Two
1146 Words
ETHAN
Blind dates had always been a gamble. But today, it felt like I’d rolled snake eyes twice in a row.
First was me mistaking an unusually beautiful lady as my date. Well,it wasn't actually my fault because Jack,my dumbass of a friend had actually described my blind date as ‘wearing white'. Celia was on white which made me instantly drawn to her until I found out she wasn’t just any woman. She was Celia Laurent, heir to Laurent Enterprises—the most prestigious company in the city. The kind of woman who probably dined with dignitaries and decided the fate of industries over morning coffee.
And I’d sat there rambling about my career like an i***t.
I ran a hand through my hair, shaking off the thought. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t my date, and our paths were unlikely to cross again.
I found the correct table tucked away in a quiet corner of the café. A tall, thin woman sat there, tapping her manicured nails against the surface, her lips pursed in a line that could slice through steel.
“Finally,” she snapped, not even waiting for me to sit down. “You’re late.”
“Sorry,” I said, sliding into the chair across from her. “I—”
“Don’t bother,” she interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. “I’m not interested in excuses. Do you have any idea how valuable my time is?”
I bit back a sigh. “Look, I appreciate you waiting. Let’s start over—”
Her eyes raked over me. “Yeah sure. So…”
I cleared my throat,my gaze lingering on her before I spoke up. “I'm Ethan Hale. A gynecology nurse and..”
“Really?..” She stood up from her seat letting out a sharp laugh. “This is the best my friends could do? A gynecology nurse?”
I leaned back, refusing to take the bait. “It’s a meaningful career,” I said evenly.
“To whom?” she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Certainly not to someone like me. I mean, honestly—do you think I’d introduce you to my family?”
Her words weren’t a slap, but they still stung. I’d heard comments like hers before, but they never got easier to brush off.
Before I could respond, she grabbed her glass of water, her expression set in a way that made my instincts scream.
“Enjoy this for wasting my time,” she said coldly, flinging the contents at me.
The icy water hit my chest, soaking through my shirt. I sat there, stunned, as she stood, grabbed her purse, and stormed out of the café.
I let out a long breath, wiping at my shirt with a napkin. My day couldn’t possibly get worse—could it?
-
I stepped out of the café, my mood as sour as the coffee I hadn’t finished. The crisp air did little to cool the frustration simmering in my chest.
That’s when I heard it—a muffled cry, followed by coarse laughter.
My eyes darted toward the alley next to the café, where three men loomed over a familiar figure. Celia Laurent. She was backed against the brick wall, her white dress a stark contrast against the grime of the alley.
“Come on, sweetheart,” one of them said, his voice a leering drawl. “No need to play hard to get.”
Celia’s eyes darted around, desperate for an escape, but the men had her cornered.
“Hey!” My voice rang out, sharper than I’d intended.
All three heads turned toward me.
“Walk away,” I said, stepping closer.
The men turned to face me, their expressions shifting from annoyance to amusement. “And who the hell are you?” one of them demanded, stepping forward.
“Someone who doesn’t tolerate scum like you,” I shot back, planting myself between them and Celia.
The man laughed, but it was a hollow sound. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But you should’ve kept walking, pal.”
He swung at me with a punch but I ducked easily, grabbing his wrist and twisting it sharply. He yelped in pain as I shoved him backward, sending him stumbling into his friends.
The second man lunged at me. I sidestepped, grabbing his arm and twisting it until he howled in pain, shoving him into a stack of crates. The third man hesitated, his bravado faltering.
“Want to try your luck?” I asked, my voice low.
He cursed under his breath, grabbing his injured friends and dragging them away.
I turned to Celia, who was staring at me with wide eyes.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She nodded, her composure returning quickly. “Yes. Thanks to you.”
“It’s nothing,” I said, shrugging. “They were cowards.”
“No,” she said firmly, her gaze steady. “It’s not nothing. You didn’t have to step in, but you did. And I won’t forget that.”
Before I could respond, she continued. “I owe you for this. If you’re looking for a change, I could introduce you to someone at Laurent Enterprises. We’re always in need of competent individuals.”
I blinked, caught off guard. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m happy where I am.”
She tilted her head, studying me. “You’re happy being a gynecology nurse?”
“I am,” I said without hesitation. “It’s not glamorous, but it’s fulfilling. I help people when they’re vulnerable, and that means something to me.”
Her expression softened, a flicker of respect crossing her face. “Not many people would turn down an opportunity like this. You’re… different.”
“I’ve been called worse,” I said with a faint smile.
She reached into her bag and pulled out an envelope, holding it out to me. “At least take this. A token of gratitude.”
I shook my head. “No need. Just take care of yourself, Ms. Laurent.”
For a moment, she looked at me as if trying to decipher a puzzle. Then she nodded, slipping the envelope back into her bag.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
We waved our goodbyes and I headed home totally exhausted
Once I got home, the comforting aroma of food wafted through the air welcoming me.
“Mom, I’m back!” I called out, shrugging off my jacket as I headed towards the dining room.
“Dinner smells great—” I froze mid-sentence the moment I stepped inside.
Sitting at the table, a glass of water in hand was her.
The woman from earlier.
My blind date.
My blind date from earlier, the same woman who had berated me in public and splashed water all over me.
- Writer
