#Chapter 213: Gone

Aria’s POV For most of the day, I did my best to avoid Liam, but it was difficult. He seemed to be doing the same, giving me the space I requested, yet every once in a while, we’d find ourselves entering the same room or hallway, or going the same way toward the stairs. There was an awkward moment of back and forth, where we traded glances and hasty apologies. More than once, I turned and went the opposite direction, giving up on whatever I had been doing originally. Toward the end of the day, I took solace out by the pool. Out here, I had no worry for running into Liam. If he knew I was out here, he would avoid the whole patio and pool area to give me space. So I made my presence as known as I could, stretching out on one of the chairs. As evening set in, a chill started to cool the air. At this point, I knew I needed to head inside. Yet, just as I was about to, Joe opened the door to come out to where I was. Seeing him, and suspecting he wanted to speak with me, I decided