Chapter 71 (The Mortal Multiverse : Liam Raven Harper)

Chapter 71 -  Breakfast Date

Liam Pov

The ride back was quiet—one of those calm, comfortable silences that didn’t need filling. 

Emma had the window cracked open, sunglasses on, one hand lazily resting on the door as we cruised through the city. 

Reaching the parking lot, I parked in her spot and we heeded upstairs to the apartment. Emma took it upon herself to organize the groceries and I had nothing else to do so I went to my room.

leaned back on my bed’s headrest, glancing at my phone thinking ‘It’d been a while since I last called her.’

‘’You think she’s awake?’’ I asked in my head.

[It’s Evelyn Harper. She’s probably on her second glass of wine by now, gossiping with someone named “Darling” or “Sweetheart.”]

‘’Fair point.’’ and I hit the dial anyway.

The call barely rang twice before her unmistakable voice came through, smooth, sharp, and full of energy. “Liam! My favorite son finally remembers his mother exists!”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Hey, Mom. Good to hear your voice.”

“Oh, it’s better than good, sweetheart. Do you have any idea how proud I am? Your victory in the Hale case has made mummy shine like a golden star in the real estate group. Everyone’s talking about you and they want me give an opportunity to introduce them to you. Ha.. As if I’ll let those leeches near you.” 

“They can’t be that bad, right?” I asked even though I knew the answer.

“The worst and if they want to meet you its only over my dead body!” she replied matter-of-factly. “You are the only one who turned out like me and not a disaster like your brothers.”

“Well, I guess thanks Mom” 

“No need to mention it, Dear” 

‘’Speaking of disasters,’’ I said with a smirk, ‘’how are Alan and Charlie doing?’’

Evelyn sighed dramatically, the kind that could fill a room. “Alan is still groveling his way through life under his wife’s feet—he should grow a spine, but I’m not holding my breath. And Charlie, well… he’s drinking away and totally avoids me. He doesn't appreciate the efforts i put in to get him piano lessons.”

“Come on Mom, Charlie is a grown man and let him live his life” 

“What you live is called life dear! All he does is drink and Hump!” 

[Ouch! But she’s not wrong, Liam] 

‘Yea, Can’t argue against that’ 

“At least, Alan and Judith are making it work” I said and she just snorted and said  “Oh, let me tell you about Judith. That woman is impossible. I saw her last week when I visited Jake, and she spent half the time complaining about Alan and the other half finishing a bottle of wine.”

I chuckled softly. ‘’Maybe she’s just… tired, Mom. Alan and Judith both are. Things happen when people grow apart.’’

[Diplomatic as always,] Eve murmured.

Evelyn scoffed. “You’re too kind, Liam. That’s your problem—you see the best in people even when they’re hopeless.”

‘’Comes with the job,’’ I said easily.

But when she mentioned Judith and Alan, my mind drifted. Jake. The kid was probably caught right in the middle of it all.

‘’How’s Jake doing?’’ I asked.

“Oh, he’s… fine, I suppose,” Evelyn said dismissively. “He’s a teenager, Liam. They’re all moody, lazy, and glued to their phones. I’m sure he’s perfectly fine.”

Her sentence told me she hadn’t checked up on him. He is just a kid and not a teenager but I didn’t call her out—it wouldn’t help. 

But the thought lingered. 

If Alan and Judith really split, Jake would be the one who’d need the most help.

‘’Maybe I should head back to California soon,’’ I thought.

[And do what? You’re building your whole world here in New York.]

‘Yeah,’ I admitted silently. ‘You’re right. This is where I belong. For now.’

Evelyn kept talking, her voice flowing into a familiar rhythm—stories about her latest real estate ventures, who cheated on whom in her circle, and the new restaurant she’d “absolutely never go back to again” even though she definitely would.

I leaned back, listening more than speaking. It was oddly comforting—chaotic, yes, but comforting.

After a while, I glanced at the clock. “I should get going, Mom. It was good catching up.”

“Oh, Liam, darling, call more often. It keeps me young.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said with a small grin. “Love you.”

“Love you too, sweetheart. Don’t work too hard—and stay away from people like your brother Charlie.”

The call ended with her usual mix of affection and sarcasm.

I set the phone down, staring at the quiet apartment.

[Minimal drama. A new record.]

‘’Yeah,’’ I replied. ‘’Though I still can’t shake the feeling Jake might need me sooner than later.’’

[Let’s just hope it doesn't come to that.]

‘’Guess we’ll see,’’ I said softly, standing up and stretching.

The call with Mom had barely ended when my phone buzzed again—different tone this time. I glanced at the screen.

“Jake Peralta,” the name flashed.

‘’Huh. That’s quick.’’

[Captain Holt either something or he just wants to brag about catching someone with a pun.]

‘’Fifty-fifty chance of either,’’ I muttered, answering the call. “Yeah, Peralta?”

“Liam! Buddy! You’re alive? Breathing? Not missing any limbs?” Jake’s voice was its usual rapid-fire blend of concern as he and Boyle were shaken up by that Marco Bellini threat

“I’m fine,” I said calmly, leaning back against the couch. “What’s Up?”

He dramatically said, “Your hunch was right, There is a ‘Turk’ in the Italian database and he is involved in narcotics!”

“Can you send me the info?” I asked 

“Can’t do that. The file is secured and it involves the FBI but we can get involved in the case.”

