The Expansion of the Universe {Completed}

Sixty-Five | "Can we not do this right now?"

Liza stirred at the sound of hushed, angry whispers. Before she could grow anxious about the noise and worry that Carson Pierce's friend had found her again, she felt familiar fingers over her cheek and heard the words, "I'm sorry, beautiful, I didn't mean to wake you. You're alright, doll, you can go back to sleep. I love you." Elijah's voice was followed by a soft, loving kiss against the side of her head, and she smiled sleepily, snuggling further into the soft duvet.

"God, you're stunning." There was a brief pause, before the whispers returned. The words were angry, and her concern for Elijah was enough to keep her awake, though her eyelids remained shut tight as she listened. "Yeah, I'm still here. What do you want now?"

Another pause.

"What?!" The word was barked, and her body jolted against her will. "Shit," Elijah grumbled, and then one of his hands was against her shoulder, rubbing soothing circles even as he continued what she assumed was a conversation over the phone, voice quieter. "I told you not to fucking look anything up . . . I'll curse however much I want to. That was personal, and you know that. You can't throw your weight around when it comes to her and expect me to keep my mouth shut—I thought I made that clear."

Was he talking about her? Or maybe his mom?

"I—are you serious? Dad, what in the fuck?" Oh, it was his dad on the phone; that explained his animosity. "I fucking told you that it was private, and that she would meet and tell you whenever she's ready." Okay, so, whatever the issue was, it was definitely about her. Apparently, his dad wanted to meet her. With the stories she'd heard from Elijah, she doubted she'd be capable of such an encounter for a long while. His dad would probably have her crying and on the verge of a breakdown in the first few minutes of a meeting. "Well, that's where patience comes in, asshole . . . No, I don't—what?" Elijah released an angry puff of air, and she moved one of her hands to grab the one he'd placed against her shoulder, tangling her fingers with his and squeezing in a silent show of support.

"Fuck," he whispered, clearly upset with himself for waking her. His breath was against her ear when he whispered, "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I'll get off in a second." She just squeezed his hand again, too tired for words but hoping to convey that he could take his time.

"No," he sighed, sounding beyond exhausted. "Dad, look, can we not do this right now? It's late, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm not in a good mood . . . Yeah, that's fine . . . No, I already said—No! I told you exactly why, and since you've done your own snooping, you should be more than aware of the reasons . . . Okay. Yes. . . . Fine. Yeah. Tell Mom I love her." There was a short pause, before he blew out the words, "I love you, too." Another pause, and then, "God."

The bed dipped beside her as he settled back down, their hands still intertwined as he cuddled up against her back. His lips were gentle against the side of her neck. "I'm so sorry, my Liza, I didn't mean to wake you."

Her mouth was barely cooperating, but she managed to croak out, "Okay?"

Understanding her poorly worded question, he replied, "Yeah, doll, I'm okay. It's nothing urgent. I'll catch you up in the morning, if you want to know. Get some sleep now for me, okay? I know how tired you are, pretty girl."

"Mm. You too."

His breathy chuckle sent delectable shivers down her spine. "Okay, sweetness. I will, too. Goodnight; I love you."

"Love you."

His kisses lulled her back into pleasant unconsciousness, the problems around them forgotten for the time being.

***

When she woke up a second time, the air around her was peaceful and still. A glimmer of late morning sunshine was peeking through a small sliver of space between Elijah's dark navy curtains and the windowsill.