Once the sun had set completely, they concluded their work, and Zai and I packed up to leave. Neither Valin nor RJ bothered to say goodbye—they just moved on to playing an online game together.
"See? Wouldn't you have rather stayed home?" Zai asked as soon as we were alone in the car.
"I like watching you all get so excited about your work, even if I can't understand everything. Sure, it's quiet most of the time, and my butt is numb from sitting, but I don't regret coming with you," I reassured him with a smile.
Zai's expression looked displeased, but he didn't say anything. That's really not like him... Since he still seemed grumpy even after we got home, I took the opportunity to flirt:
"Are you in a bad mood because you had to keep your hands off me all day?"
His cheeks reddened, and he looked at me in shock. I guess I don't say things like that often. He started to reply, but then there was a knock at our door.
"That's weird... did you order anything?"
"It's that girl... the one from the bar," Zai said, staring at the door.
Oh! It must be Lisa! I opened the door and started speaking,
"Why didn't you call if you were coming—!?" But the person standing there was Sarai.
"Um... why are you here?"
"I'm sorry... I went through Lisa's work files to find your address."
My heart panicked—and not in a good way for once.
"That's... illegal, I'm pretty sure."
"He won't call me back!" she screamed in her defense. "Is your brother here?" She barged in and began looking around. Clearly, she does not realize the kind of danger she's in right now. Even I could be a threat if she pushes me too far.
"No, but I'll tell RJ to call you..." I assured, reaching out to pat her shoulder—but she turned to me in confusion.
"Not him... your younger brother."
...Valin?!
"What?! Why are you looking for him?" I glanced at Zai, who was watching us both with his arms folded.
"I... just need to see him..." She was fidgeting, face flushed, and even sweating. Like an addict going through withdrawals...
"Oh... so you hooked up with both of them..." I muttered. As I spoke, it felt like the room was spinning.
"If that's the problem, tell Valin it meant nothing! He was a rebound at first, but I wasn't just using him! I really like him... so I just need him to talk to me, please... I'm sorry. I should go."
Her eyes were flooded with tears, and then she ran out, slamming the door behind her.
THE HECK?!Where does Valin find the time to be with all these women?! In less than a week, it's been three already! Is he a Casanova?!Remembering how he used to look at me... if he looked at all these other women the same way, then there's no way they could have resisted. I feel really annoyed just thinking about it. It took more self-restraint to resist strangling her than I'd like to admit.
A few seconds later, there was another knock at the door. Once again, it was her—this time with a gas station receipt and a phone number hastily written on it.
"Just... so you can call me if he stops by..." she said.
I took the paper from her and watched as she got into her car and left for good.
I should... talk to Valin.
Lisa's Date (Her POV)
I'm so excited! It's been so long since I've been interested in a guy. I was a little tipsy when we met, so I hope I'm remembering our chemistry right... and I hope he still likes me now that I'm sober.
My phone began vibrating on my makeup vanity. When I saw it was him, I couldn't answer fast enough.
"Hello..." My voice cracked a little from nerves. I'm so embarrassed—I hope he didn't notice.
"Hi... I just pulled up. Are you ready?"
He's here?!
"Yeah! I'll be there soon, just a sec!" I replied, hastily applying lipstick and spraying perfume before rushing downstairs. My heels were by the door, so I slipped them on, then opened it, trying to pretend I wasn't out of breath.
"Let's go!" I shouted.
He was on my porch, dressed in a dark green tuxedo, holding a bouquet of gardenias. His hair was slicked back, and his face showed he was just as nervous as I was.
"I... saw you wearing earrings with this flower, so I thought you might like a bouquet. I would've asked, but I wanted to surprise you," he said, handing them to me.
"Oh... thank you! I love them! No one has ever bought me flowers before!" I admitted, taking a big whiff.
"That's strange... you're so beautiful, and yet no one's thought to bring you flowers?" He looked genuinely confused—and for some reason, that made me blush even more.
"Thank you... for the compliment. Um, come inside for a second. I'm going to put these in water before we go!" I held the door open for him, and he stood in the entryway with his hands in his pockets.
I only remembered him being cute, but... he's sexy as hell! How was I bold enough to flirt with someone who looks like that?!