“Good, Monday morning, I’ll inform my boss about the situation and get everything set on my side”

“We are set to meet with the FBI at Tuesday" Jake said

“Tuesday works,” I said without hesitation. “Tell the Captain I’ll be there.”

“Sweet! Oh, and just—uh, be careful, man. Rumor has it that this Turk is dangerous and is stupid enough to try something insane.. Even against the department.”

“I’m always careful,” I said, glancing toward the window where the city shimmered.

“Yeah, yeah, Mr. Cool-and-Composed,” Jake grumbled, though I could hear the relief in his voice. “Anyway, I’ll text you the details. Play it safe till then.”

“No promises.”

He laughed. “Classic Harper. Alright, see you on Tuesday.”

The line clicked off, and silence filled the room again.

[So… another day with cops and criminals. Your idea of normal.]

‘’Pretty much,’’ I thought, tossing the phone onto the table. ‘’But if the Turk is as the movie who didn't hesitate to plan and execute an attack on the Godfather itself then we have to be carful!.’’

[Ya, Don’t want any collateral damage.]

The night outside hummed with the energy of the city. Somewhere out there, a criminal was planning his next mistake.

And I’d be ready when he made it.

The morning sunlight spilled into the café through tall glass windows, catching the faint swirl of steam rising from a dozen mugs of coffee. 

The place had that quiet New York buzz—people reading newspapers, couples murmuring over brunch, a soft jazz tune drifting from the speakers.

I was already there, sitting by the window with a coffee in hand. Casual day, but I still looked sharp enough to make it count. 

A fitted charcoal henley clung just right across my chest, sleeves rolled to the forearms, the rolex watch at my wrist catching the light every time I moved. 

My dark jeans were clean and tailored, and the worn brown leather jacket draped over the back of my chair gave just the right touch of ease. 

Hair slightly tousled, faint cologne in the air—effortless, but deliberate.

[You look way too good for a “casual breakfast date,”] Eve teased in my head.

‘’It’s called first impressions,’’ I replied.

[Yeah, well, she’s gonna fall for it.]

‘’That’s the plan,’’ I said, just as the door opened.

Robin Scherbatsky stepped in—every bit as stunning as I remembered from the last time I saw her. 

She scanned the room and spotted me immediately, her lips curling into that half-smile and walked up to the spot

“Wow,” I said, as I got up from my chair. “You look too beautiful for a Sunday morning.”

“You're not bad either” she said as she slipped into the chair across from me. “Most guys show up to breakfast dates in hoodies and yesterday’s coffee breath.”

“I like to keep the bar high,” I said smoothly, sitting back down.

She laughed, eyes flicking briefly over my outfit again before she picked up the menu. “Yeah, I can tell.”

The waiter came by, took our order, and left us with steaming mugs of fresh coffee. 

Robin leaned back in her chair, curiosity flickering in her expression.

“So,” she began, “you’re the guy who made the Hale case disappear and made every front page in the city. I’ve had producers trying to get a statement from you for weeks.”

‘’All you have to do is ask,’’ I said. ‘’I don't mind giving an exclusive.’’

She just smiled and replied “Can’t do that. You haven't given any exclusive interviews and I’d feel like taking advantage after you agreed to go on a date with me”  

“Robin, Don't over-think this. If it's uncomfortable for you, we don't have to talk about work and get to know each other" I said and she smiled and replied “I’d like that. You do have that modesty and mysterious combo going on for you” she commented playfully and continued “You do realize that’s unfair to the rest of us mere mortals, right?”

“I’ll try to tone it down,” I said, smiling over my coffee. “No promises, though.”

[She’s already hooked,] Eve whispered.

‘I know.’

Robin leaned forward slightly, elbows on the table. “So, what made you go into law? I mean, you don’t exactly scream of a strict fallow the law guy.’”

‘’It’s not about the suit or being strict,’’ I said. ‘’It’s about the challenge. Every case is a puzzle. You learn the rules, then you find ways to break them—cleanly.’’

Her brows lifted, clearly impressed. “That’s… kind of…. Hot.”

[Well, she said it, not me.]

‘’Noted,’’ I thought, fighting back a smirk.

“Coming from a journalist, I’ll take that as high praise,” I said aloud.

Robin chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re good, Liam. Real smooth.”

“Old habit,” I said. “Helps in court. And apparently at breakfast.”

The food arrived—eggs, toast, coffee refills—and the conversation flowed easily. She told me about her last on-air mishap, how Ted still couldn’t stop overthinking everything, and how Barney had once tried to pitch a “news anchor-inspired dating seminar.”

I laughed. “Sounds like this Barney and Ted are fun to hangout”

“Oh, that’s putting it mildly.” She smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Barney is always after women and Ted… Well Ted is very reliable and can always be counted on.”

‘’I guess, I have to take Ted as an inspiration’’ I said, leaning back slightly.

“Don’t get cocky,” she teased, though the grin on her face said otherwise.

[She’s definitely into you.]

‘Yeah,’ I thought, watching the sunlight catch her eyes. 

We spent some time talking about each other but kept it easy and no awkward topics. It was nice and we enjoyed our time. 

Robin finished the last sip of her coffee and stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “So, second date?”

“Depends,” I said, standing too. “Are you picking the place next time?”

“Oh, definitely. You handled breakfast,” she said with a wink. “I’ll handle dinner”

I watched her walk out, every bit the woman the world saw on camera—but the smile she left me with was real.

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