CHAPTER 3

Henry... I don't know what to say. We've always been together as friends. We've always talked about everything, laughed, cried together. But now, I don't know what to say. For so long, I've been alone, simply focused on work, and I ended up neglecting my love life. I need some time to think about what we talked about, you understand, right? You're very special to me. You're every girl's dream man. I even thought you were dating Zoe, she likes you, you know that, right? The way she looks at you... I only have eyes for you, I thought you already knew. I think everyone knows my feelings for you. And I would really like you to accept me as your boyfriend. I need you to say you'll think about it. Yes. I just need some time. Let's go back; they must be worried about us. I promise I'll think about it carefully. Yes, let's go back then.

"I thought you two had eloped," Piter joked. "We were exploring your garden. This place is so beautiful! I wish I could stay a week to relax. But there's so much work. Right now, we have a big project underway, as you already know. So, time will be even scarcer now. Isn't that right, Penne?" "Yes, that's true," Penne agreed. "Make yourselves at home; you can stay the whole week if you want," Piter said directly to Liz, leaving Henry jealous. "Ah, if only I could. I'm hungry," Liz said, changing the subject. "It's ready; I'm just finishing setting the table, and then we can go."

"Henry, I want to show you something, will you come with me please?" Zoe said. "Sure!" Henry replied, looking at Liz, as if to say, "Don't worry, I only love you." They walked towards a room with beautiful valuable paintings. "Henry, are you enjoying being here?" "Yes, it's been a very pleasant day. Being with friends we like is always great. But should we join the others for lunch?" "Let's not keep them waiting." "Yes, of course."

During lunch, while everyone was chatting, Henry kept losing himself looking at Liz, who blushed more and more. Penne soon noticed that something had happened and kept talking to Liz to cover up. Zoe was always trying to get Henry's attention. He always pretended, giving her a smile.

After lunch, Liz and Penne asked for permission to go to their room to rest for a while. Everyone liked the idea and also retired to their rooms. "Tell me everything that happened," Penne said to Liz as they entered the room. "What are you talking about?" Liz replied. "About you and Henry. Something definitely happened. Tell me everything. You were right. He said he's loved me for a long time and wants me to be his girlfriend." "And what did you say?" "Are you not going to let me continue?" Liz smiled at her friend. "I asked for some time to think. It caught me off guard. Now I'm confused. You always talked about his feelings for me, and I took it lightly. But now it's different. I don't know what to do." "Then think about it and give him an answer. And don't forget that Piter might make the same request to you at any moment. If I were you, I'd give Henry a chance. He's the most responsible man in our circle of friends. With him, you won't have to worry about anything. Unlike Piter, who loves partying and always changes girlfriends. Just open the newspapers; he's always on the front pages. Haha. I have a lot to think about. Think carefully, my friend. I really think it's time for us to commit seriously to someone. I also want a love like that, and when I get home, I'll give Nick a chance to ask me out. How will you do that?" "I don't know yet. But I'll think of something. Only you can make me smile," Liz said.

"Wake up, Penne... we fell asleep and slept a lot. It's already dark outside. Let's take a shower and go downstairs. Get ready quickly too. And let's not talk about that subject with anyone yet. I want to think first. Henry is very shy. I know he wouldn't say anything to anyone until I give him an answer. Unless Zoe throws herself at him, then I'd have to talk to her," Penne said with ironic laughter.

"We were worried about you two," Piter said to the friends. "Sorry, we lay down for a bit to rest, and we fell asleep." "What shall we do now? Play cards? Watch a movie? Whatever you want."

"My friend Molly plays the guitar, piano," Zoe said. "Play something for us." "Only if Piter accompanies me," Molly replied, wanting to catch his attention. "I haven't played anything in a long time. Shall we do a duet?" "Why not? Then we'll play the piano, and you guys sing. Everyone has to sing." "Alright then. Molly is throwing herself at Piter. Penny, they're both single. Let them have fun. I want to see if he'll fall for her or come running to you. You're quite funny today." "I'm just stating the truth. That's what I think." "It's already very late; we're going to bed. Have a good night," Liz said, looking at Henry, who also said he was going to bed. "See you tomorrow." Zoe and her friend Molly stayed in the living room with Piter. Zoe said goodnight, and her friend said she would stay a bit longer keeping him company. But he said he was also going to bed. She invited him to stay a bit longer, and he said it was okay, just one more glass of wine.

The next morning, everyone had breakfast together and went to the pool to enjoy the sun, which was very inviting. This time everyone got into the water, talking and laughing a lot. Zoe joked with Piter and Molly, saying the night was good. He was embarrassed, looked at Liz, and replied that it was a very pleasant night because he was surrounded by dear friends, nothing more than that, and he hoped everyone had also had fun. Penne looked at Liz and wondered if they had been together, to which Liz replied that they had every right to and if something happened, it was good for both of them. Liz got out of the pool, and Piter followed suit, sat next to Liz eating a fruit and asked if she enjoyed spending the weekend with them and that what Zoe said didn't make any sense. That she stayed in the living room with Molly for a while and told her she was going to bed too, there was nothing between them. Liz interrupted him saying he didn't need to explain anything to anyone; they could do whatever they wanted, she didn't know why he took his cousin's joke seriously. It's your home, and you're single, so don't worry about it. Nobody took Zoe seriously. But I didn't want you to think badly of me... As if you weren't always in magazines with beautiful women (Zoe interrupted him), laughing at the moment. Everyone knows I like parties. But it's only until I meet the... Did I interrupt you? Sorry. It's just to warn you that lunch will be served. Thank you very much! We're coming! Is there time to take a shower first? Then we leave after lunch. I'll get ready quickly and come down, just call Penny. But don't worry, all your friends know you're a womanizer. And she left smiling. Ah, if she only knew... (He thought aloud).

Everyone said warm goodbyes. Henry said goodbye to Liz with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear that he awaited her answer. She responded with a beautiful smile on her face. She bid farewell to Piter, asking if he wanted her to take the girls. "No, thanks. I'm coming down too. I brought them, now I'll safely take them home. See you later." "Okay," Henry replied. "We're all going down together, just in separate cars."

"We've arrived. You're home, girls. Whenever you want to rest, just let us know, and we'll come back. The doors of my house are always open." Penne got out of the car and thanked him with a hug. Liz said she had a great time. "Thank you for everything. It was a great weekend. I really needed a retreat to relieve stress." She kissed him on the cheek, turned around, and went into her house. Piter started the car and drove away. While the friends went inside and said they just wanted to lie down, sleep to rest, that the week would be very busy.

The next day, Liz received flowers with a card that said: "Good morning!!! I don't want to pressure you, but I'm eagerly awaiting your answer." FROM: Henry.