_Avery’s POV_
After dinner that night, I sat on the couch with Liam, watching a romantic comedy. He laughed at all the wrong parts, nudging me when a particularly awkward scene played out. His laughter was infectious, and despite my worries, I found myself smiling.
But as the movie ended and we cleaned up the dishes, my thoughts drifted back to that empty bottle. Something about it gnawed at me, and I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I needed answers, and I knew where to start: Liam’s room.
Liam stretched, yawning dramatically. “I’m going to take a shower. That movie was exhausting.” He grinned at me before disappearing down the hall.
This was my chance. My heart pounded in my chest as I waited, listening for the sound of the water. The moment it started, I took a deep breath and quietly
