Under the Bridge

chapter thirty four- "attraction is genetic"

HE'S DRIVING, WITH THE CITY SKYLINE WHIPPING PAST US as we approach. He didn't tell me where we're going, only that it's important, and that he hopes I have fun. Liam's hand is not on my knee, but instead, drumming against the steering wheel as Linger, by the Cranberries, plays on the car. I don't mind as much as I thought I would. 

"I think I'm going to get my driver's licence." I comment, resting my head on the window. 

Liam's lips curl up a little, but he keeps his eyes on the crowded and difficult city streets. "Do you have your permit?" He asks. 

I nod, but then I realize he can probably only see it in the corner of his eye. His expression says that he's noticed, because he bites his lip, nervously. He's going to ask a question. I've noticed that he blinks more and tenses his hand when he's going to say something that might make me uncomfortable. "Why don't you have one?" 

I sigh. "It always made me anxious. But I need one for college. Cambridge is far away." 

That is when Liam stops at a red light and gazes at me. "Chicago, is far away." 

I've realized what makes his sort of support different than Alec's. Alec would tread lightly. He would only hint at what he thought was right. On the contrary, if Liam Walker thought something, he would shout it from the rooftops. 

I pause. "It's already been decided." 

He raises his eyebrows. "By who?" He asks, words staining the air like spilled grape juice. It felt like it would never come out. 

"Me." I say. "I chose. Maybe I chose wrong, but it's too late now." 

He doesn't say anything, which is the scariest thing of all. 

* * *

We pull up beside an old townhouse, the kind of brick place that's coated in ivy and feels lively, though is probably small inside. It's a bit of a trek, but I didn't mind. Spare the awkward silences, I don't think I can imagine not liking my time with Liam. 

He puts the car in park and looks at me. "I've been staying with my dad these past few days, with Lizzie, too. We're going back at Christmas, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. I don't know if he's home or not. We have other plans soon, anyways." 

I look up and meet his gaze. "Who's Milo?" I ask, genuinely. A secret brother, or cousin? Maybe a clone of him, or his secret gay lover. 

"My dog." He says, anticlimactically. "If Milo doesn't like you, I don't know if this will workout." Liam speaks in a joking tone, but for some reason, I still worry. But it's okay, because I always worry. I've gotten used to it. 

We step inside and into a cozy, wooden sort of place full of pictures. 

"Dad, are you here?" Liam asks, voice resonating through the house. 

A loud, masculine, laugh fills the room, and I see a figure step through the hallway. He's wearing a loose flannel and shorts, an interesting choice for winter, but the surprise goes away when I look down and see a shiny metal prosthetic leg. I look up immediately so he doesn't think I'm staring. He looks like Liam, dark and messy hair, stubbly jaw, and big lips. 

"Oh Liam, I didn't see you brought someone, who's this?" He asks, charisma radiating off of him. Liam tugs off his jacket and takes mine, hanging it on the rack. 

"Dad, this is Olivia. Olivia, this is my dad." I smile and reach out to shake his hand, trying my best not to be nervous. 

His father raises his eyebrows. "I've heard a lot about you."