A Love Restored

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(Now)

The room swayed slightly as I tried to focus on Liam’s concerned face. The effects of the drinks were still lingering, but I wasn’t as drunk as he thought. I managed a half smile, attempting to convey a sense of sobriety.

“Im not that drunk, really,” I insisted, feeling a slight wobble in my words. “I can call Tommy to pick me up.”

Liam’s eyebrows furrowed. “Tommy? Who’s Tommy? He sounded pressed.

I chuckled. “Just my neighbor. He’s always there to rescue me when I’ve had a bit too much. I told you about him, remember? He sometimes drives me to work.”

Liam’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded. “Alright, if you think you’re good to call him.”

1 fumbled for my phone and dialed Tommy’s number. As I waited for him to pick up, I couldn’t help but notice Liam’s gaze fixed on me. I motioned for him to give me a moment, and he reluctantly retreated, allowing me some privacy.

‘Hey, Tommy?

“Hey,” he answered. “What’s up?”

“Its Flora.” I said,

“I know, I have your number saved.”

That made sense. “I might have had one too many drinks at Liam’s place. Can you pick me up?

Tommy’s voice on the other end was reassuring. “Sure t thing, Flora, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Just wait for me.

Thanks, Tommy. You’re a lifesaver,” I replied gratefully before ending the call.

Liam raised an eyebrows, looking curious. “Neighbor, huh?”

I nodded, feeling the need to explain. “Yeah, he lives in the apartment next to mine. We’ve been good friends for a while now,

The tension in Liam’s expression didn’t completely dissipate, but he didn’t press the issue further. Instead, he gestured towards the bathroom, “Go freshen up or whatever. Ill be here.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded and headed towards the bathroom. As I splashed some water on my face, the cold liquid seemed to wash away the remnants of intoxication. Maybe I wasn’t as drunk as I thought. I took a moment to collect myself, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were a little red and my hair disheveled.

When I returned to the living room, Liam handed me a glass of water, I accepted it gratefully, sipping slowly as I sank back onto the couch. The ro felt more stable now, and Lam’s concern had transformed into a more relaxed demeanor.

Liam propped his arm on the couch’s head, and put his chin in his hand. “Just had this thought today.”

1 raised an eyebrow, suddenly intrigued. “What’s on your mind?”

He glanced at me, his eyes sincere. “The pasta you made for Mr. Corsing looked amazing. I was wondering, does he appreciate all the hard work you put in for him? I mean, you always go above and beyond for every meal.”

I sighed, a small smile playing on my lips. “It’s my boss. I don’t think he needs to appreciate ave. He pays me, you k

“Ugh,” he groaned a little, “I just don’t like him that much.”

“As you’ve made clear, on many occasions, Liam.”

Liam’s face contorted with a mixture of frustration and concern. “He’s rude. And you work so hard, and he doesn’t even acknowledge it. Or you. Doesn’t

that bother you? Like, all the fancy desserts you make, I see you throwing them all away every few days,”

I shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. “It’s a part of the job, I guess. He doesn’t like to eat sweets every day. It’s fine. I’m not bothered by anything Felix does.”

eyes widened, and alarm bells rung in my head. I had called him Felix. And I was speaking of him like I knew him so well. Liam could get suspicious.

Liam leaned back, studying me. “You speak of him so intimately, sometimes. His brows furrowed. “I don’t know, I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

ed in

I shifted in discomfort, “It’s not like that.”

He nodded, “Maybe. I just meant, you deserve better. You’re too sweet. It makes me want to…protect you.”

The sincerity in his words caught me off guard. I looked at him, unsure of how to respond. Before I could gather my thoughts, Liam continued. “I get angry just thinking about how he treats you. It’s not right.”

I waved off his concern, not wanting to dwell on it. “It’s fine, really. I’m used to it. It’s just work.”

Liam remained unconvinced, but he dropped the subject. “You could have stayed the night, you know. He leaned in closer to me, his brown eyes boring into mine. “I’m glad you joined me for dinner. We should do this more often.”

I felt a subtle shift in the air, and I couldn’t quite place the tension building between us. “Thanks for the offer, but I think I’d rather sleep in my own bed. Plus, I didn’t want to impose.”

He sighed, the smile on his face had faded, and he “You know, Flora, I think you’re underestimating how much I enjoy your company.”

I raised an eyebrow, sensing a change in the atmosphere. “Yeah?”

“I mean. I really wanted you to stay.”

“I think you just want to get in my pants.” I couldn’t believe the words slipping out of my mouth. Blame it on the alcohol, Flora

“So what if I do!”

The directness of his words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I found myself speechless. The atmosphere crackled with tension as our lips hovered inches apart. His warm breath mingled with mine, and the temptation to close the gap was almost overwhelming. It had been too long since I bad felt this way. But his lips looked so soft and my blood was running so fast in my veins.

He began to lean in, but instinctively, I pushed him away, breaking the spell. “We shouldn’t do this, Liam.”

He looked disappointed, but there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. “Yes,” he didn’t sound convinced, “We shouldn’t.”

Just as the moment threatened to become awkward, a text from Tommy interrupted us. “Tm downstairs.” Thank God for Tommy.

Relieved by the timely interruption, I stood up, straightening my clothes. “Tommy’s here. I should go

Liam walked me to the door, and as I stepped into the cool night air, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of confusion and relief. Tommy’s car was waiting. and be greeted me with a concerned look.

“I get a bad vibe from that guy,” he said as I settled into the passenger seat.

I sighed, trying to reassure him. “Liam’s not a bad guy, Tommy. He’s my friend. He’s really nice, actually”

Tommy remained skeptical. “Just be careful, Flora. You never know.”