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Liam's Pov
Outside, I hailed a cab. "Cheesecake Factory," I told the driver, the destination feeling less like just a place and more like the start of something new.
Eve's voice echoed lightly in my mind, robotic but oddly enthusiastic: "She looked pretty. Have fun in breakfast, I won't disturb you,"
My eyes automatically rolled at her sarcastic comment "Cool your jets, it's just breakfast."
"Just breakfast, Liam? Considering Penny's prolonged staring and rapid heartbeat near your vicinity, I'd classify this as a strategic social maneuver rather than a casual meal."
I chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, just breakfast."
Eve's chuckling sound could be heard as if she doesn't believe me, but yea, maybe she is right.
As the car cruised through the city, a question that had been nagging at me finally slipped out. "Eve, do you actually know everything about this world? Like, all the characters and their stories?"
There was a soft laugh from her. "No, Liam. My recognition of people like Louis Litt, Emma Frost, Penny, Sheldon, and Leonard comes entirely from the memories you possess."
She continued, "Your past and present experiences feed my database, allowing me to identify individuals and context. Beyond that, I have no independent knowledge."
I thought about it and nodded slowly. 'So basically, my memories are your information. If I don't learn or discover more, you're limited too.'
"Exactly," Eve confirmed plainly. "My knowledge expands only as you do."
The cab pulled up outside The Cheesecake Factory, its familiar beige and brick exterior glowing softly under the morning sun.
I stepped out, tipped the driver, and walked inside. The interior was just as I remembered from the show—warm lighting, cozy booths, and the buzz of casual conversation filling the air. The long wooden tables, ornate light fixtures, and the sprawling menu boards gave it that classic welcoming vibe.
Before I could even settle in, Penny appeared beside me with that bright smile of hers. "8:30, right on time," she said playfully.
I grinned, "Well, I'm always punctual when there's good food involved."
She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Or maybe you're just trying to impress me."
I shot her a sly look. "Maybe a little bit."
She led me to a corner booth, sliding into the seat opposite me. Just then, Bernadette breezed by, and I recognized her instantly from my memories—petite, blonde, with that unmistakable confident energy.
Bernadette's eyes lit up as she spotted me. "Hey! You must be 'the Liam' Penny talked about" she said, pulling up a chair without waiting for an invitation. "I'm Bernadette, Penny's friend."
I smiled, welcoming the company. "Nice to meet you, Bernadette."
Penny rolled her eyes, shooting her a look of mock annoyance. "Bernadette, you're interrupting."
Bernadette grinned. "Just making sure Liam here doesn't get bored."
Not wanting to get caught in their playful tiff, I looked to Penny. "So, what's good here? What do you recommend?"
Before she could answer, Bernadette jumped in, "Oh, you have to try the avocado eggrolls, and the loaded potato soup is amazing."
Penny quickly put her foot down. "I'll handle the order, thanks."
Bernadette's smile tightened a bit, clearly irritated but trying to hide it. "Alright, I'll catch up with you later," she said, standing and heading back toward the kitchen.
Penny turned back to me with a smirk. "I suggest the Chicken and Biscuits. It's my go-to."
I nodded. "Sounds good to me. And I'll have some orange juice with that."
As our order was placed, I couldn't help but enjoy the lively dynamic between these two — and the fact that, despite the interruptions, I was right where I wanted to be.
My phone buzzed with a message from Emma. "Sent over the contracts," it read. I tapped back quickly, "I'll check it out and get back to you."
Deciding to catch up with my family first, I called Alan. The line connected instantly, his voice warm and excited. "Hey, little brother! How are you?"
I smiled, glad to hear him. "Doing well. How's everyone? You, Judith, and Jake?"
"All good here," Alan replied cheerfully. "So, How is everything in New York" he asked
"Actually, I'm in California"
"You're in California? Come join us for lunch. It'd be great to see you."
"Does 1-pm work?" he asked
"That works for me," I said. "I'll be there."
We exchanged quick goodbyes, and the call ended.
Next, I dialed Charlie. It went straight to voicemail. I left a message: "Hey, Charlie, it's Liam. I'm in California and was hoping we could hang out. Give me a call when you can."
With nothing else pressing before lunch, I opened Emma's email and started reviewing the contract documents on my phone, the screen glowing softly as I focused on the fine print. Eve's voice chimed in, "If you need assistance with clauses, I am here."
I nodded, but my full focus was on the document.
I was blazing through Emma's contracts—already halfway through the 30 pages, my eyes sharp and focused—even without Eve's help. Then, suddenly, Penny appeared beside me, carrying my food with that familiar bright smile.
"Bon appétit!" she said cheerfully.
I looked up, smiled back, and said, "Thanks, it looks delicious."
We dug in, the conversation light and easy. I genuinely enjoyed the moment—her company, the atmosphere, the food hitting the spot after a busy morning. The flavors were spot on, every bite satisfying.
When we finished, I reached for my wallet, ready to pay, but Penny cut me off. "Nope, I got this one," she said with a grin.
I nodded, smirking, and left a generous hundred-dollar tip in the jar before thanking her. "Appreciate the meal."
She leaned in slightly, a hopeful glint in her eye. "So, want to hang out tonight?"
I shook my head gently. "I'll be out late, and tomorrow night I'm heading back to New York."
Her expression shifted to mild disappointment, but she didn't push further.
"I'll catch you later then," I said, standing to leave.
Just then, Bernadette approached, her curiosity evident. "So, am I invited to tomorrow's lunch?" she looked at me expectantly
Penny rolled her eyes and looked at me, I just smiled. "Sure, Join us tomorrow."
Penny's frown deepened, but I just gave a quick "Hi, goodbye," and stepped out of The Cheesecake Factory.
I hailed a cab and told the driver to take me to a nearby game store. Once inside, I picked out a PlayStation and some kid-friendly games—gifts for Jake.
With the package in hand, I caught another cab and headed back to my apartment,
Back in my apartment, I finished poring over the contracts Emma had sent.
As I read through the dense legal jargon, a few clauses jumped out as potentially risky—lines that could put her company in jeopardy if left unchecked.
For example, there was a hidden clause which can potentially give the buyer future access to the game engine that will be developed by her company, which could effectively strip Emma of complete control over her own intellectual property.
I carefully amended that section and also suggested a royalty structure—where Emma would retain a percentage of profits from any future expansions or spin-offs.
I also proposed adding clearer definitions for licensing terms and introducing a clause for performance milestones that would trigger bonus payments to Emma's startup.
Of course, these were just suggestions. Ultimately, she was the deciding authority. My job was to provide insight and protection where I could.
Once satisfied, I sent the amended contract back via email and followed up with a quick text to Emma letting her know I'd reviewed everything and shared my notes.
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