The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Six - Part One

Part Six - Part One

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I admire many people for various reasons, but talking to Liam isn't one of them.

He infuriates me with his ability to get under my skin. "Okay, so listen," he says, stepping into my bedroom without a greeting. He kicks off his shoes and flops down on my bed as if he owns it.

My expression must be broadcasted on every billboard. "Oh, just come right in. Make yourself at home."

Liam rolls his eyes, stretching out on the mattress with his arms behind his head. "Let's be rational adults here. We're grown-ups. We can do whatever we want."

I scoff, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. "Yeah? Adults living under their parents' roof and relying on their money? Anyway, why are you here?"

His grin deepens, dimples carving into his cheeks as his umber eyes gleam. I sit beside him, keeping a safe distance.

I don't know what spell he can cast on me.

"Why do your friends always hang around so long?" he asks, ignoring my question. He has a knack for overlooking the obvious.

I chuckle, though it's not amused. "Sorry for having friends. Next time, I'll make sure not to bring them around. Not that you get a say in it—you never do."

Liam's grin remains. "Dalley, you should thank me. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't even have the guts to talk to Adam. Let alone tell him all your little secrets. And I quote, 'I love those tight shorts and kissable lips—'"

As my diary's familiar words escape his lips, I quickly cover his mouth with my hand.

Liam almost earns a punch in the face. I narrow my eyes. "Have you ever hated someone so much you just want to punch them and throw them out? That's you, pal."

I remove my hand, wiping it on my pants. Liam's grin doesn't waver, eyes still fixed on the ceiling.

I take a moment to study his defined features. Liam's changed his outfit: a tight-fitting t-shirt highlights his abdominal muscles, and grey sweatpants complete the look. The dimples in his cheeks only add to the annoyance.

When he tilts his head and catches my gaze, I quickly look away. He probably thinks I'm checking him out—gag.

"Hey, behave yourself," he says with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "I'm into your friend, not you. So be a good boy."

I snap my head toward him, his smirk plastered across his face. "What the... no! Oh my God, that's so gross. How could you even think that? Don't make me gag. You're the worst."

Liam laughs but continues, "anyway, I have a plan for you and Adam to be in the same space. He was planning to go to the new graveyard cinema across town. Heard of it?"

I shake my head, curious about his idea.

He rolls his eyes. "Of course not. Adam invited me to go, but I declined. He didn't want to go alone, so I suggested bringing a friend. He agreed, so all three of us can go to the movies. That way, I can leave you two alone and go my own way."

My face remains as blank as a sheet of paper. I give him a deadpan look. "Bro..."

Liam blinks, missing the sarcasm. "Bro, what?"

"Did you say graveyard cinema?"

He nods eagerly.

I burst into laughter. "Ha! You got me there, Blackwell! That's a good one. Yeah, no. Call me when the dead wake up, and maybe then I'll consider going."

Liam's grin falters, replaced by a look of playful annoyance. "Come on, Dalley. Don't be so dramatic. It's just a theme for a cinema. You're really going to pass up an opportunity to hang out with Adam?"

I cross my arms, leaning back. "It's not about hanging out with Adam. It's about the theme. I mean, graveyard cinema? What's next, haunted house bowling?"

Liam chuckles, shaking his head. "You're impossible. It's not like they're really screening movies in a graveyard. It's just a quirky name. They've got a giant screen set up in a park, and they've made it look spooky for fun. It's not even that scary."

"Yeah, right," I say skeptically. "And who exactly thought this was a good idea? Who comes up with these themes?"

Liam shrugs, his grin returning. "People with a sense of humor, I guess. Anyway, I'm serious about this plan. It's a chance for you and Adam to spend some time together. It's low-key, and I'll be there to break the ice. I promise I'll stay out of your way."

I raise an eyebrow. "Why should I trust you? Last time you said you'd stay out of the way, you ended up crashing my family dinner."

He winces, but the smirk never leaves his face. "Hey, in my defense, I was just trying to be friendly."

"Friendly?" I scoff. "You showed up uninvited and managed to turn a nice evening into a disaster."

Liam laughs, a genuine sound that makes me crack a reluctant smile. "Okay, maybe I didn't exactly play it by the book. But look, I'm really trying to help you here. Adam's a good guy. And if you're into him, then why not give this a shot?"

"I don't know," I say slowly. "It sounds like you've got some ulterior motive. What's in it for you?"

Liam's eyes sparkle with mischief. "Well, besides the obvious pleasure of watching you squirm? Nothing much. I just thought it would be fun. Plus, it's an opportunity for you to see Adam in a different setting. Sometimes, a change of scenery can reveal new sides of people."

I consider his words, feeling the weight of his sincerity mixed with his usual cheekiness. "And what if it doesn't go as planned? What if it's a disaster?"

"Then it's a disaster you'll have shared with Adam," Liam says smoothly. "But honestly, I don't think it will be. Sometimes, you've just got to take a chance and see where it goes."

"Fine," I finally say, relenting. "I'll think about it. But if this turns out to be a train wreck, I'm blaming you."

Liam's grin widens. "Deal. And don't worry, I'll make sure the graveyard theme stays on the spooky side of fun. You'll have a great time."

I shake my head, half-amused and half-annoyed. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"Yep," Liam says, his grin never fading. "But you love it. Or at least, you'll love this idea when you see how much fun it is."

As he settles back into the bed, still looking far too comfortable, I feel a mix of resignation and curiosity. Maybe he's right. Maybe stepping out of my comfort zone with Adam will lead to something unexpected.

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