Chosen Fate

Chapter 6 - Mirror mirror

*From Hera's perspective*

Stepping out of the shower, I glance into the mirror. Working long hours, focusing on my art and moving into my flat has me drained. Honestly, I don’t know what Rome sees in me; why he keeps wanting to take me out. I’m not going to complain, he looks like a literal god. Last night was fun, I really do enjoy talking to him.

Rome has a habit of texting me at the most bizarre hours. It’s a good thing I have to wake up early for work, or we would never get to talk. Texting him first this morning, I decided to push the boundaries, see how far I could flirt. At the end of every text, I sent a kiss. He never sent one back, but I continued anyway.

Opening my wardrobe, I roll my eyes at my lack of fashion. My life is just: eat, sleep, work, repeat. Meaning I didn’t need any ‘fancy’ outfits. And now that I do… I really regret not having nice clothes.

Rome had offered to take me out for dinner tonight, after work. He must work in the early hours, if he does work, because he always seems to be up. Our date (his words, not mine) was secret. Rome would not tell me ANYTHING. All he said was to wear something nice. Hence my wardrobe dilemma.

“Gracie, I have a date tonight, and nothing to wear. PLS HELP. x” I quickly texted Gracie. I knew she would help, afterall she was thrilled last night about the kiss.

I started on my makeup, not wasting any time. I don’t wear heavy makeup; well, to be honest, I rarely ever wear makeup. I applied some concealer, to hide the hideous angry spot that had appeared on my forehead this morning. A little goes a long way in my book, and I carefully applied mascara to my eyebrows and lashed. (It’s not my fault my eyebrows are blond.) I hear a car pull up on the street, and I know it’s Gracie.

I thank my lucky stars, and invite her up to my flat. She came prepared. To say the least. She bought 3 different outfits, along with some accessories. Looking through the options, I pick the black cocktail dress, with a small pink tulips pattern all over it. It was cute. I tried it on. Thank god Gracie and I are about the same size. As I step out of the bathroom, Gracie squeals. You wouldn’t believe she is almost 27 by the sound that came out of her mouth… The dress fits perfectly, a beautiful V neckline, that supports my breasts perfectly. Slightly cinched, just below the bust, hugging to my shape, and a mid thigh length skirt, that accentuates my hips. I feel hot, and confident. She pairs me up with some black flats, and tights. I give her a hug and frantically start to finish my makeup.

At 7pm. On the dot, I hear another car pull up, and I know it’s him. Ushering |||Gracie out the door, I follow, remembering to lock up. Turning around to hug Gracie goodbye, I see him. My heart almost stopped.

Stood there, next to a car, is Rome. Wearing an obviously tailored suit, in a deep burgundy silk fabric. Paired with a turquoise tie and a black shirt. I can almost smell his aftershave from here. His curls, effortlessly styled. Preparing myself, I head towards the car.

Like a gentleman, Rome walks with me to the passenger side, and opens the door for me. The interior of the car is even more beautiful than the outside. Blood red leather, with gold highlights and an oak wood dashboard. The car smells like him, and I feel like I'm in heaven. A wave of cold air hits me, as the driver's door is opened, and Rome slides into the car.

“Hera, you look absolutely stunning!” He said sincerely, blushing, I look down at my thighs, spread out on the seat. “Honestly, the most beautiful girl I have seen.” He reassures me, while putting his hand on my thigh that's closest to him. His touch sends shivers through my body, a sensation I have never felt before. And honestly, I could get addicted. I look up at him and smile, Even sitting down he towers over me.

“And you don't look too bad yourself.” I flirt, watching for his reaction. He just chuckled, and turned the engine on.

We drive in comfortable silence. I don’t know where we are going, but I trust him. Thankfully tomorrow is my one day off. After about 30 minutes, I ask him about his day. We are practically strangers.

Just before 8pm, we arrive at our destination. Again, Rome is a gentleman and helps me out of the car. Leading the way, he guides us to the restaurant. Almost immediately, we get seated, in a booth seat with a screen for privacy. I pick up the menu and my eyes widen. Rome watches me.

“I’m glad I decided to buy bacon yesterday. I’m glad I met you.” He almost whispered, I smile at him.

“I’m glad you came up to me yesterday,” I pause, wondering if I should continue, “Yesterday was my first kiss.” I look down at my hands, wondering if he is going to judge me. Moving my hands, he holds them in his, rubbing his thumb in circles. “Really!?” He questioned, sounding almost surprised. I nod. Leaning forward he looks into my eyes, searching. I love his eyes, they are so soft. I love the way they change colour slightly in the light. He lifts his hand up, and caresses my cheek, my heartbeat fastens. I glance at his lips, they look so soft. I’m craving him, craving his lips touching mine. The rest of the world falls away. It's just me and him. No distractions, no thoughts. Just us. Time slows, and he leans even closer.

I pull away. Being so close to him feels so right, but it's moving too fast. These feelings I have for him, already, are dangerous. I don’t know how to date, to kiss, to fall in love. I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want to hurt him.

He pulls back, looking kind of hurt.

“I’m sorry. It’s just,” I shrug at him, “can we slow down. I have only just met you, and uh…”

“Hera, I got carried away, I apologise. We can go at whatever pace you feel comfortable with.” Rome interrupts. I smile at him thankfully.

A waiter comes over to our table and takes our order. Due to what had just happened, neither of us had even looked at the menu, but thankfully Rome has been here before. He orders a bottle of house red and some prawn crackers for appetisers. As the waiter leaves, I turn to Rome and giggle.

“How does the moon cut his hair?" Rome blurts out, I just stare at him. "Eclipse it."

Laughly, I reply “Are you seriously telling a dad joke… on a date!?” He nods like a child getting candy. I roll my eyes at him and point at the menu. “You better decide what you want to eat before the waiter comes back.

I look at the menu. Japanese food. My favourite. I love Asian food. I can’t help it. As the waiter returns with the house wine and the prawn crackers we both order. To start we decided to share duck spring rolls, and for main I got Nabe (cooking pot) and Rome ordered Yakiniku (grilled meat).

“I don’t drink.” I tell Rome, just as he starts pouring wine into my glass.

“Forgive me, I should have asked. Can I ask why you don’t drink?”

“I used to! I just decided to quit, it's cheaper and better for me.” He just smiles, and for the rest of the dinner, doesn’t touch his wine glass.