Coffee Boy (Dallas Liu FF)

19

I gazed into the mirror one last time, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness ripple through me. "I look ridiculous," I confessed, attempting to smooth out the folds of my long black strapless dress, Dallas's stylist put me in.

Behind me, Dallas wrapped his arms around my waist, his chin resting lightly on my bare shoulder. His warm breath tickled my skin as he chuckled softly. "You look ridiculously beautiful," he declared, a playful grin dancing on his lips.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, though a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "That was so cheesy," I teased, but his words had already melted any lingering self-doubt.

"Don't worry, Baby," he whispered, turning me gently to face him, "you look absolutely stunning. Believe me."

I sighed, feeling a rush of reassurance wash over me. "You only say that because you're my boyfriend," I countered, though my tone was light.

He laughed, the sound like music to my ears. "No, I mean it. You truly look stunning. So confident and beautiful."

His sincerity warmed me from the inside out, and for a moment, all my worries faded away. "Thank you," I murmured, allowing myself to bask in his affection.

With his encouragement, I felt a newfound sense of calm settle over me. "Okay," I whispered, meeting his gaze with newfound determination, "I can do this."

***

"This is for you, my friend," Ian said with a smile, presenting Dallas with a delicate blue flower. Dallas's expression morphed into one of pleasant surprise. "You didn't!" he exclaimed, his smile widening.

Ian chuckled. "I did."

"My boyfriend, everyone!" Dallas announced playfully, holding up the flower for the camera to see.

Ian's grin widened mischievously. "Actually, I was thinking of giving it to Cara. So, maybe you should pass it on to her," he suggested, his eyes twinkling.

Dallas laughed, turning to face the camera. "I'll just tell her it's from me," he joked, glancing over his shoulder towards where I stood with Kiawentiio, who had already finished her interviews and was observing the scene.

The interviewer, intrigued, asked, "Who's Cara?"

Dallas beamed. "Cara? She's my lovely girlfriend! Cara, come over here quickly!" he yelled loudly, motioning for me to join him.

I couldn't help but laugh as I made my way over to him. "I can hear you perfectly well, you know," I teased, feeling a blush creep into my cheeks.

With a sheepish grin, Dallas handed me the flower. "Here you go." "Thanks, Ian!" I exclaimed, ensuring Ian could hear my gratitude as he conversed with another reporter. I saw how he gave it to Dallas before.

Dallas shrugged, still grinning. "I gave it my best shot," he quipped, draping an arm around me as the interviewer asked him how we met.

***

"See, it wasn't so bad, right?" Dallas asked, his voice warm with affection, as we settled into our hotel room after the Avatar premiere.

I smiled softly, unfastening my earrings. "It was actually kind of fun," I admitted, "the photographers were shouting my name like I was some sort of celebrity."

Dallas chuckled, drawing me into a tight embrace after I placed my earrings on the nightstand. "I really love you, and I wanted to thank you again for giving me a second chance," he murmured earnestly.

"I love you too, and you should consider yourself lucky because I won't give you a third chance," I teased lightly. He shook his head, his lips finding mine in a tender kiss.

"I have a surprise for you," he announced, pulling away slightly.

"A surprise?" I echoed, my curiosity piqued.

He reached into the drawer of the nightstand on his side and retrieved a sleek black envelope. My eyes widened in surprise as I took it from him, my fingers trembling slightly as I opened it. Inside were two plane tickets to Paris.

"You didn't..." I began, my voice catching with emotion.

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I did," he confirmed.

I couldn't contain my joy, squealing as I jumped into his arms. "Thank you so much!" I exclaimed.

"We're flying next week. I've also booked us a nice hotel, and we'll be going to Disneyland," he explained, his excitement matching mine.

I smiled, overwhelmed with gratitude as he continued to speak. But before he could finish, I silenced him with a kiss.

"Thank you so much," I whispered against his lips, "this is the best surprise I could ever imagine."

His smile widened, his love for me shining in his eyes. "You moved all the way to LA to be near me, so the least I can do is to show you every place on earth you want to see," he said, cupping my face gently, "I love you, Cara. I can't tell you that enough."

"I love you too," I replied, closing my eyes as his lips met mine once more, feeling grateful for the love and adventures we shared.