“No, uh-uh, that still doesn’t excuse it. You broke a promise.”
“I know, Mo, and I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am about that.” He takes a breath and steadies himself. “I want to make it up to you. Please tell me you’ll let me.”
I stand, unable to take another second, and dig into my pocket to grab a ten to leave for Jimmy. I don’t want Liam to give me one more thing.
“Mo, wait,” he says, rushing behind me and throwing his own cash on the bar. I barely make it out the door before his hand wraps around my wrist. “Please.” His voice makes me whip around and yank my arm from his hold.
“You broke my fucking heart!” I mean to yell it, but my voice catches and tears starts to prick at my eyes. I gather myself again and look at him, trying for the no-bullshit face I use when I’m working. “I can’t take another chance on you.” Steel lines my voice, and the façade I often have to use in my line of work falls into place.
“What can I do to change your mind?” His gaze desperately searches mine, and I shrug. As much as I want to take him back and give him a million chances, I’m a new person, and I need him to not be in my life.
“Not a thing.”
Liam crumbles. I see it in his eyes, but then a determination falls over his face and I turn away, walking quickly so he can’t say whatever it is he wants to say.
I keep going, moving quickly on the heeled boots, and I don’t look back. He’s not following me, that much I know, and a part of me—the stupid one—feels sad at that fact. Still, I know better than to let him in.
I hope I won’t regret it someday, but there’s no going back now. Liam is not in my life anymore.
I ignore the ping that hits my heart.