Sure Bet (Out of Left Field #1)

30. Brooke

Chapter 30

Brooke

L iam sat on the bathroom floor with his back against the vanity and his knees pulled beneath his chin.

I stood at the door for a few minutes before he noticed me, and only after I entered and took a seat beside him.

With a pale face and glassy eyes, he stared at his feet. “I fucked up.” He blinked and glanced at me. “How was lunch with your mom?”

I brushed the messy hair from his forehead, revealing the furrowed lines over his brow. A vacancy in those cerulean eyes, like he was adrift somewhere else.

I’d never seen him like this. And though he’d texted, distraught from Forbidden Fruit’s cruel ending, it was apparent this was unrelated.

“Lunch was fine. My mom said hello and ‘Don’t think you’ll get out of an inquiry about your intentions with my daughter.’” I kept my tone soft, soothing to match my fingers combing through his hair. “How are you doing?”

He opened and closed his fist, watching the movement. “My application. I fucked up.”

Oh, no .

“What was the point?” His voice cracked, and he sighed, dropping his forehead against his knees.

I rubbed his back in gentle circles. How long had he been sitting on the cold tile floor? The vanity baseboards were dusty, and the rattling pipes were anything but comforting. “Will you tell me what happened?”

My heart sank when he explained his mistake. “I’m so sorry, Liam. That’s…”

“Dumb?” he offered.

I shook my head. “ Sad , and a mistake anyone could make.” I inched closer, wrapping my arms around him. “You moved across the country while contending with a lot of heavy feelings about it. I think it’s understandable if something was missed or mixed up.”

He snickered. “It was so stupid. So stupid and careless?—”

“It was a mistake,” I said softly, placing my hand on his arm to stop him. “Sometimes we’re so focused on the bigger picture that we miss the details.”

We sat silently. And though we had less than an hour before the gala, I would have stayed in that bathroom until we turned into piles of dust to match the dirty floors if he needed it.

But I wasn’t sure that he did. I think he needed perspective.

“When I was in school, we were tasked with an assignment to design a robot to assist in household chores. Basic, easy stuff, right?” He shrugged, and I continued. “I was so eager to showcase my engineering prowess, Liam. I was going to shove it down the throats of my classmates that I was the top student.”

“Ruthless,” he whispered, nudging me.

“Yeah,” I admitted. “So convinced that was my moment to shine, I focused on perfecting the mechanical design and the algorithms for task planning and execution. My model was incredible.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “I was so proud of myself.”

“You should be. That’s impressive. I don’t understand how our Roomba works.”

I craned my neck to smile at him. “I bet you know that Roomba needs its battery charged in order to run.”

“Yes,” he said slowly. “Of course.”

“Liam, I spent so much time fixated on perfecting it that I didn’t consider the real-world constraints of power consumption. I brought that model up and presented my project like a bloviated and blustering asshole. When I demonstrated my incredible mastery of robotic engineering, the damn thing abruptly shut down with no time to perform the required task.”

He straightened up. “What happened?”

“Other than my face turning crimson as everyone laughed at my tantrum because I couldn’t fix it? I failed the final project and had to take the course again in the summer.”

I never thought I would survive that moment, much in the way my teenage heart had felt incapable of surviving the humiliation after stepping out of the closet with Liam. But I had. He would survive this, too.

“I couldn’t figure out why it hadn’t worked when I’d spent so much time perfecting and testing it.” I took his hand, lacing our fingers together and squeezing. “After class, I figured it out. I had tested the hell out of the robot—and tested the life out of it. Its batteries drained, causing it to shut down. I neglected the power requirements of the motors and sensors. In my haste to impress everyone, I overlooked the fact I needed to charge it.”

“You built a fucking robot,” he deadpanned.

“Right, and I failed because I didn’t bother considering whether I charged it . The most basic barebones start. Then I panicked in a state of embarrassment and couldn’t figure it out.”

I sighed. “It was a careless mistake. And do you know what happened after that?”

“What?”

“I graduated with a master’s degree in robotic engineering, landed my dream job, and designed a product that will now receive a funding grant to build out. And I snagged a hottie on top of it all.”

It was slight, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward in a smile. “A hottie, you say?”

“All of that work and effort building a fucking robot wasn’t negated just because I made a mistake—an embarrassing mistake. It shifted things, and if there’s one thing you’ve shown, Liam, it’s that you’re resilient, strong, and fierce. You’re my lotus flower, and it’s not ideal, but you’ll start classes three months later than anticipated. In three years ? You’ll still be blooming.” I traced along his jaw and grinned. “Probably even prettier than you are now.”

