Side Story 2-10

Side Story 2-10
More time passed, and Roxanne had already proposed to Paul. She did that not too long after Liam's babies were born.
She invited us all over to a restaurant on the Hudson River, where she danced with him and then got down on one knee.

It was nice, Roxanne looked stunning. I don't think I've ever seen her dress up in such a way before. The event was kind of an eye-opener.
Shortly after Roxanne and Paul celebrated their third anniversary, mine and Linda's came up.

I took Linda on a weeklong cruise. We had the time of our lives, and while I did want kids someday, I was so glad of the fact that we didn't have any right now.
We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Exploring every island we stopped at, we even almost got left on one of the islands. We ran up the ramp to the boat right as they started lifting it up.

We really enjoyed ourselves whenever we got the chance. When I had some time off work, I always tried to make it coincide with Linda's vacation time.
Time passed again with us enjoying life, and then Roxanne and Paul's baby, my second niece, was born. Peyton Ashleigh Payne.

She was a tiny little thing. She had the Payne family's grey eyes and Paul's black hair. I couldn't wait for this to be me. Looking at everyone starting their families, I wanted that for myself.

A few nights later, on a Saturday night, I decided to go out for drinks. All by my lonesome.
I catch an Uber to one of the hottest bars around, suitably called 'The Bar'.

The last thing I expect to see when I walk into the bar is Tim. There he is, tucked away in a dimly lit corner booth, his arm casually draped around someone I would have never expected to see him with. As my eyes adjust to the low light, I realize with a jolt of surprise that it's Lily, Liam's best friend. What are they thinking, sneaking around like this? Because I'm pretty sure Liam doesn't know they're seeing each other.

Tim, with his usual charming smile and quick wit, is known for his flirty demeanor and his tendency to play the field. Just like me. He's the life of any party, always the center of attention, and never one to be tied down. So, seeing him in such an intimate setting, his focus entirely on Lily, is a shock to say the least.

Lily, on the other hand, is someone I had always seen as the epitome of stability and reliability. She was quiet, often blending into the background, not the type to draw attention to themselves. Yet, here she is, Tim's hand resting gently on her shoulder, his body language speaking volumes about the connection between them.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of whether to approach or to give them their space. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I find myself making my way over, my steps slow and measured, giving them ample time to notice my presence.

As I near the booth, Tim looks up, his eyes meeting mine. A flicker of something—embarrassment, perhaps, or maybe just surprise—crosses his face before he composes himself, offering me a warm smile. "Hey, what brings you here?" he asks, his voice casual, as if he hadn't just been caught in a moment of unexpected intimacy.

I return the smile, trying to act nonchalant. "Just stopping by for a drink. Didn't expect to see you here, though." I glance at Lily, who is now looking at me with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "And certainly didn't expect to see you with... well, with anyone, I guess."

Tim chuckles, a low, rumbling sound that is somehow both self-deprecating and endearing. "Yeah, I know. I'm full of surprises, aren't I?" He turns to Lily, his expression softening. "This is Lily. You remember Lily, right? Lily, do you remember my brother, Levi?"

Lily offers a small, tentative smile, her eyes flickering with a hint of shyness. "Nice to see you again, Levi," she says, her voice soft and melodic.

I nod, returning the smile. "Likewise, Lily. It's a pleasure." I pause for a moment, considering my next words carefully. "You two seem... cozy. Is this a new thing, or have I just been living under a rock?"

Tim's smile widens, and he shakes his head. "A bit of both, I think. Lily and I have known each other for a while through Liam, you know. But we only not that long ago started... seeing each other, I guess you could say."

I raise an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Seeing each other, huh? That's a nice way of putting it. So, what does not that long ago actually equal to?"

Tim laughs, a sound filled with genuine amusement and a hint of something deeper, something I can't decipher. "How long? I mean, are you asking how long we've been seeing each other?"
Tim looks at Lily, giving her a fond look before he responds, "A year and a half."

I step back a little in surprise, "What? Really?"
They both nod in affirmation. I can only stand there and stare at them for a moment with my mouth hanging open.

I finally snap out of it, shaking my head to clear it a little. "I just hope you guys know what you're doing. Any plans to tell Liam?"
They look at each other, before they turn back to me, and Tim says, "Yeah, we will. Eventually."
"Listen, I know she's one of Liam's best friends. I have no plans on hurting her, and I didn't really see how it was anyone's business what we were doing together," he says, shrugging.

I nod, "You are right about that, it is no one's business but you guys. I just hope you guys are in it for the long haul so that no one gets hurt. Least of all, Liam."
"And you guys should at least let him know you're seeing each other. If things are as serious as you guys are making them out to be, then I don't see that he would have any issue with it."

Tim nods, "You're right. We'll tell him. Soon."
"Good. Well, you guys enjoy the rest of your evening." I say, knocking my fingers on the table before turning to walk off.
"Later, bro." I hear behind me. I lift my hand up in acknowledgement and walk to the bar.

I get drunk that night, feeling like I'm privy to a huge secret. I know it isn't that big a deal, which is why I really don't understand their need to keep it secret. Especially for so long.
Whatever, I'm not gonna make that my problem. Right now, what I need to figure out is exactly when and where I'm going to propose to my woman.

I still have time, cause that isn't until next year. But with the way this time has been flying, I know that time will be here before I know it.
I think I want to take her to Paris, maybe I could do it on the Eiffel Tower.

I wouldn't be able to bring everyone, but I'm sure I could hire someone to record, and that way I could show everyone at a later time.
I think that's what I'll do. I just want to make it memorable for her. That's all I really want. I want her to look back on the event with love and fondness.

I think I'm ready to put a baby in her, too. I feel like I'm ready for that next step in my life. To be a father.
I stare out the window on the ride to my house, just thinking.

This is the life.