The Color of Love

Chapter 8

It was seven in the morning and Alice was still in bed. She was so exhausted the day before because she had to finish the inventory of the new arrivals alongside handling all the customers that were coming in for their Christmas shopping. And not to mention her unexpected date with Vincent. He promised to call that night and he did. The call came around eleven in the evening while Alice was getting ready for bed. They talked on the phone until way past midnight. Apparently, they couldn't get enough of each other. 

On the contrary, Liam was up early. He allowed his mother her much needed rest and volunteered to open the shop himself. He left the house earlier than usual, drove thru McDonalds for breakfast, and ate on the way to the boutique. He arrived before everyone did. Perfect, he thought. He was planning to call Lilly.

Ever since she left, all he did was think about her. He was, without a doubt, bewitched by her beauty. No matter what he did, he couldn't take her off his mind. I got to call her, he said to himself. He took his wallet from his back pocket and fished out for her calling card. She had stapled it on one of the invoices taped to one of the cargo boxes. He dialled the number on the card that had indicated an icon of a mobile phone on the left and after five rings, she picked up.

"Hello?" Lilly said.

"Uh... Hi..."

"Who's this?"

"Uh, its Liam."

"Liam?"

"Liam... Liam Evans."

"Oh, hi Mr. Evans. Good morning. Is there anything I can do for you? Got problems about the delivery yesterday?"

"No, the deliveries are fine. Actually, I just called in to say hi."

Lilly suddenly didn't know what to say so she decided to just remain silent.

"I hope you're okay."

"Yes, I'm fine... Thank you. I hope you are, too." 

"Are you in the office already?"

"I'm still at home but I'm leaving a in couple of minutes."

"Good. Anyway, I don't want to keep you for too long. I'll just call you again later. Take care, okay?"

"I will. Thanks for your concern, Mr. Evans."

"Just call me Liam."

"Okay. Thank you... Liam. Have nice day." 

There was a tiny smile on Liam's face after they hung up. Oh God, what beautiful voice she had. It was like talking to an angel. That conversation was what kept him all through out the morning.

Alice showed up at around ten feeling more refreshed and recharged. She was greeted by her staff as she entered the boutique. She went inside the office to check on her email when she noticed a bouquet of flowers on the table and a card attached to it. She took the bouquet and put it to her nose -- her eyes closed while inhaling their fresh and crisp fragrance. She opened the card and it read, "To the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Much love, Vincent". She had never felt so important to someone.  A few minutes later, her cellphone rang. It was him. 

"Hi." Vincent said.

"Hi..." Alice answered.

"How are you? Did you get the flowers I sent you today?"

"Yes... yes, I did. Thank you. You're so sweet."

"I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your company yesterday. I hope it wouldn't be the last time 'cause I really want to spend more time with you."

"I also had fun. Thanks for making me feel comfortable."

"Makes me wonder... would you be free for dinner on Saturday? Say... around eight or nine?"

"Saturday night would be fine."

"Great! I'll call before I pick you up so you can have time to freshen up. Bye, Alice."

"Thanks, Vince. Bye."

At around four in the afternoon, Vincent went out to get a snack. Before heading back to the boutique, he dialed Lilly again.

"Hi, Lilly."

"Hello... Liam." She still wasn't accustomed to calling him by his first name. After all, he was just a client to her a few days ago. Now, he was starting to build a friendship with her. There was nothing wrong with being friends with him. It just felt a little bit awkward to her. 

"Did I catch you in a bad time? I can call back later."

"No. It's okay. What's up?"

"Cool. I was just wondering if I can drop by your office later after work... maybe have dinner?..." Liam still didn't know how to act in her presence. After all, they have known each other just a few days ago. He was trying to make friends with her and inviting her out on a date at the same time. 

"Uh... I think seven is quite late for me." She was referring to The Emporium's closing hours. 

"No, no. I'm sorry. I was not referring to my work hours. I wouldn't want you waiting up for me. I know you close at five and I'd be there around that time."

Lilly chuckled. "Ah, I see. Okay, no problem."

"Great! I'll see you later, okay? I'll text you as soon as I leave the shop."

"Okay, thanks. See you."

"See you. Bye."

Liam was so excited. He couldn't believe she said yes to his invitation. It was indeed a glorious week for both Liam and Alice. With their sales skyrocketing, so was their happiness. Alice was now officially dating Vincent and she was glad she had waited all those years. She knew he was a good man and she would surely be safe with him. And Liam, after spending most of his time taking care and looking after his mom, it was also about time to think about his own happiness. 

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