Angel on a Mission

Chapter 30

Gabrielle’s POV

“Let me know when you arrive at your place,” Art reminded me as we made our way toward Alexander’s car. His voice was laced with concern, a reminder of the bond we shared and the care he had for my well-being. I nodded in response, wanting to assure him I would keep my promise.

“Will do,” I replied, attempting to keep my tone upbeat.

“Good luck on your errands, and please, be sure to be extra careful—unlike me,” I added with a grin, which made Art chuckle softly. There was something about his laugh that brought a lightness to the moment, even amidst a day that had already felt heavy.

“Mhm. And make sure you get some rest once you’re back to your place,” he said, a little more serious now, as though genuinely concerned for my well-being. The warmth of his friendship filled the air like a comforting blanket.

“No promises,” I replied playfully, just as Alexander opened the passenger door for me.

“Thanks, Alex,” I said with a bright smile, feeling a warm rush of gratitude as I slipped into the car, Alexander’s presence offering a sense of security I didn’t know I needed.

Art turned to Alexander, and in their brief moment of eye contact, I sensed immediate tension between the two.

“Thank you for taking care of Gabrielle, Alexander. I honestly appreciate it,” Art said, extending his hand in a gesture of respect and camaraderie.

Alexander looked at the outstretched hand, studying it for a moment before turning his gaze back to Art’s face.

“I’m not doing it for you,” he replied simply, his tone edged with an intensity that caught me off guard. There was something almost charged about the way he said it. After that one-side exchange, he turned his back on Art and pivoted toward me, shifting the focus back to our own interaction.

“I’m closing the door,” he announced calmly, and I watched as he carefully shut the door, sealing the moment with a finality that lingered in the air. He then walked away, leaving Art standing there, a mixture of confusion and disappointment flickering across his expression.

I absently pursed my lips, exchanging a guilty glance with Art. The tension was palpable, and I felt uncomfortable with how things had played out.

‘Sorry,’ I mouthed silently to him, hoping to convey my regret without vocalizing it too loudly. Art responded with an encouraging smile, his optimism shining through despite the situation. As Alexander slid into the driver’s seat beside me, I felt an unresolved tension hovering in the air.

‘Take care,’ Art mouthed back at me as Alexander started the car, his concern evident even as the engine began to hum.

I waved goodbye to him as Alexander began to drive away; my heart felt slightly heavy as we put more distance between ourselves and Art. The hospital premises passed us in a blur, and I let out a soft sigh, the day feeling both exhausting and exhilarating. As we maneuvered through the streets, Alexander glanced at me with a slight frown, a pensive expression adorning his features.

“What?” he suddenly blurted out, breaking the silence and pulling me from my thoughts.

“What is it?” he reiterated, his eyes flicking between me and the road. I met his gaze, unable to mask the small pout forming on my lips at his abrupt question.

“Do you hate my friend Art?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. His brow furrowed, clearly taken aback by my question.

“Why do you think that?” he replied, sounding both incredulous and intrigued by my inquiry.

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you don’t like him one bit,” I stated, my heart racing slightly as I delved deeper into the conversation.

“You seem to have a constant frown on your face when he’s around. You barely acknowledge him or engage in conversation, and it’s not as if you’re making any effort to be nice during your interactions,” I added, feeling a mix of frustration and concern surface.

“And? Why does that bother you?” he shot back, his tone almost defensive, as though he felt cornered by my questioning.

I bit my lip, hesitating for a moment before forming my response.

“I don’t really know,” I confessed, my voice softening.

“I guess I wouldn’t have been as bothered by it a while ago, maybe because it was clear that you didn’t particularly like me either. But now that we’ve grown closer, and I consider both you and Art friends, it makes me a little sad to see you two not getting along,” I admitted, my heart heavy with the complexity of relationships and the desire for harmony among those I cared about.

For what felt like an eternity, Alexander sat in silence, his thoughts tangled in contemplation. Eventually, he let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his tousled hair.

“I don’t hate him,” he replied eventually, his tone honest but tinged with tension. I turned to him, my gaze expectant, eager for him to elaborate.

“I just…” he trailed off, searching for the right words. “I don’t trust him, just like I don’t trust anyone else. Especially those who are close to the people I’m trying to protect.” His statement hung in the air, thick with unspoken meaning, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

“Am I one of the people you’re trying to protect now?” I blurted out, unable to mask my surprise and curiosity.

He glanced my way again, and when our eyes met, there was a brief flicker of vulnerability in his gaze before he looked away again, a hint of introspection clouding his features.

“You’re too nice for your own good,” he finally said, a touch of earnestness punctuating his words. “You have this habit of looking out for others. You always want to have their backs, and when you do, you make yourself vulnerable. You’re incredibly naïve.” There was a weight to his tone that resonated deeply within me, and I found myself torn. Was it a compliment? A critique?

