Chapter 5

Quinn

I laugh at my own thoughts, really? Quinn stripper. This is so pathetic, I'm pathetic. I stood up and went to my little refrigerator, I took some apple juice. I went back to the couch thinking of what next, what should I do? Should I look for another job? Why is my life like this? My childhood was horrible now I finally found something I love doing but that might be taken away from me. Why didn't I just come from a rich and happy home, I won't be in this situation by now if that was the case. I sigh, I am so stressed right now. My cell phone broke me out of my thoughts, I picked it up, I looked at the screen, it was Jack I answered it.

"Hey" I said.

"Hey I went to the bakery I didn't see you I wanted to take you somewhere were are you?" He asked. I took a sip of my juice.

"I'm home, where do you want to take me?" I asked.

"It's a surprise, dress up and wear something nice. I'm coming" he said and hung up. I roll my eyes, where is he taking me now? I stood up and went to my room. I took out a plain blue jean and an off shoulder white top. I freshen up and wore the cloth. I am not a fan of make up so I am not doing any. I heard the doorbell ring, I rushed to my front door and opened up. It was Jack and he is wearing a suit, why is he wearing a suit, who's going on a date?

"Hey, why are you wearing a suit?" I asked.

"Because we are going out, you look beautiful" he said, checking me out. What is going on here?

"Umm thank you, I guess, come in" I said. I opened the door wider for him to come in, he came in and went straight to my kitchen. I rolled my eyes. I went back to my room and took one of my sanders. I also brushed my hair. I went back to the living room and Jack was sipping a drink while watching the TV. Wow seriously, why don't you make yourself comfortable, I thought, rolling my eyes.

"I am done," I said.

"Okay let's go" he said standing up. We both left together, I made sure I closed my door. We went to the parking lot, he opened the passenger side for me to sit. I entered the car and did my seat belt, Jack comes from a very rich home and he just sometimes assists me with my bakery. I don't want him to know about me owing rent, I don't like being a liability, I just pray I will be able to get the money or just take out a loan or something.

"So where are we going?" I asked.

"It's a surprise," he said.

"Hm why is it a surprise, oh do you want to introduce me to your girl crush" I asked, teasing him. He laughed.

"Something like that," he said.

"I can't wait to see your surprise," I said, putting emphasis on the surprise. He didn't say anything, he just laughed. We were in the car for like 10 minutes then we finally got there. I look outside, it's a hotel. A very fancy hotel. He parked the car and came out to open my door. I came out.

"Thank you," I said.

"What are we doing in a fancy hotel?" I asked.

"It's a surprise now, let's go," he said. I rolled my eyes following him. Something weird is going on with him, now I am noticing he is avoiding eye contact and he is also licking his lips nervously. We entered the hotel and went straight to the elevator. This hotel is so fancy and shining only the rich can dine here obviously. I won't be able to afford just a glass of water here. Jack pressed the roof top and the elevator started moving. Now we are going to the roof? I looked at him in disbelief but he was looking at another place. I kept on looking at him.

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing, ya acting real weird, what is going on with you?" I asked. Before he could answer the elevator ding. He wrapped his hand around my waist and we left the elevator. We got to the roof and wow, it's so beautiful. The roof has glass covering it and there was a table for two decorated with roses and lilies, my favourite flower. There was also food on the table with wine. I feel so underdressed.

"You like it?" He asked, cutting me out of my thoughts.

" you brought me out on a date?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, did you like it?" He asked.

"Yes I do but I am just wondering why all this" I said, using hand gesture.

"Well let's eat first" he said, leading me to the chair. He pulled a seat for me to sit.

"Thank you" I said sitting. Then he came to sit in front of me.

"You should have told me to wear a dress at least" I said. He laughed.

"And ruin the surprise?" He asked.

"No I guess but I still don't understand why the surprise though" I said. He nervously laughed and opened the food. It is my favourite type of pasta, penne. I love penne and it has been so long I ate it. He served me some on my plate and took for himself. He poured the red wine in our glasses.

"Eat," he said. I took the fork and had a bite.

"Wow, this is delicious," I said.

"Knew you'd like it" he said. I smiled. We continue eating in silence. This date is super awkward, Jack is normally chatty but he has been super quiet. I kept on eating, deciding not to talk until he tells me what is bothering him. We finished eating the penne, still in silence. I took my wine and took a sip. I was getting bored, so I decided to talk.

"Quinn, there is something I wanna tell you" he said. Hallelujah I do not have to talk first.

"Okay, go on" I said, dropping my glass. He took a deep breath. He was sweating, he took out his hankie and cleaned his face. He cleared his throat and rushed out his words.

"Ilikeyou," he said, very fast. I did not hear him.

"Huh, I didn't hear that, repeat but slowly" I said. He took a deep breathe.

"I like you" he said. I sat there shocked, my mouth, opening and closing but no words coming out. He likes me? When? How? Since when? So many questions running through my mind.

"I have always liked you since when I met you in that restaurant, that was why I always came, so I can befriend you and see your face, but you have always seen me as your friend. I can't keep it in anymore, I really like you so please give us a chance, I promise you won't regret it" he said, holding my hand. I sat there trying to process this newly acquired information, of course I only saw him as a family or friend. I have been in different relationships but they never last. Now I know why he always had problems when I told him about my ex boyfriends. He has been crushing on me for years? Oh my God. I said the only thing that came to my head.

"I umm I go..gotta go" I said. I stood up and took my phone and keys and ran out without waiting for his response. I entered the elevator and pressed the first floor. When the elevator got to the first floor I opened it and left the hotel. Oh my God this is the worst date ever, why did I run out? That was so embarrassing. How will I get home now? I left the hotel premises and started walking. I just embarrassed myself and I don't even have money for a taxi. This is officially the worst day and date ever. I don't even know how I will face him again after this.

I have been working for 5 minutes before a car parked beside me, I kept on going thinking the car wanted to park but it moved beside me and honked. I stopped facing the car. The car window slid down.

"Need a ride?"