Chapter Twenty One
620 Words
"There is nothing for me to do" Arabelle sipped on her coffee looking out the window and taking a bite of her cake.
"Arabelle?" She snapped her eyes up, startled to see the man in front of her. A familiar set of eyes looked down at her. She looked at him and soon came to the realization of who he was. He was Archer's cousin, Antonio. The very time she met him was at a family gathering last year. Archer's sister introduced him that night.
"Oh, hello" She greeted in a low voice. Unsure what to say.
"May I?" She nodded as he grabbed the chair after asking and sat down in front of her.
"I did not expect to meet Archer's girlfriend at a place like this," she frowned.
"Oh, it is near the office buildings. I didn't know you worked in such a busy area," she smiled, nodding, putting her head down as nerves hit her. Her shyness was obvious to him. "I take it that you don't talk much?" Sure enough, he was intimidating and his presence was very much obvious, like every other family member of Archer's. They had this sura around them. Not rich, but dangerous.
"Oh, no. I just-" She paused looking at him.
"Your order sir" The waiter settled a cup of coffee in front of him, breaking the tension between them.
" Do you work nearby?" She asked.
He pointed up to the ceiling and she frowned. "My office is on the 6th floor of this building, I run a small company up there"
His words were simple and soft, he seemed nice. But that night when Archer saw him talking to her he was very angry. Perhaps they just didn't like each other? Everyone has their favorites and hated cousins. She nodded, understanding how they met, although it was highly unlikely.
"Where do you work now? I suppose you are done with your university?" She nodded smiling lightly.
"It's not far from here," he smiled, taking a sip of his coffee.
"I heard Archer is out of town, are you delaying your wedding?" she shook her head.
"No - there is no need for that, he will be back before next month," Antonio stared at her as she nervously sipped on her coffee. Occasionally looking outside, down at the passing cars, trying her best to avoid his gaze.
"Hmm, I hope so too. how are you doing these days?"
"Very well, thank you. I hope you are doing well?" he gave her a small smile, nodding.
"Being with Archer could be tough ya? He hardly talks or shows any emotions. He doesn't like spicy food or junk food"
That is the exact opposite of what Archer was. She was confused about Antonio but figured they didn't know him well. Archer never mixed up with his family. She blushed, the thought that only she knew how he really was. She decided to keep it to herself.
"No, it's not," she replied. The thought of him talking about Archer like that irritated her. Although Antonio was more than sweet to her. Something just didn't feel right when he tried to talk about Archer's childhood and talk about how quiet he was.
"What's wrong? I am sorry, did I offend you?"
She bites her lips, shaking her head. "No, um, it's just, it feels like you don't get along with him very much," he looked down, nodding.
"Ya, we don't see eye to eye," she nodded.
"Let me drop you home," he asked as they stood up to leave. She frowned, shaking her head, but before she could decline, he insisted.
"I insist. Please" She couldn't decline him, she didn't want to offend him.
- Writer
