Eighteen

I tore my eyes away from Hugh, pretending that I didn’t notice him. But, who am I kidding. We locked eyes when I noticed him. I grimaced at that thought and tried to get my attention back to my date.

Robert had started asking me casual questions, which was uncharacteristic of him – based on his past actions. It made me smile that he was trying not to be a douche like last time.

“How long have you been working for you dad?” He asked in interest as the topic shifted from my fascination of the business industry to my work.

“Almost four years from now, I think. I went and work for him after I graduated.” I replied knowingly.

“Was it always your intention to work for your family’s business? Haven’t you thought of working for another company, or creating your own?”

“I’ve always been drilled since I was young that family comes first. Since I’m an only child, it was expected of me to follow the family business. Though I did thought of creating my own business, but since things are already settled – I don’t see it as necessary to start from scratch. But, I would love to know how would that be like…” I trailed off as I tried to picture an image of me making a name for myself. But, it was bleak. My family name would always follow every work I do in public. It was those kind of thing in life that you can’t easily get away.

“Don’t you think that its very controlling for your parents to have your life set up without your knowledge?” He asked thoughtlessly, but then he realized what he had said. “I’m sorry. Forget I just said that…” He apologized softly, his face slight flushed from embarrassment.

“No. Don’t be. I’m glad you can be blunt about it. Some people aren’t very open with their opinion. And, some are just too open…” I replied with a small smile and trailed off as my mind registered the image of Hugh just sitting a few tables down from us.

I snuck a quick peek at his direction, trying to see if he was still there. And, to my dismay, he was. He looked too comfortable in his table as he took small sip of his wine. I noted that he looked like he wasn’t in here to meet someone, which was my initial explanation why he was here.

“How did you get your father to hand you the job as president?” Robert asked, his serious tone breaking out of my trance.

“Ah… that.” I started with a smirk. “My mother wanted him to retire early, which was a shocker. So, I was given the burden a little early than intended. I was supposed to run the company after…” I trailed off as I realized what I was about to say.

“After… what?” Robert probed when I remained silent for a good minute, regarding his curious expression.

“It’s nothing. It’s between my family and I.” I replied secretly, hoping that we wouldn’t ask more on the matter.

Robert understood my lack of response to his question and quickly changed the topic. After a few minutes, the waiter returned and with him was our appetizers. We lightly chatted as we enjoyed out meal.

While we ate, I couldn’t help myself and snuck glances at Hugh’s direction whenever Robert was too oblivious to notice. Hugh looked like he wasn’t anymore spying on us as he ate his meal in concentration. When our main course served, I stopped spying on my nemesis and secretary to concentrate on my date. I felt rude that my attention was elsewhere.

Half way through our meal, I felt someone staring at me. When Robert looked away to call a waiter for another glass of wine, I quickly looked at the direction of the only culprit I know was eavesdropping on me.

Hugh’s eyes locked with mine as I gazed at him. His lip twitched in to grin as he looked at my smugly. He looked even more amused when I rolled my eye. I grimaced in his reaction and tore my eyes from him when I felt Robert looked back at me after his conversation with the waiter.

“Do you want anything, Michelle?” Robert asked kindly, halting the waiter from his retreat to wait for my reply.

“No. I’m good.” I replied with a small smile, nodding at the waiter’s direction to let him go.

“This restaurant is really good. You have a good taste.” Robert remarked when we were alone again.

I smirked at his compliment. “Thank you. Someone actually recommended it for me.” I reply, feeling my lip thinned as my mind trailed towards the very person who suggested this place that was sitting across form us.

Robert raised an eyebrow in question to my expression. I gave him a small smile in response and shook my head, not wanting to explain further. He nodded briefly in understanding and started another topic.

I was lost on our conversation for a while until I had to break it for a short bathroom break. As I made my way towards the direction of the ladies’ toilet room, my mouth thinned into a straight line as I eyed the path I had to go to get there.

Hugh wasn’t looking at my direction when I walked towards him. And, like my eyes had hit him like a dagger, his head snapped in my direction. I saw a faint smile tugging at the end of his lip, but his expression remained indifferent. As I reached his table, I was about to ignore him when I felt a hand gripped my wrist.

“How’s the date?” He asked smugly, his face softened as he looked at me in amusement.

I glared at him and glanced down at his hand that was holding me in place. “Could you let go?” I asked sternly, ignoring his question.

