Chapter 14 Amanda’s House
Liam held his phone to his ear, his voice laced with the most convincing lie he could muster as he said, "I really can't make it tonight, Ann. I've got... other important stuff to handle." His tone was casual, yet he carefully injected just the right amount of regret into his words, hoping to soften the blow.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a soft, disappointed sigh. "Oh... I see," Ann responded, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness that almost made Liam feel guilty. Almost. "Well, I guess we can do it another time then."
Liam exhaled, relieved that she didn't push further. "Yeah, I'm really sorry. I just have some plans tonight, and I won't be free until around ten."
Just as he thought the conversation was wrapping up, Ann's tone suddenly changed, the sadness in her voice replaced by excitement. "That's perfect!" she chimed. "You can just come over to my place by ten then. We'll have our date here."
Liam's brows lifted slightly, not expecting such a quick turnaround. "Wait, isn't that a little late?" he asked, trying to sound hesitant, even though he was intrigued.
Ann giggled, her voice playful over the phone. "Then just sleep over. Problem solved."
Before he could even react, the line went dead, leaving Liam staring at his phone in disbelief. For a moment, he lay back on the couch, his eyes fixated on the ceiling, processing what had just happened. Then, as the realization fully sank in, a small chuckle escaped his lips, and he murmured under his breath, "Interesting."
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Hours later, as the sky darkened and the streets grew quieter, Liam found himself standing in front of Amanda's apartment door, knocking twice. He waited for a response, but none came. He knocked again, this time hearing a hurried voice from inside.