CHAPTER 9

AMARA'S POV*****

I just woke up from the best sleep I'd had in weeks. Saturdays are my favourite because I don't have to work or worry about anything. No alarms. No rushing. Just sleep until my body decides it has had enough.

My phone pinged. I picked it up to see a text from Jack.

Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?

I smiled at the text.

I slept well. Did you? I replied. Then dropped my phone on the lampstand. Today was for me. Just

me. But Dorian seemed to remain a fixed fixture in my head.

I got out of bed, tied my hair into a messy bun, threw on an oversized shirt, and headed to the kitchen.

Pancakes and coffee felt like the right choice. I mean what better way to start your morning. I played the song Work by Rihanna and danced around the kitchen while cooking, pretending life was light and simple. 

After eating, I cleaned the apartment.

The doorbell rang.

I frowned. Who could be at the door. It's just 1pm in the afternoon.

I opened the door and immediately regretted it because Davina jumped on me. Hugging me so tight.

“I missed you, Amara,” she practically sang.

“Davina—I can't breathe,” I laughed, trying to peel her off me. “You're choking me.”

She finally released me, pouting. “I miss my baby.”

“Davina, it hasn't even been 48 hours. You literally saw me on Thursday.”

“Really?” She gasped. “It felt like a year.”

“Oh, hi Sylvia,” I said, waving at her younger sister.

“Hi, sis Amara,” she replied, shyly.

Sylvia had always felt like the little sister I never had. I'm the only child of my parents. 

“I heard you turned twelve yesterday. Happy belated birthday, Sylvia.”

“Thank you. I didn't see you at my party.” She complained.

“I'm so sorry. I was busy. I promise to make it up to you.”

“I'll hold you to that,” she said, already heading into the living room.

Davina grabbed my arm. “ You have a lot to tell me.”

“How was the date?” She asked immediately 

“It was okay. Good. I had a nice time.” I replied, smiling.

She squinted. “Just good? That's not enough. Details.”

“Really there is nothing to tell,” I sighed. “He was attentive, easy going, and we had a good conversation.

“You’re smiling,” she said, poking my side.

She tickled me before I could respond, and soon we were both laughing like kids.

When we finally calmed down, her expression softened. “So how's your mom?” 

“She's good. No improvement, but she's strong. She's fighting.”

“She’s a fighter,” Davina said, pulling into a hug. I didn't realize how much I needed it.

When she pulled away, my thoughts drifted again. Right back to Dorian. Why he left. Why he looked angry.

“You just left the planet,” she said. “What's going on?”

“Nothing. Just thinking.” I answered.

“Amara, you can tell me anything. It's Saturday, let out your sorrows for another begins on Monday.” She said gently, then dramatically threw her arms in the air.

I laughed. “You're ridiculous.”

“And lucky for you, I'm a great listener. So spill.”

I glanced toward the living room.

Davina followed my gaze and nodded.

“Sylvia, why don't you watch movies while the adults go to the room to have adult talk.” Davina said, ruffling her sister's hair. Sylvia nodded excitedly.

We sat on my bed.

“Do you remember Dorian?” I asked. “Dorian Wellington, the guy from the fake date.

Davina blinked. “Who forgets a man like that?”

“Well, he's been on my mind. A lot. After the date, there was an event. Then he came to the club for a private dance. I danced for him. And since then…” I exhaled.

She stayed quiet.

“We ran into each other at dinner with Jack,” I continued. “He kept staring at me. Or maybe we were staring at each other. I zoned out completely from the conversation with Jack. Then I left for the bathroom. When I came back, he was gone.”

I laughed nervously. “I don't know what I'm feeling.”

Davina didn't joke this time. She just stared at me.

“You mean Dorian Wellington,” she said slowly. “The billionaire?”

“Yes” 

“Well, damn”

“What do I do?”

She smiled softly. “Go for whoever makes you happiest.

“That's the problem Dav,” I admitted. “Dorian isn't even doing anything, yet I feel pulled toward him. But Jack is… a great guy. He's funny.”

“Do you like Dorian?” She asked.

“Well—”

My phone rang. An unknown number. I looked at Davina, she mouthed, Pick it.

“Hello.”

“I need you for a date tomorrow.”

Wait. I know that voice. 

“Mr Dorian?” I asked bewildered, Davina wearing the same expression as me.

“Yes.” A pause. “My family is in town, they want to see you.” he said, calmly.

I stared at my phone in disbelief. I wanted to ask how he got my number but I was too stunned to ask.

“I'll check my schedule and get back to you.” I said. I wasn't about to play easy.

“Alright.” The call ended.

“What. Was. That? Dorian called you? I guess you left out the part where you both exchanged numbers huh,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“No. I didn't give him my number, how did he get it?” I asked her, like she knew how.

“Connections.” She shrugged.

“Should I go?” I asked. “His family wants to see me.”

“I think you should,” she said. “Bills don't pay themselves.”

“Right,” I nodded. “It's just a job.”

She smirked. “ Sure it is.” 

She ran out laughing. I was about chasing after her when my phone pinged. 

Text me your address, I'll pick you up. 

Another message followed immediately.

It's casual. Wear something simple.

I scoffed. “Who does he think he is?”

I can come by myself. Just send the address, I typed.

It's not up for debate. I'm picking you up.

I stared at my screen, unable to come up with a reply. 

I gave in.