Chapter 50 Chapter 50
Tessa
We departed from each other, and Leah walked in with a bag full of stuff. I thought that was the end until Alex walked behind her, also holding some bags. His piercing gaze lingered on my face, as if reading my thoughts. I wondered why. I don't know why all the guys like staring at me as if I was some piece of meat for them to devour.
"Guess what, baby girl?" Leah exclaimed, her smile radiating across her face as she walked toward me. She dropped the bag in her hand and gently guided me to sit on the couch, my mouth wide open and my heart beating rapidly.
As I looked up, my eyes met Alex's, and I quickly looked away, feeling an awkward tension. His intense stare seemed to bore into my soul. I don't know why.
"I got you some hot dresses; I know you'll love them," Leah said, starting to open the bag and dropping different clothes on the couch.
I wished to admire the clothes, but my body remained tense, unsure why. Perhaps it was the unresolved tension between Liam and me.
"See?" Leah asked, holding up an elegant orange short gown. The gown looked stunning, and I longed to take my time admiring it, but my mind was preoccupied.
"You don't like it?" Leah asked, folding the gown against her body, her face falling into a sad expression.
I quickly grabbed the cloth from her, folding it tightly against myself. "Of course, I do," my voice was a little shaky. "You bought it for me." I smiled, giving her the reassurance she needed.
"Alex, why are you standing there? Take the meat to the kitchen; let's start preparing," Leah gestured to Alex, and I wondered what her plan was.
"Oh, okay," Alex replied, taking two bags toward the kitchen while my face followed him, my curiosity piqued.
As Alex disappeared into the kitchen, Leah's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I've planned a surprise dinner party for us," she whispered.
My eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why?"
"We deserve it," she grinned.
"What's your plan?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"Let's just enjoy ourselves tonight. I've bought meat from the store; we can make grilled meat this evening," Leah said, cheering up, and I nodded in agreement.
"Oh, okay," I replied, and Leah smiled warmly.
Liam walked over to sit down on the couch beside us, picking up the remote control and changing the channel. My eyes followed his every move, noticing the way his fingers deftly navigated the buttons.
"Are you not going to work today?" Leah asked Liam, breaking the silence.
Truthfully, would he ever go to work? When I was with Mr. Carter at the hospital, I always saw him around, as if he lived there.
"Today is my resting day, my shift is tomorrow," he replied simply, retiring his gaze back to the television, his expression unreadable.
"When did you start having a two-time shift in a week? Is there something you're not telling us?" Alex asked, returning from the kitchen, his brow furrowed in concern.
Liam turned to face Alex, who took a seat in front of him. "Something I'm not telling you?" he uttered, his tone laced with amusement.
"Yes, you heard me right," Alex confirmed, his eyes narrowing.
Liam scoffed, returning his gaze to the television. "There's nothing," he added, his voice flat.
"And what about you? Aren't you going home?" Alex asked, gaining the attention of all of us, including Liam, who was now staring at me intensely.
I felt a flutter in my chest as our eyes met, the air thickening with unspoken tension. Leah's eyes darted between us, her expression thoughtful.
"Am I missing something here?" Leah asked, her voice light, but her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
The room fell silent, the only sound the hum of the television and the weight of unspoken questions.
"That's true," Liam added, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I knew he'd talk.
"Of course, I would," I replied, my fingers fidgeting with each other, betraying my growing unease. "But not now."
Leah intervened, sensing the tension. "You guys should shut up with the questions. Tessa isn't a small girl; if she wants to, she would."
Alex countered, his brow furrowed. "I know she's not, but her mom would be worried."
Fuck him for mentioning my mom.
"Just pretend as if you don't know me. She won't ask about me from you," I uttered the statement before knowing the gravity of my words.
Leah's curiosity got the better of her. "Did you two know each other from home?"
I swallowed hard, my heart racing. Leah's eyes locked onto mine, searching for answers.
"Yes, we live across each other," I answered swiftly, before Alex could press further.
"Beside each other," Alex corrected, his smirk sending a shiver down my spine.
I smirked, attempting to downplay the tension.
"Oh, that's good," Leah muttered, standing up. "Tessa, go and get changed and meet me in the kitchen."
I nodded twice, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety, before standing up and walking upstairs.
As I entered the room, I was about to close the door when a hand stopped me. I thought it was Liam, but I was surprised when I saw Alex stepping in and closing the door behind him.
"Alex!" I called out, surprised.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, expecting him to say something, but he kept moving forward, his eyes locked onto mine.
"What are you doing?" I asked again, fear creeping up my spine.
He finally stopped in front of me, his gaze piercing.
"I have a question to ask, and I won't want you lying," he said, his voice low and serious.
My back met the wall, and I swallowed hard.
"What...what is it?" My voice was barely above a whisper.
"What's going on between you and Liam?" Alex's eyes narrowed.
His words sent a wave of electricity through my body, and I felt my heart racing.