Heart Of A Fighter

Close Connections

Strictly Awesome was an affordable restaurant, whose food lived up to the restaurant's name.

Checkered tiles adorned the ground, the place well ventilated and welcoming. There were some tables facing the glass wall, giving the customers a perfect view of the outside.

There were two quotes painted creatively on the white walls. The one near the glowing peace sign read 'Just enjoy where you are now.' The other one read 'Better an oops than what if.'

The black tables were surrounded by lime green, blue and grey chairs. There were even tables and chairs outside in case the customer wanted to eat outdoors. On each table outside had a standing umbrella on it, to shelter the customers from the sun.

Lavender went on a few dates there and she liked the atmosphere. Perhaps working there would be a great experience, but that wasn't the point.

Lavender finally could earn money the right way.

The employees were familiar with Liam because the moment he arrived he was greeted by his name.

Lavender resisted the urge to roll her eyes when a blonde with a size too small shirt gave Lavender dirty looks. Something Liam said made the blonde giggle before she went to the back.

Liam tossed Lavender a grin. "That's Selena, the boss' daughter. Don't pay much attention to her."

"I might miss and do something crazy. You know me, Lele."

"Be nice," he warned, tossing a disappointed glance at her. Then his lips broke back into its usual grin. "She's intimidated by you."

"How?"

"Try smiling. Here, move your lips like this. You have that unapproachable look again that usually sits on your face when you're not around me."

It was true but in reality without Liam, Lavender was really a loner unless she was in the arms of some guy.

"Lele, who else would I smile with? You expect me to walk around like a retard, smiling with no one in particular?

She swatted his hands off her face in annoyance as he laughed, still trying to get her to smile. "How'd you know her?"

Before he uttered a word, a woman with a strong country accent called him. He held up his index finger and mouthed one minute to Lavender, his cheerful grin never dropping.

"Liam, it really is you!" The woman was an older, shorter version of the blonde--Selena.

Thinking of the devil, Selena joined them. She crossed her arms across her chest, purposely pushing her breast up.

However, Liam quickly turned to Lavender and asked her 'is this girl for real?' with his eyes. Lavender raised her eyebrows, 'She likes you.' Liam's grin widened, only this time it was fake. 'Don't be silly.' Lavender rolled her eyes. 'Are you blind? It's so obvious.'

Shaking his head and his genuine grin returning, Liam turned his attention back to Selena's mother and gave her a tight hug. "Hey, Jessie! It sure is."

"I haven't seen you in so long." She handed Liam the water that she brought for him.

"Thanks. It's only been for two months. I was too caught up, studying for finals." He took a large gulp of water, always drinking water as if he was always thirsty.

"That's too many. I use to see you almost every day, but I understand." Jessie pulled on Liam's cheek. Lavender silently sniggered. He shot her a playful death glare.

"I'll stop by more often after I see my parents."

"Hail them for me."

"Of course."