Chapter Twelve

I should’ve said no.

When Liam asked if I wanted to get ice cream, my mouth said “sure” before my brain could catch up. Probably because it felt easier than going back to the cafeteria, where Nick’s arm would still be wrapped around Kaylee like a damn possession, and where I’d have to keep pretending I was fine.

So now we were here.

At Sweet Daze, the annoyingly aesthetic ice cream shop two blocks from school, with hanging plants, neon signs, and a chalkboard menu that listed flavors like “lavender honey” and “blueberry basil.”

Liam was already at the counter, confidently ordering a double scoop of espresso fudge in a waffle cone like he came here every weekend. I lingered behind, arms crossed, trying not to look like this was the first time I’d ever hung out with him voluntarily.

“Your turn, hurricane,” he said, stepping aside and looking at me like he expected me to be difficult.

“Don’t call me that,” I muttered, scanning the board.

“Come on, it suits you.”

“Fine. Then I’m calling y