Beach Side Romance

Chapter 11: It’s, A Date?

Julian POV

It’s been a few days since we got back from the meeting. We’ve completed onboarding Joe, and purchasing the materials that were already on its way to the complex. I was swimming at sea this morning, contrary to running which was what I normally do. Olivia has been with Lizzie working on the empty space at the resort. She didn’t add this to her portfolio, and she was working on it pro bono. She and I actually haven’t had the need to meet since we got back from Bridgewood, and the car ride home was all it took to get things settled. I went back to the resort to settle in the pool to do some laps. Deep inside, I only wanted to see Olivia from a distance. She was sitting in Hale ‘Aina with Lizzie and Brandon who was a 6-year old kid spending his summer with his grandmother. After my shower, I quickly dressed up to join Olivia and Lizzie for lunch with my dad. Luca was on his way back here from another trip to Bridgetown for their final paperwork before school began again. 

“Liz, when will you be travelling back for school?” Dad asked. “Oh, in 2 weeks. Olivia offered to continue this project for me with Nora and Mrs. Willis,” Lizzie answered. “Sunshine, are you sure you’re okay doing this for free?” My dad asked. He wasn’t too comfortable having someone do free labor, especially if it’s someone like Olivia. “Of course, Jerome. It’s the least I could do for you guys for all the meals you won’t let me pay, and the company you give me while I’m here. Plus, once Nora and Mrs. Willis get onboarded, i’m gonna lay low. They wanted to take over anyway, so it’s all good,” Olivia assured. 

Brandon was looking around the room and pointed to a poster, “what does that say, Owivya?” “Oh that’s a carnival, cutie. Have you ever been to one?” She asked. Brandon shook his head, “no but it looks fun! Look at that ferris wheel, I bet I can see the sky from up there!” Olivia then walked to Mrs. Willis, who was sitting at the bar talking to Nora, she gave a nod and smiled as Olivia walked back. “Brandon, Nonnie said I could take you to Carnival. It’s this weekend.” Olivia confirmed. “Really Owivya?! You’re gonna take me there? You’re awesome!” Brandon squealed, giving her a hug, and did the same running to Mrs. Willis.

Lunch went by well. Luca made it just in time to join us. We were also joined by Nora, and Mrs. Willis who couldn’t help but thank Olivia for this coming weekend. “It’s very kind of you dear for doing this for Brandon, are you sure you don’t need someone to help you out taking care of him?” She asked. Olivia was okay with it, reminding Mrs. Willis about her 5-year old sister back in Bridgewood. There was a discussion by the two older ladies about Brandon possibly staying with Mrs. Willis and enrolling him in a school around here because of some complications with his parents, and possibly getting a divorce. Luca and Lizzie were considering going to the Carnival too, but weren’t decided yet since it’s the last 2 weeks before they go back for school. 

“Aren’t you going, son?” My dad asked in a whisper. I looked at Olivia, and she was busy helping Brandon with his food, “I’m uh… figuring out the timing, dad.” I answered shyly. He raised an eyebrow, “better ask while you can,” he said and got back to his food. After the meal, I had to take a call from the office about a different project. Alex, my boss and I were mentoring so many junior staff and interns that it keeps us busy already. This project call, I wasn’t hands-on with, but they pulled me in every now and then when they needed a different perspective on things. 

Shortly after my call, Olivia was waiting for me outside of Hale ‘Aina. “Joe texted me that the materials already arrived and he thought it would be better if we wait for them to fix the backbone of the structure before we do our visit. How does that sound?” She asked, holding out her phone for me to take. “Hey Joe,” I greeted. Joe seemed like he told Olivia what he just told me now, “we’ll probably finish the framing next week” he said. “It’s gonna be a beaut, Julian. I can already visualize it too realistically, and it’s all thanks to the little lady you haven’t even made a move on yet,” he teased. I tried my best to steer back to the real deal and reschedule the visit, but all he wanted was to know when I’ll be asking who he calls ‘pretty little lady’ out on a date.

