Through the Dark

I show Liam to a table and then head back to talk to the chef. When I come back out I go by Liam’s table and tell him that the chef will take care of him. As I start to walk past, Liam gently grabs my arm. I look down into his eyes.
“Join me?” He asks me sweetly.
Oh my poor heart. I smile. “I’d love to.”
We enjoy our meals, even sharing with each other. The thoughts that go through my mind as he takes a bite off of my fork and I take a bite off his. Wel,l I won’t go there.
Our conversation turns to our schooling and the differences between English schools and American schools. I can’t remember the last time I laughed this much. The older couple that is also staying at the hotel have finished their meal and as they walk past our table Liam says hello to the woman. “I hope we weren’t too loud.” He tells her politely.
“Oh no, dear.” She says. “I was just coming to tell you both what a beautiful couple you are.”
I start to correct her but Liam interrupts me. “Thank you so much.” He says as he winks at me. “We can only hope to be as lovely a couple as you two.”
She blushes at Liam’s charm and wishes us a good night.
After they’ve gone Liam summons over the chef. “Could you please send a tray of pastries and tea up to that couple and charge it to me? Thank you.”
He looks at me. “What?” He says.
“That’s very sweet of you.” I tell him. A humble smile crosses his face. “Well they are a sweet couple.”
I’m not sure how I muster up the courage but….”Why did you let them believe we were a couple?”
Liam looks shyly down at the table and then back up to me. He opens his mouth to say something when Agnes loudly interrupts us. “Hey Lexi, I’m leaving for the night. Susie is here for the night shift but don’t forget to lock up.” Then she starts a somewhat lengthy conversation with Liam about what part of England he’s from. I don’t pay much attention since I’m so irritated that she interrupted that moment.
By the time she leaves, Liam starts to ask me to tell him all about college since he didn’t get to go. I drop the other topic and share my experience with him. We talk for at least another couple hours. Everyone has gone except for the night front desk clerk.
Liam’s phone rings. “Excuse me.” He tells me as he answers it.
“Hi Mum.” He looks up at me. “It’s going great.”
I smile. Then he continues.
“Mum can I ring you right back?”
Liam hangs up and tells me. “I’m going to go up to my room and call my Mum back. I think she was a bit worried. I’ll see you tomorrow, Lexi?”
I smile as I walk him to the elevator. “Of course. Have a great night. Wish your parents a good night for me as well.”
He gets a huge grin. “That’s sweet, I’ll tell them.” He pauses and moves a little closer to me. This causes me to move my neck up even further to look into his eyes. He quietly tells me. “Thank you for everything today, Lexi. You’ve made it very special.”
It takes all of my willpower not to put my mouth on his perfect lips. Instead I say. “You’re very welcome. Good night, Liam.”

Notes