“It sounds like you’re lecturing me,” I replied, my voice dipped in irritation. “You started off sounding well-meaning, but by the end, it feels as if every word is more of an insult than a compliment.”

A small chuckle escaped Alexander, an unexpected lightness breaking the tension.

“My point is, you need someone around you who isn’t as trusting—someone who can knock some sense into your head every now and then to protect you from people who might want to take advantage of your kindness,” he explained, his tone growing serious again.

“Like Bella and Mika?” I ventured, recalling my friends fondly.

“No offense to my sister and your other friend, but Bella isn’t always the best judge of character at all times. And neither is Mika,” he replied, raising an eyebrow as if to emphasize his attitude toward the two important people in my life. I couldn’t help but pout at his words; I felt a strong sense of loyalty to my friends.

“And you are?” I shot back, a hint of defiance in my voice.

“I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I am definitely more guarded than the three of you combined,” he asserted confidently, a smirk creeping onto his face that made me chuckle involuntarily.

“Is that so?” I teased, examining his features with mock seriousness.

“Then are you supposed to be my guardian now, Alexander?” I asked playfully, pushing back on his protective demeanor.

As if on cue, the car came to a stop, and Alexander turned to face me directly, his gaze piercing and intense.

“Yes, I am,” he asserted without hesitation, his confidence washing over me like a wave. My breath caught in my throat as he leaned in slightly closer, an energy shifting in the air between us that sent a thrill racing through me.

Then I heard a click, and I blinked rapidly, realizing he had just unbuckled my seatbelt. He leaned back, a satisfied smirk spreading across his face as I grappled with feeling flustered and surprised.

“We’re here,” he stated, breaking the moment as he unbuckled his own seatbelt and stepped out of the car. He came around to open the door on my side, the gesture feeling simultaneously sweet and teasing, making my heart flutter unexpectedly.

“Come on. You need to take your medicine in thirty minutes, and it’s been three hours since lunchtime, which means you must be feeling hungry,” he noted, extending his hand to assist me out.

I paused for a moment, contemplating his outstretched hand. Then, as I looked up at him, I noted the way he tilted his head slightly—a silent invitation. After a moment of hesitation, I reached for his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch envelop mine.

Alexander’s grip was steady and reassuring as he assisted me out of the car. The small gesture felt significant, as if each little moment was building a bridge of connection between us.

Once I was on my feet, he gently placed my hand on his upper arm as if to guide me as we walked. Together, we made our way toward the restaurant where we would be having lunch, and I felt a curious thrill of anticipation humming through me.

‘Planta Cocina’ was beautifully displayed outside, the name inviting and elegant, immediately captivating my attention.

As we stepped inside, my senses were overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding us.

Bathed in a warm golden glow, the restaurant radiated a modern elegance intertwined with tropical charm. Bold architectural arches rose like waves against the ceiling, framing a space that felt both airy and intimate. With each step, I took in the light bouncing off smooth marble countertops, reflecting off softly gleaming brass fixtures, and the striking mosaic of terracotta tiles—a harmonious blend of earth tones that felt irresistibly chic yet comfortable.

At the heart of the space, a sleek bar added to the ambiance, effortlessly swathed in sophistication and featuring an impressive collection of fine spirits. Their labels shimmered softly in the amber glow, casting delicate shadows across the bar. Plush barstools, adorned in soft neutral tones, invited guests to linger for a while. I felt an urge to explore thrush scenes filled with delicate glassware and intricately folded napkins that hinted at a dining experience designed to be both refined and relaxed.

Lush greenery spilled from strategically placed pots in the corners, infusing life into the neutral décor, while soft rattan pendant lights swayed gently above sun-drenched tables. The air hummed with the gentle murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the unmistakable energy of a lively place where time felt suspended. Every detail seemed crafted for enjoyment and delight, providing a sense of intimacy.

It was absolutely beautiful.

“Alex,” I said, turning to look up at him, hoping to share the moment of wonder. He met my gaze with a questioning look.

“Hm?” he responded, his tone soft as he took in the vibrant surroundings.

“We’re having lunch at this preppy place?” I asked, the words tumbling out with a bit of excitement,

“It’s a nice lunch spot for people like you who seem to be allergic to meat,” he replied with a playful chuckle as he gently pulled me further inside. His light teasing made me feel more at ease.

“Welcome to Planta Cocina. Table for how many people?” a friendly lady approached us, her smile warm and welcoming.

“Table for two,” Alexander replied smoothly, his tone confident and assured. The way he interacted with the staff brought a sense of class—a reflection of his charm and poise.

The lady nodded, motioning for us to follow her, and I admired the artful décor as we navigated through the restaurant.

“This way, please,” she said, leading us to a cozy table positioned near a window with glowing natural light pouring in.

“Here are the menus. Please let me know when you’re ready to order,” she said, placing the menus on the table before vanishing back into the busyness of the restaurant.

