I had a smile plastered to my face and a warmth of desire in my core the entire ride home. Maybe I could do this. I mean maybe this was some kind of fate. He was at a grievance meeting so he obviously has gone through some kind of loss like me?
Maybe?
I finally get home to be greeted by my only companion as of late and always hungry black Cat Loki.
Willow: Who's the best kitty....
Loki meows and head butts my shin. Then runs for the kitchen to be fed. After he's fed, I quickly change into my pajamas grab my phone to text Liam and settle onto the couch to watch some Netflix.
Willow: Made it home....
Thank you.
I tossed the phone aside and start flipping through what to watch but all I can think about is Liam. How sweet and genuine he seemed.
Within seconds my phone pings. My heart flutters as I grab the phone to see his name.
Liam: I'm glad you made it home safe.
Thank you for what?
Willow: Most men would have high tailed it out of there at the first sign of a women in a meltdown. But you didn't. So Just thanks.
Liam: I'm not most men.
Willow: No, you're sweet and creamy LOL!
Liam: You're not going to let that one go, are you?
Willow: Nope.
Liam: I'll be out of the meeting a little after 9pm can I call you then?
Willow: Yes
I pick a comedy to watch and relax with Loki resting in my lap anticipating Liam calling me back when there's a knock my door.
It's almost 9pm I look through the peep hole to find my cute though kind of awkward neighbor Tom. He runs security for our gated community.
Willow: Hi Tom.
In his uniform ready to start his night shift.
Tom: Hi Willow
He hands me a rose and I get teary eyed.
Tom is one of very few people that knows what today is since he was there that day 6 months ago when I received the news about my husband and my....
Willow: Tom you didn't have to really...
He pulls me in for a hug. He is really cute with his shaggy blond hair and blue eyes and i do have to admit he fills out the uniform pretty nice, but I've never felt anything spark between us.
I've never felt a spark with anyone until tonight with Liam when he touched my hand. The thought of his touch makes my stomach and heart flutter.
Tom: Of course, I did. You want to talk about it?
Willow: Thank you Tom but i can't handle anymore crying tonight.
Tom: I understand. Well if you change your mind or need anything you know where to find me.
Tom leaves for the guard station at the gates. I place the rose in a small vase on the mantle above the fire place next to a candle and a picture...I touch my fingers to it and squeeze my eyes shut.
The sound of laughter echoes in the distance. The sun is blinding blurring the face of the image running toward me. The laughs turn to cries. My heart plummets as I reach out for the small image that suddenly fades.
The tears begin to flood again. My breath catches in my throat. I can't breathe. I can't move. I want to scream. I am frozen like in a bad dream. Giving up with no tears left I fall to my knees clutching my shirt to my chest.
My sweet Loki jumps in my lap nudging my chin with his nose. He turns giving a whip of his tale to say snap out of it and pick yourself up.
This thought brings a slight smile to me and I breathe.