Icing on the Cake

NINETEEN

“What in Pete’s sake is wrong with you Jade?” Keith asked.

“Why? There is nothing wrong with me.”

“You’re behaving like an idiot.”

“No, I’m not. I’m perfectly happy right now.”

“Yeah, that’s the problem. You’re happy for no reason.”

“Correction. There is.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, okay. You’re happy because you went out on a date with someone and you can’t stop thinking about her, about how pretty she looked and about how soft her lips felt against your mouth. For Pete’s sake, why would you even kiss...?”

“It’s not her lips, K, her cheeks.”

“Crap. What difference does that make?”

“A lot.”

“You know what? You’re a goner.”

“Well, it’s been a thrilling experience so far.”

Keith cursed again.

“You’re not supposed to be angry.”

Keith snorted into the phone. “Then, I’m supposed to be what? Grinning like a fool and wishing you happiness? Sylvia isn’t who you should have a fling with. She’s someone who wants things more than just dates. She needs a responsible man who’d marry her, not a jerk like you.”

Jaden didn’t reply.

“You know you hate commitments, Jade. So why are you doing this? You’re just punishing yourself as well as Sylvia. Well, I know miracles happen and you’d totally fall for her but I don’t want you looking miserable when you return home.” He paused. “Are you listening?”

“Yeah.”

“So?”

Jaden sighed. “I’ll try and be careful.”

“That’s a start. I don’t want what happened to me to also happen to you...”

“Keith,” Jaden interrupted, not wanting to hear Keith’s story of how cynical love was. Of how the first woman he’d loved had betrayed him without even a backward glance. Keith had been heartbroken and had never ventured to love. But again, fate had brought him a beautiful woman and he’d fallen in love with her too, but yet he couldn’t go on with that relationship. He’d been the one to leave for fear that she’d betray him too and also because he wasn’t really ready, but he’d never really stopped loving that second woman.

“I know you’re looking out for me and all that but just trust me on this, okay? I was never one to act impulsively and you know that. So just keep calm. Anything negative that happens will be my fault. I won’t blame you for not advising me,” Jaden said, trying to convince Keith as much as himself.

There was silence for a while. “So, you’re saying all of this is planned?”

“Sort of.”

Little silence. “That’s worse.”

“Okay, it’s not.” Keith didn’t reply. “K? Are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m just thinking if I should believe you.”

Jaden smiled a little. “I don’t lie.”

Keith snorted. “Last time, that was your hobby to the female folk.”

“At least, you’re not one of them.”

“I’m glad I’m not.”

“So?”

“Well,” Keith sighed, “I’ll give up. You can do whatever you want, whatever you like. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Now, that’s a guy with a sense.”

Keith snorted. “You’re the one who’s lacking it.”

Jaden laughed.

“Isn’t it past time for your little-but-expensive surprise for Sylvia?”

Jaden looked at his watch and cursed. He was in his rented car in front of Ashley’s fashion’s place. “You’ve wasted my time, punk.”

“If you were not strong-headed, I would’ve ended the call minutes ago.”

“Get out.”

“I was never in,” Keith said with a click.

Jaden opened the car and got out. Looking around, he took in the large green two-storey building which had a large sign post at the top that read: ‘Ley-Browne’s Mall’. He took in a deep breath and walked out of the car park to the building. He just hoped his plan would work out.

He entered the building and walked to the reception desk. He gave in his name and requested to see Ashley Browne. The receptionist called Ashley’s P.A who called Ashley to confirm. After a while, Jaden crossed the reception room – which was full with people; customers, he guessed – and got into the elevator. The car let him out at the second floor. He walked past several offices that had several designers in them. He saw some designs being displayed on mannequins while some others were being tested on models. He also saw a woman testing a magnificent wedding dress. He got to the end of the corridor and turned left. Sylvia’s office was on the right. He got to Ashley’s office and knocked.

“Yeah, come in.”

He opened the door as Ashley looked up from her desk. She grinned at him. He returned the grin and closed the door behind him. Then, he greeted her.

