The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden(10)

Liam rubs at the back of his neck. When he was up there on that stage, he looked so confident. I’m terrified of public speaking, but he didn’t look even the slightest bit nervous. But now he keeps rubbing his neck and shuffling his feet. “So, um, you saw it?”

“Uh huh.” I squeeze my fists together. They seem abnormally clammy, like I’ve got a fever. “You did a really good job. I mean, I think so. I’ve never seen a debate before.”

“Thanks.” He coughs and smiles. “It went really well. We won.”

“I know.”

“Oh.”

And now we’re both just standing there. I wrack my brain, trying to think of something interesting to say before he walks away. “Did you get to your math homework yet?”

That’ll do.

He shakes his head. “No. I’ve been busy with the debate since school ended.”

“Oh. Right.” Duh. Obviously. God, why do I sound like such a moron? “Well, I did it, and it wasn’t too bad.”

Actually, that’s a total lie. There was no way I could focus on math homework when I knew I’d be seeing Liam shortly.

“Okay, good.” He coughs again. “Hey, listen, Olivia, me and some guys from track are going to Charlie’s tomorrow after school, just to hang out and get some food. Would you… I mean, do you want to come with us?”

I stare at him. Is he asking me out? “I…”

The smile on his face falters. “It’s no big deal. Either way.”

“No, I mean… yes. I would like to come. That would be great. It sounds like… fun. You know.”

His brown eyes light up. “Yeah, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

“Yeah.” My mouth feels almost too dry to speak.

“So… do you want to meet in front of the school at four-thirty? It’s after practice, and we need time to, you know, shower and stuff.”

I nod. “Okay. I’ll be there.”

Okay, maybe it isn’t an official date. But I really think Liam might like me. I mean, he seemed really happy when I said yes. And he wants to shower beforehand so he smells good. So, these are all a good signs.

Oh my God, I’ve got a date with Liam. I’m so happy!





Chapter 9


Erika



Liam is a brilliant public speaker. He’s always been good at getting in front of a crowd and doing his thing. If he were different, he would be perfect for politics. He speaks well, he’s good looking, and he’s incredibly smart. My son is so many good things.

Before the debate begins, Liam is deep in conversation with a beautiful girl. She seems to also be on the debate team, but she looks like she could be a model. She has blond hair that appears professionally styled. And given how skinny she is, it’s amazing how large her breasts are. Do sixteen-year-old girls get implants? I’m horrified by the idea of it.

There’s a woman next to me who is fiddling with her cell phone. The gray laced through her hair makes me think she’s about my age—probably another parent. “Excuse me,” I say.

She looks up and smiles pleasantly. “Yes?”

“Do you know the name of the blond girl on the stage? The one in the yellow blouse.”

The woman nods. “That’s Olivia Reynolds. She’s a really strong debater. But not as good as the boy. Liam.”

“Liam is my son,” I say, allowing for an instant that touch of pride I often deny myself when I talk about Liam these days.

“Is he?” The woman’s eyes light up. “Well, he is absolutely wonderful. Very talented. You must be really proud of him. I wish my son could speak half as well.”

I smile, trying to enjoy the compliment, but my mind is racing. Olivia Reynolds. That’s the girl Liam is interested in. And it’s not surprising, because she is absolutely beautiful. Of course Liam would like her.

I’ve got to fix this.

I excuse myself from this woman who won’t stop gushing about my son, and I step out of the auditorium. I just need to make a quick call. I’ll be back in time for the debate.

I check the contacts on my phone, searching for the name Frank Marino. My heart is pounding as I click on his name. The phone rings once. Then again.

It’s Frank. Leave a message.

Voicemail.

“Frank? It’s Erika Cass. I need to talk to you. There’s another… Please call me back. As soon as you can.”

Frank is very reliable. He’ll call back tonight.

I return to the auditorium where the students are assembled on the stage. Liam is behind the podium. Sometimes I look at him, and I can’t get over how that tiny helpless baby grew up into this handsome, intelligent young man. There were times when Liam was an infant when I imagined what he’d be like when he was older.

I was so na?ve. I had no idea what was to come.

Liam gives a great performance, as usual. His team wins the debate, as if there was ever any doubt. He is an excellent performer and speaker. When he was in third grade, he had to give a presentation for class, and he insisted on wearing his nicest button-down shirt and pants. He even dug out the black clip-on tie I bought him for a wedding the year before. I thought he was absolutely adorable and took about a hundred photographs. It’s almost a decade later, and he still takes public speaking just as seriously.