Chapter 11

Liz went straight to her office, where several papers needing her signature were on the desk. Penne knocked on the door and entered. "Looks like you haven't woken up yet. Want me to bring you some coffee?" she said ironically. "So, spill it. Everything went as planned, it seems," Penne asked. Liz replied, "It was all very beautiful. Perfect! Henry was so loving. Actually, he's always very caring and attentive with me. We wished we had more time. The place is gorgeous. I think we should make more time to go out, explore new places, and fall more in love. We only know how to work. Especially me." "I know. You've always known how to seize the moment, haven't you?" Penne replied, nodding. "Later I want to hear all about it. I'm off to solve some problems. Lunch together?" "Yes, that works."

Suddenly, a message from Henry appeared on Liz's phone: "Already missing you, your perfume is still on my body. Have a good day. See you tonight. Love you." She replied, "Likewise."

The day passed quickly, and in the evening, they all went out to their usual bar. Their friends wanted to celebrate Henry's birthday, so everything had already been arranged. Henry stopped by the office to pick up Liz and Penne because Nick had gone on a short business trip, so Penne joined them. When they arrived, their usual group of friends was already there. Drinks and food had been ordered, followed by a cake with sparking candles, and they sang happy birthday. Everyone congratulated him, including Zoe, who hugged him and wished him well. He then hugged Liz, who was standing a bit to the side, while everyone cheered. They danced, sang karaoke, and had a great time.

Peter couldn't take his eyes off Liz, whom he desired so much. He mentioned to Zoe that Liz looked more beautiful than ever, that she seemed different. He couldn't explain it. Zoe told him that the two of them had gone on a trip alone for two days. This time, not even she, his assistant, knew where to find him. Henry only said he was accompanying Liz on a business trip, nothing more. But today, when he arrived at the office, he was daydreaming.

"We need to do something. I can't lose her. For the first time, I've fallen for a real woman," Peter said. Zoe interrupted him, saying he wasn't in love with anyone, that he was like a spoiled child throwing tantrums to get what he wanted, and that he stopped as soon as he got it. He admitted that was true at first, but their friendship had grown stronger. Liz was so special that he couldn't help falling for her.

"You need to find out where they went," Peter told Zoe to investigate Henry. "After all, you're friends too, and you're together all day at work." She said she would try. They watched Liz dancing to a romantic song.

Later, Henry, Liz, and Penne said goodbye to their friends and left. "I'm not going in," Penne said goodnight to Henry and said she would go ahead. While they talked in the car, kissed, and hugged, he then got out of the car, opened the door for her. He took her in his arms and kissed her. They were so caught up that they didn't notice a car parked a little behind them. It was Peter, watching them from afar. Henry waited for Liz to get inside, then drove away. Peter waited a bit, started his car, and left too.

A few weeks later, Henry told Liz he had to go on a trip and might be away for about two weeks. It would be the first time they'd be apart for so long. She understood it was part of their work. She hugged him with a sad look. "But I don't want to leave you here alone. I wish I could go with you. But I can't leave the office these days; there's too much work to be done. Don't worry, we'll talk every day. It'll pass quickly. Just don't forget me while you're away and alone... and don't even think about taking that ring off your finger. Are you going alone?" "No. I need my assistant with me."

When Henry mentioned Zoe's name, Liz felt a chill and became very sad. "Are you sure you need to take her with you? I don't like knowing you'll be spending a lot of time alone with another woman by your side." "Liz, she'll just be my assistant there. But you know she likes you. And she might try to seduce you." "Zoe knows I only have eyes for you. I love only you," Henry said. Liz shook her head in disbelief.

"Let's go to my place. Spend the night with me. We'll talk more there. I don't want to leave you here worried, sad." "And your parents?" "Don't worry, they won't drop by unannounced. It's okay," she said, wanting to enjoy their time together. Liz grabbed her purse, and they went to Henry's place. She got into the car, silent, unlike he had ever seen her. He gently touched her face, held her hand, kissed her, wanting to know what she was thinking.

They arrived, the gate opened automatically. He opened the car door, she got out, they held hands, and entered. Henry hugged her, kissed her, and asked her to trust him. "I trust you, I just don't trust Zoe. Don't take her with you. Please," Liz replied. "Liz, you'll see nothing will happen. You'll see..." "Maybe I should go back home. It was a mistake," Liz said, eyes filled with tears.

"It wasn't a mistake. We love each other. And you're staying with me. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you home before I leave," Henry assured her. Liz hugged him tightly, and they kissed. He put on some soft music and poured her favorite wine. Then they went to the bedroom, made love. Liz told him, "If anything happens, never forget our moments. They were beautiful. You've changed my life, and I'll always be here for you. I love you." They stayed embraced, this time Liz didn't want to let him go. Henry said, "Liz, I love you very much, and I'll always be with you." They slept together, and Liz woke up wearing Henry's shirt. There was a tray of breakfast around her. He had already gotten ready and looked very handsome.

"Why didn't you wake me up? I don't want to delay you," Liz said. "I was watching you sleep, how beautiful you are. And how happy you make me. Don't worry, if you need anything, just call me," Henry said, making Liz smile.

She got out of bed, took a quick shower, got dressed, and they left. He dropped her off at her house and went to the office to pick up his briefcase and Zoe, and they would travel shortly.

Liz went straight to the kitchen, where Penne was having breakfast. She told her what had happened and said she felt a great sadness she couldn't explain, as if something bad was going to happen. Penne hugged her and reassured her that nothing would happen. "Henry is in love with you, everyone knows that. Zoe doesn't stand a chance. I don't know, my friend, yesterday I was so nervous, I was scared, I felt like crying. I need a shoulder," Liz said. "But I'll get ready for work, keep my mind occupied. That way, I won't have time to think about what might happen with those two alone after work... at lunchtime." Penne interrupted her, "Come on, let's go to work." Liz got ready, and they left, arm in arm. "I'm glad I have you, my dear friend," Penne replied. "We'll always be together."