The Rebound

A Picture Perfect Date

Tiana

Michael picks me up and takes me to this quaint little boutique called J. Morgan along Rodeo Drive.

There I met Jules Morgan, the quirky owner and designer. He tells me that he met Bryce way back in University and they’ve been friends ever since. Jules is a darling. We hit it off immediately. He helped me pick out this beautiful navy blue spaghetti strapped dress. It had a low V-cut neckline that showed off just enough of my cleavage. The fabric of the dress clung to my body like second skin and it showed off my curves perfectly. Past my hips, it was long and flowy but it had a thigh-high slit on one side. Jules said it was perfect for me and Bryce would love it.

And I couldn’t wait for him to see me in it!  

I change back into my white top and cut-off jean shorts as I move to the salon next door – Studio Camilla.

“Hi! I’m here for my appointment. I think Bryce Andrews called it in.” I told the receptionist.

A gorgeous blonde with pixie-cut hair approached me and smiled. “Hi! You must be Tatiana. I’m Camilla. Bryce called me.”

I reach out my hand to her and smile. “Hi. I’m Tatiana.”

Just like Jules, I get along with Camilla instantly. I tell her about the dress that Jules and I picked out. And we decide on just leaving my hair down… sleek with a middle part. She would highlight my eyes and paint my lips a bright red.

By the time she was done with my eye make-up, we were talking just like old friends. She loved watching K-Dramas as well, just like Kylie and me. We agreed to have a K-Drama watch party one of these days.

Apparently, just like Jules, he and Bryce met in University. When she and Jules were just starting out with their business… Bryce offered them this space in Rodeo Drive.  The building was owned by Andrews Estate. But he never charged them rent, until their business was stable. That’s why she said that both her and Jules owed Bryce a lot.

Hmmm…that’s pretty nice of Bryce. I always pegged him as one of those cut-throat businessmen. I guess I really don’t know him. Well, heck, I don’t. Apart from sharing the secret that we were once married, we really didn’t know much about each other.

“Hey Camilla. Sorry I just have to ask… But does Bryce always send his dates here? I don’t mean to pry or anything, but it’s been bugging me all day.” I know I'm not supposed to care. This was a one-time thing…. Well, technically two… since he was going to the wedding. But I was really curious. And it was killing me.

“He’s actually not as bad as the media makes him out to be you know. He’s a pretty decent guy, Tatiana.” Camilla chuckles. “And just so you know, you’re only the second girl that Bryce has ever sent my way. And I’m pretty sure, Jules too. The first girl, was Olivia. His ex-girlfriend.”

I couldn’t help but smile. And Camilla couldn’t help but giggle as she notices it.

We continue to talk about a lot of random things, mostly about the K-Dramas and our favorite oppas (leading men)... as she does my hair and finishes me off with a red lip.

“You’re done.” She says with a big smile as she turns me around to face the mirror.

“Oh wow. You’re amazing, Camilla.” I say as I appreciate my reflection in the mirror.

“You’re already gorgeous, Tatiana. You really don’t need a lot of make-up. No wonder Bryce likes you.” She says.

“Call me Tiana. All my friends do.” I tell her. “And what makes you think Bryce likes me? This date is just a one-off thing. It’s just business.” I shrugged. 

“Riiigghhhhttt. That’s what he told me too.” Camilla says sarcastically as she rolls her eyes at me.

For some reason, I felt a little sour about that. I mean, I know that’s what it is. He said it straight… he needed me to sweeten things up with a client. But I was still kind of hoping… I really don’t know what I was hoping for. I guess I’m just extra sensitive because of what happened with Bryan.

“Off you go to Jules. He’s waiting for you upfront.” Camilla says as she takes one final look at my make-up. “You can use the changing room in my office.”

“I’ll see you soon, Camilla. Kamsahamnida.” She laughs as I thank her in Korean and give her a finger heart.

“Wow, girl. You look amazing.” Jules exclaims as he sees me.

“It’s all thanks to Camilla.” I playfully curtsy in front of him and we both laugh.

