“Yeah, I haven’t had fresh pasta with marinara sauce in a long while.” He agreed.
About to take a cut of the Chinese sponge cake in front of me, Luke held back my hand. Bringing out his mobile phone.
“Before you eat, because I know you’re hungry. I should do a video recording of this.” He blushed, zooming his mobile camera on my food. “I’d like to update my status, post on tictok, Tumblr and, of course, Genevieve, my darling wife. She’ll prepare this for me. My woman can cook.” Luke praised.
It puzzled me for a moment.
“Okay, eat. You can eat now.” He ordered. It took me a while, pondering on his words.
“Pardon me.” I smiled. “You just said something about your wife. Are you married? I thought you’re single.”
“Come one, Evelyn. Can’t you see I drive a space bus?”
“Space bus? What does that mean?” I furrowed at him.
“That’s my car. I use it to move my family around, not animals. I have three children, almost four. My heavily pregnant wife, Vive, Penelope, Charles and Elizabeth. Yes, Betty is as tall as you are.” Luke gazed up, trying to recall their features. “My son, Charles, could ask you out.” he said proudly and our eyes met.
“You’re asking if I’m married? My good and young looks often give me that grace, yeah. I’m older than you think. I am actually 50, but I’m sure I look younger than 45.”
“I’m doomed!” The words dropped out of me in shock.
“Are you saying something?” Luke asked, taking a mouthful of cannoli into his mouth. “Frankly speaking, you’re exquisite. Prettier in person than in pictures.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re beautiful.” He shrugged, licking his bare hands. “Let me check on this.” Luke took his phone again. “Oh no, your fingers distracted this picture! I need to take another. Move you hand aside.” He said, and I instantly gave him a hateful look.
I didn’t look around, but I felt eyes focused on us. This guy has a goddamn voice. He could as well be a parrot.
“Move your hand aside.” Luke repeated.
I folded an arm under my jaw, giving him a tight-lipped smile.
“So, do you tell your wife everything?” I queried, jeeringly.
“Of course,” he agreed. “Aren’t we a couple? Why would I hide such from my wife? I just sent her this.” He showed me the pictures he had just took.
“Does your wife know you’re having a date right now?” I raised an eyebrow.
“She does.” He replied, filling a transparent wine glass with a screaming eagle cabernet.
I’d ordered two bottles for the both of us. Immediately the wine reached its brim, Luke gulped the content down his dried throat and I silently and guiltily watched him drink.
“Although, I only told her I got a lunch date with a friend of mine. He confessed. I didn’t tell her it’s a man or a woman.” I chuckled at his smartness and he joined me with laughter.
“I understand.” I replied him, faithful. Knowing meeting him was a mistake, a big one, but I rolled with him as if enjoying his company. “So, would you tell your wife if this date ended up in sex?”
“Come on, darling. I can’t tell her such.” Luke vividly sucking on his teeth and lower lips. “What kind of man would say such a thing to his wife? She has caught me cheating thrice.” He blurted out. Then gazed up, pondering on the thought and rambling. “No, it’s six times. The last time was two years ago. I couldn’t tell who could have told her where we were! Vive just stormed into where we were, right in the action's thick! Ouch!” He moaned aloud, and I looked around, embarrassed.
“I was right in the middle of a serious business. Oh, my! Sex outside marriage is so fun. I was on top of the action, Evelyn. She came in and started crying. I thought she was going to be mad, but after a moment of pleading, she forgave me. My wife is always forgiving. Vive forgave me six times. Mind you!”
“Your wife caught you six times and all she did was cry.” I repeated flatly.
Luke grabbed a piece of peppered lobster. He crunched it into his mouth, chewing on it hungrily.
“Why I agreed to meet you is... I want to have you as a wife, Evelyn.” He said to my face, still chewing on the spicy lobster.
“Really?” I raised both eyebrows, thinking about how we met again.
“Yes, I’ll take excellent care of you. Just do the right thing and I’ll take care of you. I’ll spoil you so much, love.” Luke glanced up and across at me. His pale Grey eyes reflected the flame of the candle.
“I like your honesty and the way you spelt out what you like. Everyone here must have heard what you just said.” I held onto my phone and purse. “What I would say basically is that I don’t know you’re married and I don’t date married men.”
“Shush!”
“What?” I muttered, pulling closer.
“I said shush! Don’t say it again, Evelyn. You already have a child and you’re saying you can’t date married man? You’re no longer a virgin.” He pointed to my face. “I am the one who should say that. I can’t date a woman who has a child. I didn’t complain. Do you think I would ask you out if I’m still single? You’re a baggage already. With wrinkles.“ He added.
“You covered them up with makeup and because you’re wealthy. Do I look like a truck meant to be carrying cargo for loads? Of course not!” Luke replied himself, unbuttoning his navy blue suit because he was sweaty. Or was it because he was getting filled up? I couldn’t tell.Right that moment, a fire was burning in me. His words were really hurting. Too bad I’d called him for this meeting and paid for this food, including his transport fare I’d sent into his account last night. I just wanted to have a special birthday eve. Just like what I had 21 years ago, but would always be in the past. What was I thinking?
