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Serving Liam

Hello Again

Early August 2013...

On a cool afternoon, Piper had finished her shift, throwing her apron in her bag as she walked out the door. A friend wanted her to come to her gallery show that evening, but first there were a couple of errands to be made; starting with the bank. Piper didn't own a car, luckily everything was walking distance or she'd resort to public transportation. After cashing her check she went to the grocery store and then back to her apartment to make something to eat before getting ready.


Liam and the rest of his band mates had flown in yesterday to California, performing a concert that very night. The following two days had morning TV and radio appearances with afternoon signing sessions in the L.A. area. Thankfully they had the evenings off; a well-deserved break before their next round of sold-out concerts.

Two of Liam's friends, Louis and Zayn, had flown in their girlfriends for those few days. Sulking at the realization of his newfound loneliness; single once again. Earlier this year, Liam had tried to rekindle the relationship with his former girlfriend, only to survive half the year due to the distance and strain of demanding lifestyles. Now back in L.A., there was only one place he could think of revisiting.

It was almost 7 o'clock, Liam was on his way over to the restaurant. He had the whole conversation planned out, if he should find the same waitress there. Would she even remember him? Dressed comfortably in a black shirt and jeans, throwing on a cap and white kicks; he told his friends he'd meet up with them later if his plan should fail.

Walking into the restaurant, he searched for the bartender. Calling his attention, he asked him if the girl with the light curly hair was working tonight. Disappointed to hear that he had missed her, he then asked if he could please call her to tell her a friend was in town waiting to see her. Liam was set on seeing her, there was no way he could waste a free night.


Piper was going hysterical looking for her cell phone in her apartment. Time was running short; she was supposed to have left ten minutes ago. Abruptly, she remembered placing it on the side of the cash register. If it weren't for the address she needed from her friend's text, she would have picked it up later.

Speed-walking down two blocks with a plum sleeveless dress, Piper left a violet trail dancing in the wind, along with her tight tresses. She swung the door open passing by all the customers that filled the restaurant at its busiest time. Leaning over the counter she reached for her cell phone and was tapped by the bartender.

"Hey Jake, I'm late..."

"I know, but this gentleman was looking for you," he said pointing down the counter.

Piper turned to see a familiar face gazing back at her, immediately tucking a few hairs behind her ear, trusting that she didn't look too distressed. Stunned and speechless to see him again, there was something else that seemed familiar about him. He crumbled up the piece of paper he had been writing on and shoved it in his pocket, standing to his feet.

"Heyy...you're the English kid right?" She smiled.

"Right, you remembered," he chuckled softly. "I was just stopping by to say hello, but you look like you're in a rush..."

"Yeah, I'm supposed to be at my friend's opening night right now, but forgot this," she said raising her phone.

"Okay. Well, maybe I'll catch you on another night?" His eyebrows lifted, hopeful.

Not wanting to part from those sad puppy eyes just yet, she asked "Do you have any plans right now? Would you like to join me?"

"I don't want to impose on your plans...but."

"Come on, we have to hurry though," Piper insisted as they walked out.


Looking for a cab, Piper tried to signal one. Liam stood further out in the street to grab their attention, and one quickly approached them. He opened the door for her and helped her in, admiring the color of her dress on her beige skin and the tickling of her hair over his hand for a brief second.


Piper told the address to the driver and sat back relieved. Looking over at Liam who stared out the window with a huge smile, she even saw his hair had grown out. No wig this time...maybe.

"This is only the second time I've been in a taxi cab in America."

"Really? So is that another one of your funny caps?"

"Oh no," he removed it and shook his head to show her his real hair. "No more buzz cut."

"So it's Liam right? When did you get back?"

"Yesterday. We'll be here a couple of days, thankfully."

"Interesting, while that raises a whole list of questions...I'm glad you came to visit me."

"I told you I would. Did you read what I wrote you?"

"Yeah, but you're crazy! Who leaves a fifty dollar tip for free tea?!"

"I mean it. You're America's best waitress," he laughed.

"Hah. So I'm sorry for kidnapping you tonight. Looks like you'll be my friend-date for the event."

"I don't think it's kidnapping if the victim willingly goes...I like that friend-date. Is that a new term for something?"

"Nope. It is what it is."

"Can I say that I love the color of your dress, without sounding too forward?"

"I'd say you are the politest English man, or American man, I've ever met...and thank you."

"Thank YOU for the compliment." Liam gave a timid smile.


Although he remained cool and relaxed, inside, Liam was enthralled to be escorting her to this engagement. He had planned to talk with her again and expected to switch numbers, but this was even better. Quickly texting his buddies, he updated them on his evening plans.

"Oh quick question, what will the crowd be like there?"

"Umm, just a group of mid-twenties to thirties or forties even, I know that doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun."

"No that sounds perfect. I think I'll enjoy an older crowd."

