Liv

Chapter 1 - Part 1: The Invitation

One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Liv decided to explore the world of online dating. She had grown tired of routine and the same dull conversations, and the idea of meeting someone new excited her. As she swiped through profiles on the app, her heart raced with each new face. Then, she stumbled across one that made her pause: Tom. His smile was warm and inviting, radiating a genuine charm that immediately drew her in. But what truly captured her attention was his bio. He described his love for cooking, detailing his favorite dishes and the joy he found in preparing meals. Liv’s heart fluttered at the thought—she adored food, perhaps a little too much, and the idea of someone who shared that passion was intoxicating.

With a mix of courage and trepidation, Liv sent him a message, her fingers trembling slightly as she typed. "Hi, Tom! I couldn't help but notice your love for cooking. What’s your go-to comfort food to make?" She hesitated, then hit send.

To her delight, Tom replied almost instantly. "Hi Liv! That’s a great question. I’d have to say a rich, creamy pasta—something that just feels like a hug in a bowl. How about you?"

She laughed as she read it, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Definitely! I’m a sucker for pizza, the cheesier the better. There’s something so satisfying about it."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter punctuating their texts as they exchanged stories about culinary adventures and kitchen disasters. "Once, I tried to bake bread and somehow set off the fire alarm. I still don’t know how it happened!" he admitted, and she laughed, imagining him waving a towel at the smoke.

"I’ve had my share of cooking disasters too," she replied. "Once I forgot to add flour to my cake. Ended up with sweet soup instead!"

As the night wore on, the idea of meeting Tom became increasingly enticing. He suggested a cozy evening at his apartment, and Liv felt a thrill of excitement mixed with nerves. "I’ll make you my best dishes," he promised. "You just have to show up and enjoy."

With her heart racing, Liv made her way to his apartment, her stomach fluttering with anticipation. The cool evening air brushed against her skin, heightening her senses. As she walked, her mind raced through scenarios of what the evening might hold. Would they share stories over dinner? Would there be chemistry?

When she arrived at his doorstep, she hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady her racing heart. Just as she was about to knock, the door swung open, and all thoughts of self-doubt vanished in an instant.

Tom stood before her, strikingly handsome, his warm smile illuminating the dimly lit hallway. “Liv!” he exclaimed, stepping aside to let her in. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She stepped over the threshold, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. As she took in her surroundings, she gasped at the sight that greeted her. The dining table was a feast for the senses, laden with a mouthwatering spread of food—pizzas with bubbling cheese, plates of spaghetti glistening with sauce, towering burgers stacked high with all the fixings, and an array of other indulgent treats that beckoned to her.

Tom chuckled at her reaction, clearly pleased. “I hope you’re hungry!” he said, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Liv couldn’t help but laugh. “You really went all out, didn’t you?”

“Nothing but the best for my guest of honor,” he replied, smiling as he pulled out a chair for her.

As she walked toward the table, she felt a thrill of exhilaration coursing through her veins. This was not just a dinner; it was an invitation to explore something deeper, something she had only begun to understand about herself.