Meant to Be

The Dinner

***Jennifer's Point of View***
Crap. Did I say that out loud?
I mentally scream at myself for asking him if he thinks about me. Why?!
Why did I do that?!
Liam stares at me, stunned at first, but not questionably. I expect him to ask me WHAT?! Or ask me to repeat.
But he purses his lips together and smiles.
"Uh..you know what, never mind. Just forget I said that. Please!" I say quickly and then turn my head obviously feeling embarrassed. I don't want to hear his answer.

**** Liam's Point of View ****
I wish I could tell her how I really feel. I wish I could show her how I feel.
I wish I could tell her all the things I love about her, and everything I want to do with her. But I can't. It's the worst feeling ever. Not being able to tell someone you love them, is the hardest thing in the world.

****Jennifer's Point of  View***
There is a small pause between us. Right before he answers, my hand shoots forward and I quickly turn on the radio.
My heart beats fast because I hope he forgets what I just asked. It's not that I didn't mean it. I just didn't mean to say it out loud, but I was thinking it.

The song that plays on the radio is Perfect By Ed Sheeran.
Well this is awkward. I'm definitely full of bad luck today.
This song is not meant for Liam and I. He should probably listen to it with Miley. Not me.
I hesitate before turning it off, but Liam's hand begins to make its way to the radio. Is he turning it off? He reaches for the volume, but before he can make any changes I slam a button with my fingers, turning off the radio.

The rest of the car ride is a bit awkward and quite. I regret saying what I said.
But luckily we aren't too far from the restaurant.

<>

"Inside or out here?" Liam asks gesturing to the fancy tables out in the moonlight.
I think for a moment and take a peek inside. It looks quite busy. There are a few empty tables here and there, but it is all surrounded by people chattering, laughing, and taking sips out of their fancy glasses.
"Why don't we stay out here?" I suggest. The weather is quite warm as well.
"Sure." Liam says as a waiter takes us to a table for two.

The waiter brings us two menus and we begin to look at the options.
I glance up at Liam who has a firm face as he looks at the menu. A grin escapes my lips, but I look back down before he notices.
I scan through the list of delicious dishes for a few moments and then decide on something called Arrabbiata, which is penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with the side of chicken.
Just on time, the waiter comes back takes back our menus.
"I'll have the Arrabbiata." I say.
"And I'll have....the Capellini." Liam says. I almost burst into laughter at the way he says it with his Australian accent. But I bite my lip and silently snicker.
Liam looks up to me and raises an eyebrow.
"What's so funny?" He smirks.
I bite the inside of my cheek to contain my laughter and shake my head, trying not to embarrass myself in front of the waiter.
The waiter takes note of our selections and then asks about our drinks.
After our order, I look back up to Liam.
"You wanna tell me what was so funny?" He asks smiling while raising an eyebrow questioningly.
"And I'll have the Capellini" I mimic his Australian accent while laughing.
"You're never gonna get over my accent, are you?" He grins.
"Nope, never."
"Anyways," he says changing the subject. "When does your press tour start?"
"Next week. I only have a few more days left, so I'm happy that we could do this..." My voice trails off. "Uh-I-um- by this I mean hang out. Not...well nothing, I wasn't thinking about uh-" I stutter at almost every word. Way to go Jennifer, I've already embarrassed myself and the night just started!
I look up to expect Liam giving me an awkward look, but instead he is laughing.
"It's okay, I know what you mean." He says, still laughing.
"Huh, you know you're adorable when you're nervous," he smiles and pushes his hair out of his forehead.
I look down at my lap, hoping he won't see me blush.
"Why...are you nervous?" He asks.
My face goes blank. Um...um...why am I nervous?! I'm...uh..
I desperately try to think of an answer, but suddenly, the waiter comes back with our food.
"Perfect timing!" I say looking back at Liam.
He rolls his eyes laughingly.

We eat our delectable meal, and go through some conversations just like we used to, as best friends. It doesn't make me nervous. I love talking to Liam.
It makes me forget all of my problems, and reminds me about the times we used to have.

The night goes by and we continue to talk, laugh, and have a great time.
Then, finally we pay for the meal.
"I'll pay," I say firmly.
"No," Liam says.
"I'll pay, Liam. It's not a date-" I blurt out. Oops! Now he probably knows that I was thinking about a date.
He swipes his credit card before I can stop him.
"Well, thanks bear." I say as we head out.

We walk side by side with our hands almost touching. I wanted to hold on, and lace my fingers around his, but I knew that I had to control myself.

He places his hand on my lower back and around my waist, as we reach the car.
My skin tingled where he touched me and my heart beat erratically in my chest, so hard that I thought it might fly out. What's happening?! I wondered desperately. There were butterflies in my stomach, but it felt good. I felt nervous, but a good nervous.
Then, I finally admitted to myself what I knew all along.
I do love Liam, and I want to be with him.

I stop and turn to him.
"Liam, I know I'm stupid for saying this because it's not the right situation for you. But, I'm also stupid for holding it in for so long." I pause for a moment before I continue.
"I smile like an idiot when I'm talking to you. Doesn't matter if it's in person or through text, or through anything else. I just smile because it's you." I say.
"It's as if..well I'll just say it straight up. The thing is, I kinda...maybe...sorta well actually I do...I like you way more than I originally planned."

*******
Ahhh! Glad to see you guys again! It's been a while, I know. And I am extremely sorry. I have SO many ideas for this story, but sometimes I just can't seem to find the time to actually write!
But I hope you guys liked this chapter! Please tell me what you guys think!
I will try my best to write more and post another chapter soon! I'm not sure when exactly that will be, but it won't be too long.
Thank you so much for reading!! Be sure to vote, comment, and follow if you'd like!
I love you all and I will see you soon!
X,
TheForeverOddFavour