“I didn’t want to be the guy on the bathroom floor again,” he said quietly, his gaze flickering over mine.

I offered my hand. “Then get up.”

Dressed and dapper in his fitted suit, I never would have guessed Liam split at the seams mere hours ago.

It both worried and impressed me. Perhaps his quick rebound was resiliency, but it very well could have been a mask.

“You’re beautiful.” He caressed my thigh, driving through the ornate iron gates to the winery’s rolling estate. I stared out the window and admired the stretch of fresh-mowed grass and tree-lined fields against the sunset. “The night is yours, but thank you for sharing it with me.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” If it weren’t for the red lipstick, I would have chewed through my lip by now. Liam swore up and down he was fine, but he would sacrifice his comfort to avoid spoiling this.

Lacing his hand with mine, he kissed my knuckle. “You deserve tonight. You’re…” he puffed a hard breath. “You’re incredible, Brooke. Your mind, your heart…” His gaze raked over the slit running high up the long skirt of my dress. “Your mind.”

I dropped my head back and laughed as he parked. Hurrying out of his side, he flew around the car to open my door. He extended his hand. “My lady.”

“Such a gentleman.”

He gave me a salacious grin. “I can see your panties when you get in and out.”

I glanced down to verify, but he hauled me out of the seat and into his arms, murmuring in my ear about my mind again, and I swiftly stopped caring about my underwear.

A stone walkway led us to the main building. Wind chimes echoed in the breeze, a pleasant melody that heightened the magic of the night. This wasn’t just a gesture of appreciation for everyone’s hard work—it was proof that I’d accomplished what I set out to do.

I glanced at Liam, but he focused on the bubbling water feature in the center of a well-tended garden area just beyond the entrance doors. Oak barrels lined the entryway with electric lanterns flickering in the fading light. I squeezed Liam’s hand, and he squeezed back.

Signs directed us to a banquet hall inside. Thank god. I wore a long dress coat, but the synthetic material wasn’t well insulated. Even with space heaters in the gardens outside, the chill of late February would be uncomfortable.

“So fancy,” I whispered. The click of my heels bounced against the concrete floors, and excited chatter grew louder as we made our way to the gala. “It’s beautiful here. So romantic.”

Liam squeezed my hand again. “You aren’t going to ditch me tonight, are you?” He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Leave me for a robot?”

I nudged him with my elbow. “Well, there is something battery operated that piques my interest, but no, Liam. You’re stuck with me tonight.” All the nights after, too. “Are you nervous about meeting everyone?”

He shrugged. “A little. You guys are all?—”

“Welcome!” a friendly hostess chirped, waving us into the banquet hall. She handed us an event program outlining the itinerary. “Please come in and find your seats. Cocktail hour will last until seven, and dinner will be served at seven-thirty. Enjoy your evening.”

Tables draped in white linen and gorgeous flower arrangements filled the space. A few standing bistro tables scattered the perimeter of the room for mingling near the bar. The high ceiling amplified the conversations of those who had already arrived.

My team would be here tonight, along with three other research and development teams, upper management, and the company board.

I spotted Paul at a table with an unhappy-looking date. She was a pretty blonde with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Her attention was fixed on anything other than him.

“I’m guessing that’s Paul?” Liam nudged me with his elbow.

I leaned back, enjoying the feel of him against me. “How could you tell?”

“Aside from the gleeful smile that came over you when you glimpsed that obvious hostage situation of a date? The nameplate in front of him.”

I laughed, biting my lip. When I realized my mistake, I spun to face him in a panic, baring my teeth.

“You’re good.” He kissed my temple, and I reached for his hand, squeezing my appreciation for unspoken communication. I’d confessed my fear of lipstick-stained teeth plenty on the drive over.

We wandered the tables, finding our assigned placement.

“Brooke and” —he squinted— “Brooke’s sexy, charming, and desirable guest with an impressively sized penis and even more impressive skill in what he can do with it.”

While true, he’d added a bit there.

“That’s exactly right.” I nodded, grateful to see Antonio and Kellen would be seated at the table, and… I gasped. “Dr. Coleman,” I whispered in awe.

I’d never seen her in the wild before, not even in the building’s ground-floor cafe. Would we discuss personal details of our lives? Possibly become friends? I doubted it. She was twice my age and at least three times as smart.

“Okay.” I gripped Liam’s hands so tightly that he winced. “Dr. Coleman is my boss, hero, idol, and someone I would bury a body for, no questions asked.”

