𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 , ᶻᵃʸⁿ ᵐᵃˡⁱᵏ

decisions and distractions

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋
SERENA:

I stood at the sink, brushing my teeth while staring at my reflection. I couldn't shake off the eerily feeling, what was Liam talking about on the phone?

I turned off the faucet, wiping my hands with the hand towel nearby, trying to shake the unease that clung to me.

Liam wouldn't do anything to harm me, his job is to literally protect me.

I wanted to ask him directly, but I knew I shouldn't interfere, I should trust him.

I finished up my skincare and wandered back to the bedroom, Liam had woken up early this morning, I heard his footsteps and the door creak open around 4 am, and he still wasn't back.

I glanced at the clock 10 am.

Where could he be?

As I settled into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin, my thoughts turned back to Liam. Whatever was going on, I knew it was serious, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it involved more than just him. I just hoped he would let me in before it was too late.

I wanted to believe that Liam would never cross any boundaries, but everything about last night replayed in my head—the way he hesitated, the faint worry in his voice, the way he'd slipped out in the early morning. I told myself it was work, something related to his security detail, yet deep down, I felt something else was brewing.

An hour passed, then another. Restless, I found myself glancing at the clock every few minutes. Just as my impatience was reaching its peak, I heard footsteps in the hallway.

When the door opened, Liam stepped in, looking drained. He avoided my gaze at first, and I noticed how he dropped his bag by the door with a sigh, rubbing his neck as if shaking off something heavy.

I met his eyes, a thousand questions brewing inside me. He must've noticed, because he stopped mid-motion, a slight frown forming.

"Morning," I finally managed, hoping my tone didn't betray the worry I felt.

"You have an interview in an hour, and I let Jenna know about the room situation, so we won't be sharing again tonight."

I nodded, trying to take in his words. He was back to being direct, efficient, like nothing from last night had even happened. "Got it. I'll be ready," I said.

Liam glanced at me for a brief moment, his expression unreadable, then shifted his gaze toward the door. "I'll be outside if you need anything." He didn't wait for a reply, just picked up his bag and walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I decided to watch an episode of Gilmore girls as I got ready,  I sat at the vanity in my hotel in my towel. Watching Lorelai and Rory felt like a grounding routine, something that was mine amid all the chaos of traveling and performing.

As I combed through my damp hair and reached for my moisturizer, I couldn't help but glance occasionally toward the door, half-wondering if Liam would come back to check in before the interview.

My stylist arrived, bustling in with a garment bag in hand, and immediately got to work laying out the outfit and gathering all the tools needed. I could feel her eyes occasionally dart toward the laptop screen, but she didn't comment on my Gilmore Girls marathon. Instead, she gave me a warm smile and quickly set to work, brushing out my hair and starting the styling routine.

I loved not having to worry about picking an outfit for things like this, I was horrible at making decisions. In fact, I absolutely hated it and would avoid it at every chance I was given.