Chapter 5
1253 Words
Nora’s POV
“Hi.” I responded and Kelvin simply smiled casually.
“So,” he said. “Before anything—this wasn’t my idea. I told Brian I wasn’t interested in some awkward setup but he insisted. I’m just here to drink and have fun.”
“Thank God.”
“And I'm actually glad it's you he intended to link me up with." Kelvin then said, tilting his head to study me. "It’s… good to see you again.”
“Yeah?” I asked. “It’s been, what—3 months?”
“More like 3 and a half,” he replied. “Not that I was counting.”
“I can tell you’re definitely lying.”
“Okay, maybe a little,” he admitted. “I actually haven't been able to stop thinking about you."
That caught me off guard.
“Oh?”
“Yeah,” he said easily. “Especially because I’ve had something to remind me of you this whole time. It's something of yours.”
“Something of mine?” I frowned and he held up a finger.
“Give me a sec.”
Kelvin reached up and slipped off the thin chain he’d been wearing around his neck. And when he placed it in my palm, my breath hitched.
“Oh my God.” I said, staring down at the necklace.
“I’ve been looking for this everywhere,” I said. “I thought I lost it.”
“You didn’t,” Kelvin said softly. “You left it in my hotel room that night. I found it the next morning and figured… I’d keep it safe until I saw you again.”
“You have no idea what this means to me,” I said quietly.
Kelvin watched my face carefully and then he finally asked me to tell him about the necklace and why it was so important.
“It belonged to my caretaker. François. She was basically the only family I ever had. She gave it to me before she died.”
“Oh,” Kelvin said, instantly serious. “Then I’m really glad I kept it.”
“Can I… put it on you?” He then asked and I said "yeah," smiling with joy.
He leaned in, fingers brushing my neck as he fastened the clasp. It was a small thing, but it made my chest feel warm in a way I wasn’t expecting.
“Thank you,” I said again.
“Anytime,” he replied. “I’m glad it’s back where it belongs.”
We sat there talking after that. He told me about his business, his travels, the things he liked when he wasn’t pretending to be cool. And for the first time, I realized I liked him for real.
Not just his goodlooking face that had drawn me to him 3 months ago.
“Okay,” Kelvin said after a while. “I need a drink.”
"Now you're speaking my challenge." I replied.
"Oh?"
"Let's have a competition. I challenge you."
“You’re challenging me?” He repeated, narrowing his eyes as started to roll up his sleeves.
“Absolutely,” I said proudly.
"Oh, you’re on.” Kelvin said.
And seven shots later, Kelvin was yelling “WOOO!” like he’d just won the lottery.
“You better give up now buddy." I said, already feeling tipsy. "I'm definitely going to beat you."
"Not gonna happen." Kelvin said, laughing like the drunk he was, and I couldn't help but join in laughing too.
A couple of passersby saw us and were probably wondering what in the world was wrong with the two of us. But we didn't care.
We were having fun.
The eighth shot landed on the table just as Taylor and Brian returned.
“What is happening here?” Taylor asked and I grabbed her arm dramatically, pulling her close to sit with me.
“Taylor, come and watch me win.” I said, triumphantly.
“I regret nothing.” Kelvin said, as he raised the glass.
But I downed mine first while he started struggling to swallow his.
He coughed, doubled over, and then burst out laughing before finally giving up and declaring me the winner.
Taylor stared at both of us for a moment, amused to actually see us getting along more than she had expected.
"I like what I see." Taylor then said and Kelvin cut in quickly before she could go further.
“Just so we’re clear..." Kelvin said. "This... Is not a date. I actually don't want to date."
“I second that. Me too,” I agreed quickly and Taylor groaned, watching Kelvin and I give each other a high five.
“Not you too.” She said, and we both started laughing.
“What’s so bad about being single?” Kelvin then asked. "Why risk losing your freedom? And risk having a heartbreak?"
“Exactly,” I said, a little too loudly, and Brian decided to cut in.
"Kelvin, relationships are everything.” Brian said. "And it's not a must that you'll get your heart broken, you know. Not every relationship ends badly."
"I mean come on," Brian then added, "Aren't you going to get married one day?"
“Of course I’ll get married." Kelvin said, laughing. "When the time comes.”
“And when is that?” Brian pressed. “When you’re 90?”
"That wouldn't be so bad." Kelvin replied, nudging Brian.
He then started laughing, clearly drunk, and I couldn't help but join in. We cackled as we both started saying maybe our soulmates would be born when we're actually in our 90s and Taylor sighed watching the two of us.
““Both of you are psychos.” Taylor then said, watching us go like two crazy people.
“Oh my God..." I said, finally, deciding to take a breather. "I need to pee."
I was tipsy but luckily I have a good grasp when it came to alcohol so I didn't make a fool of myself on the way to the ladies room.
I was just on my way back when I accidentally bumped into someone.
“Sorry,” I said automatically and then looked up.
“Oh...” I breathed. “Look who it is.”
Wolf had caught me before I could stumble and was holding me close so I wouldn't stagger into the waiter that was passing by, carrying a tray with him.
“Easy.” Wolf said.
He then glanced at the man beside him and gave him some instructions.
“Marcel, wait for me upstairs.”
“Yes, Boss.” Marcel nodded and then stepped away.
“You’re drunk.” Wolf said, as he released me slowly, making sure I could still stand on my own.
“I am not,” I lied, straightening up. “And are you stalking me now?”
“No.” Wolf said, with a chuckle, as he grabbed my arm and pulled me close again before someone else could bump into me.
“What are you doing here?” I finally asked.
“I'm here taking care of business.” Wolf replied and I leaned in closer.
“Oh? Are we... Killing someone again?”I asked, and then I gasped before shushing myself.
Wolf laughed, clearly entertained by my theatrics and then finally said:
“Come on. Let’s get some air.”
He extended his hand and I reached for it.
"Such a gentleman.” I said, fanning myself dramatically.
- Writer
