A Love Restored

(Now)

The moment the door to Liam’s apartment swung open, I was hit with the unmistakable scent of citrus. Like the kind of citrus floor cleaner has. It was a small, one–bedroom space, minimally decorated yet surprisingly tidy. I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow; it was a stark contrast to the chaotic space I had expected from Liam. I had expected the usual you could expect from men – dirty clothes lying around, and pizza boxes and heer bottles on the tables.

“Wow, your place is… unexpectedly neat,” I remarked, my eyes scanning the simple furnishings.

Liam chuckled, closing the door behind us. “Yeah, like to keep things in order. Makes life a bit more manageable, you know? What, did you think I am a slub?”

I shook my head, trying to hide my surprise. I kind of had expected him to be a slob. He led me to a comfortable–looking couch, and I sank into its cushions with a sigh. Liam disappeared into the kitchen. “I’m going to get us a drink. Sit tight. You can turn on the TV if you want!““”

I didn’t turn on the TV. I looked around. He had a small couch and a small table with an ashtray on it. On the walls, he had pictures with his mom and sister, and a man who seemed like his dad. Liam looked decidedly young in that one.

Liam returned with two g

two glasses in hand, each filled with a golden liquid. “Gin sour, as you requested,” he announced with a grin.

I know to

I took a sip, and the tangy sweetness danced on my tongue. “Impressive,” I teased. “I didn’t know you had a hidden talent for mixology. Now I kn take your word for things.”

Liam chuckled, settling down beside me. “Well, you learn a few things living alone. Cheers.”

We clinked glasses, and soon the conversation flowed as smoothly as the drinks. The gin began to warn me from the inside, and I found myself feeling more at ease in Liam’s company. We laughed about work, and he shared amusing anecdotes about the time he had worked for the Corsinns, and before i knew it, the akohol had started to take its toll. I set my glass on the table. It almost fell, and I gløgled.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“I think we could use some carbs to soak up all this alcohol,” Liam said, a mischievous glint in his eyes

1 grinned, feeling a bit lightheaded. “Pasta sounds perfect, now.

Together, we stumbled into the kitchen, the atmosphere filled with an easy camaraderie. Even his kitchen smelled like citrus. Tie had some strong cleaning liquid. Liam dug out a box of pasta from a cabinet, and we set to work, the alcohol–infused giggles making the task more entertaining than it should have been. He put me to work boiling the pasta, and I began filling up a pot with water.

In between grating some cheese, Liam leaned against the counter, looking at me with a warmth in his eyes. He smiled softly. “You know, Flora, you’re really pretty.”

I felt a flush creep up my cheeks and quickly averted my gaze, focusing on the bubbling pot in front of me. Oh, stop it, I mumbled, attempting to brush off the compliment. “You’re just saying that because of the gin”

Liam chuckled, closing the distance between us. “No, seriously. I’ve always thought so.”

I tried to suppress the warmth that spread through me, opting for humor instead. His compliment made me feel both uncomfortable and a bit tingly inside. “Well, I hope your eyesight isn’t as impaired as mine is right now,”

We both laughed, the tension dissipated a little. I didn’t want Liam to get the wrong hint. He finished preparing the pasta, and soon the apartment was filled with the aroma of a rich Alfredo sauce. He plated the dish, and we settled back on the couch, our makeshift dining table for the night.

“This looks so good, Lam!” I couldn’t wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, the creamy pasta multed in my mouth, and I couldn’t help but let out a satisfied moan. Liam grinned, clearly pleased with his culinary skills, “Glad you like it,”

“This is amazing,” I managed to say between bites. “You should open a restaurant or something. I didn’t know you had it in you. Why are you in security? You should join me in the kitchen!”

Liam waved off the idea modestly, but I could see a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “Well, this is one of the few dishes I can make. The others are

spaghetti and brownies. Oh, and stuffed mushrooms.”

We continued eating while binge–watching Modern Family.

“I really like Thai and Claire’s family dynamic,” I commented, my fork hovering over the plate. I stuffed my face with a forkful before mumbling. They make chaos look fun.”

Liam nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Yeah, I’ve always thought that having a big family like that would be nice.”

1 raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? You want a big family?”

bunch of little ones running around. I want like,

He shrugged, a wistful smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, someday. A house full of noise, laughter, and a bi

ten kids”

I couldn’t help but smile at the image he painted. It was endearing to see this side of Liam, the guy who dreamed of a hustling family life, behind his fun, carefree demeanor. “Your poor wife, then.”

As the night wore on, we had more drinks, the conversation drifting from one topic to another. The room started to blur, and 1 felt an overwhelming sense of drowsiness washing over me. Liam’s voice became a distant murmur as I fought to keep my eyes open.

“Flora, are you okay?” Liam’s voice cut through the haze

I blinked, realizing how heavy my eyelids had become. “Yeah, I’m just… really, really tired. I laughed a little. “I’m so drunk, Liam,”

Liam chuckled, helping me stand. “You’ve had enough for tonight. No more drinks.”

I downed the rest of the gin in my glass in one go. “One last? I promise I’m fine.”

I wasn’t fine at all. My vision was hazy and my head was spinning and I knew my judgment was impaired.

Liam ran to the kitchen and handed me a glass of water.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, taking a small sip. This is your fault, Liam. We have to be at work, tomorrow, you got me so drunk?”

Liam settled beside me, his arm

arm resting on the back of the couch. “My fault? Hey, I didn’t force you to drink!”

The room spun slightly as I closed my eyes, the sounds of the TV and Liam’s presence creating a soothing lull. In that hazy moment, I felt a gentle touch on my hair, and Liam’s voice reached my ears. “You can sleep over, if you want.” His voice was almost a whisper. My eyes fluttered open at the suggestion. “I’ll take the couch,” he said.

“Oh no.” I stood up suddenly. The room spun, and I stumbled. I fell down to the couch again, “I’ll call Tommy to pick me up.”

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