Page 354 of The Lies We Play

When he takes his hand down, his eyes are wet.

He says, “When?”

“October,” I answer. “Fitz is working on it. We’ll need to be in New York then, and we can finish the office move to Portland in the same trip.”

Creed laughs.

“We’re putting Creed’s name where it belongs,” Liv says.

Creed looks at her.

Then at me.

The courtyard below us is quiet. Somewhere across the rooftops, a church bell rings six times and then a seventh because Florence’s church bells have never agreed on what time it is.

Liv moves to the floor and leans her head against Creed’s shoulder.

Creed’s hand finds her hair.

For a while, we sit inside that sentence.

Where it belongs.

Liv says, “Phil wants us at Juniper Ridge for Thanksgiving.”

Creed sniffles once, then pretends he didn’t. “We’re at Juniper Ridge for Thanksgiving.”

“That sounded final.”

“It was final.”

“I have institute meetings.”

“You have an internet connection.”

“I have a career.”

“You also have a family that misses you.”

Liv closes her eyes.

The fight leaves her face so quickly, I almost reach for her.

“I’m happy,” she says.

Creed’s hand stills in her hair.

Then he says, “I know.”

“I didn’t know if I’d ever get to say it out loud and mean it without waiting for something to punish me.”

Creed swallows.

“Say it again.”

She turns her face into his shoulder.

“I’m happy.”