Chapter 63

EMILIA

Her eyes snap to mine, irritation flaring like I’ve just asked the dumbest question imaginable. “What the hell? You don’t know who Julie is?”

I blink. “No? Is she a friend? Like Jessica?” Even saying the name ‘Jessica’ feels like licking rust.

For some reason, that sets Lacey off. She snorts—actually snorts—and then dissolves into messy laughter. “Julie? Like Jessica?” She nearly slides off the stool. “God, Liam, she really doesn’t know anything about Jess, huh?”

“Drop it.” Liam doesn’t raise his voice, but it’s enough to slice through the room. Lacey’s laugh dies on her lips.

“Wait, she doesn’t?” Her gaze swings back to me, slower this time. There’s something different behind her eyes now—curiosity, maybe pity. I can’t tell which is worse.

“I’m not getting involved in that shit,” she mutters, standing with a wobble. “He’s already thrown out my wine, so it’s time for me to leave.” She leans in, drops a sloppy kiss on my cheek, then stumbles