Fake Bully, True Crush

Dinner Meeting

‘Hi, would you want to have dinner together?’

I received an email from Noah, after school.

‘Payback?’ I replied.

‘If you want it to be.’ Noah messaged.

‘I will buy.’

‘Sure, Emma.’

I was at the library after my classes were done with. We had a section for computers and laptops, I propped myself in front of the desk with my bag on the side as I started the computer to prep myself for the upcoming assignments and submissions due, I placed a hand under my chin as I logged into my email. That was when I saw Noah’s email to me, and I had agreed to meet him for payback. I felt giddy to get ready and prepare myself for dinner with Noah. My righteous conscience once again reminded me that he has a girlfriend, but I pushed my thoughts away when I turned off the computer and got my things to get back to the dorms. Furthermore, I couldn’t stop myself from smiling at his invitation.

What should I wear for dinner? What if Zoey knew that I would meet up with Noah?

I began to worry when I arrived at my dorm and opened the door, I exhaled relaxingly when there were no signs of Zoey. I perched my bag on the bed, revealing the clothes in my closet, I bit my lip in concentration when I shuffled through the items, I held the soft silky simple black dress and it looked cute, not to mention comfortable too. I laid down on the bed and chose golden flats to compliment the black dress. I still had a few hours to get showered and ready, so I hastily got into the bathroom to wash my hair and rinse my body with my favourite lavender lotion. The hot water hugging me all over in warmth.

Going back to the clothes I laid out on my bed, I clipped my hair up and dressed myself after I was done with drying, I looked at the mirror stuck to the closet door, the black dress was made for me, it showed my edgy curves, I removed the clip on my hair, cascading in dark waves behind my back, my aquatic eyes gleamed happily at the mirror for the first time showing off its beauty within black, I looked gorgeous when I applied my scarlet lipstick, accentuating more to my eyes than it did before and finished the rest of my elegant make up that consisted of black eyeshadow to uplift my smoky eye look, and my bronze blush that defined my heart shaped face, making my cheekbones fuller. I was content with my choice, giving myself a twirl before strapping in my red bottoms heels.

I glanced at the clock on the wall, nearing the payback dinner, I had crazy butterflies in my stomach when I put in my pearl earrings, my simple pendent as my necklace, and my adorable silver bracelet. I didn’t want to overcrowd the dress, so I was content with my appearance. I grabbed the black clutch and went out since Noah texted me that he was outside in his car. He made sure that nobody was around in the parking lot, and I crept outside with my newfound serenity.

I spotted his sleek Jeep, and he was bopping his head to the music in his car, his hands on the steering wheel, but his eyes found mine through the passenger window, I blushed under his burning gaze towards me. I trotted to the car, but Noah had other plans when he stepped out to my side and opened the door for me, he was in his black suit with an elegant thin tie, his hair slicked back with his famous smirk when he caught me checking him out. His misty eyes lightened against the bare contrast of the night at me.

Getting into the car without tripping on the large stand, he closed my door and went to his for the drive to dinner. The air was cool, whipping past us when he drove off to the restaurant that I still didn’t know about.

We finally arrived in twenty minutes, the restaurant was all posh and glam, I felt underdressed as more girls came in for drinks with their gowns. I was out of touch with what was happening, I wasn’t used to this atmosphere, we sat down with the awkward silence, he never took his eyes of me.

Guys huddled together with girls on the other tables, I didn’t notice that the butler was in front of our table. I flushed in my seat as Noah ordered most of the menu including the pudding I liked. I panicked at how much the bill would be since I was the one that would pay for our dinner, whereas Noah looked confident as he smiled at the butler. Moments later, our table was packed with the food such as all kinds of pasta and pudding, we ate in silence, glancing at each other often.

“Do you like it?” Noah asked me when I twirled the pasta onto my fork. It was luxurious to the extent that I got myself worried on what fork should I use, it was overwhelming, but I managed my way through, just like I always did.

“Yes, I do.” I replied with my own smile. His lenient eyes made me feel heavy butterflies when he looked at me like I was the only girl in the world.

“Why did you choose this place?” I questioned, he leaned back on his chair, his wide shoulders flexed his muscles, and I found myself staring at the sight of the bad boy in front of me. I thought he was going to take me somewhere cheaper since I informed him that I was going to pay.

“Because it’s my favourite place, I always come here to enjoy the bright lights and the performances.” He answered when he gestured towards the stage in the middle as the singers joined with their bands to take a bow, they all clapped and the excitement evident in their faces when they started to sing a Frank Sinatra cover. I could easily tell the reason why it was his speciality place. The vibrant vibes, the aura of fun and happiness radiated in the place. It was impossible not to smile and laugh through it all as the couples joined to dance. It was a respectful place where people didn’t mind other people’s businesses. It had big red tables customized for the VIP people, and there were no photographers or scandals.

“Well, I am honoured.” I told him sincerely and he smiled at me. His grey orbs shining against the crystal chandeliers, making his aura stand out more. I was lost in those eyes; it was the kind that trapped me mercilessly as he watched me with intensity that I forgot to breathe in front of him.

The waiter came back, and we snapped into the reality, both of us finishing our food. It was by far the most delicious meal I ever had. I felt panic rushing into my veins when the bill was in front of us. I didn’t want to even guess the number on it, either way, it was too much for me to afford.

Before I could reach my wallet, I saw Noah handling the bill with his card in confidence, and I felt sorry for him for all the amount he paid. It was clear on my face, so Noah had to comfort me.

“Why not buy me a flower?” he suggested with a lopsided smile that made my heart backflip. His idea was crazy, but it was a grateful gesture to him, it was the least I could do for repayment, he spent thousands on me, nonetheless. We had a good time together but a part of me knew that it was the last time we meet since we had to go back to our lives.

I gave him a small smile and stood up to get him a flower from the entrance where there was a tiny flower cart with the girl standing in front. I chose one single red rose for Noah as I gave her money to the little girl, who smiled cutely at me. I got back to him, displaying the flower in front of him with a Cheshire grin. He clutched the flower from my nervous hand and beamed peacefully at me, his defined jaw widened when he smiled and I couldn’t help but gaze at him a little longer, my jelly legs settling for the chair again.

He twirled it between his smooth fingers, and I felt my palms getting sweaty at how extravagant he looked at it, his wolfish grin on his face as his eyes danced in front of mine with happiness, I never felt more at peace when my eyes equally emitted the same emotion as the music continued to swirl into our ears. It was like we were the only ones here.

Noah said, “ Thank you, it is my first time receiving a flower.”