CHAPTER FIVE: Dinner

Continuation...

I took a bath and then I got dressed, wearing a blue cocktail dress. I just make myself simple.

I just applied a little foundation on my face but I didn't put on makeup because I'm not used to it. And after all, I just thought of having dinner with him just to know if I could really trust him in terms of business and especially our negotiations. And I also thought that it would be a big help for me to expand my business. 

Speaking of this - yes, I called him earlier to inform him to talk about our negotiation. Mom and dad knew as I said it to them that I'll be having dinner with him so it might not be humiliating on his side. Because I feel that he might say that I’m just playing with him like that because I did not accept his offer even just for a short dinner.

I know, it's nothing for me. I appreciate and am happy especially because he's one of my buyers. And of course, he's glad for it.

Yeah, there's no anything else beyond it.

I got off when I got out of my room and then I went to the garage. Then, I got in my vios car in the driver's seat and I turned on the engine at the same time. Until I started running it.

I glanced at my wristwatch for a moment and fifteen more minutes before seven pm like what we have talked about.

I parked my car first in the parking area, then I got out of the car, and at the same time, I went inside the restaurant owned by Heaven.

I was amazed at the view of this restaurant when I entered. Actually, its form is simple, but obviously, this restaurant is only for rich people.

Suddenly, my eyes caught him. He was now sitting in the middle and he looked like he was waiting for me. He also saw me immediately when I walked to his place and I saw him smile at me then he stood up to give me a chair.

I sat down immediately and the two of us faced each other. It's only good for two and the same with all tables here. For a moment, I put the Gucci quilted bag I was carrying on my lap.

"Thank you for being here, Lola. I was glad that you accepted my offer.." he opened up and I just barely smiled. 

"Of course. I don’t want to waste this moment, especially an extreme person like you offer to me.." I replied. I heard he just chuckled and I am also. After a second, he arranged his seat.

“Anyway, what do you want to drink? Eat?” he handed me the menu and I just ordered a juice and a pasta to eat.

I felt silence between us and no one moved. I noticed that Heaven is always looking at me and I can't feel good, especially because of my heartbeat and even the nervousness I feel now.

Yeah, actually I’m not just comfortable. I don’t know but, it’s just something that reminds me of what happened in the past.

"So, what's your decision again about my offer to you last night?" he breaks the silence. I looked at him and spoke at once.

"Of course, I’m willing. And I’m actually looking forward to it." I said happily. I saw the reflection of his perfect smile on his lips.

Yeah, we can’t ignore the fact that he has that pleasing smile.

"Good to hear that. Well, that’s a good decision as I know it will help to expand and many well-known personalities will discover your artworks..” he paused when the server of our food came, placing our orders on top of our table. We both looked at each other for a second and we just both tittered for a second.

Afterward, he continued speaking. “And with that, there will be an event for launching a product, and speaking to this-there'll be a lot of well-known people there.."

“Oh, that’s good to hear. I see it would be a big help..” I said with astonishment. 

Well, it's so fine for me. Thanks for his warm concern. And I know that was really his purpose. Not bad.

Before he uttered a word, I started sipping my juice while Heaven was sipping his wine. 

"If you don’t mind, I hope it would not be something bad for you. I'll just do it for you as business matters and especially to help you with having voluntary support and services for the orphanage." I smiled because of what he said. And for a moment, I eat my pasta.

Oh..he knew already. Well, I’m no longer surprised. 

"So, you knew it when?" I asked with a bit of curiosity.

"Well, I already heard about you before and about that you’re helping. Your dad also said it to me last night." he paused. I felt something weird because of what he said. He looked at me straightforwardly when he uttered a word. 

"You know, it was so impressive.." my eyes widened and it made me tongue-tied again. I also felt a sudden weirdness within as I heard it from him.

Of course! I am not in denial and there’s no meaning to that.

Yeah-there's no other meaning for he said. I mumbled to myself.

I took a deep breath before I opened my mouth to speak. "T-thank you, mr. Marquez. You know, I’m happy after hearing those words coming from you.." I said with a bit of a stammer and we just suddenly both chuckled.

After a few minutes of having a conversation with him, suddenly, only deafening silence prevailed after I said that. A few seconds passed before he muttered and was followed by a soft laugh. I was surprised by his response when I glanced at him before I sip my juice again.

"U-uhmm, Mr. Marquez. I will not stay here for long as I have something else to finish. Sorry..” I said as I wiped my lips using a tissue.

“Of course, sure. I know you might be late going home, and it should not." I know he was joking which makes us titter.

I actually don't avoid him nor I don’t want to talk with him. It’s just that I am not used to it and I feel uncomfortable. I'm especially still recovering from the trauma from Kade before. 

I just arranged myself first then I stood up then he followed also. I placed my bag on my shoulder then afterward we walked away inside until our feet brought us there in the parking area.

"If you would mind, I will accompany you to your house." he volunteered when we were now in the parking area.

"Thank you. But I have my car." I said shyly, then I smiled at him and he nodded.

"I see. Well, I will not insist you on that." he placed his hands on his pants.

Before I climbed inside of my car, I let out a word. "Thank you again for inviting me to have dinner with you, Mr. Marquez. I appreciated it.." I slightly bow down my head and at the same time while I was holding my quilted bag that was hanging on my shoulder.

"It's nothing, Lola. Actually, I’m delighted because you did not ignore me." he paused, scratching his head momentarily. 

"By the way, if you don't mind, just call me Heaven, and it's fine for me."

"U-uhh, okay, sorry..." I laughed softly, and he was also. "Sure, H-heaven.." I said in a shy type,

I heard no response from him. I only heard the oncoming vehicle now stop where the two of us were standing. Then I lifted my head and looked at the stopped car.

"Oh. It's here." my mouth twitched slightly when I saw his Lamborghini car.

"Anyway, my car is here now..” he turned his body to his back for a second before he continued his words. 

“Again, thank you, Lola. You made me happy.." he paused. Trying to show his smile. 

Afterward, Heaven let me get inside first in my car before he was also. Then I run my car and then he also went away.

My soul was suddenly aroused when my phone suddenly rang. I immediately took it from the bag and saw Laurene calling.

I swipe in a green line and I answer it.

"Hello?"

"Oh my! Lola! You make me nervous and worried! Auntie called you earlier but you didn't answer. Where are you? Don't tell me, you haven't finished--" 

“I’ll end it up now. I’ll just tell you later..” then I abruptly ended it. I already knew what he was going to say.

Goodness! That Laurene really has psycho. I immediately looked at the screen of my phone and there were ten missed calls from mom and dad.

I really need to hurry.