I feel a slight shift as soon as I mention Liam to him. And needless to say am a little uncomfortable with the way he instantly lets his eyes wander over me. And have to fight down the urge to frown.

"'Guess not. Never would've pegged you for being 'round the deputy, miss," Then he’s looking away from me and back at the drink and I feel like I’ve missed something.

“Oh, he wasn’t the deputy when I first started running around with him.” I assure Laurence, incase he thinks that I’m in trouble with the law. That is a terrible assumption, perhaps he thinks I’m hiding out?

Amusing as it is horrible.

“Actually, I don’t remember if he could even speak in full sentences then. Not that, has ever stopped him from being demanding.” I try to remember back that far for a moment.

“I’ve always had a sweet spot for him though; my momma says he has an angel’s face with the devil’s own mind. He just likes to look after me, I think. Make sure I’m not getting into any trouble except with him. Not the handcuffing kind of trouble, mind you. Though I’m sure Liam would like me under lock and key.” I laugh musing about my friend’s antics.

After a few moments of musing about Liam, we are back on the serious subject of drinking, and Laurence slips back into that sad shell he has.

"Because I don't think there's much point in not. Not any more."

I puzzle that out for a moment, and nod slowly.

“So, you’ve had a reason not to up until now?” I am just trying to get a grasp of the situation.

“What happened to it?”