An Unexpected Meeting: (A Lawsworth Fanfic)

Chapter 18: The Party Part 3

Liam swings the door open and spots Jack standing by the corner of the bed looking panicked. "Mate, what are we gonna do? I mean, we can't let her stay here can we?" Jack asks running his hand through his hair.

Liam sighs and rubs his eyes, suddenly feeling tired. "It's my fault, me and my stupid 'mi casa du su casa' thing. Knew that would come to bite me in the butt" Liam says dropping his hand with a grimace. This was something he'd been worried about when he heard that his invites were making the round in L.A. but it was too late now to doing anything. "Suppose the damages done. Come on, let's just head downstairs and I'll go talk to her." He sighs really not looking forward able seeing what state his ex-fiancée was in, though he could make a good guess from the way her voice was screeching from the living room.

"O-ok," Jack stutters a little then glances to the light coming from his bathroom.

"Wouldn't go in there, mate. Was a hell of a number 2 I dropped." Liam says trying to sound casual. To his relief, Jack grimaces and mutters about using the one downstairs. "Ok, just give me two sec's. I er," he says looking away, "I think I need a moment to sort myself out and get ready for what might come." He see's Jacks eyes widen then he nods and offers Liam his fist. "Thanks for the heads up mate, I owe you one," Liam says bumping his fist against Jack's.

"No worries mate," Jack says managing a weak smile. "You know I've got your back." Liam nods and watches Jack close the door behind him.

Concerned about Jennifer, Liam goes to his bed, he lifts up the mattress and withdraws something that he holds out to Jennifer as she pokes her head through the bathroom door. "Is that where you hide all your lace panties?" She asks trying for humour but without much luck as she walks over to him.

"It worked when I was fifteen." Liam offers with an automatic smile that doesn't reach his eyes. She gives him a similar smile.

"So what are you going to do?" She says as she busy's herself by slipping on her panties and readjusting the slight mess her hair has become from their bathroom antics.

"Dunno," Liam sighs watching her. "Guess I'll just say 'Hello' and see what happens, I can't just kick her out since it's an open invitation."

"Hm," Liam hears Jennifer's murmur and sees her eyes narrow momentarily at her reflection then she glances at him and nods. He walks in and stands behind her glancing at his own reflection before meeting her eyes in the mirror. He tries to convey the newly rising worries and anxieties he is feeling on his face.

Whether she sees it or not, Liam can't tell but she still takes his arm and wraps it around her, giving his forearm a gentle squeeze. He closes his eyes and takes a moment to draw comfort and strength for her touch. "Okay, better head down before Jack comes back." He sighs, leaning forward to press his lips to the side of her head. He feels her fingers tighten on his arm one more time then her hand drops.

•

Liam's feeling of dread only increasing with every step down the stairs. He immediately spots faces he doesn't recognize, dressed in expensive clothing with jewellery that must have cost hundreds of dollars. Their outfits contrast wildly with the hollow cheeks and stoned grins as they gaze around looking like they have no idea where or who they are but not caring one bit.

When he turns to the DJ booth he sees Miley and even though he has seen how she is styling herself nowadays it still makes him shudder with revulsion. Gone is the soft dark waves of hair that suited her to be replaced with the bleach blonde strands that shine unattractive under the lights. A thick layer of makeup is smeared on her face and her ever-present tongue is wagging around like a pink snake in its death throws. He watches, growing more annoyed as he see's her berating Ted for not playing more of her own songs. He see's Ted huffing to himself as he looks at his screen and seconds later he hears the familiar tone of 'Wrecking ball' begin to play but before Miley can begin to sing along she spots Liam. He feels his insides squirm as her wide lips crack into a grin showing teeth that look far too bright to be natural.