###Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Happy moments

Liam stepped into his mother’s house, the familiar scent of lavender and freshly baked bread filling the air. As he walked through the hallways, memories from his childhood echoed with every step. It felt grounding, even if the weight of the day lingered.

Just as he reached the living room, a young woman approached him, her smile polite and composed. “Mr. Liam,” she greeted with a nod. “I’m Vanessa, your grandmother’s nurse.”

“Good to meet you, Vanessa,” he replied, offering a respectful nod in return. “How has she been?”

“She’s been resting well, but she’s had a bit of a rough day,” Vanessa explained, her tone softening. “Nothing alarming, just the usual ups and downs. She’ll be happy to know you’re here.”

He gave a slight nod. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

With that, he moved towards his grandmother’s room. As he entered, the dim light cast a warm glow over her frail form tucked into the bed, her breathing slow and steady. He approached her quietly, kneeling by her side and brushing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Goodnight, Grandma,” he whispered, the sound barely louder than a breath. She stirred slightly, murmuring something inaudible, a faint smile appearing on her lips. Liam stayed for a moment longer, watching her with a tenderness that few others ever saw from him.

As he exited the room, he found his mother, Whitney, waiting in the hallway. Her face lit up as she walked over to him, pulling him into a warm hug.

“Liam, sweetheart,” she began, her voice filled with affection. “I’m so glad you could come by. I’ve been going over plans for your birthday, and I have so many ideas I want to share with you.”

Liam forced a small smile, knowing how much these plans meant to her, even if his enthusiasm was lacking. “Of course, Mom. Tell me what you’ve got.”

Whitney clasped her hands together, her excitement unmistakable. “I was thinking of a grand celebration—something elegant but intimate. We’ll invite close friends and family, and maybe I’ll have Vanessa help set up a little tribute video. It’ll be a night to remember!”

He listened patiently as she continued, nodding occasionally, though his mind was elsewhere. He knew she loved planning events, especially for him, and he didn’t want to disappoint her, even if he couldn’t share her excitement.

After a while, Whitney paused, her gaze softening as she changed the subject. “And Aria?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. “Will she be joining us? I know how important she is to you.”

Liam’s face remained neutral, his tone calm as he responded, “Aria’s fine, Mom.” He kept it brief, not wanting to explain that she was simply a fling and that he had received an unpleasant photo that severed whatever casual connection they’d had.

Whitney studied him, perhaps sensing his detachment, but she chose not to press further. Instead, she offered him a sympathetic smile. “Well, if she’s able to come, it would be lovely to meet her. But regardless, we’ll make it special.”

Liam nodded, not committing to anything. He appreciated her enthusiasm, but his life had shifted in ways he couldn’t fully explain to her.

After a little more discussion, Whitney sighed, her tone shifting to one of gentle insistence. “Liam, why don’t you stay the night? It’s been so long since we had a proper visit.”

He offered a faint smile, grateful for her warmth but also eager to return to his own space. “I’d love to, Mom, but I have an early day tomorrow. I’ll be back soon though—I promise.”

Whitney gave him a soft, understanding nod, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes. “Alright, but next time, no excuses.”

“Next time,” he agreed, pulling her into another hug before making his way towards the door.

As he left, the familiar comfort of his mother’s home lingered in his mind, even as he returned to his world filled with its own share of complications.

_____

Reese burst through the door with an energy she could barely contain, her excitement radiating off her in waves. She saw Chelsea lounging on the couch, casually flipping through a magazine, completely unaware of the news about to be dropped on her.

“Chelsea!” Reese shouted, her voice practically a squeal.

Chelsea looked up, startled, but seeing the gleam in Reese’s eyes, she couldn’t help but smile. “What’s got you all riled up?”

Reese bounced over, dropping onto the couch beside her, eyes wide with excitement. “I got an opportunity! A real opportunity, Chelsea! You won’t believe it!”

Chelsea raised an eyebrow, leaning closer with a smirk. “Spill the details, girl. Don’t leave me hanging!”

