CHAPTER 17

That night at Mario's, Seth arrived early, nervously straightening his shirt for the fifth time. Then he saw Liv walk in, and all other thoughts fled his mind.

She wore a flowing red dress that hugged her curves perfectly, her hair falling in soft waves. Under the low lights, Liv seemed to glow with an inner radiance that always left Seth breathless. He watched, transfixed, as she spoke with the host while undulating hips held him captive.

When Liv's eyes met his from across the room, Seth smiled shyly, giving a small wave. She returned it and started over, the swish of her dress hypnotizing.

"You look stunning," Seth breathed as she sat. Liv smiled, a faint blush rising. "Thank you. You clean up nicely too."

They made small talk over menus, an easiness between them that had been missing. Seth reached over, taking her hand in his. "Liv, I'm sorry. For everything - the accusations, the jealousy. You didn't deserve that."

Squeezing his hand, Liv's eyes were understanding. "We both made mistakes. All I want is my friend back, the one who used to make me laugh."

Seth smiled, hope blooming in his chest. "Then friends it is. Like before we complicate things."

Liv's answering smile was dazzling. "Friends. I think I'd like that."

Just as Seth and Liv's conversation was flowing more easily, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Liv? Fancy seeing you here."

They turned to see Dylan, standing nearby. His face lit up in a smile at the sight of Liv, though it faded slightly when he noticed Seth.

"Dylan, hello," Liv replied with a polite smile. Seth observed their obvious familiarity with thinly veiled jealousy.

"I was just on my way out but had to say hi," Dylan said, not taking his eyes off Liv. "Hope you've been well."

"I've been...coping." Liv glanced at Seth, whose expression had grown stony.

An awkward silence fell until Seth spoke stiffly. "Dylan. Didn't see you there."

Dylan's returning smile didn't reach his eyes. "Seth. Always a pleasure."

The tension was palpable. Liv cleared her throat. "Well, we should let you get on. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Dylan."

He nodded, sparing Seth one last unreadable look before departing. Seth's eyes followed him darkly.

Liv sighed. "Seth, please. Let's not start..."

"I'm fine," he said tersely, though his fists remained clenched. Dylan's interruption had shattered the progress of their meal, reopening old wounds of jealousy.

Liv looked at Seth inquisitively. "Clearly there's some history there. What happened between you and Dylan?"

Seth sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew this topic would come up eventually. "It's...complicated. A long time ago, when we were all in college, Dylan and I were friends."

"Friends?" Liv pressed, though her voice remained soft.

Seth shifted in his seat, uncomfortable reminiscing about past mistakes. "Let's just say we both wanted the same thing. Things got heated and...may have come to blows."

Liv's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You two actually fought? Over what?"

"Like I said, it was a long time ago. Young and stupid." Seth waved a dismissive hand. "Water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned now."

Seeing he didn't want to delve deeper, Liv simply nodded. "Well, I'm glad you've both moved on. I'd hate for old drama to interfere with where we are now."

Seth reached across the table, giving her hand a grateful squeeze. "Exactly. The past is the past. All I want is a fresh start with you, Liv. No baggage from before."

She smiled, returning the squeeze. "Then let's enjoy the rest of our meal, shall we? I believe we were having a nice time catching up."

Seth smiled, feeling lighter than he had all evening. "Yes, let's."

Over dessert, their conversation took a more serious turn as Seth asked Liv what she looked for in a partner. She considered thoughtfully before replying.

"At the end of the day, I just want someone genuine. Someone who will be honest with me, even if the truth is hard. No lies or hiding things."

Seth felt a pang of guilt as Liv described exactly what he had failed to give her in the past. He had hidden parts of himself, afraid she wouldn't accept all of who he was.

Liv continued, "I don't need extravagant gestures or a wealthy lifestyle. Just a man who treats me with kindness and respect. Who I can trust completely."

Her words struck Seth to his core. All this time, what Liv desired was simple - the truth, and a partner to share life's ups and downs without pretense. But he had withheld the former and gotten caught up in the trappings of the latter.

Seeing the shadow that crossed his face, Liv reached out. "Seth? What is it?"

He took a breath. "It’s nothing."

As Seth and Liv prepared to leave the restaurant after their meaningful discussion, Seth turned to Liv with a pleading look.

"Liv, please...don't go back to Nana's tonight. Come home with me." He took her hands in his own. "I know I've given you every reason not to trust me before, but I promise I'm different now."

Liv sighed, uncertainty in her eyes. "Seth, it's a big step. I need time to process everything you did."

"I know, and you can have all the space you need. But just for tonight, come be with me." Seth gazed at her intently, hoping she saw the sincerity in his eyes.

After a long moment, Liv nodded slowly. "Okay."

Seth broke into a relieved smile. "Thank you for this, Liv." He squeezed her hand gently, feeling lighter as they walked to the car together, a fragile hope kindling once more in his heart.

As Seth drove Liv home, unbeknownst to them, Dylan slipped away from the restaurant and pulled out his phone.

"They just left," he said in a hushed tone to the person on the other line. "I made sure to put on a friendly face for Liv, but I saw the anger in Seth's eyes." He chuckled.

"My plan is working perfectly. Liv's already distant from Seth after his past behavior. A few more 'chance' encounters where I play the sympathetic friend, and I'll have her right where I want her."

The person on the phone laughed as well. "And Seth? He still has no idea about your intentions?"

"None whatsoever," Dylan replied smugly. "He's so blinded by jealousy, it'll be his downfall. Once Liv realizes what a creep Seth is, she'll run straight into my arms seeking comfort."

"Just be careful you don't push too hard and make her suspicious," came the warning tone.

Dylan waved a hand dismissively. "Please, I've been charming the pants off that woman for months now. A few more friendly coffees is all it will take."

Ending the call, Dylan smiled to himself. Soon Liv would be his, and Seth would lose everything. It was only a matter of time.