Chapter 1
2466 Words
“You’re going out?” Marie asked me when I was in the middle of collecting my things in the locker.
I looked at her and nodded. “Yup,” I replied.
“Evan again?” she asked in a teasing tone.
I frowned at her. Evan and I went out three times and all those times he took me to three different fine dining restaurants—ones I have never tried before.
She giggled. “You seem to be having fun with him,” she commented.
I sighed. “Is it a bad thing?” I asked.
To be honest, I have never been in a relationship before. I grew up in an orphanage where the boys and girls live in two different buildings. So basically, women are all I have ever known in my whole life.
And Evan, he’s new to me. Everything is new to me.
Marie rolled her eyes. She knew my history and my background. I’m sure she remembers that I am new to this.
“Am I dating him?” I asked her.
She scoffed at me and gave me a disgusted look. “Oh, dear, you don’t even know you’re dating him!”
I pouted. “I don’t know how this thing works, Marie. I haven’t been in this position ever in my life. I have never gone out with a man before…” I said shyly.
Marie has a lot of experiences with men. It’s not a secret because she’s been telling me about all of them. She’s adventurous. And she’s knowledgeable with men and dating.
She took a deep breath. “The moment he asked you out on a dinner, it’s already a date!” she told me.
I looked at her, confused. “Really?”
She nodded. “It’s called a dinner date, Ques. Of course, it is s date!” she explained.
“B-but…we’re just…friends…” I said in broken words.
Marie sighed and gave me a tired look. She seemed to be on the edge with explaining these things to me. “Well, it all starts with being friends, dear. So, don’t worry. You’re on the right track…” she told me and then went on to tell me more things about men and dating.
I needed her words because I don’t want to look neophyte in front of Evan. I have an idea that he’s an expert on this so I don’t want him to be disappointed when he knew that this is my first time.
My phone beeped and it was Evan, telling me that he’s already waiting in the parking lot.
Marie wriggled her brows and gave me a meaningful smile. “Go and do what I told you to do,” she told me and I nodded.
“Thank you, Marie,” I told her. “See you tomorrow!”
She smiled widely at me and nodded. “See you! Enjoy!”
***
Evan was smiling widely at me as he leaned on his car with his arms crossed against his chest. He’s wearing a simple white tee, a pair of black short and topsiders.
I smiled because he looked good. “Hi,” I awkwardly greeted him.
He smiled and unraveled his hands on his chest. He stood straight and nodded at me. “Hello,” he replied in a low baritone. “Are you ready?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes.”
Last night, he told that he’ll bring me to his favorite restaurant. He’s been out of the country for weeks because of his shoots and now that he just came back, he wants to show me his favorite restaurant.
He assisted me to his car before we drove to where his favorite restaurant is. He’s been telling me why it was his favorite and somehow, I grew excited because I feel like I am entering his world for real. I feel like he’s opening his doors for me.
We drove for almost an hour until we reached a Chinese restaurant. He led me inside as we were greeted by the receptionist who also showed us to a vacant table. She gave us the menu and told us to just call her when we’re ready to order.
I gulped. This is my first time eating in a Chinese restaurant. I looked at Evan who’s so relaxed as he read through the menu. He seemed comfortable here so the food must be nice.
In the end, I let him order for us because I don’t know what food is good.
“Did you practice?” he asked me as we were waiting for our orders.
I smiled and nodded. “We have another competition coming up. It’s in New York next month,” I started. “Miss Helenes wants us our performances to be as polished as possible because the winner will get a contract for an international ballerina tour.”
Evan nodded, seemingly impressed. “Wow. I’m sure your own choreography will get you to the top,” he said, seemingly sure of what he just said.
I smiled shyly. I actually like that he believes in me more than I actually believe in myself. It makes me feel like I wouldn’t do anything wrong while he’s believing in me.
“When is the competition? Maybe I can accompany you…” he said.
My lips parted. “It’s still next month. You don’t have to—”
“But I want to watch you impress all the judges.” He smiled and reached for my hand over the table.
