Clara's POVThen she bolted from the changing area.I took a peek at what was in the cosmetic bag.I opted for a basic appearance, using lip gloss and mascara. Makeup was never my strong suit. I still felt like I might stab my eyeballs out.Ivy returned a few minutes later, clutching a black dress. It had straps and was short. It was always necklined in hearts. The garment would hug every curve on my body. It was exquisite."This clothing is mine. Months ago, one of the motel guests moved out. Nobody is searching for it, I'm sure of it. It's also your size." Ivy uttered a gasp.I had five minutes left before I was considered officially late.It was much harder to get into the garment, particularly with Ivy attempting to brush my hair.Ivy made a few touch-ups since I couldn't apply makeup well, which gave my eyes a smoky appearance. My blue eyes gleamed at that.Ivy grinned as she reviewed the outcomes. "My lovely caterpillar became an even more stunning butterfly."I exclaimed, "You
Clara's POVWe came to a stop in front of a Cullinan Rolls-Royce. Derek received the automobile keys from a valet. Derek gestured for me to enter as he opened the door. I got inside the car silently.As I sank into the leather seats, I paused to examine the vehicle. It was something I had never done before.Derek took the front wheel tonight, so he drove.I did not say a word on the drive. I had no idea why I was so anxious. I was frantically trying to get home as I fiddled with my fingers and glanced at everyone else outside.Fortunately, Derek didn't waste time talking either, concentrating most of his attention on the road. He turned on the radio and listened to music to pass the time.The vehicle stopped suddenly in front of a structure. Emerald Courtyard was written in strong letters. The restaurant's name had an almost familiar feel to it.The building had a fountain in front of it, and two security officers watched over the entrance. The visitors inside were visible via the gla
Clara's POV I automatically performed the first thing that sprang to mind.I embraced Ivy as I turned to face Derek. I had to keep her from him.Ivy withdrew and exclaimed, "What are you doing? You're going to mess up your hair."I gave her an even closer embrace. I said to her in a whisper, "Derek is coming."Ivy hesitated, caught off guard, too.Derek was drawing nearer yet."You poor thing, don't worry. Everything will be alright," I said loudly while rubbing Ivy."Thank you," Ivy said.She withdrew from the embrace without saying anything else. To keep Derek from seeing her, she acted like she was crying, keeping her head down. Her face was hidden behind her hands.I lied when Derek approached me and said, "Her boyfriend just broke up with her."I suppose that these days, I tell lies with ease.Derek stopped and tried to figure out whether he could recognize Ivy by looking at her back."We ought to depart," I tugged at his sleeves.He turned to face me, whispering, "You look very
Clara's POVThe gloomy light of the candles added to the romantic atmosphere. Down below, I could still see the magnificent panorama of the city's towers.After directing us to our table, the waiter departed, leaving Derek and me alone.Derek moved with great speed. He asked me to sit down after pulling out a chair. Reluctantly, I complied. Everything seemed so surreal. How was I going to spend an entire evening by myself with him?Derek moved to his seat across the table.As he settled in, I questioned, "Why are you being so nice to me?"He took a little break. "Well, since you saved me, I might as well give you the date you deserve." He said.With anxiety, I averted my gaze and looked at the menu.A female voice cleared her throat. "Good evening, I'm Cecilia. I'll be your waitress for the night," she added.I couldn't take my eyes off the menu.Hold on, I recognize that voice!I looked at her quickly to confirm my doubts. It was Cecilia, a friend of my mother's. Moreover, she lived
Clara's POVWhen the waiter came back with our meal, I was taken aback to see that three other gentlemen had followed him and had started laying out the various foods on the table: salads, spaghetti, ramen, kebab, paella, and more that I couldn't even begin to name because most of them seemed so foreign to me."What made you order so much food?"I inquired."Well, I wasn't entirely sure what you wanted to eat, so I thought I'd order a little of everything." He said."Well, if I eat all of this, there is hardly any room left for a baby," I said.He began to eat our dinner while we both served ourselves.Would you mind briefly introducing yourself to me?"He enquired."What information do you seek? I questioned, brushing the flyaways off my face in a way that almost seemed playful. Great, now he'll think I'm flirting with him."Do you have any relatives on your mom's side?" he said, clearing his mouth."He enquired."No, none of them are in contact with us. I said, "It's always just my mom
Clara's POVFor dessert, I had some ice cream with a caramel topping. It was almost all I had left after everything else I had eaten.My cell rang. I noticed it was a text from my sister when I glanced at the screen.I panicked when I saw the time on my phone. It was about nine at night. My mother was aware that I didn't work nights. This meant that if she weren't already freaking out and phoning everyone we knew to find out where I was, there would be a lot of questions when I got home. However, I hadn't gotten a single text from her.I interrupted Derek in the middle of his anecdote to say, "We should go."I pushed my chair back and prepared to walk out of the eatery."Is everything okay?" a startled Derek enquired."It's late; I have to get home now," I said.My sister texted me, asking where I was. Mom told me that because she works late, I've been alone at home.My mother wasn't going to murder me yet, at least."Are you sure? Perhaps you want another drink or something before we
Clara's POVMy hand instinctively grabbed for his cheek, turning his head away. The only issue was that he was suddenly focusing only on me. His gaze was fixed on mine. Our touch sent a shockwave through my arm.A chilly shudder ran down my spine. I was unable to attribute it to the wind this time.Our gaze met, and for an instant, I lost consciousness of my breathing.My rational part advised me to back off and that I should flee and get a cab home since these emotions would only make me lose my mind, but I disregarded it. We met eyes, and I stood there, knees weak, dreaming what it would be like to kiss him. I knew full well how close we were. I hope my heartbeat was too rapid for him to sense. A crowd yelled, "Mr. Montenegro," and I heard them.Derek and I both looked in the direction of the sounds.Suddenly, many photographers appeared, all pointing their cameras directly at us.I put my hand over my face. I had to keep them from seeing me.Derek must have gotten the idea, too, f
Clara's POVWe merely smiled to ourselves and tried to keep our eyes on the road ahead as we strolled silently to my house.We had reached my house, so it seemed like a shorter walk than expected.We came to a stop outside my gate.Derek remarked, "I had a great time tonight.""Me too," I grinned in response.We looked at one other for a time, and then I saw Derek gently take a step forward. Before long, there wasn't much room between us.Most likely, he was reaching for his jacket.I retreated, slamming my back into our little iron gate. I removed his jacket.With a "Here you go," I gave him the coat."Oh," he whispered. It appeared as though he had momentarily returned to reality. I held the jacket, and he grabbed it."Good night," I said in a whisper.I waved him off and went through the fence without a second thought.When I opened our front door, he still looked at me from behind.After I got into the home, I leaned against the door and let everything that had transpired some tim