The Unexpected Best Friends

Chapter 12 – Crybaby

“I didn’t realize you’re a crybaby.” The moment he said it, tears came to her eyes again. s**t, that wasn’t his intention. He was hoping for the opposite.

“I didn’t mean it that way. I was just teasing you so you’ll stop crying.” He wiped her tears again.

“Thank you.” She stated in a meek tone.

“Should I drive you home? You’re uncomfortable here, aren’t you?”

“Is that okay?” She really doesn’t want to stay at this club any longer.

Dave sighed. “You could’ve told me before. I wouldn’t have insisted on dragging you here.”

“I couldn’t… and I don’t want to hurt your feelings. I know how much you treasure this place. It’s a really nice place to have a good time. Just… not for me. Not anymore.”

He stared at her for a minute or so. “If those people haven’t recognized you, do you think you would have enjoyed your stay?”

“Of course. The reason why I stayed away from the places I used to frequent is because those people don’t want to believe that I actually wanted to change and that I can. They keep reminding me who I was and that’s not… good. Some of them wants me to mess up, telling me to just give it up and… go back to my old ways. It was difficult. Sometimes, I even doubt myself. Can I really do this? For how long can I keep this up before I slip? I want people to see me…. the one that I am now. Not who I was.” She ended her statement with a frustrated sigh. Her expression shows her feeling of defeat.

Dave reached out and touched her chin. “Chin up. You’re doing well. Don’t let anyone stop you.”

“Am I?” She appreciates his support and kind words.

In response, he simply kissed her.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you home.” They stood up and he noticed the way she looked at the door with trepidation. Beyond that door, there are people who might mock her just like earlier.

“Just stay beside me.” He told her and she wrapped her arms in one of his. Eventually, they held hands.

When he opened the door, he checked the hallway first. Good news, no guys in sight but there were a handful of women. He’s now questioning his choices. Why did he put his office at the farthest room?

As they walked, the women turned towards them. He noticed how a couple of them seem to recognize Ella. He wasn’t wrong. One of them called out to her.

“Ella! Long time no see. I thought the guys were joking when they said they saw you. What are you wearing?”

“She might have forgotten that this is a club, not the library. I heard from my aunt that you frequent the library now.” The other woman added.

Dave couldn’t tell what their expressions mean, but their words sounded mocking to his ears.

“How long has it been? Where are your sexy numbers?” The first woman chuckled, “I couldn’t believe you’re actually wearing these kinds of clothes. Aren’t you uncomfortable?”

He couldn’t tell if there’s real concern there or none. “Excuse us. We’re leaving.”

The second woman nudged the other. “Why are you guys together? Oh, are you trying to seduce the owner of the club by looking tame? That’s a level up, but I don’t think that’s going to work.”

Ella remained silent. Whatever she says, they won’t believe her anyway. They can think whatever they like.

That’s it. He’s sure now. Dave glared at them. Not just the two women who were speaking, but the others as well who seem to be snickering.

“She’s my girlfriend. There’s no seduction involved. I like her this way. Now, let us through.” As much as he wanted to yell at them, he can’t. They’re still customers.

They did, however, made way for them and he pulled Ella onwards. Down the first floor, he saw heads turning in their direction as they showed up. There’s a couple of wolf-whistle and he tried to pinpoint which bastard did it. It’s nothing new in his club, but he never cared before.

Ella pushed him forward when he stopped. “Let’s just go. Please.”

He pulled his arm from her hold, startling her. Seeing the blood draining from her face, he knew he scared her. He merely wanted to wrap her in his arms, let them see that she’s with him and that he’s protecting her. He doesn’t know how else he’s going to make that kind of statement without yelling.

Shouting at his customers would be bad for business. Some of them did get his unspoken message, so he was satisfied. He took Ella outside and he took his sweet time walking through the dance floor. Let them see who she’s with. He’d like to see who would dare talk s**t about her inside his club.

Jamie watched the whole thing happen and her lip twitched. Well, the secret must be out. She could guess where they’re going. She hoped things remain the same between them. Ella seemed… genuinely changed. Well, it took her what? Four… five months?

She expected to continue seeing her after that incident with Daniel, but she was nowhere to be seen after that. Now, she knew why.

After they left, she observed the people’s reaction. It would seem only a few understood Dave’s intention, the others still talked about her in a rude manner. She sighed. She doesn’t want Ella to hear those.

She imagined herself standing up and berating all of them. It made her chuckle. It can only happen in her head, never in real life. She doesn’t have that much courage. Also, she might end up being mocked, too. Sighing, she could almost hear their stupid logic. Friends with a b***h? You a b***h, too? They won’t even remember what she says. That folks, is the reality of empty-headed people.