Finally, I agreed with Joe that we’ll visit sometime next week and I’ll ask Olivia for her schedule too and I’ll let him know if he’ll be expecting both of us for that visit. I gave back Olivia her phone when Joe hung up and she stared at me waiting for an update. “So?” She inquired. “So, we’ll be back next week instead. Joe insisted we do our second visit once the frame is completed so that the sizing is visually seen already and we can move forward.” She nodded and smiled, “sounds fair, and yes thank you whatever day the visit would be I’ll keep it free. I just really wanted to do something for Brandon this weekend.” While we were on topic, before she could turn around, “Hey, about the weekend…”

Olivia POV

Brandon was bouncing on his seat knowing that he only had to sleep a few more nights before the weekend, but I forgot that we initially planned a site visit and I wasn’t keen on letting a 6-year old run around a complex where he could easily get lost. 

Just in time when I needed to ask Julian our site visit initially planned out for Saturday, Joe gave me a phone call. I got out of my seat and looked for Julian who was on the phone with someone else while Joe explained to me his proposed time. “No, I need that update by today. Your staff assessment will be next week and I need you prepared for the worst? Okay? Okay. Bye.” Julian commanded on the phone. Now I know why he called himself ‘bossy ass’ the other day. When he was done I asked Joe to hold on so I could hand him over to Julian and they could discuss. Julian was still the Project Manager and I was just the consultant so whatever he says goes, for most part. When they were finished to my surprise, we moved the site visit to next week. He handed me over the phone and continued to just repeat what Joe also told me earlier. I nodded in agreement of what the plans were. 

“Hey, about the weekend…” Julian said, before I turned around. “Yeah?” I asked. “I was wondering if I could go with you and Brandon to the Carnival? He asked. “Oh as in, we’ll all go together?” I clarified. “I mean, you know, you, me and Brandon…?” He said unsure of himself. “Oh, okay. Saturday Afternoon?” I answered. “Saturday afternoon. I’ll pick you up at around 2,” he said. “All right” I acknowledged with a smile. “Is this a date?” I asked, tilting my head to the side a bit. “Oh, uh.. no? Yes? I mean.. can I take you out on a date?” He said, now looking frantic. “Are you using your last question from our road trip the other day?” I teased. “Uh, no.. were you?” He was taken aback with how this conversation was going. I shook my head and giggled again now turning around and leaving a confused Julian. “See you, Saturday!” I shouted from behind.

I got home before sunset, and texted my mom about this weekend’s Carnival:

Mom: That’s lovely sweetie, taking Brandon to the Carnival! What else is new?

Me: Julian asked if he could go with us. I don’t know what it is though. I tried asking him if he was asking me out on a date, but, I don’t think he was sure.

Mom: What do you mean? What happened?

Me: I asked him “is this a date?,” even if you know, Brandon will be there. Then he straight up asked “can I take you out on a date?” But it got him all confused I think.

Mom: Haha! Sweetie, I think he was taken aback by what you asked. Did you answer him though?

Me: I asked him if he wanted it to be a date… was that bad?

Mom: Now you had him more confused. Do you want it to be a date? Be honest.

Me: Yes and No. Yes because he seems to be pretty nice, and I’m thinking back on what everybody keeps on telling me, to just live it. No, because we’re still tied up by corporate duties.

Mom: Well, I think sweetie, you have your mind made up already. Go with whatever you feel is right for you. I’m pretty sure Mae wouldn’t mind. If it helps, I’ll tell your dad.

Me: Ugh don’t get me started with Mae but telling dad for me sounds great. 

Mom: Well, just let Julian know if it’s a date or not, okay? I think it would give him some peace of mind, and you too. 

Remembering that mom had my R8, I asked her to take it to the dealer for maintenance, and told her I’ll switch her for my own car when I came back. I thought about what my mom said as I prepared dinner, and I actually didn’t know what I wanted out of it really. I was thinking of ringing Mae, but I’m not too eager for her “YOU GO GIRL” moments right now. I popped a bottle of wine and slumped on my couch with a bowl or pretzels while the sloppy joe was simmering. 

After dinner and dishes, I’ve made up my mind to finally decide that I will send him a message about Saturday afternoon. 

“See you, Saturday. It’s a date ☺️ with a cute little chaperone. xx - O.”