“Thank you,” I said, glancing up at the lady before she left with a smile before turning my attention back to Alexander. He took the opportunity to pull out a chair for me, assisting me in sitting down comfortably, his attentive nature making my heart flutter slightly.

“Thanks,” I said appreciatively, feeling genuinely grateful as he nodded and pushed my chair closer to the table before taking a seat across from me.

Both of us began to scan the menu, and I felt an exciting blend of admiration and overwhelm as I searched through the many delicious options laid out before me.

Alexander seemed preoccupied yet engaged, occasionally glancing at me, his expression thoughtful. I tried to focus on the menu but found myself getting lost in thought and his flickering glances.

“Is there anything that catches your eye?” he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

“I’m not sure. There are just so many choices,” I replied truthfully, my heart racing slightly as I continued to explore the options.

He chuckled softly, the sound like an anchor in a sea of uncertainty, bringing me back to the moment.

“Maybe you’ll enjoy their Kelp Caesar. You always seem to enjoy the Caesar salad I get for you whenever I bring food for us at the hospital,” he suggested, a taunting hint of a smile on his lips that made me feel relieved.

I looked at the specific dish he mentioned and felt a small thrill of excitement.

The Kelp Caesar featured kelp noodles, kale, mushroom bacon, almond parmesan, nori, sesame, miso, and nuts. It sounded appetizing and surprisingly intriguing. I smiled back up at him, who awaited my response with eager anticipation. After a moment, I nodded enthusiastically.

“The Kelp Caesar does sound delightful,” I confirmed, excitement bubbling within me. Alexander's smile widened, and a glimmer of approval danced in his eyes.

He raised his hand, and the lady returned to take our order. “We’ll have the Kelp Caesar and the House Burger,” he said confidently, his command of the situation making me admire him even more.

As she jotted down our order and departed, I resumed my exploration of the restaurant’s inviting interior, captivated by the wealth of detail and beauty surrounding us.

“How did you find out about this place? It’s genuinely stunning,” I asked, intrigued by how he had discovered such a gem.

“I asked around,” he shrugged, a nonchalant tone to his voice. I nodded in understanding, appreciating that he had gone out of his way to find a nice spot for our lunch.

Once again, I found my eyes wandering over the beautiful décor, taking in the way the light danced upon the surfaces.

“I’m guessing you like it here?” he pointed out with a slight chuckle, his amusement evident as he watched my eyes sparkle with wonder.

I nodded enthusiastically, unable to hide my delight.

“I do! It’s absolutely beautiful in here. I’ve never been to a restaurant quite like this, so it’s a real treat to experience something new,” I confessed, feeling a surge of joy.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Alexander. I truly appreciate it,” I added sincerely, feeling grateful for the moment we were sharing.

“And I truly appreciate you,” I added earnestly, my voice steady. “You’ve been an incredible help to me throughout my predicament. I know we didn’t start off on the best terms, but I’m genuinely glad that we’re building rapport now. It’s nice to get to know you like this, and I’m happy to have someone like you in my corner.” I stated.

As I spoke, I watched Alexander’s demeanor shift. His jaw tightened slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching upward, and I noticed a faint redness creeping up to his ears as he looked away, almost bashfully.

Hmm… I wonder what he’s thinking right now. The moment stretched between us, filled with unspoken words and realizations. I could feel the glimmer of something meaningful shifting beneath the surface—a connection that was growing stronger with each passing moment. The overall atmosphere felt charged, weaving together threads of appreciation, admiration, and a hint of curiosity about the unfolding relationship we were fostering.

Minutes after, our food arrived, a colorful feast that was visually stunning and aromatic. The Kelp Caesar was laid elegantly before me, with vibrant greens and textures that seemed to beckon for my attention.

“Eat up,” Alexander said, his eyes glimmering with curiosity as I eyed my plate.

“This looks incredible,” I exclaimed, my excitement bubbling over as I picked up my utensils. I couldn't wait to dig into my dish; I felt as though I was embarking on an adventure with each new bite.

The moment I took a bite, I was hit with a delightful explosion of flavors—umami, crunch, and zest all combined to create a taste that danced on my palate. I closed my eyes for a brief moment, savoring the experience.

“How is it?” Alexander asked, leaning forward slightly, eager to know my thoughts.

“It’s amazing! This Kelp Caesar is delicious! You suggested a really good dish. Thank you!” I exclaimed, my enthusiasm shining through with every word.

A smile crept onto his face, and in that moment, I realized that his enjoyment was intertwined with mine—a shared experience that felt significant.

“I’m glad you like it,” he responded, his eyes sparkling with a hint of pride. “I thought it would suit you.”

As we continued to eat, conversation flowed more freely between us.

Somewhere along the way, it felt as if the room around us faded into the background; it was just the two of us in our little bubble. That connection was electric, bringing a sense of joy that made everything else melt away.

It wasn’t something that I’ve felt with anyone before but it was nice. It felt odd but good.