Cookie

21

"Did you have fun today?"

Liam’s voice breaks the silence as I watch familiar streets pass by through the car window. We’re back in town now. It’s dark outside, the kind of darkness that should make me feel uneasy, just like this morning. But it doesn’t.

I wouldn’t say I feel good—I don’t think I’ll ever enjoy being in a car again—but it’s not as unbearable as before.

I turn to look at him. Even in the dim glow of the dashboard lights, I can see the way his eyes shine, the way his lips press into a firm line—like he’s nervous about something. But what could possibly make him nervous? This day was perfect.

Every moment was filled with laughter, with care. Liam planned everything flawlessly, helping me face my fear, taking me to places I’d dreamed of visiting for years. The best coffee shop, an incredible lunch spot featured on the show, historic locations he somehow knew everything about. He even memorized the scenes filmed there, snapping countless pictures like he was documenting the best day of our lives.

"It was the best day of my life, superhero," I say, and I mean it.

The smile that spreads across his face could make any girl fall for him. I’m no exception.

As we pull into my driveway, the kitchen lights are on—someone’s home. That’s good. Liam turns off the engine, and before he can say anything, I reach for his hand. His fingers are warm, steady, but his smile falters, turning sad in a way I don’t quite understand.

"Thank you, Liam. Seriously. You've been so kind to me, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain just how grateful I am."

He starts to speak, but I press my fingers against his lips. I need him to hear this.

"Before I met you, things were bad. But look at me now. In just a few months, I feel like a completely different person—and it’s because of you. You took care of me. You defended me when no one else would. You taught me how to be stronger, helped me make friends, gave me today. You are my superhero, Liam. You mean the world to me."

His expression shifts—his jaw tensing, his eyes brightening, his chest rising and falling like he’s trying to steady himself.

"Nataly, you mean the world to me too," he says, his voice husky, thick with something unspoken. "Since the day I met you, everything changed. I never imagined someone like you existed. You make me feel things I never thought I could feel. You’re my first thought in the morning, my last at night. Before I do anything, I wonder what you’d think. When you’re not around, I feel like a lost puppy. And when you’re in the room? I can’t take my eyes or hands off you. I am yours, cookie. And you don’t even know it."

His words unravel something inside me. I’m not strong enough to fight back the tears, and I don’t care.

Liam says all the right things. He does all the right things. He makes me feel safe, special, seen. He makes me feel like he could be the one.

But he isn’t.

Because Liam will never give me what I need.

If I kissed him now, it would be the happiest moment of my life. But we both know we can’t cross that line. If we do, we’ll break something we can never fix.

I swallow the lump in my throat and reach for the door handle. "Good night, Liam."

He exhales sharply, gripping the steering wheel tighter. I can feel the frustration radiating off him.

"Good night, Nataly."

I step inside and close the door behind me, leaning against it. My heart aches as I hear the sound of Liam’s engine roaring back to life. He drives away, leaving me with a heavy chest and a sinking feeling.

If the past few months have proven anything, it’s that we would be incredible together. If only he had the courage to commit. If only I had the courage to put my heart in his hands.

If only…

"You look like you need this more than me, honey."

I open my eyes to find my mom standing in front of me, holding a huge cup of hot chocolate. She wears her oversized pink nightgown, the one that makes her look like a marshmallow—which means Dad isn’t home. Even after 25 years of marriage, she still dresses up for him.

I don’t say anything. I just take the cup and sink onto the couch, staring into the swirling steam.

Mom sits beside me, concern etched across her face. "Did Liam do something to you? Did he hurt you?"

I shake my head immediately. "No, Mom. Liam would never hurt me. It’s not like that."

She starts combing her fingers through my hair, a gesture from childhood that still soothes me.

"Then what is it? He called me this morning, you know. Told me you didn’t have a panic attack and that you two made it to Aquis. You had fun, didn’t you?"

Wait—when did Liam get her number? And why did he call her?

"The day was amazing, Mom. Aquis is beautiful. The food, the atmosphere—it felt like the show came to life. And Liam… Liam is the best."

She smiles as I ramble but doesn’t let it go. "Then why are you upset?"

I sigh, gripping the warm cup in my hands. "I don’t know. I just… I wanted him to know how much he means to me. And when he told me how much he cares about me too, it—" My voice cracks. "It just made me so sad."

Mom nods, her expression turning thoughtful. "Honey, I’ve seen how you and Liam are with each other. When you’re with your friends, you’re always in his arms. He’s the first to notice when your drink is empty, the first to refill your snack. And at dinner, he always sits next to you, eating with his left hand just so he can hold yours under the table."

My cheeks burn. Was she watching us?

"I honestly thought you two were dating but keeping it a secret because of our friendship with his parents. You both act like you’re in love, Nataly."

My heart stops. "Do you really think he acts like he loves me?"

Mom laughs. "Honey, that boy looks at you like you’re a gift from God. And you? You never stop talking about him. Even your dad noticed. And Liam’s mom told me he drives them crazy talking about you. Logan’s sick of hearing how amazing you are. You two are in love."

Are we?

Is it possible that I’ve fallen in love with Liam and never even realized it? Or… did I realize it and just pretend not to?

The way I crave his presence. The way my heart races when he touches me. The way I pick fights with anyone who insults him. The way I imagine his lips on mine whenever he kisses my cheek.

Oh my God.

I love Liam.

"Yes, you do," Mom says, laughing.

I must have said it out loud.

But her laughter fades, replaced by sadness. "You have to put some distance between you two, Nataly. Or you’ll end up heartbroken."

I frown.

"He might love you, but he doesn’t know it. Or if he does, he’s not ready to act on it. One day, you’ll see him with someone else, and it’ll destroy you."

She kisses my forehead and leaves me alone with my thoughts.

I should listen to her. I should put some distance between us.

Then my phone vibrates.

"Today was the best day ever for me too, Nataly. Because I got to spend it with you. Every day with you is amazing. Good night, cookie. Kiss you."

Nope.

I can’t.

And I don’t want to stay away from Liam.