Tethered (Book Two of The Invisible String Series)

Valentine's Day

Once we start for the door, I make eye-contact with the teenager sitting on the bottom stair. "Don't stay up too late, and don't answer the door for anyone but us, or unless it's another family member. Keep the doors locked at all times, and if you need anything call us. I also left the number of the restaurant we're having dinner at on the kitchen counter."

Liv rolls her eyes at me before glancing down at her phone. "I know how to take care of myself, Y/N, and I promise I'll be safe. You guys just go and enjoy yourselves."

I feel kind of hesitant to leave her all alone for a good portion of the night, as it's the first time we're going somewhere without her. And while I know that she's been on her own for years, she's still a kid. Strike that, she's our kid and I can't help but worry. "Are you sure you're gonna be okay?"

Lizzie slips her hand into my own, gently tugging me backwards a bit as she stands on her tip-toes to place a kiss to my cheek. "She'll be fine, baby. Let's go before we're late for our reservation."

With one last check with Liv, I finally concede and follow Lizzie out of the house and down the driveway to her Prius. I'm driving tonight, since I've kept the restaurant we're going to a secret from her and I slide into the driver's seat with a small smile. I glance over my shoulder at the prepackaged gift I'd placed in the backseat earlier, raising an eyebrow when I notice the extra one next to it. "I thought I told you not to get me anything?"

Lizzie simply smiles at me as she buckles herself in. "You got me something, so I don't want to hear it."

Knowing I won't win with that argument, I drop the subject. I still hate it when people spend money on me, and would much rather spend my money on other people, but it is Valentine's Day. I can make an expectation for tonight.

The entire drive to the restaurant is spent laughing with each other and obnoxiously singing along to the random playlist I'd put on, which only makes us laugh even harder. When we finally arrive, Lizzie's attention shifts to look out the window and I smile widely at the gasp she lets out when she realizes where we are. "How did you get reservations here?!"

"I might have pulled a few strings. I know you've been wanting to try this place for a while, so I figured tonight would be the best night to do it."

Lizzie gives me a bright smile before leaning over the center console and pulling me into a kiss by the back of my neck. It's just a quick peck, but it sets off the butterflies in my stomach just like every kiss we share does. "I love you so much."

I lean forward for another kiss, not being satisfied with just one. "I love you, too."

I pull up to the valet station and hop out, handing the keys over to the trustworthy valet dude before moving to open Lizzie's door for her. I lend her my hand to help her out of the car, and she takes it with a smile, keeping our fingers intertwined together as we walk towards the main doors.

There's a few photographers hanging around, since this restaurant is known to cater to the higher end of LA's patronage. I caught sight of several other celebrities on our way in, and since I'm in a good mood tonight I make sure to smile for each and every one of them, even giving them a small wave.

We somehow managed to arrive just in time for our reservation, thank the stars, and we're seated right away. The restaurant went all out for Valentine's Day, and each table is adorned with fresh and fragrant rose petals and a really beautiful place setting, complete with a bottle of champagne waiting in an ice bucket next to it. Our waiter greets us the second we're seated, and I give him a warm smile that he returns.

"Good afternoon, ladies. Happy Valentine's Day and welcome to the Clair de Lune (AN: if I butchered that French, don't come after me lol). Champagne is on the house tonight, but can I interest either of you in anything else to drink?"