LIAM Read Free Page A

okay?”
    Poor Carl’s been running around all day like a rooster without a head. He’s one of Robin’s groomsmen, and an unofficial wedding coordinator.
    He arches his right eyebrow at me. “I’m happy for my sis, but I can’t wait for this day to be over. I’m going to sleep for the next three days.” He stretches his neck. “Why can’t people just get married in City Hall and forget about this huge dog and pony show?” He sighs.
    “I feel your pain,” I chuckle.
    “Thanks. Anyway, Mandi wants you to take some photos of her in the powder room.”
    “Okay, I’m on it. See you later, bro.”
     
    ~*~
     
    If I ever get married, remind me not to hold the ceremony and reception in a modern-day castle. I have a terrible sense of direction and I’m wandering around this palatial mansion like a dazed mouse in a test maze, trying to find the powder room. I was there earlier today, shortly before I wandered onto the terrace to breathe.
    Now, inside and on the second floor, I don’t know where the hell I am.
    The building, Victorian in décor, is beginning to look and feel haunted. I shiver. Then I hear giggling down the hallway.
    Julie, one of Mandi’s best friends and bridesmaids, comes out of what I assume is one of the guest rooms. Her blond hair is a mess, and so is her teal dress. It’s like she’s suddenly forgotten how to wear clothes. Forgotten that her best friend’s wedding is happening any minute.
    Coming out of the room behind her is…
     
    ROBIN FUCKING WICKHAM.
     
    What the hell were they doing in there? Do I even have to ask?
    Luckily for me, the door of the guest room nearest to me opens when I turn the knob. I hide myself from their view, hoping they didn’t spot me earlier. I doubt it though, as they’ve been too busy kissing each other to have noticed me.
    Shit.
    I have to tell Mandi. I can’t let her marry this fool.
     
    ~*~
     
    In the powder room, bright with sunlight, Mandi looks like an angel garbed in a Vera Wang wedding dress.
    Her face lights up when she sees me.
    Tears well up in my eyes, tears I struggle not to shed.
    “I can’t wait to see your pictures, Shaggy,” Mandi says, smiling. She turns her head. Which is my better side, left or right?”
    I don’t answer her question. What should I say? How do I tell her about what I just saw?
    “What’s wrong, sweetie?”
    “Mandi… I…”
    Dammit. Cat got my tongue. She’s so damn beautiful. Looking at her and not being able to tell her what’s been in my heart all these years makes me want to cry.
    The smile disappears from her face.
    “What’s wrong, Willie?”
    “Don’t… don’t call me that anymore, Mandi. Call me Liam. I’m not a little boy anymore.”
    Mandi looks confused. “I… I know that.”
    “Can I still call you Shaggy?” Her eyes are wide. She looks so damn innocent. She’s not taking me seriously. I let out a frustrated sigh.
    “What’s bothering you?” She stares at me with concern clearly written in her eyes.
    She’s not oblivious; she is well aware of my huge crush on her. She must have noticed all those boners I’d struggled with hiding whenever she was near.
    What she doesn’t know is that it’s far deeper than a schoolboy crush or an infatuation. I would give my life and soul for her.  
    “Everything is bothering me…” My lips tremble. “Robin… you shouldn’t marry him.”
    Mandi breathes deeply. She takes my hands and gives them a squeeze. “Listen, me marrying Robin won’t change a thing between us. We’ll always be friends. We’ll always be family.”
    I draw my hands away from hers, curling them into fists behind my back. My nails dig deeply into my palms. A tear trails down my face. Then, more tears follow.
    “I don’t want that. Not anymore. I’ve always wanted more than that.” I kneel before her. “Give me five or six years, Mandi. I promise… I’ll make you happier than Robin ever can. Don’t marry him today. He… he and…”
    My throat closes up on