He leads me into Camilla’s office and helps me into the beautiful dress we picked out earlier. I wore a pair of diamond drop earrings and silver strappy sandals to complete the outfit.

“Bryce is going to love it. You look like a hot, movie star, Tiana.” Jules says.

“Awwww.. thanks Jules.” I give him a big hug. “It’s all thanks to you and Camilla.”

“I’d do anything for Bryce.” He says. “And you too, darling. I like you.”

“I like you too, Jules.”

We take a couple of selfies together before he excuses himself to close up his boutique.

I must say, Camilla and Jules did a fantastic job on me. I don’t think I’ve ever looked this great if I must say so myself. I look hot. I take a couple more selfies… of course, I have to document this day… when I hear someone clearing his throat.

I turn around to see Bryce looking at me. A big smile was plastered across his gorgeous face. His dimples making an indentation on his otherwise perfect face. His blue eyes were wandering all over me. And his lips… he was running his forefinger across his beautiful lips.  He looked pleased.   

“Well, what do you think?” I say as I twirl around in front of him.

“Beautiful, Tatiana. You look amazing.” He tells me as he looks straight into my eyes. “I’m actually starting to regret those divorce papers.” He teased.

“Very funny, Mr. Andrews.” I said as I walked closer to him. “Thank you. You’re not too bad yourself.”

"I try." He smirks.

He was wearing a matching navy blue tux that fit him perfectly. I assumed that matchy-matchy thing was courtesy of Jules. His usually unruly hair was neatly gelled up. And that smile that’s been plastered on his face for the past few minutes was the cherry on top. He was gorgeous... And of course, hot.

He meets me halfway before he leans in to give me a kiss on the cheeks… his lips lingering longer than it should. His hand finds the small of my back as he pulls me closer.

“Gorgeous, Tatiana. Gorgeous.” He whispers in my ear.

We stare into each other’s eyes smiling… without having to say anything.

“Jeez guys. I can cut through the s****l tension with a knife.” Camilla interrupts us laughing.

Bryce and I laugh. We didn’t notice her coming into her office. He lets me go and moves towards Camilla to give her quick peck on the cheek.

“It’s nice to see you again, Camilla. Thank you for today.” He says.

“Don’t mention it. Besides, Tiana here is like my soul sister.” She gives me a wink, before she turns back to Bryce.

“But you better let other people appreciate my work first before you mess it up.” She adds, as she playfully punches Bryce in the shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Camilla. He’s not messing it up.” I tell her.

“Riigggghhht… ” She says sarcastically, as she rolls her eyes. “Because whatever that thing I just witnessed between you guys is just pure business, right?”

Bryce and I look at each other and we chuckle. He approaches me and offers me his arm. And I take it.

“Well, my beautiful date and I have to go, Camilla. Let’s catch up soon. Thank you again.” He says.

"Not before I get a photo of you two." Camilla says.

Bryce and I smiled for her. 

"Perfect. You guys look absolutely perfect together." She says. "I'll send it to you guys."

I let go of Bryce and give Camilla a quick hug.

I was expecting Michael to be there as we exited the salon. But Bryce escorted me to the front seat of his Jaguar. He gives me a quick peck on the cheek before he taps the roof of his car and closes the door. It was sweet. I didn’t know what to think of it. I’ve been with Bryan too long to remember what’s it’s like to be on a date. I didn’t know if this was normal or not. But all this staring and kissing was making my heart swell and my stomach tighten. But this was just business, right?

I glance at Bryce and give him a smile as he enters the driver’s side. I decide that I wouldn’t overthink about tonight. I’ll just enjoy his company. It is Bryce Andrews after all. I guess it’s normal to feel giddy and all when he pays attention to you. So for tonight, I’ll just enjoy it as much as I can. I remind myself that after Kylie’s wedding… we’re never going to see other again.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, I ask him. “So what are we telling them tonight? What’s our story?”