Liam nodded solemnly. “Roger that. Tell her about the time you shoved a Lego so far up your nose that my mom had to bring you into the hospital during your mom’s rotation?—”

“I was a kid!” I hissed, signaling for him to lower his voice.

“You were nine, Brooke. Old enough to—” He puffed a breath when I elbowed him in the stomach. “Fine, I’ll stick to the less embarrassing stories than you spitefully shoving a special edition Lego up your nose just because it belonged to me.”

“Thank you,” I said curtly.

“Like the time you claimed your boobs had miraculously grown overnight but failed to ensure all the Kleenex was stuffed in your bra, and there was that bit hanging out?—”

He yelped and held up his hands when I lunged for him, but I hit him with a kiss on his cheek.

I wiped away the red smudge. “I’ll be sure to tell her about the time Shana and I walked in on you after Miller gave you that old Playboy.”

“Please. Any guy who says he hasn’t tried to do that to himself is a liar .”

My shoulders shook with laughter, and he rested his hand on my lower back and guided us through the room to check out the scene. Several faces were unfamiliar. Squirreling away in a lab could be isolating. Liam, however, was having a grand time acquainting himself with those faces.

“He’s done it.” Liam nodded to an older gentleman at the management table. “Him.” He jutted his chin at Myles. “Definitely him.”

Liam continued going until my face was as red as my lipstick. Unsure of what to expect this evening, his company somehow surpassed even my best guesses.

“Brooke!” Antonio called, waving excitedly as he entered the banquet room. A handsome man clung to his arm; a nervous smile frozen on his face. They dressed in matching navy suits. My coworker wore a silver tie that complimented his light eyes, and his partner had no tie, and the top two buttons of his shirt were open. They looked fantastic.

“Seeing everyone out in the wild is a trip.” I nudged Liam with my elbow. “We’re all so sexy.”

I glanced toward the hostage table, but he beat me to it, mumbling, “Not Paul.”

“Look at you, fitting in already.” I smiled at him from over my shoulder.

He kissed the crown of my head. “You’re no doubt a bunch of deviants. Why don’t you hang out with your coworkers outside of work?”

My eyes caught Kellen’s as he walked in the door with his wife. I signaled them over, pointing at Antonio next and beckoning them. “The guys used to go to Sam’s pub for beers after work when his dad still owned it, but when Sam left, things dropped off. He was the social one in the group.”

“Left what?” Liam asked. “The pub? I thought he owned it?”

“Hey!” I grabbed Antonio’s elbow and hauled him over as soon as he was within reach. “We’re at Dr. Coleman’s table,” I puffed.

“Holy shit.” Antonio fanned his face. “She’s scary, but so magnificent.”

I clutched his hand in mine. “I know, and maybe we can invite her out to lunch sometime. Do you think she’ll?—”

“Hey, man. I’m Michael.” Antonio’s boyfriend offered his hand to Liam as Kellen and his wife joined us.

“Oh my god! Sorry, sorry.” Antonio blushed and held his palm to his forehead. “I swore I wouldn’t leave him out. It’s my first event outside of the office, which means it’s his, too! This is Michael. Michael, this is Brooke, our fabulous new senior engineer.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, stop.” But please go on .

“And this is her boyfriend, Sam. I was hired as his replacement.” Antonio grinned at Liam. “So, thank you for that. They haven’t been able to fill a senior position until this one. I’m so excited that Brooke included me on her team. You’re?—”

Kellen coughed into his fist. “Not Sam.”

Antonio faced Kellen. “Pardon?”

Liam blinked a few times, dropping Michael’s hand. “I’m Liam, Brooke’s other boyfriend.”

“Sam and I broke up,” I rushed, shooting Liam a side-long glance. He stared straight ahead with a tight smile.

Polite but awkward laughter bounced around the circle. Michael took a healthy sip of his champagne.

“Oh. I’m… horrified. I don’t know many details of Brooke’s personal life, obviously. I just knew she and Sam were… and I was hired after he left, and… I’m horrified.” Antonio’s eyes frantically flickered to mine and his brows pinched in apology.

But it wasn’t his fault. While everyone else knew Sam, he did not. My older coworkers could piece together the breakup.

Liam tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers. He forced a smile, and though pleasant on the surface, I registered the fading light in his eyes. “No worries, and I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Antonio,” he mumbled.

“Nice to meet you, Antonio. So, you’re Sam’s replacement, huh?” Liam’s jaw ticked. “I didn’t realize you’d all worked together.” He glanced at me, then smiled briefly at Michael. “Michael, nice to meet you as well.” He faced Kellen and his wife, introducing himself.

