Four

~~Kate~~

Dad, this is Kate. My best friend," Yssa smiles as she introduces me to the man I met earlier. “Kate, this is my father, Nathan Reid.”

I keep my head low and nod, holding back the urge to slap my face in case this is all a dream.

“It’s nice to meet you, Kate. I’m glad to have you here with us.” He sounds like he’s genuinely glad that I’m here, though I’m not sure what exactly made me glad after that messed up encounter earlier.

“...Hello. It’s nice to meet you,” I say, hesitating to shake his hand.

“Alright! Now that introduction is over, why don’t we take a seat?”

I always thought Yssa was too loud, but right now, I’m grateful she’s cheerful as ever. Otherwise, I don’t know how to keep going from here.

I don’t remember how I managed to return to my room and finish my shower. Even the lizard’s existence in the bathroom seemed nothing to me after the mess I got into because of my initial reaction.

Thinking back, it was my fault for letting fear get the best of me. I could have avoided such a humiliating scene if I remained calm. Mom was right, it’s best to keep calm in every situation to avoid making mistakes.

In my case, I brought this humiliation upon myself. Now, I don’t know how I’ll face my best friend’s dad who’s sitting in front of me. Of all people to see me like that, it had to be Yssa’s dad!

I don’t know if I can survive this dinner without embarrassing myself again. If it’s just me, I won’t be sitting right here after what happened. But of course, skipping dinner is not an option. It won’t make sense why I’ll skip it when I’m initially invited here so I won’t spend Christmas Eve alone.

But I don’t have anything to celebrate at the moment, only regret and sorrow fills my heart.

“Kate. Is everything alright? You look pale,” Yssa asks, and of all the questions she can think of, she chose to notice my regretful face.

Yeah. The reason why I’m cold and shaking right now is because of the overwhelming atmosphere around me. Maybe I lost all the blood I had earlier due to embarrassment so now my face is as white as snow.

I swallow the lump in my throat, pick up my glass and take a sip of champagne. “I…” pausing, I steal a glance at the man who’s quietly cutting his steak.

My gaze follows the graceful movement of his hand as he lifts a piece with his fork and brings it to his lips. They move slowly and deliberately as he chews. I hold my breath, as though the simple act of him chewing has become something far more intimate.

Heat creeps up to my neck and I force my eyes down to my plate, but the image lingers… the rhythm of his lips and the warmth that filled my mouth when we kissed… I just can’t forget it.

I bite my lower lip, feeling hotter. That accidental kiss is brief and unintentional, but my mind keeps playing it in replay, messing my head like an annoying song I can’t get rid of.

“Kate? Hello, Kate!”

I jolt from my seat, letting go of my fork when Yssa’s voice forcibly drags me back to reality.

“You’re spacing out. Are you okay? One moment you’re pale, and now your face is as red as tomato,” she says, her eyebrows knitting while waiting for my reply.

“A-Ah. I’m fine, Yssa. I just…” I can’t help looking at her father’s direction again. This time, Nathan’s also looking at me, making me look away in an instant. “I’m fine. Maybe I’m just tired… You know, from baking earlier.”

I try to smooth it out with a laugh, hoping it’s enough to convince Yssa. Thankfully, her expression changed when I mentioned the baking we did.

“Right! Dad, Kate and I worked hard to prepare tonight’s dessert,” she beams, moving her gaze from me to her Dad.

“Hmm. I'm quite surprised you know how to bake,” Nathan replies, looking fondly at his daughter.

“Haha! I can't, but thanks to Armando, Kate and I learned to do the basics. Right, Kate?” Yssa winks at me and I nod my head.

“Armando is a real talent. He’s been a great help to us,” I remark, glancing toward him as he stands quietly in the corner.

“You praise me too much, Miss Brown,” Amando replies with a bow, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

He looks stern, but he’s also got a gentle side.

“I’ll get the cookies so we can all share it.” Yssa stands up with a wide smile.

“Miss, let me do it,” Armando insists but Yssa just shrugs and still leaves.

Suddenly, it’s just Nathan and me at the long dining table. The silence stretches, only broken by the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. I lower my gaze to my plate, pretending to busy myself with the silverware. But I can feel his presence across from me, and it’s impossible to ignore.

I tried to fight the urge to look at him, but curiosity got the best of me. I risk a glance.

Nathan is leaning back on his chair, his fork resting against the rim of his plate. And when I move my gaze to his face, his eyes meet mine.

I let out a gasp, feeling the guilt of getting found out. I knew I shouldn’t have looked at all, but what can I do? It’s like my body moves on its own.

“Does your toe still hurt?” Nathan asks, breaking the long silence that’s almost deafening.

I open my mouth, ready to answer, but my brain fails to send the signal. “Uh… It’s fine now. I think.”

He looks at me, nodding. He didn’t say anything after that, making the atmosphere heavier.

What’s taking Yssa and Armando so long? I need them back here!

“About what happened earlier,” Nathan starts again, his fingertips tapping on the table. “I–”

“It’s okay!” I interrupted him, standing up. My hands slamming on the table. “Y-You don’t have to mention it. Just f-forget it. It’s not like losing my first kiss is a big deal,” I tattled.

Uh-oh… I’m not a fish, but why do I have to get caught by my own mouth?