Week2–Saturday
Isabella
My father had not stopped talking about Liam all day. So much, in fact, that I was starting to feel extremely guilty that my dating him was fake. Papa was going to be heartbroken when we broke up. Although I was starting to accept Liam’s theory that we couldn’t really predict what could happen.
Francesca had dressed me for the evening since I couldn’t wear any of the clothing Liam had purchased for me. She wanted me to wear a dress, but I thought it was too fancy. She refused to let me wear pants because we would be going to a restaurant, and in her mind, that mandated a dress.
We ended up settling on a denim skirt. It was tight and a little short, but Francesca had cut it up and added some fabric with different patterns into it to make it more me. The cuteness factor was greatly increased. We paired it with a simple purple shirt that went with one of the fabrics. Of course, I didn’t mention that purple was Liam’s favorite color. I grabbed a denim jacket, just in case it got cold, and took a look in the mirror.
“You look beautiful.”
I smiled. My family was so excited about this date that I almost wished it was real. Luckily Giovani and Rosalina were at the restaurant tonight. They would have teased me the most. The doorbell rang; the rest of my family was instantly in the living room. I rolled my eyes and hurried to the door. The last thing I needed was for them to interrogate him.
“Buona serata,Bella.”
Looking as handsome as ever, Liam greeted me with a bouquet of roses, and my whole family sighed.
“Good evening, Liam.”
I heard Francesca question, “Wait, did he just call her Bella?”
My father tapped her on the arm.
“Silencio!”
I watched Liam, but he didn’t seem to hear the comment since Mom had come to take the flowers and put them in some water. Taking Liam’s hand, I waved to my family and hurried out the door. Liam laughed as we made our way to his car.
“I’m starting to think you are embarrassed by me.”
I settled into my seat.
“Oh, shush. You know it’s my family that’s embarrassing.”
Liam started the car and shook his head.
“Better to have an embarrassing family than one that doesn’t talk to you.”
My eyes turned to him. We hadn’t really ever discussed his family. It seemed odd since I seemed to have talked about mine so much. He reached over and grabbed my hand.
“I see your wheels turning. My family issues will arrive soon enough. For now, let’s just enjoy the evening and show the love of your life what he is missing out on.”
My mind floated to Marco. Was he really the love of my life? Over these past months I could not count the number of times I debated if I would take Marco back. Now that Liam had shown me what a man should really be like, could I even be happy with Marco again?
“Remember, no kissing tonight. This is supposed to be our first date and there will be way too many people around. My father will be mad if I kiss you on our first date.”
Liam nodded.
“But I can hold your hand during the movie, right? I mean, we at least have to make it look like you enjoy being with me. In a ‘more than friends’ kind of way.”
I nodded.
“Yes. Handholding. You can even kiss me on the cheek if we can make it look normal. Just no lips.”
We drove in silence for a bit. I didn’t mind. Since the first time I rode in the car with him, I understood why he enjoyed driving so much. There was just something so peaceful about the wind in your face. I closed my eyes and let it wash over me.
Dinner was nice, as always. Liam took me to a Mexican restaurant on his quest to make me keep trying new things. He ordered for us again, and I couldn’t help but smile. I know it seemed silly, but there was something exciting about it. I’m sure most women hated it. Like their boyfriend was trying to control their diet. But Liam wasn’t that kind of guy. He just knew what would be the best and wanted me to try it.
Conversation was easy. Everything was so natural with him. Like we had known each other for years. I couldn’t remember ever laughing this much on a date. Even though it was fake, it was still nice. Marco and I were way too serious when we went out. We used to joke around a lot as kids, but as soon as we became a couple, things got really serious quickly. I looked at Liam’s lips. Why couldn’t he kiss me like Marco had? He really would be so perfect.
