CHAPTER 8

I couldn't decline his offer even though I really wanted to because the guy displayed that one in a million smile. "Fine. We can go when I get out of this uniform. And for you're own good, I'd let you know before time that Dahlia eats a lot."

He chuckled. "That's fine with me, I eat a lot too so we'd bond faster. I'd also change too, we can meet up at the front in five minutes." He said and walked out. I couldn't help but stare at his gorgeous physique. If he works out a little more, he's gonna reach Ian's level.

So now you're comparing both men.

No. I'm not. I rolled my eyes. Ian was bad news and he didn't deserve Dahlia calling him daddy. I walked over to the dressing room and exchanged my black silk uniform for my sundress that I got two years ago. I really didn't have so much money to purchase clothes. I really thank God that I got work at such a fancy company's kitchen. To most people, its not something to be thankful for but when life throws a great punch at your face, even being a cleaner feels like you're a boss. I shook off all the thoughts of my poverty stricken life. And all this was because of him. I hate him so much.

Once I was done from the dressing room, I walked to the front and saw a black BMW standing there with a handsome Zach leaning against it.

Damn, this guy sure is loaded for a chef.

Shut up, he's not just a chef, he works for celebrities and besides, he's cousins with the big boss. Bh the way, who's this big boss I've been hearing so much about?

"Woah! You look great Tori." Zach said as he opened the passengers door for me.

I rolled my eyes and blushed. "Mr Reynold this is just sundress and besides I should be the one telling you you look great."

He walked over to his side of the car and got in. Once he was all buckled up, he turned to me. "Firstly sweetheart, its Zach, secondly, that sundress is doing nothing to hide those amazing curves of yours and lastly, I don't look great, I look hot."

I burst into laughter hearing his last words. I wasn't going to give him the privilege of feeling superior. "You wish."

He started the car as he laughed too and I must admit, it was pure music to my ears. "I know I'm fucking hot. Just wait till you start falling for my irresistible charms."

I laughed and changed the topic. "So do you treat all your employees like this?"

He didn't answer and I wondered if I said something wrong. When we slowed down due to the traffic, he turned to me and smiled. "No. I don't even talk with them. But with you, its different. Just don't think about it, let's enjoy being friends for now."

And just like that, he continued with the driving since I gave him my address earlier. I stayed quiet for the rest of the ride thinking of his words. What does he mean by its different?

After sometime, he pulled up at my apartment and I invited him in.

Once Rita opened the door, Dahlia was quick to give me a hug. "Mommy!" She screamed in excitement.

I carried her and walked to our small sitting room. "I missed you so much princess. Hope you didn't give Rita a hard time." I asked her looking up at Rita as she shook her head.

"I've been a good girl mommy. How was work?" She asked wufh a sweet smile. My sweet sweet baby.

I looked at Zach and signaled for him to sit down. "That's good baby. Work was okay. Hey, say hi to my friend."

She looked shock to see Zach. She was so happy seeing me that she didn't realise I had a guest. "Good afternoon Sir." She said shyly while giving him a cute smile.

"Hi baby. I'm Zach and I know you're Dahlia." He said flashing that trademark smile. Dahlia's eyes grew big. "Look mommy, he knows my name. He's a magician."

Zach laughed. "Yes sweetie, I'm a magician and guess what I got for you? A candy." He answered his own question and Dahlia looked at me for approval. When I nodded, she hurried over to him.

I used the opportunity to walk Rita who had been watching the scene quietly to the door. "Thanks a lot Rita. I just hope Dahlia wasn't naughty." 

She smiled at me. "You're welcome Tori. As a matter of fact, Dahlia's so much fun to be with. I can't wait to watch her tomorrow. Bye Tori."

"Bye Rita, and with that, she walked away. She was such a lovely girl. Once I got back in, I saw Dahlia laughing to something Zach said.

"Let me take Dahlia and change her clothes. "

"Sure." He said and I excused myself with Dahlia and rushed to change her clothes. I wore her a red sundress and matching black sandals.

"You be a good girl when we go out, okay?"

She nodded giving me that one in a million smile. "I sure will. And I should always use the magic words when needed." I gave her a high five. I was gonna punch any asshole who ever said I didn't raise me daughter well.

We headed towards the restaurant while Dahlia, Zach and I shared small talk. Zach pulled up to a restaurant and I realized I only saw such fancy restaurants on TV. God, I don't have enough money to pay cause I know without a doubt that the food here cost more than my house rent.

"Look mommy, this place is so beautiful." Dahlia said and I nodded with a smile.

"Wait till you get inside sweetheart." I didn't know if that was directed to me or Dahlia since he's been calling me sweetheart lately.

So you've started feeling giddy with the pet names huh?

Shut up. I'm human and I have feelings.

So what about Dahlia. You know her dad's in town right?

I shook off that cloud of sadness. For today, I'll not think of him and how he left me, I'd dwell on my daughters happiness with my new friend.