Toxic Truth

13

ZELLA

I invited Liam over for dinner.

I don't know if it was a good idea or not, but I wanted to do it after he asked me to come to his house, and made me meet his siblings.

The smell of home cooked food fills the air, as I pace around the kitchen, making sure the plates and utensils are set properly.

Why am I so nervous? I have never been like this. Even Sophia was shocked to see me cooking, when I called her for the recipe.

I wanted to cook the dinner myself, something I almost never do. I even cleaned up and organised the whole house, making it look perfect.

The bell rings and I look at the time. It's a little over 7:30, the time when Liam was supposed to come over.

Shit. Is everything looking fine?

I walk over to the door, but stop short. How do I greet him? Should I hug him, or would that be too awkward?

The bell rings again and I come out of my thoughts, hurrying towards the door, to open it.

Liam is standing there in a black dress shirt and black pants. His hair is falling over his forehead messily, he looks like he came here straight from his office.

"Hi," I say and move aside to let him in, unsure of how to greet him.

"Hey," He smiles and then leans down to kiss me on the cheek.

It takes me a great effort to keep my smile in check and not grin like a creep as we walk inside.

"Your house smells good," He comments.

"Thank you, it's the scented candles."

"It's the first time I'm seeing your house properly, you've done a great job."

"Thank you." Why does his compliments make me feel so good?

"The dinner is ready, do you want to eat it first? You must be tired from your office," I ask him.

He nods, "Sure."

He sits on the chair in front of the counter, while I take out the food from the oven and place it on the table. When he sees the food he raises his eyebrows playfully, "You cooked for me?"

"Don't flatter yourself, I do it for everyone," I roll my eyes.

I don't.

When he starts taking out the lasagna, I start feeling nervous. I don't even know how it tastes.

"I hope you like it, it was my first time cooking this."

His eyes move back to me and he smiles playfully. "I thought you cook for everyone?"

I roll my eyes but don't elaborate. He knows he's the only one I cooked for.

"Don't worry Zel, I'll like anything you'll cook."

Zel. He called me Zel.