“Don’t be a poor sport, Mitch. If you think I’m here to taunt you, I’m not. I just happened to have dinner in the same place that you are having your date with Mr. Foreign exchange there.” He pointed out, nodding at Robert’s direction.

I felt my lips perked up at his nickname for my date. “Mr. Foreign exchange? Where did that come from?” I asked.

“I read the file before I handed them to you. I know what he is…” He replied with a knowing grin.

I snorted at his arrogance and tugged my arm away from his hold. This made him aware that he still had his hands on me. He looked at me sheepishly, but didn’t apologize.

“Why the heck are you here, Hugh?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

He raised an eyebrow at my tone, but didn’t comment on it. “Like I said…” he started again as he continued to play along.

I glared at him for a second before I glanced back at my table. I mentally sighed in relief that he was seating there with his back on us, seemingly oblivious with Hugh and I talking behind him.

With a resigned sigh, I turned back to Hugh and eyed him bleakly. “Please don’t interfere with my date. You are already putting me on edge just by staring at me.” I warned in a hiss.

Hugh grinned in reply, which made me grimace. “I can’t assure you on not staring though.” He admitted teasingly.

I smack his arm lightly in act of frustration. “Cut it out. I need to go now. And, I’m warning you… just don’t.” I threatened darkly before walking away, not giving him a chance to retort.

After doing my business in the ladies’ room, I sneakily went out of the toilet. I had this dark intuition that something, or rather; someone was waiting outside for me. When I confirmed that no one was going to ambush me, I sighed in relief and stepped out in a confident stride.

As I continued walking back to my table, I stopped for a second as I eyed the back of Hugh’s head. I knew I had to walk back pass him in order to get to my table. It was inevitable in the first place. So, I held my head high and continued walking as I try to ignore him.

When I finally walked pass him, I let out a huge breath that he hadn’t stop me this time. But, that didn’t mean he couldn’t taunt me in any other way.

“Good luck on the rest of the date.” He called, his voice loud enough for anyone in the neighboring table to hear.

I stiffened at his word, but didn’t bother to turn around as I eyed the back of Robert’s head, hoping that he hadn’t heard it. When he remained indifferent in his seat, I continued walking towards the table and ignored the sudden interruption. As I sat back down, I peered towards Hugh direction as I shot him a death glare. I knew he was looking at me in that moment. So, it wasn’t a lost cause that I gave away a little bit of deadly warning with my eyes. But, his smug face only made me huffed in exasperation. He is not going to back down easily.

“Are you okay?” Robert asked as I tore my eyes away from Hugh.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry. I’m not feeling too well at the moment.” I grimace in response. I knew it was unfair for Robert’s sake that I’m in a bad mood. So, with a deep breathe, I tried to cool the nagging irritation at the back of my head.

“Do you want to head back early?” Robert asked softly. His voice had a hint of disappointment to them.

“No! I’m okay. We can still stay for a little bit longer, unless you have other plans for tonight…” I strongly replied, and trailed off as I felt myself blush at what I was pointing out.

Robert smirked at my embarrassment but didn’t comment on it. “Well, if you like, we could go to this pastry shop for dessert.” He offered smoothly.

I regard his words for a second before a smile broke into my stern face. “I would love that.”

“I’m glad that you’re smiling again. You’ve been on edge for awhile now.” He pointed out with an answering smile.

I felt a bead of sweat form in my forehead at what he said. If he finds out that I’ve been on edge because a certain someone is taking my attention away from him, it would not only insult him, but also send an awful message between Hugh and mine’s relationship – for the better word for it.

Not really sure how to respond, I continued to smile at him, my lips quivering as I strained to keep up the enthusiasm. I hope he doesn’t start questioning me about it.

Robert called the waiter for the check, staying true to his words as he takes me to another location for our dessert. When he was done paying, I suggested that we get out quick if we were driving to the location. I knew traffic would be bad around this time in the evening.

As we make out way towards the exit, I kept a hold on Robert’s arm as he looped it around mine, tugging his body slight whenever his line of vision goes towards Hugh. And, before the door behind me close when we head out, I quickly glanced at Hugh one last time, trying to see if he followed us. I breathe a sigh of relief when I saw him still sitting in his table, drinking another glass of wine. He held up the glass towards me in cheers as a way of saying goodbye. I replied with a grimace and an eye roll before looking away from him. He was totally pissing me off.