“Don’t do that, don’t say that. Let me date you. It’s simple. If we get married, I will take care of you than you can ever dream of. Just know the rules and regulations.”
“There are rules.” I grinned, as if delighted.
“Yes, of course, you’ll be my woman and I’ll be your man, but secretly. As long as you take care of me, I’ll take you around the world. And whenever I celebrate the anniversary with Vive, I’ll equally do yours.”
“Oh, Evelyn!” I laughed at him this time. Though, nothing was funny. The laugh was brief. It cleared the seriousness in my eyes and my red lips curved upwards, making my face lit up behind the dancing candlelight. No longer did I seem a prom and proper businesswoman.
“There would be times when you can call me, but never early in the morning. I take my kids to school. I’ll be your husband and still be a family man.”
“I see.” I said. The laughter faded from my face, and I gave Luke a shitty look.
“Yes, I’ll save your name as ‘Evelyn’. You should save mine as ‘My Husband’ so whenever I call. However, in an emergency, you may call me between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.”
“That means I’ll be your employee.”
“I’ll surely marry you, Evelyn.” He told himself.
“You’re giving me working hours because I’m quite intelligent, right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. From today henceforth, never dial my number or text me again.” I gasped. Losing my cool suddenly made me look younger and less sophisticated. My cheeks flushed. My lips trembled slightly as I defended myself. “It’s over.... All of this! Excuse me!”
I pulled out of the chair, giving my brown buttoned down satin skirt a change.
“We are not finished yet... Where are you going?” His oily mouth dropped open. I haven’t even had a spoon. Everything on the internet can be so tricky.
“Evelyn! Is that a no?”
He called back, disappointed. I stepped out of the restaurant, saying no more word.
“Hey, server! Pack up this into a takeaway.” Luke ordered.
***
“I really wish to go to Dubai. At least once in my lifetime.” Alice whined at her friends. They sat on a sofa in the living room. Or better still, tell your mum you want to celebrate your birthday in Dubai. She suggested convincingly.
Alice isn’t from a high-class family. Although, they all attended the same-day high school and were in the same class. Alice had been opportune to join the verity through scholarship.
“My mum said she’s going to host my birthday party. It’s in six months... I’m sure she doesn’t have any other place in mind to have it aside here in NYC, so...”
“There’s trouble for the Dubai girl.” Blue teased. “Why don’t you ask your boyfriend? I hope you two have settled your fight?”
‘Ring-Ring-Ring!’
Hazel’s phone buzzed, and she picked up the call. “Hello baby, how are you?”
Blue held a bowl of crispy potatoe-chips while Jane and Alice were on their phones, chatting.“I’m fine, I’m just here lounging and relaxing with my friends. What about you?” Hazel asked over the phone.“Yes, Alice is here as well.” She replied.“Is that my boyfriend?” Alice interjected, giggling towards her.“Really? Okay, we’ll be there!” Hazel ended the call with a blush and faced her friends. “Guess what?”“What is it?” Jane pulled closer, interested.“The guys are having a house party.”“House party? Others cheered.“And guess what?” Hazel added. “They’re bringing strippers.”“What?!” Alice, Blue and Jane couldn’t believe that. It was a weekend house party the guys held for themselves instead of going clubbing.With the mp3 speakers booming hip hop ‘Stay with me’ by Rihanna. The guys were dancing along with the strippers, whom were on nothing but net bras and g-string pants. Jane and Blue were having fun as well. Hazel was sipping on a bottle. She was having fun with Noah, at a c
Five Months Later... Alice was alone in the room studying for an upcoming test, when a thought came to mind. It was about Adam. How he would always defend her against bullies in highschool. Being her Fairytale highschool boyfriend, she had always wanted that to continue. It was a dream come true when she got a scholarship and an admission to study at Columbia University. The same school as him. Even though she’d choose it. It was their dream university. But right now, Adam seems to be a different person. He won’t even reply to her messages. It’s funny how destiny plays its tricks on humans.Off minded, Alice sighed coldly and a wet spot appeared on the page she was staring at.“Don’t tell me you’re still on Adam’s issue. What are you thinking?”“No... Nothing, I’m not thinking. Something just entered my eyes.” Alice replied coolly, wiping the corner of her eyes with her index finger.“Just take care and move on from the past if that’s what will make you happy, okay?” Jane advised. “S
It took the girls almost half an hour to complete their make up. Blue was hesitant to put on her new dress. It was from the shopping Hazel did for them a week before. The dress was a purple short, wrap dress with transparent stones, embroidery on it. The purple platform shoe worn beneath the shirt dress was five-feet high. She stared at others, helping them with their dressing. Jane wore a light-pink dress of the same style and Alice wore a sky-blue short dress. The same designer made their outfits. Gazing at her reflecting over the mirror, Blue adjusted her sleekly black hair and fixed to her earlobes, a pair of diamond, dangling earrings. The girls were dressing and admiring themselves in the mirror when a knock on the door brought them into reality. It was Felix and Roman.They came to pick the girls up for Hazel’s birthday party. It was already getting dark, though. It was 7:30 p.m, just thirty minutes before the party begins. Hazel spent the night at home with her mum, so her fri
