Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from Victorious.
Oh my gosh, it's been ages! I'm SO sorry for those of you who have been dying for an update. I've been incredibly busy these past few months. But thank you to all the readers who have stuck by me and wrote those kind reviews. It's always a pleasure.
The good news is I'm back with a new chapter for the new year! So I hope you guys enjoy it! Happy reading!
Chapter Seven: The Decision
"Tori?"
Tori blinked away from her thoughts and found herself sitting on the couch in Liam's hotel room. They had just returned from an upscale L.A. fashion show that featured upcoming fall fashion by the highly reputable designer, Jean Bonabe. It was a huge step in Liam's modeling career and after an exciting evening, he insisted on having Tori accompany him and his friends from the agency for a night out on the town to celebrate. Unfortunately, she had other plans.
Throughout the evening, Tori's mind kept wandering elsewhere. Beck's fervent kiss was still fresh on her lips; the smell of his musky cologne still lingered on her nose. The sensation that surged through her from Beck's embrace last night dispelled any doubts she had had about being with him. She wanted to be with him, and he wanted to be with her, and that was the simple truth. Now it was just a matter of tying up some loose ends and achieving a sense of closure with Liam. Tori hated having to do this on such a remarkable evening, but Liam would be leaving for New York City early the next morning. She knew it had to be done.
"Are you sure you don't wanna come tonight?" he asked as he rolled up the sleeves on his gray pinstripe dress-shirt.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I appreciate the invite, but I had already made some plans with a friend."
Tori bit her lip nervously. She wasn't lying; she and Beck had in fact made plans to meet up later that evening before Liam had invited her out. She watched as Liam sat down beside her with an amused smile upon his face.
"Check this out," he said, handing her his phone. "New travels fast around here."
On the screen was a post from a popular Hollywood gossip site. It featured a photo of Tori and Liam arriving at the fashion show just a few hours earlier with a bold headline that read "New Couple on the Block?" Before she knew it, he had taken her hands in his and he gazed at her tenderly.
"Thanks for coming out tonight, Tor. It really meant a lot."
She took in a deep breath. It was now or never.
"Listen, Liam–"
"I've got some big news actually," he interrupted. "I found out this morning that my manager wants to send me to Paris next month for a photo shoot with a high-fashion magazine."
"That's great," Tori said with a small smile, beginning to feel uncomfortable about the fact that Liam was still holding her hands.
"Well, I was talking to Zac at the beach the other day and he said you guys were going to finish filming by the end of this month." He paused thoughtfully as if trying to decide the best way to word his next sentence. "And…I guess I wanted to ask if you'd like to come to Paris with me next month. I know it was always something we both dreamed of doing."
Shocked by Liam's proposal, Tori pulled her hands away and swallowed hard.
"Liam, I…you know I've always wanted to go to Paris."
He smiled. "I know. And I think it'd be fun to go together. That's why I've already talked it out with your agent and producers, and they seemed okay with the plan."
Tori faltered. Was she hearing him right?
"Wait, what? You already talked to Pauline and the producers?"
"Well yeah, I wanted to surprise you with this trip."
"Surprising me is one thing. But going behind my back and planning out my life for me is a whole 'nother story!"
Tori could feel the anger welling up inside her as all of the reasons why she and Liam ended their relationship suddenly hit her with the force of a freight train.
"Did you even try to figure out if I had my own plans next month?" Tori continued. "Trina's wedding is next month."
Liam's eyebrows knitted in slight frustration as he was taken aback by Tori's reaction.
"Alright, calm down," he said, holding up his hands defensively. "That's why they're just called plans, Tor. Nothing's written in stone yet. You're overreacting."
"That's not the point, Liam," she argued back. "The point is you're still making plans for me and assuming everything will just work out. When we were together all you ever did was dictate my life."
Liam frowned. "So what are you saying? Do you wanna come with me or not?"
Tori heaved a heavy sigh and then looked Liam straight in the eyes, convinced more than ever that her final answer would be the best thing for her in the end.
The night air was cool against Beck's skin as he leaned over the wooden railing and gazed at the ocean waves pass by. Overhead, blue-gray clouds partly obscured the moon's silvery light as it reflected in the water, making it look like a shimmering sea of crystals. Beck pulled out his phone to check the time. It was 9:30 on the dot. He and Tori had agreed to meet at the pier at 9:00. Not having received a call or even a text, Beck couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive about Tori having gone to Liam's fashion show tonight. What if she changed her mind and decided that she wanted to be with Liam after all?
All of a sudden, he heard the sound of footsteps coming up behind him. Beck turned around to see Tori walking down the pier, wearing a flowy coral dress. She wore turquoise jewelry to accent the dress, and her hair was styled into a loose bun that sat at the nape of her neck.
"Hey, you," she said as her eyes sparkled beautifully in the moonlight.
"Hey," Beck replied, gently caressing her arms. "I'm glad you made it."
"Worried I wouldn't show up?" she teased.
He smiled knowingly. "Not really."
A contented stillness followed as the two gazed into each other's eyes, enjoying the moment they were sharing. Beck was the first to break the silence.
"So how'd it go with Liam?" he asked tentatively.
"Good," Tori replied with a slightly rueful smile. "I think we both realized that we're just…different people."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." She then stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Besides…there's someone else in my life now and I'd really like to give him a chance. I think he's worth it."
Beck smirked. "Oh really? I wonder who the lucky guy is."
Without another word, he dipped his head and caught her lips in a gentle kiss. Though the kiss was tender and tame compared to last night's fervent embrace, the impression it left was still the same. Tori and Beck pulled away, both breathless and fueled with keen desire.
"Not bad for our second kiss," said Tori.
"Well you know third one's always the charm," Beck said before pulling her in for another kiss; this one with a little more eagerness than the last.
When at last they pulled away, Beck rested his forehead against Tori's and gave a small laugh.
"I could get addicted to those."
Eventually, the two began to make their way down the pier, towards a quiet little bayside restaurant where Beck had made reservations.
"You'll love this place, Tor," he said. "They've got the best New England clam chowder in town."
Just then, Tori came to an abrupt halt, taking Beck by surprise. He looked back at her and on her face was an expression he couldn't quite decipher.
"What's wrong?"
"I just…" she hesitated. "It still feels like a dream to me. I just can't believe we're actually doing this."
"What? Eating the best clam chowder in town?" Beck joked.
Tori rolled her eyes and lightly hit his arm. "You know what I mean."
He smiled lovingly. "I do know what you mean. And I feel the same way."
He gently cupped Tori's face in his hands.
"I'm just really happy that we're giving ourselves this chance because I think you're amazing, Tor."
"You're pretty awesome yourself, Beck," Tori quietly replied, referencing back to one of their old high school inside jokes.
"Now come on," Beck said, wrapping his arm around her waist. "That chowder isn't going to eat itself."
And with that, Tori and Beck made their way into the restaurant for a very first and very real romantic dinner for two.
Well there it is. Stay tuned guys! I'll try my best to update when I can. Please review!
