for evidence. All I know is, I was in the house with the two girls alone that night regardless of what else is said. The public will believe whatever they hear.
The warm breeze hits me like a sheet of ice. I’m cold to the bone and nothing can warm me up from this nightmare. Even the sight of Liam makes me think about smiling but instead, my stomach churns and my heart races for the wrong reasons. Whatif he asked me to meet him here so he could tell me I’m crazy and question how I could do something to an innocent child?
“I’m not sure if your disguise is working,” Liam says, tilting his head to the side. He teases or tests a smile as he walks toward me. His hands are resting in his pockets and he’s slow to approach, likely getting a sense of how skittish I am.
The sun reflects off his cobalt eyes and paints a slight gingery hue along his dark messy waves. He’s in board shorts, beach sandals, and a surf brand T-shirt. He seems far more relaxed and comfortable than I am. I’m jealous.
“Please tell me you didn’t watch the news earlier today,” I utter when we’re close enough for only him to hear my words.
His chest puffs out as he takes a long inhale. “I did see it, but like the reporter said, it’s a developing story. It seems like the media just needs to hear what you have to say, right?”
“Liam, it’s sweet that you offered to get ice cream with me, but I truly don’t want to pull you into this. You’re a teacher. You shouldn’t be seen with me.”
He grins as if what I said is funny or cute. “What’s your favorite flavor?” He is purposely overlooking my legitimate concern for his wellbeing.
“Strawberry.”
“Cone or a cup?”
“Cone,” I answer, reaching into my purse for a few dollars.
