Chapter 18

Suddenly, Piter invited Liz to dance with him. She said she wasn't in the mood, but he insisted and led her to the dance floor. They danced to a beautiful song that she once danced to with Henry. Henry, watching from where he was with a drink in hand, couldn't contain himself. When the song ended, Liz excused herself from Piter, who ran his hands through his hair and complimented her, saying how beautiful she looked and how stunning she was. Liz noticed how uncomfortable Henry was and moved away from Piter, saying she was going to talk to other people at the party she hadn't greeted yet. She added that they could continue dancing later. Piter responded that he would wait. She replied that there were plenty of girls waiting to be asked to dance and walked away smiling.

Liz chatted with some people who worked with them at the company, trying to stay as far from Henry as possible. Then, the song they had listened to together on a trip started playing. Henry approached her and invited her to dance, grabbing her hand before she could answer, leading her to the dance floor.

"This is our song."

They danced beautifully, as they used to. He told her he loved her very much and that it was very difficult to see her dancing with another man, especially Piter. She said it didn't mean anything; they were friends. And they would be too from now on.

Henry pleaded, "Don't do this to us."

"It wasn't me, Henry. It was you. It hurts me too. Don't think this is easy; believe me, it's very hard for me to stay away from you, but it's necessary. We should stop here. Enjoy your night," Liz said and walked away.

While Henry talked with some friends, Liz took the opportunity to tell her friends Penne and Nick that she was heading home. Almost everyone had already left, and she told them to enjoy the rest of the night. She mentioned she had already called a taxi, waiting for her outside. "If I stay here any longer, Henry will want to take me home, and I'm afraid I won't be able to resist; after all, I'm only human," she smiled at her friends, kissed them, and left unnoticed.

A little later, Henry asked Penne about Liz. "She went home; she was tired and called a taxi to pick her up. Please, leave Liz alone. You've hurt her enough. If you truly love her, give her some time and think about what you did or didn't do, but let happen and hurt my friend, who never wanted a serious relationship to avoid suffering. And you, of all people, knew that because you've known her for a long time. I'm sorry, but I had to say it. I don't like seeing my friend sad." He replied, "Alright. Once again, I wish you both happiness." Penne said, "It could have been you two as well. I thought you two would get engaged first, but it didn't happen. Good night." "Good night to you too," Henry said and left. Piter, who had been talking with some friends, also said goodbye to the couple and left with them.

Henry got into his car to leave but called Liz before starting it. She answered the phone and asked what was wrong, if he was okay.

"Why did you leave without saying anything? I could have taken you home."

"Henry, I was tired, traveled last night, didn't stop all day, and now I was already asleep. I didn't want to bother anyone. You should go home too; it's very late."

"Liz, let me come over to talk. Let me stay the night with you."

"No. I'm going back to sleep now. Have a good night, Henry."

"You too, my love."

Liz hung up the phone, and tears rolled down her face.