If It Wasn't For You.

- Chapter One. -

- Emily -

     Everyone has a person who completely alters their brain's chemistry. For some it's their mother, some their father, some their friends, maybe even a partner. For me it was two people. Liam and Luna, two 'L' names how ironic right? They drive me insane, but in the best way. Knowing them is like living a dream, maybe more like riding a rollercoaster. Who knew, that if it wasn't for that shitty Saturday..where everything went wrong that I'd meet the love of my life; and my best friend.

. . .

          The chilled autumn air nips at my skin, I tug my jacket around myself, shielding me from the wind as I walk towards work.

"Stupid fucking car." I mumble as I kick a rock, This week has been literal hell, having to pick up extra shifts just to make ends meet living alone; in a whole new city in a whole new state.

"Fuck." I groan as I trip, and step in mud ruining my only good pair of shoes. I kick my foot to get as much of the mud off as possible before continuing on- making it to work fifteen minutes after my shift was supposed to start.

"Seriously Emily?" My boss John snaps, "Fifteen Minutes late?"

"John I called you and the Restaurant to tell you I had car problems."

       I shrug off my jacket and purse as I reply, not even looking up at him as I put my things in my locker.

"That was before the owners decided they wanted to come by today. I had to explain to them why we were short staffed."

I rub my temples in frustration before grabbing my apron and tying it into place, accentuating my curves. "Just write me up then if it's that big of a deal. At least I showed up." I comb my fingers through my long brown hair, securing it back into a low ponytail.
John scoffs, his expression sour. He opens his mouth to speak when the door to the break room opens and the owners walk in. I feel my cheeks heat up with embarrassment when I lock eyes with a tall man, with curly unruly brown hair that ends at his sharp jawline. He looks to be just a few years older than me.. and he's absolutely my type.

"Emily, this is Geoff and Karen Payne, and their son Liam." John smiles widely, his voice tight and laced in anxiety.

"It's so nice to meet you, I'm so sorry I was late today I had some car problems and had to walk."

"Looks like you had some mud problems too." Liam's deep voice drops with sarcasm, his honey brown eyes cold and unreadable.

I nod in embarrassment, I open my mouth to speak but words don't come out. Karen and Geoff smile kindly, despite their son's cold demeanor they radiate warmth and positivity.

"It's alright, I can't say Geoff and I haven't had car problems in the past."

I smile "I'm going to go clean off my shoe in the employee bathroom then I'll start serving, it was so nice to meet you- and thank you so much for your understanding."
I quickly excuse myself and rush to the employee restroom and clean off my shoe I pause and look at myself in the mirror. Quickly, I pull a few strands of hair from my pony to frame my face.

"Today of all days the owners bring their hot son." I whisper exasperatedly to myself as I resume scrubbing my shoe. I can feel the days frustrations building up as I slam the paper towels into the garbage can. My face contorted in annoyance and stress.

          I splash a little cold water on my face, and take a few deep breaths before I spin on my heel, gripping the handle to the bathroom door I pull it open. I jump slightly when I'm met with Liam, leaning on the doorway with his shoulder - his arms crossed and eyebrows raised.