AGAIN || MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE

Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

Céline

Now

I feel completely dizzy. The pounding in my chest is unbearable, but it's nothing compared to the relentless throbbing in my head. An annoying ray of light filters onto the bed, and I squint, trying to recall last night. It only takes a moment after opening my eyes to realize this isn't my best friend's house. Was I kidnapped while drunk? I really need to stop drinking so much.

I get out of bed and take in my surroundings. The room is enormous, the luxurious furniture perfectly complementing the soft tones of the walls. A large wardrobe, a spacious desk, and an elegant mirror dominate the space. When I catch my reflection in the glass, I notice I'm wearing a man's sweatshirt that falls loosely over my hips.

It looks... familiar.

Lost in thought, I'm startled by a voice from beyond the door. 'Céline, are you awake?' Relief washes over me as I recognize Liam's voice. At least I wasn't kidnapped, that's a good start. I smile at my own absurdity and walk to the door, opening it.

'Yes, I'm...' I stop mid-sentence. Liam is standing right there, mere inches away. We both smile, awkwardly trying to mask the embarrassment, but neither of us steps back. In fact, Liam moves closer and wraps me in a warm hug.

'You made me worried last night.' He says, his tone serious, so much that his smile fades, replaced by concern. 'I don't remember much, honestly. Just calling someone. You, apparently.' Shame washes over me. I met this boy barely twenty-four hours ago and abandoned him on the dance floor, only to drunkenly call him for help. If first impressions matter, I've already ruined mine.

'I found you crying on the bathroom floor at Twiga.' He explains. 'I picked you up, but before we got to the car, you threw up all over yourself.' It's even worse than I imagined. I turn away, mortified, and silently curse myself. If I'd stayed in New York, none of this would've happened. I'd be indulging in a shopping spree with Bruce right now, not crying in a stranger's house.

'Please don't cry, Lin. You're safe here. You're fine.'

Easy for him to say, he's not the one who humiliated herself. I shake my head. 'I'm sorry.' I mumble. 'You shouldn't have had to babysit me.' His palms gently cup my cheeks, wiping away stray tears. 'What was I supposed to do? Leave you puking in a nightclub bathroom?'

Good point.

I close my eyes and rest my head against his chest, silently thanking him. His lips press softly against my forehead, and for the first time since returning, I feel at ease. Safe. Finally, someone cares enough to save me.

Our moment is interrupted by the loud growl of my stomach.

'Sounds like someone's hungry.' Liam says with a smile. He takes my hand, leading me toward the kitchen. Beyond the bedroom, an open living space greets us, its large windows offering a stunning view of the pier.

'This place is amazing!' I say, sitting on a stool by the kitchen counter. 'Have you lived here long?' Liam retrieves some milk from the fridge, his movements casual. 'Not exactly.' He says, pouring the milk into a cup.

'This isn't my apartment.' A strange unease settles over me. My gaze drifts instinctively to the sweatshirt I'm wearing. 'I put the hoodie on you because your dress was dirty. It's Charles's, and so is this place.'

My heart skips a beat, maybe two.

I'm in Charles's house. Wearing his hoodie. The very one I gave him when we were together. That's why it felt familiar. 'You're joking, right? You didn't actually bring me here!' I laugh hysterically, running my hands through my hair.

'I didn't have much of a choice.' Liam says, placing a steaming cup and some biscuits in front of me. 'I forgot my keys. The spare set is at my parents' and I couldn't wake them at four in the morning.' I stare at the cup, unable to drink. My breath quickens, panic setting in.

'Charles is on his way, by the way.' Liam adds.

'He wanted to check on you since he's the one you spoke to last night.' This is officially a nightmare. I can't stay here. I can't face Charles, not in his house.

'I need to go.' I blurt out, panic rising. Liam looks at me, confused, maybe even hurt. 'Céline, just wait five minutes. He'll say hello, and I promise I'll take you home right after.'

No. No. No.

The doorbell rings, and my eyes widen.

Déjà vu. All that's missing is Alexandra, and we'll have a perfect replay of the day at the bookshop. But it's just an elderly neighbor, asking for help with some boxes.

It's my chance.

I slip on my shoes, grabbing my bag. I don't even bother retrieving my dress. 'I really have to leave before he gets here.' I tell Liam, pausing briefly. His expression is a mix of confusion and disappointment. Then, before I can second-guess myself, I lean in and press my lips to his. He freezes, caught off guard. For a moment, I think I've made a mistake. But then his hands cup my cheeks, and he kisses me back, slowly, tenderly at first, then with growing intensity. My body burns as I move closer, our chests pressing together. A soft moan escapes him as his lips deepen the kiss. He gently tilts my head, his fingers threading through my hair. But when his tongue brushes against my lips, I pull back, heart racing. We break apart just as the neighbor returns, her presence snapping us back to reality.

'I really have to go now.' I say, smiling despite the awkwardness. 'Thank you for everything, Liam.' His expression softens, though there's a trace of sadness.

'Why does that sound like a goodbye?'

I laugh nervously.

'It's not. I'll text you in a few hours, I promise.'

'If you don't, I'll come find you!' Liam teases, then the elevator doors close, I wave at him one last time. No sign of Charles. For now, I've managed to outrun my past. But I know it's only a matter of time before I have to face it.