I stilled with our contact. His thumb caressed the back of my hand and I couldn’t help but feel the butterflies in my stomach.
Evan’s eyes became more serious. His sharp jawline moved like he just gritted his teeth. “Quessandra, I like you. I like you so much. I wanna be your boyfriend…”
My eyes widened and my jaw literally dropped with what he just said. He wants to be my boyfriend? But we only dated for a few times!
He let out a deep breath. “Look, I know it’s too sudden but I don’t want to spend more time in the agony of waiting. I want you and you’re here now. Please, be my girlfriend…” he said in a pleading tone.
I bit my lip. Am I ready for this?
“Evan…” I called him and he smiled at me.
He sighed. “It’s okay if you don’t want to be mine now—”
“Yes.” I cut him off.
He looked at me with narrowed eyes. “Yes?”
A huge smile slowly formed in the corner of my lips. I nodded. “Yes.”
“Yes!” he shouted and even pumped his fist in the air. “Yes!” he yelled even louder making other people look at us in confusion.
Evan stood up and leaned in front of me, capturing my lips with his. “Thank you. Thank you, Quessandra!” he whispered after the kiss.
I swallowed. My heart is beating really fast because of our sudden kiss. I didn’t expect that but then he leaned again and gave me a deeper kiss making me lose my senses.
“I love you,” he whispered.
I smiled and nodded. “I love you, too.”
***
Months quickly passed by. Evan and I were happy together. He just launched his first movie and I was there for him. However, he couldn’t make me his date for the premier night because he’s supposed to escort his female lead.
But nonetheless, I am happy and very excited for him. His career is starting to go the way he wants it to and so is mine.
I won three ballet competitions and that made me buy a bigger apartment for me. I also quit my side jobs because I want to focus on ballet. Evan was supportive of my ballet journey as well. He even flew from Los Angeles to New York just to watch me.
“Hey,” Marie called me when she saw me checking my phone. We’re on a break so I wanted to text Evan.
“Hi,” I replied. “What’s up?”
Marie giggled. “Chesca is talking about her new boytoy,” she beamed. “I think this one’s hot.”
I nodded, not really interested.
“Tsss…” Marie rolled her eyes. “I know you have your hot and famous Evan Mendez. You don’t have to rub it in my face!”
I laughed and shook my head. “You’re gonna find your own hot man,” I assured her.
She sighed dreamily. “I hope that man breaks up with Melissa and choose me.”
I looked at her. “Have you seen him?” I asked.
She nodded enthusiastically. “Miller Compton, CEO of the Compton Banks. He’s one of the hottest bachelors in Chicago together with his cousins,” she said in a very animated way.
I shrugged and then a message from Evan came in.
Evan:
Babe, I’m in an emergency shoot. I can’t fetch you today. Call me once you’re safe home.
I sighed and just typed Okay and Take care.
I let it go because it is needed for his work. He’s been busy these past few days but I can see that he’s happy because of what’s happening in his career. He’s been waiting for a big break and now that he got it, I don’t want to be the one who keeps him from reaching his dreams.
“Oh…looks like boyfriend is not here today,” Marie said and smiled meaningfully. “Wanna go out and hang?”
I sighed and shook my head. “I need to go home after this. I have to do the laundry.”
She frowned at me. “Quessandra, you’re not rat poor now. You can pay for the dry cleaning services on the ground floor of your apartment building. Come on!”
I rolled my eyes and just nodded. “Okay. Fine.”
Marie smiled and pumped her fist. “Yes!” she beamed. “Chesca is bringing her luxury boy tonight so we’ll meet him!”
***
We opted to go to Berkshire because we didn’t want to go to somewhere crowded and noisy. Berkshire was quieter than the rest of the bars so we decided to just stay there while we relax after a tiring day in the studio.
Lyndon and Marie were bickering on the table while Chesca was busy with her phone. Maybe she’s texting someone. Maybe her new boytoy as what Marie referred to him.
Chesca isn’t really the most demure but she’s kinder than the others. To be honest, she and Marie were one of the best examples that not all the women who loves play and pleasure are heartless and not friendly.
