LATE NIGHTS WITH A GHOST.

GHOST 7

I was flabbergasted. Still on the ground. What in the hell just happened? I'm surely a big fool.

Tess walked up to where I was. “I told you he has a reputation for being rude.”

I looked up at her. “I'm sorry for dragging you into this.”

“It's alright, not as if this is the worse you've dragged me into.”

What was I even thinking? I don't need a guy in my life, that was what I keep telling myself. But this time curiosity got the best of me.

Wait was he angry because what I said was true? Looking at him,no one could ever guess what he's thinking. I couldn't even read his expression.

“Do you think he was angry because he knew that he actually slept with me but doesn't want anyone to know?” I asked Tess.

She shrugged. “Maybe, but his expression didn't change when you told him that you guys spent a night together… it was pretty hard to read.”

I stood up from the ground, folding my hands. “Which means it still remains a mystery.”

“Let's just go. We have to check out our new apartment.”

I nodded slightly. “Sure let's go.”

We entered the taxi that has been waiting for a while now. He probably saw everything.

I sighed as I got into the taxi. I shouldn't have approached him that way, I wasn't thinking. Anyone else would be upset if someone said something like that in front of everyone. I give up. Tess is right… it's just a one night stand, not like I'm pregnant or anything. I should forget about that night too, I should forget that that night happened.

Looking out from the window, the city view was magnificent. Maybe coming to LA would change my narrative, it's surely going to be a new beginning for me.

Tess looked at me worried. “You've been awfully quiet. Are you okay?”

“I'm fine” I said, facing her. “You know, it's good he did that because…”

“Can we not…talk about him?” Tess said cutting me off.

I nodded and looked back at the view through the window.

“I know a popular ice cream shop around here. After we've settled in, I'll take you there to cheer up.”

I smiled. “You're the best, Tess.”

★★★★★

Few hours later, we're already in our apartment after grabbing our luggages from the airport. The apartment was slightly bigger than the one we had in California. But it's just one big room, a big living room and broad bathroom. The kitchen wasn't quite big but it's better.

Tess and I had already finished settling in. I laid down on the bed in our living room.

Tess walked in with bunch of keys in her hand. “This place is really nice.”

I sat up on the bed. “Yeah, and it's much bigger.”

“Here” Tess said, giving me some keys. “Don't loose it,we might not be coming back from work the same time. So you won't have to sleep outside.”

“Thanks Tess.” I collected the keys. “You know… I'll also help pay the rent.”

“No don't worry about it…”

“Stop it Tess… or I'll find another apartment.”

She sighed. Sitting down beside me on the bed. “This is the least I could do for you, Aven. Back in California when I lost my job… you yourself got that apartment and didn't let me pay a dime, it's my turn to repay you back.”

“Tess listen…” I said holding her hands in mine. “When I did those things I wasn't expecting anything in return. And besides, I really want to do this. You already helped me by paying for our flight tickets and getting me a job. That's more than enough.”

She smiled and hugged me. “I'm nothing without you, Aven.”

★★★★

Tessa and I spent the rest of the evening exploring Los Angeles. We went shopping for work clothes, visited different places, took countless pictures, and tried almost every food we came across.

For the first time in a long while, I felt... lighter.

Not completely healed.

But better.

At least enough to smile again.

That afternoon, we were sitting near an ice cream stand, enjoying our treats after a long day of shopping. Tess was right about this ice cream spot. It was everything.

I was halfway through my ice cream when someone approached us.

"Hey there."

I looked up.

A handsome man stood in front of me with a friendly smile on his face. He looked like a model freshly from a magazine. But there was this mole on his right cheek and dull eyes that made him not so handsome.

I glanced away. I'm still standing with me swearing off guys for now. Am I really that attractive? Well, that's how I attracted that jerk, Mark.

Honestly, I wasn't in the mood.

Before I could respond, Tessa enthusiastically waved at him.

"Hi!"

I shot her a look.

She only grinned and subtly winked at me.

I knew exactly what she was doing.

Finding me a boyfriend. Obviously to get over Mark and probably Kai, I guess.

The man chuckled.

"My name's Daniel."

I offered a polite smile.

"Lavender."

"That's a beautiful name."

I laughed awkwardly. Of course it is.

"Thank you."

Tessa suddenly stood up.

"I'm going to get another ice cream."

I narrowed my eyes at her.

"You literally just finished one."

"I know."

She gave me another exaggerated wink before walking away.

Traitor.

Daniel laughed.

"Your friend seems nice."

"Yeah, a little extra nice."

He smiled.

We talked for a while.

Surprisingly, the conversation wasn't awkward.

Daniel was easy to talk to.

Funny too.

He told me he didn't actually live around the area. Although he's been in LA for quite sometime. I also know that he's not married, neither does he have a girlfriend. Great.

"I just come here whenever I can."

"For the ice cream?" I asked.

He nodded.

"The best ice cream in the city."

I laughed.

"Seriously?"

"Absolutely."

"You sound very passionate about ice cream."

"You have no idea."

His dramatic expression made me laugh harder.

"No matter how rich I get," he said, placing a hand over his heart, "I will always come back to this stand."

That earned another laugh from me.

The conversation flowed naturally after that.

Soon, he asked where I worked.

"I don't work yet."

"No?"

I shook my head.

"I just moved to LA. I'm starting a new job soon."

"That's exciting."

"I hope so."

After talking for nearly half an hour, we exchanged contacts.

Then he suddenly checked his watch.

"I should get going."

"It was nice meeting you."

"You too, Lavender."

With one last smile, he walked away.

A few seconds later, Tessa magically reappeared.

I immediately rolled my eyes.

She gasped dramatically.

"You exchanged contacts!"

I laughed.

"Tessa. You devil."

"You exchanged contacts!"

"It's not a big deal."

She looked offended.

"It's a very big deal. He's really nice, you know."

I shook my head.

We continued walking through the busy streets.

Then suddenly, I stopped.

My eyes landed on a massive billboard.

Tessa noticed and followed my gaze.

The billboard displayed a huge photograph of Kai.

He was dressed in an expensive suit, looking as cold and intimidating as ever.

Beneath the image was a headline praising him as one of the youngest billionaire, business owners in the country.

For a moment, I simply stared. Fear from no where nor reason, gripped me.

Who exactly was he?