All Over You

Several Centuries

I call Keira on the way home to update her on everything, but she doesn't answer, so I decide to wait until tomorrow to text her. I quickly message that I butt dialled her as a lame excuse before continuing to drive home. All my confidence has faltered and the reality of her reaction weighs heavy on me. She's going to be so disappointed in me. I couldn't possibly convey it all over text. When I get in, my phone rings and I hurry to it, but it isn't Keira. Liam's name lights up my screen and I hover my finger over the answer button, hoping he hasn't changed his mind again. 

"Hi pretty girl." He answers, soothing all my worries. 

I breathe a sigh of relief and make small talk to him while I go about my evening chores. Our conversation goes on for hours, and by the time my head hits the pillow at night, my heart is full from the playful man who has restored my faith in love. This is it. We are finally together and all my wildest dreams have come true. The man who doesn't date is dating me. I fall asleep with a smile engrained into my face. It is still there when I wake up the next morning. 

Though by the time I am driving to work the next morning, my smile has faded. Butterflies gather in my stomach at the prospect of telling Keira. She was so furious with Liam when we broke it off. I know she only wants the best for me but I'd hate for her to go against my decision to be with him. Liam is just damaged. He never meant to hurt me. I don't need to know what caused him to be like this to understand how he feels. He was scared and ran, but now were officially locked in and he can't run anymore. 

I slip past his office in the morning, noticing Jenifer in his office with the door closed. My heart drops at the sight, but I remind myself who he chose to be with. Jenifer wasn't enough for him and I was. They're colleagues and friends. He is training her. Of course they're going to talk from time to time and that's okay. I banish all thoughts of bursting in there and telling her to leave my boyfriend alone and stride past. The word 'boyfriend' and Liam still seem mutually exclusive, even though I have managed to make it a reality. The thought causes a small smirk to spread across my face. I walk into my own office, my head held high. Geoff is leaning over Keira's desk while she points at something on her screen. They both turn and look at me on entrance. 

"You're smiley." Keira remarks. 

I take a deep breath. I really wanted to have a quiet chat with Keira and explain to her why I made the choice I did all out of respect for her. After all, she's been there when I was breaking down over Liam. Unfortunately, Geoff being here throws a spanner in the works. Still, Liam is no longer playing the secrecy card, so I should embrace it. It makes me happy after all. I want to share that with my friends. 

"Well, It's hard not to be smiley when Liam and I are together. We're giving it a shot!" I declare.

I watch as they both stare at me, open mouthed and silent. Something flashes in Keira's eyes, maybe worry, but it's gone too soon for me to make it out. 

"Liam? Exclusive? Like boyfriend and girlfriend?" Geoff asks, not bothering to hide his obvious shock. 

I squeeze my eyes shut to reduce the pressure. "Yes." 

"I hope you two are very happy together." He smiles a wry smile. 

He shuffles back from Keira's desk, his hands clasped tightly together behind his back. He looks much rounder this way and I note that he's gained a little weight since he's settled with Hayley. However it's more his face that worries me. His ginger eyebrows are raised so high that I consider them flying away. As I smile back at him his rounded glasses slip down the bridge of his nose and he clears his throat awkwardly. I'm not sure why he seems so uncomfortable but I let it slide. Keira stays silent and I wordlessly plead with her to say something.