Chapter Three

I tried to calm my nerves as soon as I reached the restroom. I couldn't believe he still remembered our kiss and brought it up 'oh so causally' in front of Grace. I know I should have told him about Andrew that time but it wasn't like we were back to being best friends and I definitely didn't expect him to kiss me out of nowhere.

Oh, God! Grace?

What would she even think? 

By the way, I had no idea how he knew I had a boyfriend back then. 

Is that why he didn't contact me all these years?

My head was filled with all kinds of crazy thoughts and assumptions but I shook my head and took a deep breath. I need to maintain my cool for Grace as tonight wasn't about me. I could deal with his arrogant ass later.

When I walked back towards the table, I found both of them in some deep conversation. 

"Lucy, you are back. I was worried that you bailed on me again or something." He laughed, earning a glare from me.

"You must be well aware of it because you always did that with me for your friends." I snapped back, giving him a fake smile.

"Relax, I'm just kidding and I was kidding earlier too. Let's put everything behind us and start fresh. I miss my best friend." He stated in a sincere tone, looking straight into my eyes, "What do you say, Lu?" he asked with a soft grin that made his eyes twinkle and I swallowed hard not knowing what to respond to him.

Well, I did not expect that within a span of two minutes. 

"Come on, Lucy. He just told me all about your silly childhood fight and what happened during his sister's wedding. It's been seven years, woman." She tried to convince me and I let out a huge sigh. They were right. It's been seven years and I really didn't want to continue this cold war between us. 

I missed my best friend too.

"Fine. I'll think about it and maybe we could catch up later or something." I rolled my eyes and he grinned widely from ear to ear. 

"That's good, Lu and I really like your friend Grace here. I thought this night would be a huge disappointment but I'm glad you are real and not to mention very pretty." He winked at her which made me want to gag. He always sucked at flirting. "I'll be back with our restaurant's special dish." He stood up, leaving us both alone. 

"Well, I guess my job here is done. I'll leave you two alone now." I stood up as soon as he left but Grace stopped me.

"What are you doing?" she hissed, pulling me down by my hand.

"What? He said he likes you."

"But he is your best friend. Don't you want to stay and talk?" she asked me in a doubtful manner.

"Nah, we will catch up later. Tonight is all about you and I hope you like him too." I added and she gave me a shy smile.

"Yeah, I do. He is really cute and so damn sexy." She squealed in excitement while I grimaced in disgust which was obviously an act, causing her to laugh hard. She was not wrong though, he was indeed cute and sexy and I hated myself for finding him sexy even after all these years. 

What was wrong with me?

"Uhhh...I hope it isn't awkward that we kissed. It was years back when I was in high school and he was in college." 

"Not at all. I was afraid that it would bother you. Are you sure you are okay with this though? Because I would back off." She asked with a worried look on her face.

"Pfft, nonsense. I don't mind at all. He is just my friend, Grace. I don't think we could ever be more than that. It was just a stupid kiss." I stated firmly, almost as if to convince myself and she nodded in agreement. 

"Alright then. Just wanted to make sure. I'm so glad it's someone you know and not a stranger. No wonder you had a good feeling about him all this time." She let out a small laugh and that's when I thought about it. I had actually been texting him all these months and not a stranger. 

Crazy Coincidence I guess!

"Yeah, crazy I know." I let out a nervous laugh.

"Are you sure you wanna leave?" 

"You are doing great so far. Just be yourself, Grace and I'm sure he is already smitten by you. Let him know I'll call him later, okay?" I smiled, kissing her cheeks.

"Sure, drive safe and I'll text you later with the details." She winked, making me shake my head with a small smile. 

Once I reached home, I changed into a tank top and a pair of pyjama pants, hoping my neighbour would pay a visit like he mentioned yesterday and I didn't want to be dressed inappropriately again. I ordered some take out food and turned on Netflix to watch Vampire diaries but my mind was filled with the thoughts of this evening. I never thought I would meet Theo in New York under such circumstances but I was really happy that he wanted us to be friends again. All the memories of our childhood came flashing to my mind which put a huge grin on my face.

Good old days!

He was really lucky to get a girl like Grace. She was the sweetest and I hope she could make it work, now that they have met in real life and it was no longer texting.

A loud knock on the door distracted me from my train of thoughts and I jumped from my couch to open the door. 

Must be the food.

I swung the door open to reveal the same pair of crystal blue eyes that I meet earlier this evening. 

"What are you doing here?" I asked in a surprised tone as it made no sense. I told Grace to tell him that I would call him later right? 

"What are you doing here?" he repeated my question with a confused look, causing me to frown.

"Haha, very funny. Come on in, Grace must have given you my address." I replied and turned around to go inside, "I just ordered take out and FYI, I'm so not sharing it with you. I know you just had dinner with Gra--" I stopped talking and turned around to find him leaning against my door with a huge sexy smirk plastered on his face. 

"What?" 

"Hello to you too, neighbour." 

Nooooo! 

No fucking way!