What’s Going On With You

Liam

It’s been almost a week, and no matter how much I try, I can’t shake Amber from my mind. I keep replaying that moment at the gala—the look in her eyes, that hint of something deeper beneath her polished smile.

I’ve tried convincing myself that I imagined it, but it doesn’t add up. Amber may be married, but I know her well enough to sense when something’s off.

Since I didn’t get a chance to grab her number before her husband swooped in, and she doesn’t have any form of social media presence, it seems like every attempt to reach her is a dead end. So I’ve thrown myself into work, spending more time than usual on-site as I oversee renovations at one of the hotels we recently acquired.

I’m in the middle of reviewing some blueprints with the project manager when I hear it—a laugh, soft and familiar, one I could recognize anywhere. I turn toward the sound, and there she is, sitting in the hotel’s restaurant with three other women. They’re leaning in, chatting intently, as Amber jots down notes on an iPad.

I can’t believe she’s here. It’s as if I had conjured her out of my imagination. A smile curl up my lips as I take her in. Her dark wavy hair is draped over her shoulders.

“Do those ladies come here often?” I ask the hotel manager beside me, nodding subtly toward their table.

“Yes, they have a standing reservation every week for their charity organization meetings,” he replies.

Unable to hold back, I excuse myself from the team and head over to their table. “Hello, ladies,” I say, and as Amber looks up, her eyes light up with surprise.

“Liam!” she says, smiling wide. “What are you doing here?” She hits her forehead with the ridge of her palm, and quickly adds, “I’m sorry, what a silly question, I’m sure you’re here to have a lunch or something.”

I give a small shake of my head. “No, I’m here because this is one of the hotels I just acquired and I’m overseeing the renovation.”

“Oh…”

“Amber, aren’t you going to introduce us to friend?” one of the ladies ask, clearing her throat.

“Oh, where are my manners,” she introduces me to her friends—Cheryl, Anna, and Laura.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” I say, offering a polite nod. “Let me treat you to some top-shelf champagne, on the house.” The women light up at the offer, thanking me with gracious smiles.

“Would it be alright if I stole Amber for just a moment?” I ask, glancing at her friends.

“Of course,” they all say with wide smiles.

As we step away from her table, Amber glances back at her friends, then looks up at me, her expression a little wary. "Twice in one week, Liam," she says with a soft laugh. "What are the odds?"

"Maybe it’s because I’ve been thinking about you," I reply, a bit more honestly than I’d planned. The words slip out before I can catch myself, and immediately, a strange look flashes across her face. I see it—fear, a flicker of panic. I quickly add, “Just as a friend, of course.”

She visibly relaxes, her posture softening. “I’m glad to see you too, Liam,” she says, her voice warmer but still reserved.

I study her face, noting the subtle tightness around her eyes. “How have you been? Really?”

“I’m good,” she says with a quick nod, but something about the way she says it doesn’t sit right.

“Are you sure?” I press gently, hoping she’ll open up, but her gaze shifts, a subtle defense going up.

“I really should get back to the meeting,” she murmurs, glancing back at her friends. The champagne has arrived and they’re chatting and laughing, but I notice her posture tense as she glances over her shoulder.

“Then maybe after your meeting? We could catch up over drinks,” I suggest, not ready to let her walk away just yet.

Amber hesitates, looking at me with an apologetic smile. “I can’t, Liam.”

“Alright, then,” I say, holding her gaze. “Can I at least have your number? We could reconnect another time, catch up when you’re free.”

She pauses, surprising me with her response. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she says quietly.

A pang of disappointment runs through me, but I force a light smile. “Why not?”

Her lips part, and she almost says something, but then catches herself. “Because my husband…,” she starts, her voice faltering. She sighs and glances away, then meets my eyes. “Just… promise you’ll ask if it’s a good time before you call me, alright?”

I nod, my heart sinking as I see a shadow pass over her face when she mentions him. There’s something she’s holding back, but I decide not to push. “I can promise that,, I’m only going to reach out as a friend Amber, I respect that you’re married,” I say, my voice steady as I hand her my phone.

“Thank, Liam.”

“So I noticed you aren’t on any social media platform, all your accounts are deactivated,” I say as she types in her number.

“Yeah, I…I…didn’t see the need, so I deactivated them.”

“Really? But you were the one who always preached to me about how a social media presence is a must in the 21^st century,” I say surprised by her response.

“Hmm, that was before it became so toxic and full of bullying,” she says with a nervous smile as she hands me back my phone.

“It was nice seeing you again, Liam. I need to head back to my meeting.” She offers a soft smile, one that doesn’t quite reach her eyes, before heading back to her friends.

“Talk to you some other time.”

I watch her walk away, a mix of worry and longing stirring within me. What’s going on with you Amber?