They said their goodbyes and got into the car. She pulled onto the busy street as Liam waved to Billy. The kid’s face was filled with hero worship.
“You guys seemed to hit it off pretty quickly,” Cora observed. She was still annoyed at Liam for pulling that macho bullshit move with the street person earlier, but it was hard not to admire the way he’d interacted with Billy. The boy had so few positive role models in his life, and it was clear they had a connection. “I think you made quite an impression on him.” She stopped the car at a red light and glanced over at Liam.
He was staring out the window, his gaze a million miles away. “He reminds me of some kids I used to know.”
“Who were they?”
Cora saw him tense.
“Just some kids from my village back in Ireland,” he said quietly. His expression was so bleak and haunted, she suddenly wanted to do whatever she could to lighten his mood.
“Well, I think you’ve got yourself a new friend,” she said brightly. “I guess those cheap tricks are good for more than just impressing the ladies, huh?” She waited for his reaction. Hoped...
Liam ran a hand through his hair and glanced sideways at her. Then he flashed a brilliant smile that would make any Hollywood heartthrob green with envy. “They’re not cheap tricks.” Was that a dimple in his left cheek? Of course it was. “They’re badass.”