Sitting opposite Ethan and beside Nicole, Valerie kept toying with the plate of pasta with her cutlery. She was too nervous to eat. I mean, who wouldn't be when she's sitting with her boss, who couldn't stop stealing glances at her. Likewise, she felt like she was going to choke each time she tried to eat. Nicole noticed how she was toying with the food. “Hey, Val. What the heck is wrong with you? Why aren't you eating?”
Valerie turned to him swiftly, smiling nervously. “Toying with the food? Of course not. I'm eating”.
“Valerie, how dare you think of lying to me? Have you forgotten that I know you even more than you know yourself? Is there anything bothering you? You can tell me, doll” Nicole patted her hair, and Ethan glared at Nicole. If the eyes were a gun, he would have shot Nicole dead with his eyes.
Valerie saw how Ethan stared at Nicole. She slapped Nicole's hand, and rolled her eyes. “What's wrong with you, Nick? Don't you have a jet lag? You should go home”.
Without hesitation, Ethan, whose food was still untouched, sprang up from the chair. “Let's go, Nicole. Miss Valerie, you can find your way back home, can't you? Or maybe one of the drivers can take her home”.
“Yes…”
“No”
Valerie agreed immediately, while Nicole disagreed. They exchanged glances at each other before Nicole spoke up. “You know what? I think you should go, Ethan. Valerie came all the way to the airport just because of me. It's inconsiderate of me to leave my friend who I haven't seen for a long time”.
“Uhm… I don't… I mean, it's alright, Nick. Likewise, I can get home on my own” Valerie bit her lower lip.
“Must you go with her? She's my employee. Why don't I take her home instead? You should be tired” Ethan snapped, and Nicole scoffed at him.
“Why should I leave my doll under your care, Ethan? You are just her employer, but she's my little doll. I can't leave her with a stranger like you, right, doll?” Nicole kissed her forehead, and Valerie almost choked.
Valerie smacked his shoulder. “You…”
“What are you saying, Nicole? What makes you think that she's safe with you but unsafe with me? Who do you think you are to Valerie?” Ethan fumed.
Shocked, Valerie turned to Ethan. When did he become too informal with her? He had always called her “Miss Watson or Miss Valerie”. Why is he suddenly calling her Valerie?
Nicole scoffed. “I don't care who you are to her, brother. I just want you to know that she is my doll. She has always been”.
With that, Nicole grabbed her wrist. Valerie turned to Ethan, who was looking outraged. “Nick, stop it. Stop provoking him, and he's right, you should go home. You just came back, I shouldn't bother you”.
“I don't care if you bother. Actually, I don't see it as a bother. I'll see Grandma later. Let's go, doll” Nicole stormed out of the restaurant, dragging Valerie along with him.
“Dammit!”
Ethan banged his fist on the table, fuming in annoyance. Dan, his assistant, quickly rushed to him. “President, is anything the matter?”
“Is anything the matter? Indeed! You jerk, didn't you see him walk out of the f****** door with her?” Ethan freaked out.
Dan stared at him confused. “Who is he?”
“Get the hell out of my sight. In fact, I want to get out of here. Let's go!” Ethan turned to leave.
“Sir, you didn't pay for the food” The waitress rushed to him. Ethan glared at her as though she were the one who dragged Valerie with her. He took out of his suit pocket a credit card.
“You can keep the card!” He slammed the glass door as the frightened lady gasped.
Dan paused, and turned to the lady. “There's more than enough money on the credit card, it can cover the loses”. On saying that, he rushed off too.
“What a bad-tempered man! He's too handsome to be this hotheaded” She cried out.
Meanwhile, Nicole ignited the car and turned to Valerie. He could see the look on her face, and figured out she was mad at him. “The seatbelt, doll”
“Whatever” Valerie mumbled as she put on the seatbelt, still fuming.
“Really? When are you going to stop being angry with me? I mean, I didn't do anything wrong. I just wanted to be the one to take you home, I could figure out that you weren't comfortable with him” Nicole replied, and Valerie sighed.
“He is still my boss. Do you really want me to lose my job? How could you provoke someone who I'm working for? I can't believe you, Nicole” Valerie snapped.
Nicole sneered, and said. “If that's the only reason why you are worried, then you have nothing to worry about, doll. If this is about getting a job, I can get you a paying job”.
“You scum! Who the f*** do you think you are? Just shut up already”.
Nicole winked at her. “Are we cool now? Let's go get some cones of ice cream, doll”.
“By the way, I'm still confused. How did you turn out to be the grandson of the Miller's family?” Valerie narrowed her eyes as they got down from the car and strolled down the street.
Nicole sighed, and held her hand. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth. Actually, my Mom and Ethan's Dad are actually siblings. Being brought up by a single mother, life wasn't so easy. They've always expected me to be the perfect son. I wanted to study music, but my Mom and Grandma wanted me to work in the family's company”.
“So you ran out of the house just because you would rather not do what they wanted?” Valerie asked.
“Yeah! But I'm back now. I'm not going anywhere anymore, doll. There is no way I'm leaving you behind again” Nicole hugged her.
“Ice cream, Nick!” Valerie pointed at the ice cream parlor.
They walked into the ice cream parlor, holding hands.
“What's your favorite flavor, doll? Is it still vanilla?” Nicole asked, and Valerie nodded her head. “Yes, it doesn't change. Chocolate for you, right?”
“Yes, doll”
The ice cream man stared at them, and chuckled. “Is she your girlfriend? You both are adorable”.
Nicole smiled, and replied. “Yes”
“No” Valerie snapped at the same time.