“Afternoon. It’s nice to see you again. Have a seat,” she replied, the grin still on her face.

He sat down on one of the chairs facing her.

“How have you been?”

“Good. How have you also been?”

She shrugged. “I’ve been okay.”

“And everybody?”

“Everyone’s okay. You went out with Sylvia yesterday, right?”

“Yes, I did.”

“How was it?”

Jaden smiled. “It was nice. She’s friendly and fun to talk to when she’s not a boss.”

Ashley laughed. “Does she know you’re here?”

“Well, not yet. I want to surprise her. But I’ll need your permission first.”

She tilted her head. “For a surprise?”

“Well, the thing is, I don’t just want to meet her in her office. I want to take her somewhere.”

“Oh. An outing.”

“Yeah, sort of.”

Ashley leaned back into her swivel chair. “Today’s Saturday, right?”

Jaden nodded.

“She mentioned going out with Sally and Sandra today, but you can discuss it with her. Maybe, yours could fit in.”

Darn, he muttered.

“But apart from that, you have my permission to take her wherever, as long as you bring her home in one piece.”

Jaden smiled. “Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome. After all, you’re doing her a lot.” He sure hoped he was. “She loves surprises.”

Very reassuring, he thought. He nodded and got up. “I’ll be going now. And for the record, this place is beautiful. I wasn’t surprised seeing customers trooping in and out.”

Ashley grinned. “Thanks. The building was renovated three years ago. Sylvia had a hand in the designs. Though, it was Sally who did the most part.”

Jaden nodded. “She’s an architect?”

“Yeah.”

He chuckled. “That’s daring.”

“Isn’t it?” She paused. “Okay, then. Have a nice time.”

“You too. Send my greetings to Boss for me,” he said, referring to Wayne.

“I’ll do that.”

With that, Jaden left the office and walked towards Sylvia’s office. He just hoped his plans wouldn’t be altered. He passed the P.A’s office and got to a door with Sylvia’s name on it. He stopped and knocked.

“Come in.”

He smiled at the sound of her voice and opened the door, taking his time to notice the way her face changed from business-like to surprise. She blinked and he launched into action.

“Jaden.”

He gave her one of those killer-smiles that made ladies swoon over him and walked over to her. Without giving her time to guess what he was about to do, he held her hand and pulled her up.

“Hi there. Please, don't fuss,” he returned before walking towards her door, still holding her.

Her senses returned and she swung into action. “What is it?”

He glanced at her. “Nothing.”

“Then, where are you taking me?” she asked as he took her out of her office and into the corridor. He didn’t reply her. She became confused and tried to rein herself but it wasn’t possible.

As they neared the working offices, Jaden leaned towards her. “Act calm or you’ll embarrass yourself.”

“Where are you taking me?” she asked again, her temper reaching its breaking point.

He didn’t reply again. What was the meaning of this? She was in the middle of devising a new design for a wedding dress and he had just interrupted her without reason. They passed the offices and got into the elevator which took them down to the ground floor. They passed the reception room and got out of the building. As they got to the car park, Sylvia yanked her hand away from Jaden’s grip.

He faced her. “We’ve not yet gotten to the car,” he protested with an innocent face.

She folded her arms across her chest. “Car? What’s all this about?”

Darn. He could have asked Keith for some tips on how to handle this. “Yes, car. And you’ll know when we get there.”

She eyed him cautiously. “It’d better be good.”

He gestured towards the car and she entered. He got in too and drove off.

“So, where...?”

“I’m not k********g you, Sylvia.”

“It sure looked like you were.” She glanced at him. “Can’t you give me a little idea?”

He shook his head.

“Just a teeny-little bit?” she asked, leaning towards him and emphasizing the ‘teeny-little’ with a small space separating her index finger and her thumb.

He looked at her and gave a short laugh before turning to face the road. “Just be patient, okay? Or don’t you watch suspense movies?”

She straightened in the chair. “I hate waiting. But I like surprises anyway. And suspense movies are interesting.” She paused. “You like them too?”

