Liam’s still in his clothes from work, and about to head into the shower. “I’m not sure, she said she had to go to the store. Probably to buy me my Christmas present. I’m not sure what we’re doing for dinner tonight, either.”
“Hey, do you think it’ll be okay if I invite Max over? Maybe I can buy Chinese and you guys can get to know him.”
“I’m definitely up for it, I’ve been saying for a while I wanna meet this guy. Call Shayne and check with her. I’ll just have a quick shower.”
I go into my room, sit on my bed and call Shayne. Why do I feel so nervous asking her? Maybe because her opinion is very important to me. What if they recognize a trait in him I can’t see? What if they see him for something he hasn’t shown me yet? What if he wants to control me or raise his hand to me?
My heart is beating out of my chest, and I quickly hang up before Shayne answers the phone. My entire body is shaking from nerves and on my forehead beads of sweat gather. Moisture rolls down my spine, and suddenly it feels like I’ve got an elephant sitting on my chest.
My phone rings and I know it’s Shayne calling me back. But I can’t get my heart to settle enough for me to be able to answer the phone. Black spots are dancing in front of my eyes and I can’t grasp any control over my own body.
What if he’s really not who he seems?
What if he wants to hurt me?
What if…?
“Lily?” Liam bangs on my door. “Lily!” he yells. But I can’t speak, I can’t say anything because cords tighten around my throat and block my breathing and my voice. “Lily, I’m coming in.”
I’m balled up against the bed, and rocking back forth as I try and focus on Liam, who’s kneeling beside me.
“I don’t know what to do, she’s curled into herself and rocking. She’s not responding.” Liam’s in sweats and sitting beside me. He puts a hand on my leg and I start screaming.
“He’s touching me. He’s touching me,” is all I can manage to say.
There’s a logical part in my brain, which is screaming at me to be quiet and not say anything. But there’s another part which has gone into complete flight mode. They say it’s fight or flight, and although I’m not running away, I’m having a hard time coping.
“Lily. Shayne wants to talk to you. I’m just going to put the phone on speaker, and put it down. I’ll be standing over here.”
I feel Liam move away from me, and I can hear Shayne. “Hey, girl. What’s going on?”
“He was touching me.”
“Tell me about the book you’re working on.” I stop rocking, and turn my head to the phone. I begin to slowly tell her, and as I’m talking I can feel myself calming down. A few moments later, I let go of my legs and pick the phone up turning off the speaker.
“I’m okay now.”
“What happened?”
“I panicked.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to ask you if it was okay for Max to come over for dinner. But I started freaking out, thinking what if he’s not as good as I think he is. What if I introduce him to you and he hurts you or Liam? What if he hurts me?” I can hear the whir of the car in the background and know she’s on her way home.
“I think that’s a brilliant idea. Invite him tonight.”
“What if…”
“Then we’ll deal with it. Call him and invite him. And Liam said something about Chinese food?”
“I was going to order some.” I stand from the floor and go to the door, where Liam is standing. I wrap my arms around him, silently thanking him for being the best brother anyone could ever have. He kisses my forehead, pushes me back slightly and winks. He then walks away.
“Dumplings for me, and sweet and sour pork. Liam will tell you what he wants. I’ll be home in about twenty minutes. The roads are slippery, so I’m taking it easy.”
I hang up and go out to find Liam. “Hey, thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome, chicken butt. We getting Chinese or what?”
I smile and hug him again. “Yeah, and I’m going to call Max and see if he wants to come over.”
“Good idea. Here’s the menu of our favorite place, but call Max first.” He walks over to a drawer in the kitchen and gets the take out menu. I leave his phone on the counter and go into my room to get my phone.
There’s a missed call from Max, and I return his call. “Hi there, Lily. Fancy hearing from you tonight.”
“I’m wondering if you’d like to come to dinner tonight? Liam and Shayne would like to meet you.”
“I’d love to.” We chat for a few moments, and I hold it together. He has no idea at all, less than half an hour ago I freaked right out. If Shayne and Liam are willing to give him a go, see if he really is a good guy, then why am I panicking so much?