Dinner with Alex

ASHLEY’S POV

I’ve never been on a dinner date before, not even when father had been alive. Though I have had dinner once with Peter, my high school crush back then, I wouldn’t really consider that a date as we had his friends and younger frolicking around us while we dined. It was always rowdy. But tonight’s own would be different.

I sat idly in the back seat of the black limousine. The chauffeur wouldn’t tell me where he was taking me to, said Alex had warned him not to say anything about it to me. I look out through the window of the limo and admired the bustling nightlife of the city. We also passed through the famous Le Marais where hundreds of Parisians thronged its entrance, yet we kept on going.

Alex might be considered ruthless by the outside world, but he wasn’t a kidnapper.

I gazed at my image in the vanity mirror beside me. Donna had volunteered to do my makeup which now needed a retouch because of my nervousness, the heart shaped dropping earrings and its matching silver necklace dazzled its reflection in the mirror. I reached for my lipstick in my clutch purse, reapplied it to my lips and rehearsed a pout.

Donna had spent the afternoon lecturing me on how to look extra attractive tonight, I wasn’t a natural at stuffs like this especially since I spent more time indoors while growing up. I kept tripping and almost broke my ankle while doing the cat walk.

I mumbled a silent prayer on my lips for the night to go smoothly.

The chauffeur pulled over, stepped down and come to my side of the car to open it. The street was quiet, there was a bar down the road but it had no life in it. I sneaked a glimpse peek at the LED neon bar sign displayed at the entrance and my mouth dropped open in surprise.

Le Fouquet’s.

A red carpet led into the main entrance, and there are two doormen positioned there. I walked slowly, minding the carpet as I walked. One of the doormen opened the door while the other ushered me in.

And then I saw him. He was stylishly dressed in a matching blue suit and well-tailored trouser which complimented the dress I wore, a white dress shirt which was unbuttoned in the first two buttons. A boxed package was on his side of the table. He had his eyes on me and stood when he saw me approaching.

Slowly, I sashayed towards the table quietly reciting Donna’s lecture till I got to him.

Chin up, back held straight, straight shoulders, one leg in front of the other, eyes on him, and flash him a beautiful smile.

“You look so beautiful.” He slightly bent his head to graze my cheeks, his lips sending soft caresses to my ear.

My heart missed a beat. It should be considered a crime for a man to be this hot and at the same time have a sexy thick baritone voice.

“Thank you. And so do you too.” I complimented as I sat down on the chair.

Our table is decorated with four lighted candles, two at each sides. An orchestra in the corner played soft classical music, the music intensifying the emotional feel in the atmosphere. My eyes scanned everywhere and I noticed we were the only ones here to eat.

”Why is it just us here?” I asked him

“I bought out the place for today. I wanted us to have our privacy.”

“That’s too expensive, must have cost you a whole lot especially in a place like this.”

“Well… maybe it’s because I have plenty of it at my disposal.” He said with a note of finality in his voice and passed the menu to me. “What would you like to eat?”

I perused the menu and finally settled for carrot basmati rice and ratatouille. He picked the same plus a bottle of Domaine De La Romanee Conti Grand Cru, the most expensive wine in the world, and rang the bell for a waiter who served us our meal.

I was still in awe at everything he had put up for tonight.

“So tell me,” he started as he poured himself another glass of wine, “how did your day with Donna go?”

I laughed. “Donna is really nice, she brought me breakfast in the room and also told me a few stories about herself.” And about you I wanted to add. “I think I like her.” I said instead.

He chuckled. “She’s told the story to nearly everyone she’s met. I knew she was a good choice, and you were going to like her.”

Alex dropped his fork and pushed the boxed item to me.

“It’s a smartphone, specially designed for you. I figured you’d be needing it especially to keep yourself busy while I’m away.

I laughed again, feeling satisfied and at ease and ran my hands on the phone.

Specially designed for me.

He really does know what I want.

“Thank you.” I said loudly and watched him smile in approval. “How did your meeting go?” I asked as I spooned little rice into my mouth.

“We were able to seal the deal, but I still have to travel to Seoul in April to discuss and draw up a project plan with one of our business partners.”

April was still three months away… And we would have ended by then.

I sighed and absentmindedly picked at my food. I wondered if he would miss me when that time comes. My legs suddenly became jelly and my face about to break out in sweat.

“What’s wrong, Ashley? You’re not eating.” He asked, his voice laced with concern.

“I… I think I need to use the restroom.” I responded quickly and clutched my purse, excusing myself.

I didn’t even wait for him to give me directions as I dashed into the unfamiliar lobby. I walked down the corridor until I noticed a door with a sign that read toilet, I went in and head straight for the ladies.  I don’t know what was happening to me. It was all happening too fast, so fast. My heart had once felt hatred for this man, and I had even considered him an enemy and a selfish human. But now, the hatred wasn’t there anymore, and in its place was something different.

How would I live through this, because I knew I was headed for an emotional wreckage?

What was I even doing falling in love with someone who only offered the marriage as a contract, someone who would forget me as soon as it ended?

I turned on the tap and splashed a handful of cold water on my face.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my makeup was ruined already. I fished some face wipes from my purse and wiped it off completely before going back to meet Alex.

But Alex wasn’t alone.

A slim brunette lady with lips painted excessively in red colour sat in my seat. Her dress was opened down enough to reveal her cleavage which she inched towards Alex. She had the looks of a model.

I can’t make out what they were saying from where I stood, but it was obvious Alex doesn’t look a bit pleased with her. His face was tightened in a scowl and his fists clenched his wine glass tightly as if he would crush it under his weight.

I walked towards them, and the lady noticed me first. She stood from my seat and sauntered in my direction. Her hips swayed professionally with each click of her heels against the floor. She stopped briefly when she reaches me and tilts my chin with a finger.

“Enjoy it while it lasts, dearie.” She whispered and laughed croakily before walking away.

I felt my legs tremble. I had no idea who she was, but I knew she spelt trouble.

By the time I got to the table, Alex was waiting for me and held out his hand.

“Dance with me.”

It wasn't a question. I wanted to dance with him and have him place his hands on me, but all i needed right now was to wrap myself in bed and force myself to sleep.

“I think we should go home.” I said instead.

And he immediately agreed without any extra effort.