*****
I had never been one to spend too much time prettying myself up, but today, because I was seeing Jack again, I felt the urge to wear something that would impress him. He was so stylish, always on point. It made me rethink my own esthetic standards.
I had looked through my wardrobe several times, trying to decide on the best outfit for the brunch he had invited me to, before finally settling on something simple.
White jeans and a black silk shirt might've not been the boldest thing I had ever worn, but pairing them with neon orange stilettos almost scared me. By the time I left home, I got more used to the combination and was starting to feel like this was the most stylish choice I had ever made. I was actually grinning when I arrived at the restaurant.
“Hi there, baby,” Jack said, standing up. He placed a chaste kiss on my cheek before pulling a chair for me.
Such a charming gentleman. What had I done to be so lucky?
“I’m so glad the weather is so good today. This terrace looks amazing,” I said, settling into my seat.
He moved his chair to my side of the table and took my hand. “The weather always looks good to me,” he whispered. “You make it just perfect.”
I blushed, already expecting his usual comment. “Oh, you’re so lucky, baby. I can’t even see whenever you’re blushing. Your beautiful ebony skin saves you.”
“Saves me from what?” I asked. He always made me smile with jokes, and I assumed this was one of them.
“The things I want to do to you so you can blush some more.”
“Oh.” He wasn’t joking.
“Are you ready to order?” a beautiful redhead asked us. The servers here were dressed so well that, when I first saw her, I thought she was another customer.
To my surprise, Jack ordered for the both of us. For me, he got a salad.
“I don’t like that salad,” I said. “Could I have some …”
“You’re fine with the salad, baby. I’ll have one too if it makes you feel better.”
I frowned, opening my mouth to object, but he gestured I should be silent. I was stunned.
“Anything else here tastes weird,” he explained. My anger dissipated. He was looking out for me after all.
“And you didn’t want to hurt her feelings, poor thing,” I said, and he nodded.
To match the pleasant company, the service was exquisite. Our food came soon, food that I didn’t have much of a chance to taste as I only had a salad, but Jack made up for that by being his charming self all evening. I was feeling good. I was finally in a proper relationship with a good looking, socially able man who could support himself. No more losers for me. What else could I ask for?
We lost track of time and, before we knew it, people were starting to flood the restaurant for lunch.
I remarked that it was time for us to leave and Jack agreed. As we were leaving, I caught sight of an old friend. I waved at him.
“Who’s that?” Jack asked, coming closer behind me. I noticed that his tone was different, harsher than before.
“A friend of mine. Can you give me a minute?”
“We’re leaving, baby.”
“I know. It’ll be just a minute,” I said, and walked to my friend. We exchanged a few pleasantries, making sure I wouldn’t take more than an actual minute. I didn’t want to upset Jack. What if he took off?
When I rejoined Jack, he looked unexpectedly happy.
“Hey, baby. How’s your friend?”
“He’s good. He got married last year. Amazing!” I was really happy for my friend. I knew he had some issues in the past, and it must’ve rubbed off on Jack too, as he laughed with me.
“You like the idea?” he suddenly asked me.
“What idea?”
We were walking leisurely towards the parking lot when he grabbed my arm and stopped me abruptly. “Move in with me, Melissa.”
“What?” was the only intelligible word I could emit.
This whole thing was too good to be true; he was hot, spoke with a sexy accent, actually understood romance and wanted me badly. It was like he was doing it on purpose, like he knew exactly what I wanted, and he acted to satisfy those desires.
I was so happy that my eyes turned misty. I tried to look away but he didn’t let me. He cupped my chin and pulled me back to him. His gentle kiss settled my mind. I nodded, momentarily unable to speak.
“Is that a yes?” he asked, to confirm.
“Yes,” I whispered.
“Good.”