Could It Be You? |✓

(27) Doubt

It's hard to believe her ears, but she certainly remembers knocking into a person who had the award-winning champagne spilt all over her dress.

"Cool," Emma remarks softly at the side but she is not at all calm and cool. She glances at Matt, cogs turning furiously in her head. Therein lies an utter mess as she tries to wrap her head around the fact that all along, she has met Matt before and on the most important day of her sister's life in fact.

She has just picked up her cutlery but amidst the distraction, her grip loosens and the knife slips out of her hand. A loud clash of metal against the floor startles the rest.

"You're clumsy," Matt chides lightly, who quickly transfers his own set of cutlery onto her table. He bends over for the knife on the floor, then raises a hand for the waiter to ask for a clean one.

Emma does not respond. Instead, she simply stares at him and his every move.

"Well, I hope that someone isn't too mad at you!" Liam jokes, still referring to Matt's "embarrassing" confession.

Matt laughs. "Certainly hope so."

He notices Emma's abnormal facial expressions but does not pay much heed to them. He simply smiles at her dotingly, then turns to thank the waiter who delivers for him the new utensils.

"I'm famished," Alice whines, giving Liam a glare.

"Sorry honey. Shall we get back to the meal? I'm so sorry to have kept you guys waiting." Liam says quickly to pacify her.

As Matt digs into his pasta, Emma wonders if there really is a divine hand working things behind the scenes.

It seems that she may actually marry him.

* * *

Nothing happens out of the vacuum. There are always tell-tale signs - why a civilisation falls, why a revolution breaks. Only on hindsight do we see them, and that's when we laugh at our obtuseness. If only we can recognise them early?

- Collin

* * *

The four of them get up from their seats, chairs screeching on the floors as they push their chairs outward. Matt quickly puts on his grey blazer and straightens the creases on his clothes. Having insisted on footing the bill, he makes his way to the counter first. Emma, Alice and Liam trail behind.

"Well-spoken and OK overall," Alice says as she puts her purse into Liam's hands. She doesn't look particularly impressed by Matt, which isn't new for the die-hard fan of someone else. From Emma's experience, Alice has never been enthusiastic for any of her other boyfriends.

"That's it?" Emma probes. When she notices the bump on Alice's tummy that has become more apparent, Emma grins and suddenly, her own motherly instincts are kicking in. She realises that does not mind getting married and having children soon too...

Alice shrugs nonchalantly, then excuses herself to go to the washroom. Emma and Liam resort to waiting for her near the bar beside a pompous group playing drinking games.

"Em?"

She glances towards Liam who, with his arms folded and head hung low, seems to be brooding over something.

"Yeah?"

He hesitates for a brief moment, then looks at her and speaks his mind.

"In all seriousness, Emma, I don't mean to jeopardise your relationship with Matt, but I just want to caution you about his phobia... of commitment. At least, that's what he had back then. I'm not sure if he's changed, but I just had to say it."

"Is that so?"

He furrows his brows. "Just 3 months back, he brought another girl along to the team gathering. I was surprised to see that he's your date now."

Even as Emma tries to keep her faith in Matt, the balance in her is tipped. In its place is a wave of panic and unease, a gnawing feeling that tugs at her heart. It is the quiet return of an insecure her - the one she thought she left behind. She cannot discount Liam's words because she herself knows just how unequipped she is at judging Matt's character now. She has only seen the best of him thus far.

"Liam, I don't know what to think."

"I leave it to you to make the judgment."

"About what?" A bright voice interrupts their conversation. It is Alice, who has emerged from the toilet, and Liam immediately snakes a hand around her waist.

"It's nothing sweetie," he says and kisses her forehead lightly.

She does not press the issue and the three of them leave the restaurant together, where Matt is waiting for them outside.

"Thanks for the meal, Matt, I'll see you around?" Liam says to Matt.

"Anytime." Matt gives him a pat on the back, while his other hand is still tucked in the pocket.

The couple waves them goodbye as they make their leave first, looking as loved up as ever.

"I'll send you home," Matt says as he drapes an arm around Emma's shoulders. He guides her slowly to his car.

They hop on and Matt retrieves his phone from the pocket, placing it in the car. It seems that the buzzing never stops and the phone flickers on and off perpetually.

"Do you want to stop by my place for a bit?" Emma asks.

She sees that his expression has morphed into a frown. "Sorry, Em. I've got something to tend to so I'm heading back to office."

"Okay. No worries!"

"Another time, okay?"

She hides her disappointment but agrees. She cannot help but let her gaze wander to the phone, finally seeing the name at the top of the notifications.

* * *

Ominous much? :/

Thanks so much for reading! I've updated a new story called "Could-Haves, Would-Haves" and I would love it if you could check it out on my profile. (If you don't mind!!!!)