Chapter Seven
1494 Words
Arianna’s POV
Weekends were supposed to be for resting, sleeping in, lazy coffee mornings, and peace of mind. But these were the least things on my mind. I had a lot to do.
I had plans to go inspect some houses with an agent since I had moved out from Sebastian’s apartment and was now staying with Camille. I had made sure to collect my initial deposit on the house.
Aside that, I had to prepare for my presentation on Monday. Mr McLeod has made it his life mission to ruin me. He wanted one of the company’s major partners, StarLIFT, to renew their contract and he left me in charge of that.
“Don’t tell me you’re still in pajamas,” Camille said, barging into my room, her voice too chirpy for the morning.
“I’m recharging.” I mumbled but that didn't stop her from pulling the duvet off my body.
“Recharging?” She laughed. “Or thinking about your hot boss who just happens to be your one night stand.”
She is right but I won’t admit to that
“You have no proof.”
“I have all the proof.”
I pressed my face into the pillow. “Camille… leave me alone. What do you want?”
She opened her mouth to answer but stopped when she saw a housing leaflet on the bedstand.
“You’re still looking for an apartment?” She asked, her voice a bit disappointed. “I thought we had agreed that you will be staying here.”
“We said for the time being, Camille.” I pushed myself to a sitting position. “Besides, I don’t want to intrude on your personal space.”
She rolled her eyes at my answer, dropping next to me on the bed. “Who said anything about intrusion, Arianna. The apartment is spacious enough–you have your room and I have mine.”
“Oh, Camille,” I sigh in defeat “You have done so much for me since college and…”
“What are best friends for?” She cuts in. “You’ve come through for me in ways I did not expect so, drop the damsel-in-distress act.” She chuckled. “If it makes you feel any better, we can split the rent.”
Camille came from a wealthy family, and I know she wouldn't mind footing all the bills, but my good conscience wouldn't allow that.
“Deal!” I spat on my hand and stretched it for a hand shake.
“Ew, I'm not some business partner. But yeah, deal.” She pulled back a bit, but I lunged forward, tackling her into the bed.
“Fine, fine,” she laughed. “You win this round.”
“Why are you here anyway?”
“You’re going out tonight.” She said sheepishly.
“I’m not...” I answered, knowing fully well that outing wasn't in my schedule.
“It’s a blind date,” she said. “And no, I don't want to hear any excuses.”
“What?!”
“You heard me. I have a blind date but you're going instead,” she smiled, mischievously while I stared dumbfounded. This wasn't her first rodeo.
“Camille! What did you do?” I screamed.
She made a cute face, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Nothing, serious. Just borrowed your name.” She answered, looking away.
I gasped, wide eyed at her. The last time she had pulled this stunt was during our college days. I thought that was the last of it.
“He's a nice guy, apparently. Works in finance, has a beard you can trust, and a dog named Zigi,” she continued as though she hadn't dropped a bomb. “Dinner’s at 8 p.m. I'll text you the address. Wear something extremely nice and gorgeous.”
“Camille!”
“I know, babe, Thank me when you’re holding hands across candlelights and saying I love you.”
“Shut up and get out!” I said, throwing a pillow at her which she skillfully avoided.
She laughed, walking out of my room. I stared at the door in her wake, chuckling to myself.
Maybe a distraction wasn't such a bad idea.
7:45 p.m., I was standing in front of my mirror, convincing myself that this was normal. I was dressed in a sapphire-blue slip dress, the kind that shimmered slightly when it caught the light. The neckline was draped, revealing just a bit of my collarbone. I paired it with a cream-colored cropped blazer and nude block heels, adding a little height and grace. Camille had styled my hair in loose waves, cascading down my shoulders and a small gold hoop that glinted every time I turned my head.
The restaurant was warm and softly lit, gold chandeliers, low jazz, the smell of roasted beef and wine. I checked the picture Camille had sent me, scanning the area for my susposed date. I found him sitting at one of the middle tables.
“Evan?” I asked, approaching the table.
He gave a nod, smiling. “Arianna! Hi.”
He was handsome looking fellow. Clean and polished with kind eyes, and a easy voice. He was the kind of man mothers would love and hearts don't break over.
He walked over to my side of the table and held the chair out for me to sit.
What a gentleman.
I smiled at him. “Thank you.”
“Sure.” He went back to his seat. “I placed an order for you, I hoped you don’t mind.”
“Yeah, it's fine. I'm not a picky eater.” I chuckled nervously.
“That’s perfect. So your profile says you work for the creative brand team at McLeod Industries.”
Damn you, Camille. I wonder what else my profile was showing.
“Yeah,” I said smiling “I recently got promoted though. So, I'm no longer with the team.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Wow, Congratulations. That's Impressive. You must be good.”
“I try my best.”
The waiter came with our food and placed it on the table. “Enjoy your meal.” She said with a smile before leaving.
“What do you do in your spare time?” He asked.
Typical first date question.
“Um, painting?” I replied with a smile.
“Painting?”
“That's quite an elegant hobby.”
“Yeah,” I replied. “My dad was an artist so I grew up loving art, and when he died I decided to walk in that path.”
“So sorry about your dad.”
“It's fine. It's been five years now. I survived.” I laugh, earning a smile from him.
He was sweet and attentive. He talked about his dog, Zigi, his recent trip to Kenya, his love for italian food, and career. Halfway through dessert, my attention drifted when I caught sight of a familiar figure. I thought I had seen wrong but I wasn't.
Killian McLeod was here. In the same room as I was but in a different space. I doubt he had seen me. I didn't peg him for someone who did casual dinners or date but then again who was I kidding?
There he was sitting graciously with a young woman by his side, her hands all over him. As though sensing my gaze, he looked up and his eyes found mine. My heart skipped a beat at the contact.
For a moment, the world fell silent.
His eyes didn’t flicker, it was steady and unreadable. I noticed the lady beside him held his jaw and turned his face in her direction, while she whispered something to him and laughed alone. He nodded his head graciously.
Screw this.
Wait, why screw this, Arianna? There’s nothing wrong with what you’re seeing!
My inner voice warned
“Pennies for your thoughts, Arianna.” Evan said, bringing me out of my reverie.
I forced myself to smile and return my attention to him.
“Sorry, I suddenly don't feel fine.”
“What? Are you okay?” Evan rallied around me, concern lacing his voice.
LIAR! The voice at the back of my head shot back.
“Would you excuse me for a minute while I use the restroom.”
Poor Evan.
I stood up and walked towards the restroom. The moment I got there, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.
“Get your s**t together, Aria! Your boss should not have this effect on you.” I said to my reflection in the mirror.
I returned to my table but to see that the table my previous employee sat on was empty. I felt a pang in my chest.
Why are you sad? This should be a good thing.
I pushed the thought away and focused on my date in front of me.
- Writer
