To the Ends of the Earth

Chapter Eleven: He Has Me

I walked to my door, wearing a big fluffy robe with my hair wrapped in a towel. I probably looked like a cat lady —but I was interrupted from my bath—so this was the best I could look for my unexpected visitor. I was hoping it wasn't my mom ringing my doorbell, because I didn't get the chance to decompress from our earlier conversation. I wasn't ready to face her.

Opening my door, I was positive I turned beet red as I stared at Liam. He stared back at me open-mouthed, holding a package in his hands.

"Oh, umm," he mumbled, looking nervous. "Is this a bad time?"

"Uhh..." I cleared my throat, trying to hide my embarrassment. Honestly, I wasn't sure who was blushing more. If I had a mirror, I'm sure we could compare the redness of our cheeks. Liam's eyes roamed my body and he took a step back. I highly doubted he could have seen much. I was practically covered from head to toe. Well, my robe reached past my knees so —unless he had a fetish for lower legs— there was nothing to see.

"Should I come back later?" he asked, fidgeting with the package in his hands.

I shook my head and stepped back, opening the door further. "No, it's alright. Please, come in."

He nodded and walked into my apartment.

I shut the door and faced him with a smile. But, before I could say anything, he spoke.

"Uhh, Lottie," he breathed, pointing at his face. "Are you preparing for Halloween?"

"What?" As I furrowed my brows in confusion, I felt a sticky sensation on my face. "Oh my God! Stay here...I'll be right back." Then, without waiting for a reply, I raced to my bedroom and into my en-suite bathroom. I removed the face mask sheet —that made me look like freaking Michael Myers— and quickly washed my face. After confirming I no longer looked like a serial killer, I rushed to my closet and put on some leggings and a t-shirt.

When I finally left my bedroom, I spotted Liam in the living room, sitting on my sofa.

"I'm sorry about that, Liam," I said as I approached him and took a seat on the armchair. "I didn't know you would be stopping by."

"No, it's my fault. As soon as you told me about what happened with your mom, I wanted to come over and cheer you up. I didn't mean to catch you at a bad time."

"It's not a bad time," I insisted. "I was just trying to relieve some tension."

He nodded, looking at the package on the sofa next to him. "I brought you something. I hope it brightens your day."

"You did?" I glanced at the gift-wrapped box, wondering what was inside. When he handed it to me, I grabbed it and smiled up at him.

"I must admit I've had it for a long time. I just never had the opportunity to give it to you."

Feeling curious, I quickly tore away the wrapping and stared at my gift, speechless.

"Do you like it?" Liam asked, nervously. "I purchased it from Carlo after his last exhibit but —after what happened between us— I just held onto it. I didn't know if you'd be open to receiving a gift from me. If you would even be interested in his work anymore. It took me six months to find the courage to give it to you."

"I love it," I whispered, as I continued to stare at the photo of the two wild mustangs galloping through the valley.

"The photo really resonated with me," he admitted.

"What? Why?"

"Well, I kind of feel like that mustang racing after the majestic mare. He looks enchanted by her ethereal beauty and is willing to follow her to the ends of the Earth."

I cleared my throat, blushing at his compliment. "Thank you, Liam. This is an incredible gift."

"I'm glad you like it. I hope it raises your spirits."

"It does, but do you know what would raise my spirits even more?" I asked, teasingly.

He perked up at my question. "What?"

"If you watch another movie with me..."

"I'd love to," he rushed to interrupt me. "But, on one condition."

"What condition?"

"I'll watch a movie with you if you sit on the sofa next to me. I promise to keep my hands on my knees, so they're visible to you the entire time."

I bit my lip, thinking it over. Then, I slowly nodded. I stood up and grabbed the remote control from the coffee table. Taking one step at a time, I approached Liam and sat down next to him on the sofa. As promised, he kept his hands placed on his knees.

"What are we watching?" Liam asked, quietly.

I smiled brightly at him. "I think it's time to introduce you to Captain Shakespeare."

"Sweetheart, I already know Shakespeare. I've read all his plays."

"Oh no, not William Shakespeare." I shook my head, chuckling, and turned on the TV.

Twenty minutes later, I scooted closer to Liam and laid my head on his shoulder. Liam sat still and didn't move a muscle.

Halfway through the movie, Liam excused himself and walked to the bathroom. I paused the movie and was waiting for him to return when his phone started to ring on the sofa. I ignored it and continued to wait. Once the ringing stopped, a new phone call came through. Tentatively, I reached for his phone and stared at the unknown number. Knowing I shouldn't but worried it might be important, I answered the phone.

"Hello," I croaked out. There was silence for a moment. And then, a familiar voice answered my greeting.

"So, it's true. You're trying to chase Liam again," Vivi laughed in my ear.

"Virginia?"

"Of course, who else would it be?" She didn't wait for my response and continued her taunting. "You're ridiculous, Lottie. Liam would never want you when he has me."

Then, she hung up on me.

What was that? Why was Vivi calling Liam?