HER THREE BEAUTIFUL LIES

Chapter 8 The failed second date

Liam's POV

Three hours!

Three f*****g hours. That's how long I waited in the restaurant. The sound of cutleries clicking on plates and the soft chattering laughter floated from distant and nearby tables, yet there was no sign of her.

Filipa Parker.

I curled my fist, grabbed the glass off the table and gulped down another shot. The drink burned its way down my throat, but did nothing to soothe the infuriating feeling of being stood up by girl.

Was this another of her tricks, or one of her plans to get rid of me? I shouldn't care about a woman who didn't give a single f**k about me. It was easy to get the attention of any girl I pleased. But why did she bother me so much?

My mind wandered back to the other night. The way her lips curved around her glass, the way her eyes twinkled with every new mischievous idea. She wasn't like any woman I've been with. Didn't latch onto me, or try to win my affection.

On the contrary, she seemed rather determined to get under my skin. And strangely enough, I enjoyed her watching her struggles.

“ Do you need anything else, sir? "

“No." I replied, trying not to transfer the rage on the poor man. “Can I get the check please?“

I rubbed my jaws. This was ridiculous, I've never waited for any woman in my life. That wasn't me being arrogant, it was just how things had always been—until now.The thought irritated more than the empty seat.

The waiter returned with the check, I took the last swing of vodka in one go, paid the bill without looking at it. I stood up so swiftly, that the chair scraped against the polished floor, drawing a few glances from nearby tables. I picked up my jacket before storming out like a depraved brat.

After taking a cold shower, I pulled on my clothes and grabbed my boxing gloves and bag, before stepping downstairs.

When I reached the foot of the staircase, the kitchen lights were on. I walked closer to find Noel and my mom, they had just returned from grocery shopping.

“Liam, honey. I didn't realize you were home already."

Noel sat on one of the stools at the island, eating something straight from a bowl. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as his eyes moved over me.

“What?“

" I didn't say anything.” He didn't have to, I knew what he was thinking.

“How was your date?"

I ignored his question and moved behind him to open the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. Mom's attention had now shifted from stacking the groceries on the shelves, to me.

“You had a date? "

“Yes." Noel answered. “Apparently with a lady he met on a one time blind date."

He continued blabbing, while Moms eyes widened as it drifted between us. “A blind date? I never heard of that.”

" That's because he didn't tell anyone.”

" Well then, how was your date, honey?"

“Fine." I grunted, trying to bring their inquiries to an abrupt end, however my brother didn't seem to grab the memo.

“Interesting." He began." So you didn't have a good time?“

“ I didn't say that.”

" Did she? “

" Did she do what? “ A pocket formed in-between my brows.

" Did she have a good time? “

I stared blankly at him. Then his lips twitched, I could see the glint shining in his pupils.

" You got stood up!" Mom gasped silently beside him. “This is new. The great Liam Brook got stood-up by a girl! "

“I didn't get stood-up.“ I grit my teeth.

" Yeah you did."

“I didn't."

“That's enough, you two." Mom’s voice cut between us. “Maybe she had an emergency, something came up last minute and she had to cancel.”

I didn't have to look at Noel's face to know that he just mentally rolled his eyes.

" Look at him, Mom! He came back looking like someone insulted his entire bloodline, which only happens when things don't go his way.”

I twisted the bottle cap harder than it deserved and cursed under my breath. I was a few seconds away from bashing his pretty face.

“Shut up, virgin.” I bite back. " What do you know about women? You've only been in one relationship your entire life, and she still cheated on the famous hockey star.”

His nostrils flared. I mentally jumped in victory knowing I had struck a chord on that one—untill he decided to snap back.

“Well, I'm not the guy who sat for three hours in a fancy restaurant waiting for a girl I'd only met on a blind date!”

Okay, I admit I'd literally walked into that one. Who knew that my soft brother could actually throw a feast. Although hockey players were known to be hot headed, Noel was terriblely too soft—perhaps I didn't know him that well.

“Boys, cut it off already."

" You can't charm every woman you meet. You probably just sat there looking handsome and expected her to fall at your feet.” He added.

" Ha ha. Hilarious. At least I'm getting some action, unlike certain people. And I am obviously good looking.”

Mom's lips twitched, she was clearly trying hard to hide her smile. Who's side was she on?

" He's quite handsome though.” She grinned.

" Don't encourage him, Mom."

He shot a glare at me while I returned a smug smile. Then he pointed his spoon at me. “Maybe this is good for you."

“What do you mean? "

“Character development." I gave him a flat look, he shrugged then continued. “You've never been rejected before."

“I've been rejected."

“No, you haven't, dude. Alright then name one?”

I opened my mouth but nothing came out. Noel smiled triumphantly. " Exactly.”

So I have never been rejected by a woman, sue me! I mean the ladies love a bad boy, don't they?

" Noel is right, dear."

“Really Mom? "

" Not exactly in the character development way, but he has a point.” She continued, her voice softened. " You should let this one go. Some people aren't always meant to stay in our lives."

I scoffed. " Or maybe she just wants to be chased, playing the hard to get game."

“See! " Noel boomed. “That is exactly what I'm talking about. That smug overconfidence of yours, as though you know everything, but you don't.”

" Whatever, dude.” I cut him off before he could begin his gentleman preachings. “I'm off."

“You just got back, where are you off to now?" Mom asked.

" The gym."

She nodded.” Don't stay too late. Your father is coming home tonight."

Every muscle in me seized up as the kitchen seemed smaller. The air in the room suddenly felt like it was being sucked out by a vacuum. Noel's expression changed too, the relaxed and teasing glint had vanished, his breathings slowed.

“Tonight? "

“Yes." Mom's voice was tight. She wiped her on the kitchen towel, then straightened her back.

“His work trip ended earlier than expected.”

The only time the house had a little life in it, was when the old man went on his long business trips. Because he wasn't there to suck every ounce of happiness from everyone. Even the thought of him could ruin a happy moment.

“He wants both of you at dinner."

I clenched my fist.” I'm training."

“You can train afterwards. He won't be pleased if he comes home and doesn't find you both here."

Something hot twisted in my chest. I laughed bitterly. “I couldn't care less."

Mom's shoulders were stiff. The words I shouldn't say hung on the top of my tongue. Noel gave me a warning look.

" Liam.” He shook his head.

I turned from his gaze and began towards the door, but Mom stepped in my path with pleading eyes.

“He wants you there."

I should've swallowed the words, instead it came out before I could stop them.

“He already has his perfect son. One missing so shouldn't bother him."

Noel's face fell, and mom's eyes clouded. Guilt gnawed at my chest, but the anger inside was stronger. I hated myself for hurting her, apparently not enough to take back the words, but enough to know I had crossed a line.

I knew neither of them wanted to face my father alone. I paused with my hands on the doorknob. For a drifting second I almost reconsidered, then his agitating face flashed in my head, his voice, the whip.

“Enjoy your dinner.” I muttered before stepping out, knowing I had just told them to face the beast alone.

I stood at the porch staring at nothing, the burning heat in my chest was still there, but it had mixed with something else. Guilt?

I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found the one person that could give me what I needed. He answered after a few rings.

“Liam, my man!"

His voice boomed from the phone, but I immediately cut to the chase.

“I need a fight."

“You aren't scheduled for a fight tonight. "

I pinched the bridge of my nose.” Find me one. I know you can make it happen."

His side went quiet. I could hear the hesitation in his silence. My gaze drifted back to the house.

“I need this, Rodrigo." I breathed. " I promise you're going to earn more than enough from the fight.”

" Let me see what I can do.”

I needed something hard to hit, and I didn't care how hard it would hit back.