Rita’s POV
“Hello beautiful” He smiled widely.
“Hi” I replied, I didn’t know why I also beamed though. It was as if I was happy to see him.
Unexpectedly, he hugged me.
We have never exchanged pleasantries this way. I know it’s normal to greet people by embracing them. I have hugged Adam and few other male colleagues but hugging Finn felt a little strange - different.
“You look ravishing!” He complimented and my cheeks reddened.
“So come with me” He curved his elbow, I interlocked my arm with his and he led me to his car, helped me sit comfortably before he moved on to the driver’s seat.
Somehow, it was beginning to look like we were couple and I felt like I was cheating on Zane but just this once please.
Finn and I had a deal, a deal is a deal. Though, I enjoyed every interactions I have had with Finn and I really wanted to have this date with him. Through the corner of my eyes, I noticed he stole glances at me via the rear mirror. I tried as much not to blush but I couldn’t.
We arrived at a very expensive restaurant, one could easily tell through the grandeur of its exterior. The moment we stepped inside, the air was filled with an aura of elegance and sophistication.
He held my hand and led me to a crystal glass table for two which sparkled under the gentle glow of the chandeliers.
The soft lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere as we settled down. Despite the lavishness of the surroundings, the air created comfort and intimacy.
Finn held my both hands on the table, while we sat opposite each other, he squeezed them lightly. He was being all sweet and romantic to me like he was aware of my weak point, which was physical touch.
“You look so beautiful today” He smiled, admiring me only by staring deep into my eyes. I didn’t realized I was engrossed with his look too until my eye lashes blinked involuntarily.
I didn’t want to compliment him too, so I said something entirely different.
“Uhm Finn” I cleared my throat awkwardly, releasing my hands from him. “Thank you so much for coming to my parent’s house. You do not know how much it meant to me, you’ve literally covered up so many upcoming situations” I said.
“Ugh Rita! You have thanked me a million times already. Do not mention, okay?”
“And you have told me that I look so beautiful a zillion times!”
“But you have never stopped looking beautiful, I have never seen the ugly side of you ever since I set my eyes on you. Therefore, I have to keep on complimenting you” He’s got sugarcoated tongue and the flatter got me.
“Thank you” I smiled.
“Also…” He gazed at my cleavage and took his eyes off immediately. “I never knew you were this curvy. Why then wear a baggy cooperate outfit to hide the shape?”
“Ugh, never judge a book by its cover” I rolled my eyes.
“Oh well, I want the book without the cover” He blurted out.
“Huhhh???”
“Huh?” He exclaimed too. “Err.. I’m sorry …uhm that’s a slip of the tongue”
“It should be” I rolled my eyes again.
“I’m happy you’re having this date with me” He said, wanting to intertwine his fingers with mine again but I withdrew.
“You took someone’s girlfriend out on a date dude! We’d better know what we’re doing” I mumbled and he chuckled.
My phone suddenly chimed, I knew right away that it was Zane. Oops! I had told him I was about to have a shower and it looks like I’m not done showering.
I turned the phone down, making the screen face the table, soon it stopped ringing.
“Errr..” I cleared my throat awkwardly.
“Pick up your phone” Finn permitted.
“I want to but I don’t want to” I gasped.
Finn already knows I have Zane but Zane doesn’t know I have Finn. He’s not aware of how intimate Finn and I are.
I know if I pick up the phone, I would have to talk to Zane at length enough like we usually do.
“It’s my boyfriend, Zane. I will reach out to him later” I told Finn.
“Okay!” Finn said.
“There’s a menu right in front of you” He picked up the other menu and ticked his order.
“I’ld like anything at all” I responded restlessly without taking a look at the menu list.
“What do you mean anything at all? This is not just an ordinary date and we are not at the office restaurant remember?” He chided me calmly.
I picked up the Menu list reluctantly and skimmed through it. From succulent seafood to perfectly cooked steaks, every item on the menu promised an explosion of flavors that would dance on our taste buds. Ah Good! my second Favorite meal was on the list, I chose it.
The waiter approached our table to take our orders.
My phone suddenly buzzed again, Finn looked at the phone and gestured to me to pick it up.
“Err.. okay, give me a second” I took the phone and hurried to the bathroom, following the directions.
When I got to the bathroom and finally looked at the phone screen, it was actually Evelyn not Zane.
I heaved a heavy sigh of relief. She called again just in time..
“Hello Evelyn” I almost screamed into the phone.
“You don’t wanna pick up my calls!” she yelled back.
“Your call made me so nervous and uneasy girl! Why did you call?”
“We didn’t get to conclude about the party I’m planning for Adam!”
“Oh that” “That is why you called? I’m in the middle of something really serious yet interesting ”
“What? What the hell is that?” She screamed, more like she had a dirty mindset.
“I’ll tell you everything tomorrow. And bye, do not call my phone any moment from now on” I warned and hung up the call.
At this critical moment; whenever my phone rings, the heart beats hundred times faster.
I exhaled deeply, I do not only feel relieved but the spirit of fear and guilt welled up in me.
“Calm down Rita” I talked to myself while I stood in front of the mirror, inhaling and exhaling three good times.
I rubbed my face lightly, in a way that it won’t ruin my make up, then I puffed out.
I was prepared to return to Finn when my phone suddenly rang again.
“For Pete’s sake Evelyn! I told you not to call …” I exclaimed before looking at the caller ID.
But It wasn’t Evelyn this time but Zane, at last! He called me!!!
****
To Be Continued