23.

"And you are looking extra pretty because?"

Ayesha smiled at Joseph through the mirror as she struggled to get the hoop of her earrings through her ear.

"I can say the same to you, already in a suit."

"Sports jacket." He corrected, straightening the lapels of the jacket and adjusting the arms. "I have a date to get to, and I am guessing that is the same thing with you?"

"Not a date."

"Here we go with this nonsense again." Joseph walked over and perched himself on the dressing table, watching her while she applied her lipstick. "You have met him more than five times now, and you still refer to these meetings as "not dates". Do I look like an idiot."

"Joseph," She heaved with exasperation. "Look, you are right. I like him. I do. But he doesn't see me like that. At least, I don't think he does. It's not a date. We enjoy each other's company, that's all."

"If you like him, why don't you go for him."

"What?"

"Are you waiting for him to make a move? You've been interested in other guys in t