Cupid's Mistake

CHAPTER FOUR

Liam was sweet. We arrived at a half arcade half diner. Kids ran to and from games while wearing party hats and dragging toys behind them. There were teens in cliques enjoying a night out, and parents were sitting at tables chatting over glasses of beer and pizza. The energy matched Liam's and I knew he felt right at home. I, on the other hand, was slightly uncomfortable with the loud yells of people losing and arcade noises.

"Have you eaten?" Liam asked? I shook my head no and followed him as he walked to the food court. He ordered for himself, a hamburger and a soda, then turned to me. I smiled and ordered chicken fingers and a shake. I slipped my wallet from my pocket, ready to pay, but he stepped in front of me before I could do so.

"On me. I invited you." He smiled and handed his card to the annoyed teen at the register. I smiled at his gesture and took the receipt with our number on it. He took his cup and looked around for the soda machine.

"Go find us a table, I'll catch up." He smiled and sent me on his way while he went to fill his cup. I smiled and entered the dining area. It was relatively quieter, but the noise still flooded the room. I sat and waited for him to join me, all the while, questioning my decision to come with him at all.

"So," his voice crescendoed as he got closer, "how was your first day at work?" He exclaimed. I chuckled and looked down at my hands.

"Oh, you know, not busy. It's a Tuesday plus, there aren't many people getting afternoon coffee, it's more so a morning activity." I smiled trying to make conversation.

"I like afternoon coffee." He argued. What do I say? I looked anywhere but in his eyes, as I frantically tried to think of a response.

"Yeah..." I laughed, "well, you must be one of the strange ones." I almost slapped my forehead but decided that would make things worse.

"You could say that," he laughed it off. Now I really didn't know what to say. I read the receipt, trying to look occupied.

"Where are you from?" Liam blurted out. I looked up at him, making eye contact. He blushed and tried to take the question back, but I interrupted his stammering.

"I'm from Texas, you could probably tell by my accent, it's alright." I laughed. He took a sip of his drink and kept his eyes on mine. He was handsome, there was no denying that. He wore a black t-shirt over his beige hoodie and a pair of blue jeans. I hadn't looked at his shoes, but judging by his outfit, I assumed they would match. He seemed fairly fashion conscious.

"Texas is cool. Why did you come to New York?" He seemed a little more comfortable now, but I wasn't particularly enjoying his interrogation.

"School, mostly. I wanted to get out of Texas and into the big city. I grew up in a really small town, so I always dreamed of coming to New York, as most young, country girls do." I chuckled at my own ambition. "My mom wanted me to stay local, but no one has ever heard of a music star from New Braunfels." He smiled at this revelation.

"So you want to do music professionally? That's really cool!" He seemed interested, but I wasn't sure why.

"Yeah, pop music is more my style. I could do without country, but my accent does give my songs a unique sound." I smiled and he returned it with mischief in his eyes.

"You should sing something for me." I quickly protested while shaking my head no, violently.

"Absolutely not!" I exclaimed while wiping my nervous palms against my thighs.

"You want to make music, sing for millions, yet you can't sing here for just me." He tested and looked around us. I looked around as well and notices a few couples sitting across the room. I once again shook my head.