*A Friends to Enemies to Lovers Romance*
Madalynn Reese never expected to see Liam Tucker again. Not after all of these years, and not after he broke all of their promises. But when she heads off to her dream college and runs into her ex-childhood b...
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"What is it you're majoring in, Maddie? Aaron tells me you have a love for environmental work?" Mr. Tucker questioned, looking at me in a way that made me feel I was on an interview.
I sat up straighter and glanced at Aaron before answering. "Yes, I love conservation efforts. I'm studying to become an ecologist, with a minor in zoology."
"That's very noble work dear." Patricia said, cutting a bite of her chicken.
"Thank you, I'm really loving my classes so far, and I'm currently on the lookout for a paid internship."
"Is there good money in that? In being an ecologist?" Mr. Tucker asked.
Next to me, I could hear Liam scoff, but he remained quiet. I smiled lightly, shrugging my shoulder. "I mean, I suppose there can be, but that really depends. I'm not doing it for the money though. It's something I'm just really passionate about."
A grunt was heard from across the table, but Mr. Tucker nodded, pursing his lips. "You know, Aaron here has quite the amount of passion for his work as well. He'll make a fine lawyer one day." He said, beaming at Aaron who was trying to act casual about the praise. "I find it's very important to have passion in what you do. Good for you, Maddie." He smiled, and I thanked him as he patted his mouth with his napkin.
"She's definitely a passionate person." Aaron grabbed my hand on top of the table, smiling down at me.
Mr. Tucker nodded, leaning back in his chair as he looked us over, sparing Liam a quick glance. "You know, I tell Liam that all the time--how important it is. He's not passionate about anything."
My eyes immediately widened at his misplaced remark while my heart dropped into my stomach. I turned to Liam to see his fist clenched around his glass as he brought it up to his mouth, glaring at his dad over the ridge as he took a drink.
"He seems to think life is his playground. No goals, no passion, no hard work, just play time. Now Aaron here, he's got his head on straight. I've been hoping he'll rub off on Liam."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing as Liam's jaw clenched so hard, I was sure the people on the other side of the room could hear his teeth grind. Yet, he remained silent as Mr. Tucker went on. And for that matter, so did Aaron who was looking quite smug out of the corner of my eye.
Before I thought it through, my hand flew down and gripped Liam's thigh, squeezing in comfort. He jerked his head toward me, eyeing me as I continued to face forward. I was fuming as Liam's father droned on, accompanied now by Aaron's mom, as they talked amongst themselves, acting as if they were in their own private room and not out in the open for everyone to hear.
Everyone including Liam.
"I'm just not sure what more we could do for him. Aaron can lead by example, but it's up to him to--"
"You're wrong."
Both Mr. Tucker and Patricia turned their heads and faced me with gaping eyes, and I realized then that I had spoken up. Clearing my throat, I spared a glance at Liam, who was eyeing me with such softness and curiosity, I had to quickly turn away and grip my knee to anchor my nerves.
