A Gaze to Remember

Chapter 14 - A Song for Two

SATURDAY 25 AUGUST 2024

It was Saturday morning. Reid woke up and noticed Vivienne wasn't in bed next to him. He felt a little sad, hoping he could've watched her sleep for a little. He got out of bed, threw on a pair of gray sweatpants, and headed to the kitchen. There she was, still in his shirt, making breakfast.

"Good morning," he said with a huge smile.

"Good morning to you," she replied.

"Smells amazing," he added, and she smiled back.

Vivienne had made pancakes with strawberries, and Reid made the coffee. They sat down together at the table, enjoying their breakfast and talking about plans for the day. Somehow, Reid managed to convince Vivienne to go to a club with him again that evening.

After finishing breakfast, Vivienne got dressed and decided to head back to her place to get ready for the night. They hugged, said their goodbyes, and she left his apartment.

Every time he watched her leave, a part of him wanted to stop her and tell her to stay. But stay for how long? Did he mean just for the rest of their time in Rome, or something more? He wasn't exactly sure. All he knew was that he wanted her around—always. Vivienne had this way of making him feel like a better person, like she brought out something in him he didn't know was there. He loved having her as his friend. His best friend.

When Vivienne got home, she decided to take some time for herself. She drew a long, relaxing bath, letting the warm water soothe her. Afterward, she curled up with one of her favorite books, the words drawing her into another world, giving her a break from the thoughts spinning in her mind. A light meal followed, something simple yet comforting. Then, she started getting ready for the evening. She slipped into a cute white dress, soft and delicate, one of her favorites. Her hair was curled loosely, falling naturally over her shoulders, and her makeup was light, giving her that effortless glow she liked.

Despite all this, a nervous feeling sat in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't help but think about the last time she went out to a club with Reid. How he had danced with those girls, flirted with them, even kissed one of them. She never brought it up afterward, and neither did he. They avoided discussing their feelings altogether. It was as if they both silently agreed to keep things at a friendship level, and Vivienne was okay with that. Or at least, she told herself she was.

Yet, there was still that little fantasy in the back of her mind. The hope that maybe, one day, something more could happen between them. But she knew it was just that—a fantasy. Nothing more. Reid had made it clear where they stood, and Vivienne had to accept it, no matter how much her imagination wandered into places where they could be something more.

Reid came to pick Vivienne up right on time, dressed in his usual effortlessly cool style—black pants and a white blouse that was already half unbuttoned, revealing just enough of his chest to make her pulse quicken. The silver chain around his neck caught the light and only added to his undeniable charm. He looked sexy, as always, without even trying.

Vivienne took one last look in the mirror, slipping on her white heels, and with a deep breath, she felt ready. When she opened the door, she found Reid standing there with that familiar, teasing smile, but his eyes told her everything she needed to know—he was impressed.

"You look beautiful," he said softly, extending his hand to help her walk toward the waiting cab. She blushed a little at his words, but played it cool, taking his hand. His grip was firm yet gentle, and she couldn't help but notice how natural it felt to hold his hand, even for just a moment.

They climbed into the cab, sitting close but not too close, the hum of the city outside filling the silence. As the cab drove off toward the club, Vivienne glanced at Reid, wondering what the night would bring. Her heart beat a little faster, caught between the thrill of their friendship and the quiet hope of something more. But for now, she was just happy to be with him, enjoying the moment, even if she wasn't sure where it would lead.