Life After Life

•C h a p t e r T h i r t y - F o u r•

"Liam, what a surprise!" my mom choked out when she recovered from her shock. I stood behind her, eyeing Liam. Only, his attention was not on me but on my mom. "Did Susan send you for something?"

"Hi Mrs. Wilson," Liam grinned, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his khakis. "I'm here for Thalia."

My eyes scanned his outfit. From his dark hair which was combed over for once and to his blue dress shirt.

I expertly avoided my mom's excited gaze. She was beaming as if she were over the moon. If only my mom was also out tonight. Jackson had made plans and my dad was still stuck at work.

"Oh, are you two going somewhere?" my mom turned to me, her eyes glistening.

"Yes, we are. I'll bring her back by midnight," Liam piped up before I could get a word in. My lips spread out into a smile, which I was sure looked more like a grimace. Liam was not finished, "There will be no alcohol."

"That's very responsible of you. Have fun," my mom would barely contain her excitement, somehow her smile broadened even more. She gave me a shove out the door towards Liam, "Remember, no sex tonight or any other funny business."

"Mom, oh my god," I grumbled under my breath, pinching the bridge of my nose. I was thankful that my hand hid the warmth spreading in my cheeks.

"Of course," I heard Liam say. He didn't sound one bit embarrassed.

"Okay!" I glanced back up at my mom, who still held a wide grin on her face. My hand clasped around Liam's arm as I began pulling him away from the main doors. "Let's go Liam, chop chop."

Liam followed, and I almost let out a sigh of relief at the sound of the doors slamming shut.

The night was crisp and cool, the wind still. I was glad I'd dressed perfectly for the weather.

I continued to usher Liam towards his car parked on my driveway. He took his sweet time, his lips holding a smirk I wished I could wipe off.

We finally hopped into his car, shutting the doors simultaneously.

"You went to my door?" I snapped my head in Liam's direction, incredulous.

"Yes, I thought it was more romantic than sending a text," Liam grinned as he stuck his keys into the ignition.

I opened my mouth and shut it again. Liam was right. I guess the gesture was more romantic. I just wished my mom wasn't so nosy, then it would have been perfect. Hunter had never done something like that — he'd just texted and expected me to be ready.

"So, was it?" Liam asked, backing out of the driveway.

"Maybe," I rolled my eyes, the corners of my like tugging up. "What are we doing tonight?"

I turned to him as he smiled, the apples of his cheeks bulging. His hand slid over the wheel as he made a left turn.

The traffic in the roads had gone down since rush hour had passed, which was a relief. No one had time to sit in traffic for an hour.

"You'll find out soon," he replied. "Don't worry, you'll like it."

"Oh, how mysterious," I said sarcastically. "Mmm, well you have until twelve since you wanted to be all goody-goody."

"It sets a good impression," Liam countered.

"As if my mom doesn't already love you," my eyes rolled to the back of my head.

Liam only grinned as he switched the radio on. Together, we sat in a comfortable silence and I glanced out the window at the passing streetlights, palm trees and cars.