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Liam's Pov
I caught the waiter's attention and asked for the check. Penny immediately leaned over, scanning the receipt with wide eyes.
"Oh… wow," she muttered, her fingers tracing the numbers. "That… uh… comes to $1,800."
I raised an eyebrow, smiling at her reaction. "Yeah, that's why I said we're going somewhere fancy. Don't worry, it's my treat."
Bernadette was a bit shocked by the number and Lenard's eyes nearly popped out. "$1,800? On lunch?"
Sheldon, ever the analyst, nodded slowly. "Statistically, this is… significant. Not typical for casual dining."
Howard's jaw dropped slightly, though he tried to play it off. "Uh… yeah… fancy Italian, huh?"
Raj simply remained silent, giving a small, polite nod, not fazed by the number because his current lifestyle revolved around his fathers money, but didn't voice it in because of the female presence.
I leaned back in my chair, unbothered. "Relax, guys. I chose the restaurant, so I'm covering it. Consider it a… culinary investment."
Penny, still a bit flustered, added, "I mean, it's incredible food, don't get me wrong. But…" She trailed off, smiling sheepishly.
I handed over my card, and the waiter processed it. "And let's round it nicely with a $200 tip," I said.
"$2,000 total."
Howard's eyes went wide, but he didn't say a word. Lenard's mouth hung open slightly, while Sheldon just gave a slow nod for some reason. Raj gave a subtle shrug as if to say, 'expected from him.'
Penny stifled a laugh, shaking her head at me. "Okay, Mr. Generous," she muttered, still a little taken aback.
The waiter handed back the receipt, and I slipped it into my wallet. "All done.".
We exited the table, and the elevator doors opened to the polished, mirrored walls.
The ride down was filled with casual chatter, everyone laughing over little moments from lunch. Leonard remarked on Sheldon's obsession with precise cooking times, Howard teased Raj for being too quiet, and Penny joked about my "generous but reckless" tip.
Once on the ground floor, Bernadette was the first to say her goodbyes. "Thanks again, Liam! It was lovely," she said warmly, exchanging numbers with me before stepping aside to let the others pass.
Howard, still nursing his crush quietly, took mental note of Bernadette's number as she left.
Leonard nudged me. "Coffee at our apartment?"
I shook my head with a small grin. "Next time. I need to make sure I get to my flight on time."
"Fair enough," Leonard said, nodding, while the others waved their goodbyes.
The valet rolled up with the cars, and one by one, the group headed to their rides.
Leonard drove Sheldon, Howard, and Raj, with laughter spilling from the car even as the doors closed.
Penny and I approached the Benz.
She gave a small smile, getting in the passenger seat.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Always," she replied with a playful grin, buckling up as we drove off into the city streets.
Penny and I enjoyed the comfortable silence as we drove back, the city passing by in a blur of late sunlight.
It wasn't awkward—far from it. It was one of those moments where conversation wasn't necessary, and the quiet just felt… easy.
When we reached our building, I parked the Benz and we got out. I opened the building door and holded it for her. "After you," I said with a small smile.
She gave me a thankful grin and slid out. "Always the gentleman," she teased lightly.
We climbed the stairs together to the fourth floor. Penny moved a little slower than usual, her mood a shade more somber than it had been at lunch.
When she reached her door, she paused and looked at me, hesitation in her eyes. "Hey… do you want to come in for some coffee?" she asked softly.
I shook my head, offering a gentle smile. "Not today. But… I do want you to remember something." I stepped a bit closer, lowering my voice so it was just for her. "Penny, never forget your dream. Push forward no matter how hard the obstacles are. Keep going, even when the world makes it feel impossible. You're stronger than you know."
Her eyes softened, and she gave a small, genuine smile. Then, without another word, she stepped closer and gave me a quick, tight hug. "Thanks, Liam," she whispered.
"Anytime," I replied, holding the hug for a brief moment before letting her go. She stepped inside, closing the door with a quiet click.
I turned and climbed the stairs with a steady rhythm to my apartment
Once inside, I checked my bags, making sure everything I needed for the trip back to New York was ready. A quick glance at my watch told me time was still perfect.
I headed downstairs, placing my luggage in the boot of the Benz. As if on cue, a cab pulled up in front of the building. My mom emerged right on time, her signature elegance on display even in the simple act of stepping out of the cab.
"Liam, darling!" she exclaimed, beaming. She got into the car, and I slid into the driver's seat.
"Hi, Mom. Ready to head to the airport?" I asked, glancing at her.
"Of course! I reserved a nice lounge this time, and I expect you to enjoy the ride, my golden boy." Her tone was teasing but affectionate, the warmth unmistakable.
I smiled. "I'll try. No promises about the golden boy part though."
She laughed lightly. "You're always modest. So, how was lunch with Penny and… the others?"
"Really good," I said. "Penny's ambitious, hardworking… just like she always wants to be. Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, Raj—they're funny in their own ways. Penny keeps them all in check."
Mom raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you're enjoying the company."
"I did. But it's more fun seeing them in action than anything serious." I grinned. "You know me, Mom. I just enjoy people and… interesting interactions."
She nodded, her smile softening. "I always admired that about you. So… what's next?"
"I'm excited for my new Career, Feels like a new chapter."
Mom reached over, lightly tapping my hand. "I'm proud of you, Liam. Every step you take, I know you'll give it your all. Just… promise me you'll also enjoy yourself along the way, not just work."
I chuckled. "I'll try, Mom. But don't worry—I can balance it."
She leaned back, taking in the passing streets. "I can't believe how fast time flies. Seems like yesterday you were just starting law school, and now you're already starting a job at the Manhattan DA's office."
"Time flies," I agreed. "But I feel ready for it. And… I think I'll learn a lot. Not just law stuff, but life stuff too. It's all part of the process."
Mom nodded, satisfied with my answer. "Good. That's what I like to hear. You're sensible, Liam. And… charming, of course."
I laughed softly. "You and your compliments, Mom. I'll take it."
The airport grew closer with each passing minute, the traffic flowing smoothly. We chatted about light topics—the lounge she'd reserved, our favorite foods, even a few funny things that had happened with family lately. The conversation was easy, warm, and familiar.
Eve's voice broke in quietly in my mind, a calm but teasing note [Enjoy these moments, Liam. Life won't always give you quiet rides or perfectly timed hugs. Notice them now.]
I smiled subtly at her comment but didn't say anything.
Then she added, more seriously this time: [Also, remember your flight is at 9 PM. Keep track of time and don't let conversation distract you too long. Safety first, golden boy.]
I smirked, shaking my head slightly. "Noted, Eve. Don't worry."
Reaching the airport, I parked the Benz and took out my luggage and wheeled it towards the Lounge.
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