Although I’m not really close to Chesca, I think she’s kind enough to be close to Marie.
“Is he coming?” Marie asked Chesca with a teasing tone.
Chesca rolled her eyes. “He’s on his way.”
I nodded and Marie just smirked.
Lyndon nudged me. “Hey, you want some drink?” he asked me with a smile.
I nodded. Lyndon is one of the few boys in the dance studio. He’s not into ballet so he’s on another floor, learning hiphop and modern dances. He’s close to Marie and I think they have something. Marie wouldn’t tell me, though.
“Here,” he gave me a glass of blue drink. “That’s non-alcoholic.”
I smiled and nodded. “Thanks.”
I took a sip before hearing Chesca call a familiar name. “Miller!” she beamed at the entrance before running towards a man wearing a black sweatshirt and a pair of faded jeans.
I narrowed my eyes at the man who kissed Chesca on the lips. He seemed familiar? I feel like I have seen him somewhere.
My eyes widened when I realized where I saw him. He’s that man! He’s the man in the Chinese restaurant who dumped a girl!
Shit!
Chesca pulled him towards our table and I could hear Marie giggle softly beside me. The man—Miller—narrowed his eyes at me when he saw me. I can see how his jaw clenched as he looked away.
“Hey, guys! This is Miller, my boyfriend…” Chesca introduced.
I pursed my lips in a thin line. I just nodded and gulped the whole drink while Chesca let Miller sit in between us. I immediately moved away.
I could only remember what this man did to the lady he was with. From the looks of it, I know that he has no intentions on being serious with a girl.
He’s handsome, tall and his body is something all the girls would dream about. I know because every woman wants my boyfriend because he is all that.
I’m just thankful that he’s not like Miller who’s…a playboy.
Chesca started opening a conversation where Miller could join in. Marie and Chesca were the only talkative ones though. Marie also tried to hold a conversation with Miller but he seemed uninterested.
Rude, I thought.
I stood up and excused myself to go to the comfort room. The atmosphere is eerie. Lyndon and I were just focused on our drinks because Miller’s presence seemed to be overpowering.
Well, he’s the CEO of a huge chain of banks. He’s definitely more intense than any other boys Chesca dated.
I washed my hands and started to walk out of the rest room when I saw Miller who’s about to enter the men’s rest room. He stopped when he saw me and smirked.
I narrowed my eyes at him and pouted. What does he want?
“Hi…” he said in a playful tone.
I pursed my lips in a thin line and willed myself to not slap him now, I hate his air. I hate his face. Damn it! I just met him and I already hate him!
He chuckled lowly when he noticed that I wasn’t responding to him. “I’m Miller. What’s your name?” he asked.
I furrowed my brows. “Look, I don’t like you for Chesca.” He’s only going to hurt her like what I saw him do to the girl in the restaurant.
He c****d his head to the side and raised his brow. “Really?”
I clenched my fists. “Yes. You’re a playboy. I saw what you did to that woman in the restaurant and I don’t want you doing that to Chesca, too,” I said in gritted teeth.
He looked at me with a smile forming on his lips. “Baby, you don’t even know me. It’s unfair to judge me just because you saw me end a relationship.”
My eyes widened.
Did he just call me…fuck! What an asshole!
He smirked as he stepped closer to me. I stepped away with every advance he took until my back was on the cold wall. His eyes bore into mine as he trapped me in between his hands.
My heart raced fast as I felt him leaning closer to me.
“I-I have a boyfriend!” I spat.
He chuckled. “I know. Do you think I care?” he whispered in a husky voice that sent tingles down my spine.
My throat ran dry and my head seemed to be in a haywire. Damn! I should have gone home and done my laundry!
“Baby, don’t worry. I’m going to break up with your friend tonight.” His voice was so soft but it had so much impact in me. “I don’t need to play now. I have found who I want, Quessandra,” he finished.
My eyed widened as I saw him smiling at me.
How did he f*****g know my name?!
- Writer
