Page 90 of Seeking Stars
"Physically, we're brothers and that's clear enough from looking at us. Personality wise… let's say you're bubbly and fun, while he's not."
"So he's an asshole."
"You were an asshole when I first met you," Ana commented in Liam's direction.
Liam squinted his eyes at Ana. "Not as bad as that, was I? And it was one time, and I apologized for it. I'd like to think I haven't been an ass since then."
She nodded and lifted her palms in acknowledgement. "You're a delight, Liam."
"But your brother is an ass full time?" Ely asked.
Liam scrunched his face. "I don't want to be unfair to Alex. He’s a decent guy, just a bit of a grump. Mind you we don’t exactly have the best relationship. We're short on patience with each other."
Ely sighed. "I guess it is doomed, then. It would never work if his name is Alex and mine is Ely. Too much of a tongue-twister."
Liam opened his mouth to make a joke but closed it right back. He'd been about to say it'd be hilarious if Ely and Alex ended up together, because it would make them all a big, happy family. The scary thing was, he didn't think of it as a joke. He could see it way too easily, not so much her brother and Ely… but Ana and him. In a future together that was as idyllic as it was too soon to contemplate.
"Did you know Liam gets propositioned all the time?" Ana asked Ely out of nowhere. "Random people send him pictures offering themselves up to him."
Ely turned in place to inspect him, her smile turning feline.
It seemed that he'd have to wait to analyze the truth of his feelings, and whether he could trust himself with them. It was his turn to get teased.
***
They said goodbye to Ely at the door. Brunch had been fun and he'd been right: spending time with Ely had been great. She was a powerhouse and she liked him; what else could he ask for?
After hugging Ana, Ely hugged him.
"Hey," Ely said before stepping out of the door, talking to both of them. "Will you go to Christina's tonight?"
"I'm not sure," Ana replied, stealing a glimpse at Liam. "We haven't discussed it yet."
"What's that?" Liam asked.
"Christina is our friend and it's her birthday tonight. She invited me, before you and I knew you'd be here. We need to talk about that."
Liam nodded.
"Does she know it's your birthday on Monday?" Ely said to Liam.
Liam glanced at Ely, and he mirrored her mischievous smile. Ana looked between the two, back and forth.
"I don't think she does, no," Liam said.
"Monday?!" Ana exclaimed.
"Bye," Ely trilled. "Text and let me know whether you're going to Christina's tonight or not!"
She closed the door behind her. Ana stayed where she stood, hands on her hips, watching him with an incredulous look.
"Why didn't you tell me it's your birthday on Monday?"
"Am I in trouble?" he asked, crossing his arms, cocking his head to the side.
She just lowered her chin and looked at him from under the ridge of her eyebrows, one of which curled high on her forehead.
"How was I supposed to broach the subject? Hey, my birthday is on Monday, but I don't need a gift or celebration, so I'm just telling you for no reason?"