Reese took a deep breath, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I met with Liam, and he mentioned a chance to work with him on this amazing project. It’s huge, Chels! This could be a major step for me. It’s something I’ve been hoping for, dreaming about—”

“Are you serious?” Chelsea interrupted, her eyes widening as the gravity of Reese’s words sank in. “This isn’t just some small gig, is it?”

Reese shook her head, her smile widening. “No, not at all. This is the kind of opportunity that could change everything for me.”

Chelsea’s eyes sparkled as she took in Reese’s enthusiasm. “Girl, this calls for a celebration! What are we waiting for?” She jumped up from the couch, heading towards the kitchen. “I’ve got a bottle of champagne in the fridge—let’s pop it open!”

Reese laughed, following Chelsea. “You were just keeping champagne around? You know me so well.”

Chelsea shrugged, grinning. “You never know when you’re going to have a reason to celebrate! And besides, it’s not like I get opportunities every day to drink champagne with my best friend!”

She grabbed the bottle and two glasses, handing one to Reese before popping the cork with a satisfying “pop!” The bubbly liquid frothed up, and they both clinked their glasses together.

“To dreams coming true,” Chelsea toasted, raising her glass.

“To the best friend anyone could ask for,” Reese replied, her voice softening with appreciation. They each took a sip, savoring the moment, the excitement, and the company.

The champagne brought a warm buzz, filling them with a lightheartedness that matched their spirits. They made their way back to the couch, sinking into the cushions and laughing like schoolgirls as they chatted.

“So,” Chelsea started, setting her glass on the coffee table. “Tell me more about this project. What exactly did Liam say? Is it going to be long-term? What’s the plan?”

Reese took another sip before responding, her eyes lighting up as she spoke. “He didn’t go into too much detail, but he mentioned it being something significant. He thinks I have what it takes to make it big, and he wants me to be part of his team.”

Chelsea’s eyes widened, her admiration growing. “Liam actually said that? Reese, that’s amazing. I knew you had something special, but for him to see it too... it’s huge!”

Reese grinned, her cheeks warm from both the champagne and the praise. “It feels surreal, honestly. I mean, we talk about these things, we dream, but to actually be standing at the threshold of something like this...”

Chelsea leaned forward, her voice earnest. “You deserve this, Reese. You’ve worked hard, you’ve put in the effort. I’ve seen you push through the tough days. This is your reward.”

Reese’s expression softened, and she reached over to squeeze Chelsea’s hand. “I wouldn’t have gotten this far without you. You’ve been my rock through everything.”

“Stop, you’re going to make me cry,” Chelsea joked, though there was a hint of emotion in her voice. “Now let’s drink to you finally getting what you deserve!”

They raised their glasses again, drinking deeply, the bubbles making them both giggly and carefree. They reminisced about the journey that had brought them to this moment—the late nights, the sacrifices, the times they’d both questioned if they were on the right path.

As the night wore on, their laughter turned into softer conversation, and the champagne bottle emptied. Reese leaned back, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

“This is exactly what I needed,” she murmured, glancing at Chelsea with gratitude. “It feels like everything is finally coming together.”

Chelsea wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “You’re unstoppable, Reese. I always knew you were meant for something big.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts about the future. Finally, Chelsea gave a little yawn, breaking the peaceful quiet.

“Alright, Ms. Soon-to-be-big-shot, I think it’s time we call it a night. Big dreams need their beauty sleep.”

Reese chuckled, nodding as she stood up and stretched. “True. Can’t go into my first big day with bags under my eyes, can I?”

Chelsea laughed, swatting her playfully. “Exactly! Get to bed, superstar.”

They hugged one last time, and Reese made her way to her room, feeling lighter and happier than she had in a long time. Her mind buzzed with possibilities, her heart full of excitement and gratitude.

As she lay down, the events of the night played through her mind. She closed her eyes, a soft smile still on her lips. This was her moment, her time to shine. And she wasn’t going to let anything stand in her way.

With a final sigh of contentment, she drifted off to sleep, knowing she had her best friend by her side and a future brighter than ever before.