Jake Harry was already giving off the exact kind of vibe I wanted. By the time the second round of plates arrived, the ones he ordered, he'd brushed his fingers over my cheek for the fifth time since we got to the fancy restaurant. Every time his colored eyes locked with mine, I lost control.
There was a thrill in it, the kind that made my heartbeat race. Watching him felt like everything I'd ever need.
Normally, I didn't eat much, but with him, it was different. Somehow, Jake made me want to chew, gulp, and actually enjoy the meal.
He'd told me earlier about his mother, a woman who'd had him young, a single mother who'd run away from her hometown when his biological father threatened to kill her and the unborn baby if she didn't abort. My heart ached for him. She had gone through hell raising him, doing menial jobs and living off the streets.
Unlike him, my life was a world apart. I'd never worked for anything. I was born with a silver spoon, no, a golden platter. I pitied Jake. He had lived rough; I hadn't.
"I'm so sorry… for everything you had to endure," I said softly.
He smiled faintly, shaking his head. "You don't have to be. I'm glad our paths crossed. I'm glad I met someone as kind as you. You deserve everything good, Mabel."
I smiled, heart fluttering. Honestly, I knew exactly what I wanted, and it was him.
When I glanced at my wristwatch, I realized we'd been there for almost two hours. Still, I didn't want to leave. I loved his presence, his voice, his eyes, everything.
"Do you live with your mother?" I asked. "I'd love to visit. To meet her."
Jake leaned in with that charming smirk of his. "Yeah, we live together. She'd be very happy to meet you." He spoke between bites, still chewing.
"What about you?" he asked suddenly. "Your parents? We haven't really talked about you."
I sipped my wine before answering. "My mother's gone. Died in a car accident when I was still a teenager. I never really had a mother figure, but I always wanted one."
He nodded slowly, listening as I continued. "I've always tried to make my family proud, especially my dad. I work a lot because I made a promise never to fail. I'm the only child. Twenty-eight years old." I smiled shyly. "How old are you? Hope I'm not being nosy?"
I didn't tell him the truth, that I just wanted to know everything about him.
Jake shook his head, smiling. "No, it's fine. I'm twenty-five."
My eyebrows rose slightly. "Wow, I'm older than you." I laughed lightly, though disappointment tugged at me. Would my age make him see me differently?
He just shrugged. "Age doesn't count."
Something in his tone made my chest tighten. What did he mean by that? Still, I held onto that little spark of hope as he lifted his drink.
"Cheers," he said.
"Cheers," I echoed with a smile, clinking my glass against his. To us, I whispered silently as I took a long sip.
Dinner ended late, and as much as I didn't want to go, I had to. I hadn't even picked my father up from the hospital yet, and guilt began to creep in.
Jake reached into his pocket for his card, but I noticed the frustration on his face when he didn't find it.
Without hesitation, I stepped in. "It's fine. I'll pay."
He looked surprised. "You don't have to—"
"I want to," I said firmly, handing my credit card to the waitress. Moments later, the bill was cleared.
"I'm… I'm so sorry," he muttered, guilt in his tone. "I took you out and didn't even pay. I'm disappointed in myself."
My heart ached. I reached for his hand. "Please don't say that. I don't mind, really. Don't feel bad, okay?"
He nodded, eyes softening.
When I finally got home to the family's country house, my father was still awake, sitting in the living room. The moment he looked up at me, guilt washed over me again. I'd thought about Jake the entire drive home.
I sat beside him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry, Dad. I didn't pick you up like I promised."
His pale face made my chest twist. "I promised I wouldn't fail again, Papa."
He smiled weakly, his hand brushing through my hair the way he always did. "I just wanted a father-daughter drive. But it's alright. There'll be a next time, Mabel. Just make sure you're free that day, okay?"
His voice was weaker now. The illness was getting worse, I could feel it.
"Yes, Dad," I whispered. "I'll make time, no matter what."
He smiled, and I excused myself to wash off my makeup before dinner with him. Even though I was full, I wanted to keep my promise.
As I wiped my face, my phone rang. Jake's name flashed on the screen. My heart jumped.
I answered quickly. "Hello?"
His voice was rushed. "Hi, Ms. Mabel. Please, can you do me a favor?"
My brows furrowed. "Of course. What's wrong?"
"Can you lend me some cash? Please. I'm in desperate need. You're the only person I could think of. Please, help me save Bob."
My heart skipped. Bob. His dog. The one he'd rescued from the streets and loved like family.
"Oh no. What happened?" I stammered.
"When I got home, she was lying unconscious. She needs to see a vet urgently."
"How much?" I asked.
"About a thousand dollars."
I didn't hesitate. "Of course, I don't mind. Send me your account details. I'll transfer it right away. Please take care of her, and I still want to meet her tomorrow. You and your mom, too."
He agreed immediately. "I'll send the details now."
"Okay, I'll be waiting."
After the call ended, I made the transfer. My heart was light as I wrapped my arms around myself, smiling at the thought of him. I couldn't wait to meet his mother, to stand by him, no matter what anyone thought.
Maybe I was crazy, but a part of me was already imagining being his wife. His future.
He wasn't a star yet… but I was determined to make him one.