When we got out of the restaurant, a car had quietly pulled up in front of us, startling me a little. I eyed the slick, silver Audi in surprise.

“The car is here.” Robert announced as he ushered me towards the front passenger seat as a valet got out from the driver’s door.

I silently followed his instruction and got inside the car. When he closed the door behind me, I pulled out my phone and texted Russell that I had a change of plans. Also, I informed him that I would be contacting him if I needed to be picked up, which started to get unlikely if the night went right from here on out.

The drive was short, which made me feel stupid how I insisted that we finished our dinner early. But, from the way Robert’s enthusiasm stayed in place, I had kept silent and tried to will myself to enjoy the night.

The small desert shop was located a block away from the city limit. There were hardly tall buildings surrounding the area, and a few residential building were prominent. When we entered the store, I felt warm as I eyed the comfy pastel color, which was the dominant color of the design. The table and chair are mostly made of wood that was painted in white. There were a few lavender colored couches being placed on the sides, in place of the wood chair form the other table setting.

Robert ushered me towards one of the lavender single couches that was facing each other with a knee high table set between them. I grinned at his choice, loving the atmosphere. He stood in front of me for a second as he asked me what I wanted to eat.

“Do they have Choco-peppermint cupcakes here?” I asked shyly, feeling a hunger for something minty and sweet at the moment.

“I will ask. But if they don’t, what is your plan B?” He nodded with a smirk.

“Nothing goes wrong with Red velvets.” I replied with a grin.

He smiled at my answer and then walked towards the register to get order our dessert. A few minutes, he came back with a tray in hand, with two plates with different dessert and a colored drink, which had me guessing before he pointed it out.

“It’s cucumber lemon.” He said as he placed the drink in front of me.

“Oh. Thank you.” I mouthed softly before getting the drink to give it a little necessary first taste. Though I had drunk this flavor before, there is always a different taste to every store on how the prepared them. And, to my surprise, this drink had topped on my list. “This taste so refreshing.” I remarked as I paused for a second before taking another sip.

“I’m glad you like it. And, here…” He placed a dark colored cupcake in front of me that had a lime green frosting on top, with chocolate chips on the side. “This is your Choco-peppermint cupcake. I’m surprised that they have this here.” He admitted with coyly.

“Yes! Thank you!” I didn’t hesitate as I took one bit, stopping me from bubbling more on how grateful I was for suggesting this tonight.

For the rest of the night, Robert and I had a good laugh as we chatted over our dessert. I didn’t even notice that we were there for almost an hour until he asked me if I was tired. My heart sunk as I glanced at my watch. I don’t want the day to end yet since I was already having fun. But, I remembered that I had work tomorrow morning. So, with resigned sigh, I nodded in reply and asked him to take me back home. He found my response humorous, but didn’t point it out and chucked instead.

When we reached the apartment, I lingered inside his car for a moment as I tried to find my voice to say goodbye. Robert spoke up first, giving me more confidence to say something.

“I had a really good night. Thank you for agreeing to see me.” He said with sincerity.

“I glad you even asked. I had a good time too, thank you.” I replied with a shy smile.

“So, does this mean I can take you out again for another date?” He asked coyly, his cheeks looked slight flushed, but I wasn’t sure from the dim lighted car.

“I think you deserved another one after that desert trick.” I teased lightly, trying to act coolly to calm my frantic heart. I wanted to see him again.

“Well, I will call you tomorrow then.” He beamed. His eyes gleamed in confidence.

“I will be waiting.” I chuckled in reply before I got out of his car.

“Good night, Michelle, and sweet dreams.” He called softly before I closed the door behind me.

I felt my cheek heat up at his words, like some teenager who is experience her first moments with someone she liked. I couldn’t fathom how I was feeling right now, but I’m glad that it was enough to distract me from what had happened earlier in the evening.

As I eyed at Robert’s car speeding away towards the street, my thoughts was slowly being pulled back to reality, like everything I had done with Robert was a dream. And then, his face crossed my mind. It left a bitter after taste on this sweet night.

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A/N: Hey everyone! I had fun writing this chapter. So, much tension and so much meaning behind what is happening between Michelle and Hugh. Anyways, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It feel so short for me. I hardly got to write. *sigh*

Anyways, Have another awesome week and Happy reading!