I searched my kitchen for something to use as a vase and ended up putting the flowers in a glass pitcher. Then I returned to him.
"All ready now! I'll make sure they stay healthy as long as possible!" I declared, saluting him. He tilted his head, confused—then snorted and laughed, covering his mouth.
"You're so weird."
It didn't feel like an insult, so I didn't argue. Then he held the door open for me, and outside I saw his car—a brand-new, bright red sports car. It matched him.
He even held the passenger door open for me. So far, this date was going perfectly.
Until he started driving.
I quickly realized he has a need for speed and treats traffic laws like suggestions! He was smiling the whole time! I'm shocked we didn't get pulled over—or crash.
I was hunched over in the hotel parking lot for ten minutes, trying to stop myself from throwing up. He drives like he's in Fast & Furious! I can't deny he's skilled... but it was terrifying.
Valin was petting my back—maybe trying to comfort me—but I could hear him snickering. Not helpful!
Once I regained my composure, we entered the restaurant: La Maison Rose. I had mentioned it as a joke—I assumed the price would scare him off—but not only did he agree, he got a reservation for the next day! His credibility must be insane.
We entered arm-in-arm. Valin gave his name to the host, visibly tense. He had to force a smile, and I could feel him shaking. He only relaxed once we were seated.
"Are you okay?" I whispered.
"Oh yeah... fine. What are you getting?" he asked quickly, changing the subject.
"I'm thinking the lamb! My friend came here two years ago and still raves about it."
He smiled softly. "Then I'll try that too."
I moved my chair to sit beside him instead of across.
"They pair wines here to match the food."
He glanced at me. His gold-green eyes sparkled in the dim light, and he smiled, placing his hand on mine.
"I don't drink alcohol."
I gasped—mostly because of the touch.
"That's fine, totally fine! They have non-alcoholic options too, no worries!" I blurted, grabbing a piece of the socca the server had left and stuffing it in my mouth to calm down.
"So... how long have you been writing songs?" he asked, still looking at me with those perfect eyes.
I was wrong—he's both cute and sexy. Cute things are my weakness. Why are his lashes longer than mine?!
"I've been writing songs for as long as I can remember. They started off as poems when I was bored. Then I met a friend who added melodies and helped me realize they were songs all along. I'd sing them in my head but never out loud. I'm an awful singer—people would tell me to shut up before I got two notes out."
Valin laughed. "Wow, that's harsh!" He laughed harder, eyes closed, and I admired how comfortable he was with me.
"I want to hear you sing now," he added.
I shook my head. "Absolutely not! You'll hate it!"
"That's not true... plus, I'm a pretty decent vocal coach. If you want to get better, I can help."
I perked up and leaned closer. "Really?! You're not lying, right?"
"No... I wouldn't lie to you."
I had never considered training before.
"I could kiss you right now!" I blurted—then immediately regretted how loud I said it.
Our server, Adam, returned. "Are you ready to order?"
Valin bit his lip, his leg bouncing under the table. He was clearly uncomfortable with strangers.
"We're both having the lamb, and we'll take whatever sides are recommended," I said.
"And the wine?"
"Oh... a bottle of the non-alcoholic pairing, please."
He nodded and left. I sighed in relief.
"How about... when we're done eating, we just go back to my place, watch a movie, and get to know each other?"
Valin sighed too. "Okay..." His voice sounded relieved.
After we ate, I asked for the bill.
"I am," Valin said when asked who was paying. He signed the receipt and left a generous tip. We packed up and headed out.
"Have a nice day," the host said as we left.
Valin glared at him, flipped him off, and walked out.
"What was that for?" I half-whispered, half-yelled.
"I don't know! I panicked! I thought I was doing so well, but I screwed up!"
He looked so distraught that I kissed his cheek to calm him.
"You get a 9/10—that's still an A."
He looked at me, the tension fading from his face as he smiled. "That's a relief."
"I'll bump it to 9.5 if you let me drive us home," I added. I really didn't want to relive his need for speed.
He laughed. "Will I lose a point if I call you a coward?"
I laughed back. "Yeah, definitely. Maybe even two points."
Valin rolled his eyes and reluctantly handed me the keys. I kissed his cheek again to thank him, and he rewarded me with another shy grin.