“Yeah. Though I hate suspense at times."

Her brows furrowed as she threw him a bewildered look.

He laughed. "Yeah, right. It's all twisted."

"You're so confused." She paused. “I have an outing today, just so you’ll know.”

“I know.”

Her face flew to his. “How?”

He glanced at her. “As I said before, you’re quite popular,” he said, a smile playing at his lips.

She made a face at him and turned her face away. They didn’t talk again till Jaden slowed down and took a right turn into a parking space that was in front of a large mall. Sylvia looked up, confused, and yes, surprised. She glanced at Jaden who met her eyes and winked. She blinked, not wanting his spell to make her brain fuzzy again. Was he crazy?

He got out of the car and held the car door open for her. Then, she came out.

“What are we doing here?”

“I thought you’d have an idea by now. You always had clues.”

“Well, now I’m clueless.”

He chuckled and turned to face the building, holding her hand. “If you just went blind, we’re at Everyday Mall. It’s light brown in colour and is very large. We’re standing at the parking lot and we’re about to enter into the...”

“Oh, please, I’m not blind and I know this is Everyday Mall. So?”

“So, we’re going inside.”

“Why?”

He looked at her. “Now I’ll say you’re the one with the dumb brain. What do people do at the mall?” He didn’t allow her reply. “C’mon, let’s go in. We’re wasting time already.”

He took her into the mall and they walked past the lobby and into the elevator which let them out at the third floor. Still holding her hand, Jaden walked down the corridor.

“At least, you can let go of my hand,” Sylvia whispered.

“Why?”

“You’re making it look like we’re a couple.”

Aren’t we? He wanted to ask but instead, he gave a lop-sided smile. “Well, I’m not sure about that.”

She glanced at him and sighed inwardly. She guessed he wasn’t going to listen to her. She had to control her emotions anyway and stop thinking of how perfect she felt when he held her hand.

They got to a large room that had a post that read: Ladies. Women were all over the place and only few men were there. They entered and stopped. Jaden finally removed his hand from hers and put them in his pockets.

Sylvia faced Jaden. “Don’t tell me you’re going to get me new wears.”

He shrugged, smiling down at her. “Okay, I won’t.”

She stared at him. “Why?”

He removed his hands from his pockets and held her hand again. It had fast become a hobby. He took her to the first row of clothes. “Don’t ask why.”

“Then, I’m not selecting anything.”

He stared at her. She was supposed to smile and hug him, probably even kiss him, thanking him for bringing her here. And then rush to select virtually all the clothes that were in the mall. At least, that was how all the ladies he went out with acted.

“Well, I’m not being ungrateful. And it’s a nice surprise, I didn’t think of it at all. But I mean, why purchase clothes for me? You should have more important things to do with your money.”

“This is one of them.” He paused. “Okay. It’s a gift. And please, take it.”

She still stared. Okay, she’d admit, she was tempted. She would love to. But it still didn’t sit well with her. She guessed she still saw him as her driver and personal bodyguard.

“It’s not my birthday.”

“I wasn’t taught that gifts were given only on birthdays.” She still didn’t look convinced. “Okay. It’s for being a nice boss... and a friend.”

“Oh, please, nice is the opposite of what I was to you.”

“That’s what you think. C’mon, start picking. We’re running out of time. Look around, we’re the ones not selecting clothes,” he said hurriedly and quickly grabbed an attendant gently. “Please help her select the clothes of her choice.” He faced Sylvia again. “And don’t fuss,” he gritted.

“I...”

“I’ll be waiting outside.” He nodded to the attendant, turned, and left them. He stopped few steps away from them and sighed heavily. Now, he wondered how Ashley managed to keep up with Sylvia throughout her childhood. She was so stubborn. Though, it was intriguing anyway.

Sylvia turned to frown at Jaden as the attendant led her to another row of clothes. Jaden gave her a grin and she turned back and sighed. Now, what kind of handsome mess has she landed herself into?