“That night, I had some money on me. It was for an assignment. A contract for the new company I am working with. I didn’t want to spend the money. I expected that in the matter of a few days, they would make more money to replace that, but it didn’t happen. Right now, my bosses are asking for the money.”I felt a breath close to me and turned back. One of my bodyguards, Calvin, guiding the main entrance, was standing right next to me.“What are you still doing here?” I raised a voice at him with blazing eyes. “Find something doing! Just leave!”“Sorry ma’am.” Calvin replied with his head bowed. He was another annoying worker like Oaklyn.“She said leave! It’s better you go in and shut the door!” Chris intervened. “Stop embarrassing me like this, especially in front of your workers. What kind of nonsense?!” He turned his anger at me as Calvin left.I just watched him silently with a glare.“Well, that’s not why I’m here.” Chris’s voice dropped from the look on my face.“As I was sayin
Back to my room, I closed the door and walked straight to my extra-sized bed. My legs shouldn’t hurt taking off my boots, but from so much dancing, it did. Pulling out a drawer’s chest from beneath my wardrobe, I brought out a box of facial wipes. Taking out my makeup, not sleeping with it. I hate the uncomfortable feelings that comes with having it on for too long. Wiping out my red, chapped lips, the door opened. Without looking back, I knew it was Hazel. She strolled straight to my bed, sitting right next to me. With the full smile brimming through her cherry-red lips, one could tell how happy she was without using words.“My dearest mum!” Hazel started, and I turned to her, swabbing my raised eyebrows.“Thank you for giving me the best birthday party ever!”I chuckled at her excitement in reply.“Thank you, mum!” she hugged me at once, tightly. Hazel lives doing this, especially when she’s elated.“You’re welcome, my dear.” As my arms wrapped against her slim body, I felt the text
As I walked to my workplace, I contemplated about what happened on Saturday night and about meeting with Adam today. My mind raced at the thought of meeting him. I dressed in a velvet red miniskirt, jacket, and a black snakeskin, matching heels, and handbag. It fitted the nude makeup on me more with the deep velvet red lipstick on my rosy lips. We had only met once. Why do I feel this way? I had a weird fascination for Adam, as my thoughts, since Saturday night were all about him. I just have to tell him to forget about me. It’s awkward dating a guy young enough to date my daughter. Stepping into the company, I met Oaklyn and others at the reception. “Good morning,” I greeted. “Good morning, ma.” They replied while standing up with a bow. “Welcome ma.” “Thank you. You guys are looking good.” They gazed back, then at each other, without replying. “Didn’t you hear what I just said? I said you’re looking really nice.” I repeated, focusing on my phone. He just sent me a message that
“You’re talking to me directly, so I’m assuming you don’t have any problem with Beckett's property. “I said over the IP office phone. Oaklyn was standing beside me while I was making a call with a customer. Trying to convince him to buy our properties. You’re already here. The first one is 42. We still have that if 92 as well. I pointed out. We are talking about premium, right?‘Ring-Ring-Ring!’ My vibrating phone on the table caught my attention.‘Ring-Ring-Ring!’ “Please, give me a moment to call you back.” I said over the phone to the customer. “Its just for a moment and I’ll be back shortly.” I ended the call immediately and answered my mobile phone. It was Adam.“Hello.”“Hello Eve, I just drove into your company.”My heart sank at his voice over the phone. It’s his first time calling.“Oh, really?” I cleared my throat, trying not to stammer. Wait, why would I stammer? “Okay.. I’ll infirm someone to direct you upstairs.” I cut the call and turned to Oaklyn, whom like a statue,
“With who?” Somidah asked when I told her. “Didn’t you hear what I’ve been saying?”“I did. I just want you to repeat the words.” She clarified, as if my words were unfit for the ears. I nodded my head listlessly. “I didn’t open up to you for you to judge me.”“Oh, come on Evelyn.” She prompted softly. “I’m not judging you. You know I can never do that. I am just a little sceptical because I know you like nothing that is unfit and breeds disrespect.”“I can’t even say how I ended up in this situation. This boy ticks the right boxes. My mind is always on him whenever he’s not around, and I’m unsettled in his presence. All he wants is to spend time with me. It might be too early to conclude, but he takes me as a priority. Most of all, he makes me laugh.”Somidah raised an eyebrow as if struck by my words. “Adam gives me listening ears. He’s made it so easy to love him.” “It might be true but, calm down.” She cut into my words. “I want to ask you some questions and don’t dare lie to