“Nothing, Tatiana. There’s no story.” He smiles at me and reaches out to squeeze my hand. “You’re my date tonight. That’s it. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company.”

“Okay.” I tell him softly.

He tells me that we’re headed to Newport City. The Gordons were an old client of his Dad. They had a massive piece of land in Nevada that he wanted to develop. And that’s why he was in Vegas last weekend. He said they were an old couple in their 70s. In fact, Lisa was celebrating her 75th birthday today.   

“We’re here.” He says as we enter a long driveway lined with trees. At the end of driveway, was a massive Mediterranean style home. I could see the ocean behind the house. It was beautiful.

Bryce

We arrive at the Gordon’s home in Newport City. I hand over the keys to the valet before I move on over to the passenger side to open the door for Tatiana.

Tatiana...

I knew she was beautiful. If I was going to be honest, even in her coffee-run outfit that time I called her to my home, she was beautiful. But tonight…she was just breathtaking. The moment I saw her earlier at Camilla’s… I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her. Well, God knows I wanted to do more than just kiss her. That dress fit her like a glove. And this girl had curves at all the right places. And that neckline... aaaahh. Tatiana was sexy and hot. Jeez, just thinking about it was making my manhood excited.

And I remind myself that I just divorced her. Way to go, Bryce.

My hand finds the small of her back as I escort her into the Gordon’s lovely home. She glances at me and gives me a nervous smile. I intertwined my hand in hers and raise it to my lips. I look into her eyes as I gave the back of her hand a quick kiss. She gives me a beautiful smile before she shakes off her nerves and takes a deep breath.

We find our way to the guest of honor.

“Bryce! Glad you made it.” Peter says as he gives my hand a firm shake.

I lean over to Lisa and give her a quick peck on the cheek. “Happy Birthday, Beautiful.”

She giggles and gives me a playful slap on my back.

“Bryce Andrews… if only I was younger, you’d spell trouble for Peter.” She teases as looks on lovingly at her husband. “And who is this lovely young lady?” She says as she looks at Tatiana.

“Lisa. Peter. Meet the beautiful Tatiana Walsh.”

Tatiana gives me a quick smile before she turns to Lisa.

“Happy Birthday, Lisa.” She looks at the happy old couple before she adds, “Thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful home.”

Lisa pulls her into a hug. “The pleasure is mine, darling. It’s been so long since Bryce here has introduced a girl to us. You must be special.”

Tatiana turns to me with a shocked look in her eyes. I knew she was thinking that I was the playboy that the media made me out to be. But I wasn’t. I just never bothered correcting it.

We excuse ourselves from the couple as there were a couple of guests who also wanted to greet Lisa. We walk around the party trying to find ourselves some vacant seats.

I steal a quick glance at Tatiana and smile. She narrowed her eyes as she was looking for vacant seats for us. She was oblivious to the many appreciative stares and double takes that she was getting… including mine. I hold my hand against the small of her back and walk proudly… because honestly, my date was the most beautiful one here tonight.

I’m actually quite curious about the girl her boyfriend… well, ex-boyfriend, f****d. I mean, you have a girl as beautiful and as sexy as Tatiana… why would you want somebody else?

She finally finds us some vacant seats. The waiter serves us some white wine.

I lift my glass and toast to her. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” She lifts up her glass to me and takes a sip. She then leans in closer to whisper. “You’re driving.”

I chuckled. “Don’t worry darling… I know my limits.”

She arches her eyebrows at me, questioning. I let out a small laugh. I knew she was thinking about our little drunken episode in Vegas.

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” I teased.

We both laughed.

The evening went by pretty fast… as it normally does when you have good company. We mingled with a couple more people and Tatiana was amazing, as I expected. When she let go of her nerves, she was intelligent and witty. I find myself more interested in her as the night went by.

Well, it was time for us to bid our goodbyes to the lovely Gordon couple. But of course, Lisa had to have her say.

As I hugged her goodbye, she whispers to me. “I like her. And I’m expecting an invitation sooner than later, Bryce.”

I couldn't really tell her we were already married, right?