Antonio visibly relaxed, and his boyfriend eased up on the champagne. But Liam’s jaw remained clenched and his smile tight.

Servers came by with trays of wine, some delicious canapes, and appetizers. More introductions were made, and Liam made no mention of Legos or training bras when Dr. Coleman arrived.

The lights flickered, and guests were encouraged to sit for dinner, with awards to follow. Liam pulled out my chair for me before taking his seat between Antonio and me. They spent most of dinner chatting after I told my coworker about Liam’s playing history. Antonio loved baseball and invited Liam to join an intramural team. Liam said he would consider it, and they exchanged information.

Michael’s arm rested along the back of Antonio’s chair, a subtle touch but sweet. Liam’s hands stayed in his lap.

An hour later, I sat with a full stomach and a framed certificate of achievement to hang on the plastic partition of my workspace. I accepted the award with a beaming smile and said a few hurried words without embarrassing myself.

Antonio and Michael left to circle and mingle as soon as dinner and speeches ended. Dr. Coleman was already out of her seat before the dinner service.

Liam quieted as the evening wore on. Though he remained polite when spoken to, he had since stopped initiating conversations.

I patted his knee and asked if he was doing okay, and he murmured a “fine” that left my ears ringing with alarm. This entire evening must have been excruciating, no matter how much he tried to feign otherwise. Boring and tedious, but he came anyway. On the tail end of his own shit night, he showed up for me. I couldn’t fault him for an increasingly sour mood.

I gestured to Tracy, Kellen’s wife. “Tracy is a physiotherapist.” I glanced at Liam, hoping he’d jump in if he had some sort of common ground. “Do you work with athletes?”

She twirled her wine glass between her hands and nodded. “I do, quite regularly. Our practice is predominantly rehabilitation, so we get plenty of athletes.”

I sat up taller, looking quickly at Liam, but he stared at his water glass. “Do you have a lot of experience with ulnar collateral ligament tears?”

Liam shifted in his seat. “Please don’t.”

“Don’t what?” I dipped my gaze to catch his eyes, but he averted his attention to the server in the distance.

He cleared his throat. “I’m sure it’s rewarding to do rehabilitation work, Tracy. Helping people heal is admirable.” He flagged the server, and she headed to the table with a careful step and a tray full of wine glasses.

“And you, Liam?” Tracy smiled from across the table. “What do you do?”

My hand landed on his arm. “He just moved back to Seattle, actually. This month! He’s still settling in.” I smiled at him. “Liam was in Boston for a baseball scholarship, but he’ll be at the UW soon.”

I squeezed encouragingly, but Liam pulled his arm away and reached for his water.

“Kellen did his doctorate program at UW. Are you in engineering as well? Don’t be shy about asking for tips or help. Friends are a godsend in postgraduate work. Networking makes all the difference.” Tracy lowered her voice as if sharing a secret. “Kellen probably would have dropped out that first year if others hadn’t taken pity on him.”

Kellen winced and waved to shush her, glancing over his shoulder to the bar where Dr. Coleman chatted with a petrified Antonio. It was his moment, and he gripped tightly to two flutes of champagne while nodding stiffly at whatever she said.

Kellen laughed. “Oh my god, would you stop? It’s bad enough I got the job because Sam pleaded my case, but nobody needs to hear about how he built out the autonomous navigation system on my final thesis.” He rubbed his face and groaned. “They should have given him two doctoral degrees. I think Dr. Coleman is on to his bleeding-heart after my shit presentation. She cannot believe she hired me.” He reached to swipe a wine from the passing server’s tray.

Liam grabbed a glass, too, pushing his water aside. “Sam, huh? Is that how you met him? In your doctorate program?” He took a long sip of wine and studied Kellen over the rim.

Kellen gave a heavy swallow, and his eyes darted between Liam and me, realizing his mistake. “Yes.”

“Sounds like a smart guy,” Liam said. “I can’t even reset the microwave clock after Daylight Savings.”

Tracy snorted. “You have to be smart to get into a UW postgraduate program, but microwaves are especially complicated. You’re in good company. Our microwave is an hour off for six months of the year.”

Liam ignored her kind platitudes and drained the last of his drink in one go.

“You’re absolutely right, Tracy. You have to be smart to get into a UW postgraduate program. Or UW at all.” Liam signaled the server before she left our section and grabbed another wine. “You’re good for driving home, right?”

My stomach sank, but I nodded. He had a bad night, but he kept it together for me. “Do you want to go now?” My gaze flickered to his drink. I think he was done keeping it together.

Something sad lingered in his smile. “It’s your night. Don’t let me spoil it.”