Previously on Move– Read Chapter 25 HERE

Catch up from the beginning HERE

“Are you sure you have everything?” Yolanda says looking around at Aria’s nearly empty room.

“Yea, I think so, if not…I mean, I’ll be back to visit,” She says smiling.

“No I know, I just want to make sure you have everything you need,” Yolanda says smiling.

“Thanks Yoyo, always looking out.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to just stay these last few nights before the showcase? I mean I thought the original plan was to move in with Liam after?” Yolanda says slightly worried.

“I know, but now that you and Matthew are trying to build your life together, I just figured you could use the extra room,” Aria says smiling.

“Yea, well we still have some things to iron out…” Yolanda says smiling.

“Hey, Yoyo, you ok?” Aria asks.

“Yea, no, yea. I just um, we were so impulsive with everything and now that the initial adrenaline has died down, I can’t help but feel like I should have planned things out a little better. I never thought I’d ever do something crazy like this.”

“Hey…you and Matt will figure it out,” Layla says draping an arm over her sister’s shoulders as she lays her head on her shoulder.

“I’m just worried. I mean there are so many things couples usually discuss before they get married ya know? And Matt and I just bulldozed through all those big conversations.”

“Hey, you are always so careful about everything. You weigh the positives and negatives of every situation. You do something crazy for the first time in your life and you think you’re doomed.” Aria says laughing. “Just think about it with a different filter. Instead of thinking about all the things you think can go wrong. Think about all the things that can and already have gone right. I mean you get to wake up to a sexy, smart, sweet man every morning. I would call that a win,” Aria says laughing.

“Agreed. I think you and Matt are gonna be fine,” Layla says smiling.

A knock is heard as Aria walks over to it, she opens it to find a smiling Liam.

“Hey love, you about ready?” he says waving hello to the ladies.

“Hi, yes,” she says giving him a cute peck on the lips, “Will you help me?” she asks.

“Of course, and I brought reinforcements,” he says as Matt walks in.

“Matt, Hey…hi honey.” Yolanda says her face lighting up.

“Hello gorgeous,” he says smiling as he leans in and gives her a kiss.

“I figured the least I could do was help my new cousin in law move in with her guy,” he says with a sweet smirk.

“That’s so sweet of you, Thank you Matt.” Aria says with a warm smile.

“Of course, we’re family now,” Matt says nodding.

Layla smiles at the scene in front of her.

“So uh, boxes in the bedroom?” Matt asks as Aria nods and the guys head that way.

***

“Ok so that was the last of it babe,” Liam says as he and Matt walk back up from bringing Aria’s boxes down to the car.

“Ok, well, um…” Aria says rubbing her hands on her thighs nervously.

“Let’s have one last celebratory toast, huh?” Layla says passing out flutes of champagne.

“To new beginnings?” Layla says raising her glass.

“To new beginnings,” they all say in unison as they clink their flutes.

***

Aria and Liam finish unpacking her last box.

“Welcome home, love.” He says smiling over at her.

Aria squeals as she jumps into his arms.

Liam laughs as his lips find hers.

“I can’t believe you’re actually here with me. For good.” He says smiling like a buffoon.

“Oh, be careful what you wish for boy. I can be quite annoying to live with.” She says laughing.

“Mmm mmm, there isn’t anything I don’t love about you,” he says kissing her softly and slowly, as Aria sighs against his lips.

***

Liam walks into their bedroom and hands Aria a cup of coffee as she sits up in bed, looking at some dance footage she took during one of her last practices.

“Mmm, thank you baby,” she says smiling as she gives him a quick peck.

“So…um can I talk to you, for just a minute?” he asks nervously.

Aria’s eyes shoot up, “Oh no, am I already driving you crazy?” she says wincing.

“No, no, love you’re perfect. I mean you are driving me crazy in different ways. But I have no complaints whatsoever,” he says smirking.

“Ah, good to hear,” Aria says wagging her eyebrows.

Liam laughs.

“What’s up?” Aria asks more casually as she sets her laptop aside.

“So…I know you aren’t into the whole rich scene, but there is this gala that I have to attend Friday night. And I was hoping that you would be able to accompany me. It’s for a really great opportunity and-”

“I’ll go,” she says smiling up at him.

“Really?” he says puzzled. “I for sure thought I’d have to do some major convincing.”

“Why?” Aria says laughing.

“Well it’s just given what happened at the last event…I thought…”

“Well, I happen to only look at the positives of that night, and at how they led us to where we are now, besides things went well at dinner,” she says with a sweet smile and a shrug.

Liam sighs, “I love you so much, you know that?”

“Yes, I do. And I love you too,” Aria whispers as she places a sweet kiss on his lips.

***

Liam and Aria walk up the long granite staircase. Dressed to the nines.

Aria in a long silky, fitted emerald green gown and Liam in a black crisp tux, with a black button down and black tie. He always wore some variation of the same thing, but he never failed to look hot as ever.

The minute the large golden doors open, Aria’s eyes are met with flashing lights. Photographers calling Liam’s name. “Turn this way, Mr. Whitmore!” “Over here!” “Who’s your date?” “She’s a new look for you!”

Aria instantly feels offended, her stomach twisting into a knot.

This is their first official public appearance in the lime light and Aria hadn’t realized how nervous she actually was until Liam leans over and whispers in her ear, “Hey love, everything ok?”

Aria snaps out of her day dream and back into reality, “Huh, yea I’m good, why?” she says trying to act like she isn’t internally freaking out.

“Nothing, it’s just you seem a little tense, well that and your grip on my hand is kind of intense,” he says with a sweet smirk.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she says looking down and letting go of his hand.

“Don’t be.” He says noticing her nervous tick. She’s biting her lip and fidgeting with her hands.

“Hey, just be you, that’s all I want, that’s all I need,” he says with a reassuring smile.

Aria’s face softens as her eyes melt into his. He leans in and places a slow, sweet kiss on her lips. And the cameras click, flashing desperately. The tension releasing from her body at the feel of his touch.

Liam smiles as he takes her hand leading her into the glitzy party.

“Wow,” Aria says her eyes scanning the room.

An art gala. For new and upcoming artists. Their work displayed and being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Liam’s home away from home. Unique art blending all forums, mixing shapes and colors and angles.

Gertrude’s eyes fall upon the happy couple, as she locks eyes with a certain leggy blonde, across the room, she gives her a nod of approval as she plasters on a happy grin, making her way over to Liam.

“Hello, Liam, my boy!” she says smiling brightly as she kisses him on the cheek.

“Hello mother,” he says with a simple smile.

“And Aria, my you look lovely,” she says through tight thin lips.

“Doesn’t she?” Liam says smiling over at her, as he places his hand on the small of her back.

Gertrude smiles, “Yes, please let me introduce you to some people,” she says taking Aria by the arm as she sways her away into the crowd of the rich and elite, all with money to spend.

“Oh ok,” Aria says waving at Liam who gives her a sweet little wink.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-