Heartbreak To Healing - 3. Chapter 3

Liam roused after Rufus dove off the end of his bed when Mona called for breakfast. Liam rubbed his eyes, groaning at the early hour. He sat up and stretched, watching Rufus chase after Mona to the kitchen. Liam couldn't help but smile at the sight, feeling grateful for his furry friend. The sun poured through the blinds, and his mind ran amuck thinking about his date with Alex. Butterflies stirred in his stomach, but his penis also began to stiffen. Groaning, he dragged himself from the bed, attempting to ward off his erection, and went for his morning pee. Thankfully, his mother was downstairs, so there was no fear of being caught in an uncomfortable position. After he relieved himself, Liam popped in the shower, taking his usual cold wash, but it also helped calm his uninvited visitor down. Liam had put on his favourite blue button-down and a pair of beige khakis once dried. He thought he looked pretty cute and hoped Alex would think he was more hot than cute.

After his shower, Liam dressed and headed down to the kitchen, where Mona was making breakfast. Rufus was already happily munching away on a piece of bacon, his tail wagging. Liam grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down at the table, joining Mona. They chatted about their plans for the day, and Liam couldn't help but mention his date with Alex.

“I’m meeting this guy I met on HAWT; we've got a date," Liam said.

"That's great, sweetie; just be careful; you never know these days. Some weirdos try to pick up children," Mona said, while she smiled knowingly.

Liam felt a bit embarrassed but also grateful for the support.

"I know, I know… I'm not so little anymore, Mom," Liam protested.

Mona turned with a plate full of bacon and sausages.

“You’ll always be my little guy,” Mona replied.

Liam rolled his eyes and finished breakfast, feeling excited and nervous about the upcoming date. He knew he had to be careful but was eager to see Alex. After saying goodbye to his mom and giving Rufus a pat on the head, Liam headed for the door, ready to start his day. He grabbed his keys and exited, optimistic for the day ahead.

Liam arrived at the coffee shop early, wanting to make a good impression. He ordered a latte from a cute Asian boy who was a little on the petite side. However, his jet-black hair and luscious brown eyes were like a blackhole, a place where Liam would have no problem losing himself. He sat down at a small table, nervously tapping his foot. As he waited, he checked his phone for any messages from Alex. No new I.M.s had been sent, but he hoped the minutes would tick by quicker to avoid the dreadful wait. Some customers came and went, and the cute barista came over after Liam finished his latte to clear the table.

“Can I?” The boy said.

He pointed to the cup on the coffee table, and Liam suddenly felt dizzy by the cute boy's attention.

“Sure… Sure…” Liam muttered.

“Anything, I could get you?” the barista said, lifting the empty latte cup.

“Uh, no thanks,” Liam said, trying to regain his composure.

The barista smiled and walked away, leaving Liam to his thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder if Alex would show up and, if he did, what they would talk about. Liam fidgeted in his seat, feeling both excited and anxious. Alex didn't intend to meet; that's what Liam figured. Minutes ticked by, and some mother and her blond-headed angel came in to get drinks. The mother bought everything the boy wanted without hindering his selection, even when he kept indecisively changing his order. The woman even complained that the service was slow, and when the pair left, Liam gave the barista a knowing smile.

Liam's phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. He quickly checked it, relieved to see a message from Alex. "Not going to make it, sorry. Maybe another time," it read. Liam felt disappointed as he read the message. He had been looking forward to the date all week, but now it seemed like it wouldn't happen. Questions ran rampant throughout Liam's mind, wondering why Alex hadn't the foresight to mention that he didn't intend to show up.

He kept thinking, moron, you’re a stupid idiot.

What did you think the guy saw in you?

Liam shook his head, trying to clear the negative thoughts from his mind. He knew he couldn't let this get to him. Maybe it was for the best that Alex didn't show up. So, he didn't have to look at his stupid face, as Liam would say. All the negative talk began to get to him, and suddenly he was on the verge of tears. Liam tried to hold back the tears, but it was no use. He felt like a complete failure and wasn't good enough for anyone. He buried his face in his hands, trying to hide his emotions from the other customers.

The barista noticed Liam's distress and came over to check on him.

"Hey, are you okay?" the barista asked, concern etched on his face.

Liam shook his head, unable to speak.

"Do you need anything?" the barista offered.

Liam nodded, grateful for the offer.

“I’ve been stood up,” Liam added.

“Sorry to hear that,” the barista said.

"You know what, I think I'm going to take you up on that offer for another latte," Liam said, meekly smiling at the barista.

The barista grinned back, happy to oblige. As Liam sipped on his latte, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the kind stranger who wanted to turn his day around. He knew he still had much to learn about dating and relationships, but he was glad to have a kind soul to understand his predicament.

The barista came back, lingering around Liam’s table, his eyes locked on Liam’s

The barista listened intently, his eyes locked on Liam's.

“Thanks for making the day less shitty,” Liam added.

They were quiet momentarily; Liam felt he might have been complaining too much.

"Sorry for all the negativity; I guess I am pretty worthless," Liam added.

"You're not worthless," the barista said. "You're a great guy; anyone would be lucky to meet you."

Liam looked up at the barista, surprised by his kind words. He smiled weakly, feeling a glimmer of hope.

"Thanks," he said. "That means a lot. Even if you’re a stranger."

The barista smiled back.

"Guess you just have that vibe about you; you're like a good person."

Liam wanted to believe that, so they continued talking. Liam felt a sense of comfort in the barista's presence, and he was grateful for the unexpected conversation.

As they chatted, Liam learned that the barista's name was Jun and that he was originally from Japan. Liam found himself drawn to Jun's quiet, thoughtful demeanour and couldn't help but feel a little attracted to him. They talked about their favourite movies.

"I love Erased, too," Jun said.

“Especially where Satoru goes back in time to stop himself from…” Jun started.

Liam perked up with the boys animated energy.

“Being put into a coma,” they both said in unison.

Liam couldn’t help but cut in, he knew that tv series. Liam felt like he had made a new friend since they finished each other's sentences, and he was glad to have met Jun. The afternoon zoomed by, making Liam feel like he'd known Jun all his life. Liam had been sitting in the coffee shop for hours but knew he had to get going. He thanked Jun for the conversation and the latte and promised to return soon. Liam felt a sense of peace wash over him outside the coffee shop. He still felt slightly disappointed about the failed date with Alex, but he also felt a newfound hope. Maybe there were other people out there who would appreciate him for who he was and not just for his lithe body.