Chapter 9

Arriving at the party venue, they were greeted at the entrance, leaving their coats. Liz wore a beautiful long red dress, while Penne was in a short black dress. They were admired wherever they went. They commented to each other on how beautiful everything looked. "Today we surely won't escape the press. And we tried," said Liz. Penne and Nick, being seen in public often, no longer minded appearing in magazines. Penne joked with Liz, "I can already see tomorrow's headlines: COUPLE OF THE YEAR, with your names and picture on the cover." Liz replied, "Don't joke about that." Suddenly, Peter arrived, looking very elegant. He came over to them, greeted them, and looked at Liz, saying, "How did you manage to become even more beautiful? Penne, you too, you both look very beautiful," trying to disguise his glance at Henry and Nick. Liz teased him about why he was there; he replied that he was representing his father and the company. But it wasn't really the kind of party he would like to attend. He joked with Henry that if he were smart, he wouldn't leave Liz alone again. Then he went to meet some of their business partners. Liz looked at Henry, blushing a little, and noticed he was a bit uncomfortable.

After dinner, there was a presentation showing how the hotels turned out after completion. Liz and Penne were enchanted by everything. They also received many compliments about their company and possible projects they could develop together. In addition to having fun, it turned out to be a productive night for them. Liz noticed that Henry was somewhat quiet and asked if he wanted to leave. He replied that he was fine, at her disposal. She asked Penne if she and Nick were leaving. Penne replied that they would stay a little longer. Nick was still talking with his partner about work, as usual, and would see her at home. Liz and Henry said their goodbyes and left.

On the way home, Liz asked Henry what was bothering him. He replied that it was nothing. "Are you sure?" She asked. He replied, "You know Liz, I was thinking about what Peter said. There will be days when I travel for work, leaving you here alone. And you will also travel for work." Liz interrupted him by placing her hand over his mouth. "Henry, I trust you. We won't always be together. What matters is who we are and who we're with. Right now, I'm with you, and I want to be by your side. Unless you do something to hurt me, we'll always be fine." "Liz, I'll always be with you. You're the woman of my life, my eternal love. You know that." "Yes, I know."

"We're home. Are you coming in for a bit? Isn't it late? Aren't you tired?" She asked. He replied that he wasn't tired and had actually enjoyed himself. He then locked the car, held her hand, and hugged her. "Liz, I don't want to lose you. I missed these moments together." They held hands and entered together. Liz then asked Henry if he wanted her to prepare something for him. He replied that he didn't, he just wanted to be with her for a while alone before leaving her to rest. "Will you walk me to the door?" He asked. "Of course, my boyfriend," she replied, pulling his hand closer to her body. She kissed him and told him that she loved him too and that everything was fine between them. He kissed and hugged her before leaving.

About half an hour later, Penne arrived, opened Liz's door, and lay down beside her, saying how happy she was, that she had found the love of her life and that Nick also wanted to meet Liz's family. He already knew them by name, but wanted to formally meet them. "That means he's taking our relationship seriously too. That's great, my friend. You look great together, a perfect couple. Just don't leave me and go work with him," Liz said, smiling. "At home together, but at work, each in our own place. We'll still be each other's bridesmaids and godmothers to each other's first child. It's settled." They laughed together a lot, then Penne went to her room.

The next day, they were in the office when Penne came into Liz's office with the magazine in hand, showing her the photos from the night before. As they expected, the most talked-about photo was of Liz with Henry. "Since you two don't like being in the spotlight, it's the news of the year."

Several weeks passed until Liz and Henry managed to take the trip they had been planning for months. Penne and Nick were quicker, already formalizing their commitment.

After a three-hour trip, they arrived at Liz's parents' house, who warmly welcomed them. Liz's father told Henry that he was very pleased with their relationship but wished they hadn't taken so long to visit. Henry said he was very happy to see them again. After all, they already knew each other since before they started dating, as they were good friends. "And you're always welcome in our home. Our daughter hardly finds the time to come here." Liz interrupted, saying they talked every day, but work took up most of her time to leave the city. "And you almost never visit me either. Henry's parents are always asking us to arrange a family dinner. We have to arrange that too."

Liz took Henry to visit some places she really liked. She told him how happy she was that he was there with her. He replied that he was very happy too. They had planned several times, and now it had finally worked out. "Everything happens in the right time, as it should be." They spent only two days together, but it was a great time they took to rest, away from everything.

They returned home, and the hustle and bustle of work became more constant. They occasionally went out with friends who were always complaining they hardly saw each other anymore. "We're trying to slow down, but it's tough at the moment."

Liz was looking at her schedule when she realized Henry's birthday was in two weeks. She needed to surprise him. "He does everything to please me, always spoiling me with gifts, surprises, and taking me to beautiful places. He's a true gentleman," she thought. "But what can I do to make him happy? I think there's only one thing to do, something he's been wanting for a long time. But how do I prepare everything... I have an idea..." The phone rang. "Yes, I'll be there soon," she said, forgetting about the meeting.

She spent the next few days researching resorts. She found a beautiful place, a spacious house near the beach. She sent a message to check availability for the date she had in mind and received a positive response. Liz checked in and made the reservation. Then she went out to look for a gift for Henry. She bought him a beautiful watch.

Liz told Penny everything she was planning for Henry's birthday. Penny was very surprised by her initiative. "I'm not sure about his schedule, so tomorrow I'll make up something that I need him to accompany me to. I hope it works out. I also bought him a beautiful watch. Do you think he'll like it? I think he might prefer the other gift..." Penny laughed at her friend, who blushed deeply.

The next night, after arranging with Penny, Liz was with Henry when she received a call that made her a little sad. She said it was nothing and hung up. As expected, Henry became concerned and asked what had happened. She explained that all she wanted was to spend his birthday together. But she had to take a short trip the next afternoon and wouldn't be back until two days later. She would miss his birthday.

"Henry, I really wish you could come with me. It's our first anniversary celebrating together as a couple, and I really wanted to be with you. It would make me very happy, and you also said you'd always be there for me when I needed you. Well, I need you now." He replied that he would figure something out. He didn't have any meetings scheduled. "I'll finish everything I have to do early tomorrow morning and we'll leave in the afternoon, since you need to be there at night. Where exactly is it? It's just two hours away from here. In case you need to come back." He added that he also wanted to spend his birthday with her. That he wouldn't leave her alone. And that he didn't want any company other than hers on that day. She kissed him and said he made her very happy. "That's great!!! Shall we go then?" "Yes, let me pack a few things I need to take with me. And that I can't forget. So I'll take you home." He held her hand and they left the restaurant. He dropped her off at home and then went to his own place.