"Still the same intriguing guy I see."

"Piper, there is something I might need to tell you..."

"Oh we're here! Hurry, before the performance starts," Piper demanded.

"Performance?" He whispered.

Piper almost forgot to pay the driver as she began looking in her small purse, but the cab took off. She fixed an inquiring look at Liam who was sliding his wallet back in his pocket.

"Why did you do that? I invited you remember?"

"It's alright. Come on we're late remember?" He broke out an American accent at the end.

Shaking her head she led the way to the small entrance. Seconds into the performance, the lights were off with jungle world music playing. An installation with green and blue spotlights lit the main floor where three students painted in mesh of animal prints danced, posing in different positions like the photographs that hung in the exhibit.

Liam hadn't been exposed to this type of artsy environment before. Not his normal crowd that was for sure, regardless the ambiance lured him in more and more. Piper caught glimpses of how captivated her 'date' had become. Glad to see him, and not an ounce of guilt for being a few years older, pleased that he was at least taller.

"That was brilliant!" He stated enthusiastically.

"I'm glad you enjoyed that. I'd feel horrible dragging you here and boring you to death."

"This is different, but I like it."

"Come let me introduce you to my friends."

Piper held on to her purse strap and walked up to the star of the show, the photographer. While introducing him one of her friends paused and looked at him quizzically.

"Wait are you the Liam Payne? From...?" She narrowed her gaze.

Liam didn't say anything, just felt caught in the spotlight. Wanting to avoid any attention, especially in this low key place, he bowed his head and half smiled, but surprisingly the girl left it at that. She didn't make a big fuss of it, or break out with an introduction to the rest of the group of who he really was. She gave him an impressed smile and carried on the conversation; he was relieved for that.

Escaping the clutching stares of her friends, Liam was still left with one; a pair of pale blue eyes.

"So what was that back there?"

"Before I answer that...what music do you listen to?" He strayed.

"Okay Mr. Random...I'd have to say Indie Rock, why?" She giggled quietly.

"Well, my friends...we're kind of in a band..."

"Oh really?" She said not really believing him.

They walked out towards the lit terrace at the back of the gallery. There were lights hanging from one end to another, creating a whimsical web. The same music played softly. Various tables were set with white cloths and small candles and plates for the hors d'oeuvres at the back table. Pulling a chair out for Piper he then proceeded to take the one next to her, removing his cap to seem more formal.

"So what's the name of the band?" She asked perking one eyebrow.

"See if I tell you, you'll think I'm bragging."

"Would you prefer not to? I don't mind."

"I suppose I like the fact that you don't know that side of me...that you see me like just a regular lad."

"Well, you are. Do you act any different when with your friends, band members?"

"They're like my brothers...so I guess I kind of act a bit different with them. A bit silly; a bit stupid actually."

"Don't we all, when around our friends."

"I suppose so," Liam laughed. "Is that stuff for us?"

"Let's go see what they have, shall we?"

It seemed like Liam and Piper were comfortable around each other. Though he had a bad feeling already, they couldn't hang out in this patio forever...or could they? He would eventually have to face the public, with or without her. And though he didn't mind to be seen with her, he despised the invasion of his personal life. He already suffered so much with his previous relationship.

The greater problem was that he was feeling too comfortable with her. He enjoyed her company, she was so easy to talk to. He thought her to be lovely and naturally pretty, wearing very light makeup. She gave off a vibe that made him feel relaxed and nervous all at once. Liam was doomed to want to see her the next night as well. He only dreaded the days of wanting to see her while he was across the country...starting the same cycle all over again.

"Thank you for letting me join you. I'm having a wicked time."

"Sorry it's not much."

"No believe me. I like this. Its chill, it's perfect."

"Good, maybe we can get some tea some other time. Since you're into exciting things like that," she teased, causing them both to laugh.

"Now that you mentioned it, can I see you tomorrow night?"

"I work at night," she sighed, noticing his fake smile. "But I can switch shifts and work in the morning?"

"Good good! It's my turn to kidnap you to come and meet my friends."

"Sounds like fun," she replied sharing a mutual smile.

Comments

Just found this story and I love it. Update soon!!!

blwl blwl
4/21/15

Oh no no!! Not a ending on a bad note!! Please dont make me wait another year for another update!! I loved this chapter even though it broke my heart in about a million different ways!

M.J. M.J.
3/15/15

@M.J.
Sorry it took me so long, but I hope you enjoy the update :)

Hi just dropping by checking if you are alive and if you plan on updating your awesome story. I dont know what it ia about it has an aura of maturity and reality to it that is very hard to find. You are a wonderful writer and i truly hope you havent forgotten this story. I havent! There us still someone out here waiting! Merry chritmas!

M.J. M.J.
12/8/14

I will do my best to update this week :)

ciaoniccie ciaoniccie
8/7/14