The Missing Monroe

Ch. 10 - Liam Henry Costa III

'So, Roxie Griffis?'

We had found a Costa and were currently sitting at a table, clutching beverages in our hands that Liam hasn't had to pay for, which stuck me as slightly odd.

I nodded. 'Yeah, Roxie Avril Griffis. What about you?'

'Liam Henry Costa. The Third.' He added that last bit on with an expression that looked like he had some disgusting taste in his mouth.

'Cool. Are you, like, super posh or rich or something?'

Liam nodded almost reluctantly. 'Yeah. My grandad, Liam Henry the First, he founded, well...' Trailing off, he pointed at the Costa sign.

'Family business?'

'Yeah, with me next to take it over. I'm thinking of passing it off to my little brother though, Charlie - he seems more interests in the business.'

'So, what are you going to do?'

'Become a drummer for a rock band. Go under the name Scar, because of, well, my scar, plus it sounds way cooler than Liam.'

'How did you get it?'

'Bunch of guys trying to take me so they could demand a ransom from my dad. Fought back, one got a knife out and I got cut.' He shrugged, sipping his latte. 'They're in jail now, so no biggie.'

'Wow...' I gently stirred the spoon in my Americano, before take a drink.

'What about you then?' He asked.

I gave a quick glance round.

'My older brother is Jayy Von Monroe.' I admitted quietly.

'No way!' Liam shouted. A few customers turned to glare.

'I mean, really?' He asked softly.

I nodded. 'I live with him.'

'Huh? Why?'

'Dad died before I was born, Jayy left when I was six, mum died when I was seven, I ran away so I wasn't put in a Home, got captured, abused, trafficked, before running off again and crashing into him. Literally.' I gave a smile.

Liam merely stared. 'Woah.'

'Meh. Stuff happens.' I shrugged. 'All over now.'

I sipped my coffee again, before a hand slipped over the top, pushing it down.

'Roxie...' Liam was leaning in, getting closer.

I blinked, before shutting my eyes as his lips met mine, moving in sync.

It was only for a moment though, before a hand grabbed my collar and yanked me back.

'Aww man, who the hell?' I spun round to see it was Ashley.

'Here you are! Jayy's looking for you!' He said.

Worst. Timing. Ever.

As I glared at Ashley, I noticed his eyes flicking occasionally towards Liam, with hints of anger.

'Well, tell him I'm here! Now, if you don't mind...' I turned back to Liam, who was scribbling something onto a napkin.

'Oh no, young lady, you're coming with me!'

'Won't Kina be waiting for you?' I shot.

'She had to go see a mate in hospital - they had broken an ankle.' Ashley replied, narrowing his eyes.

'It's ok Roxie.' Liam had appeared by my side. 'My dad is calling me anyway. Call me.'

He pressed the napkin in my hand, kissed my cheek and left, with death glares from Ashley following him out the door.