Chapter 6: EX Encounter

I've been avoiding Blake for a week now.

I can't explain why I'm feeling different towards him. I have a theory in mind but I still refuse to entertain such a thought. I can't let my feelings ruin what we have. I can't let feelings ruin me ever again.

It's Saturday and I'm currently at a baking class. Blake has texted me five times today about my whereabouts. Not texting him back has been eating my conscience. Maybe he just needs some company after being at his parents' house for two weeks. Memories of him and his ex-girlfriend at that house must have affected him. He was asked to come back that morning after he came rushing to my apartment just because I no longer replied. 

This will explain his behavior lately. Giving in to my guilt, I finally texted him.

I'm at my baking class uptown. Do you remember where? Wanna meet up after? - M

Finally! Thank you for FINALLY noticing me! Okay, I remember. Will wait for you at the coffee shop downstairs. - B

*rolling my eyes at you right now* You're so dramatic. Okay, see you in 30 minutes. almost done -  M

Bring me a cookie *wink* - B

I smile to myself, tuck my phone back in my pocket, and return to not burning my cookies. 

*30 MINUTES LATER*

I was walking out of the building when I saw Blake outside the cafe where we were supposed to meet. I was just about to call his name when a woman caught his attention and he froze.

His expression alarmed me and I tried to assess the situation he was in. My best friend meter went crazy when I saw his lips mouthed the name, Bianca. Oh, snap! It's his ex-girlfriend!

The poor guy looked so scared to death. It was as if he saw a ghost. My heart melted for him. Of course, I instantly concocted a plan that will help Blake out of this unfortunate encounter.

I took a deep sigh and I ran towards them, "Baby!" I shouted. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on the lips. Blake was caught off guard for a moment, but he hugged me right back. In fact, he held on to me tighter than he ever did before. 

He kissed me back right away. His kiss was different from before as well. It meant so much more. I only planned on a small smack on the lips but he deepened. It felt like he needed this kiss. I broke our contact and I smiled at him like a fool. I can see from his reaction that he's so glad that I came and rescue him.

"Did you wait for long?" I asked him. I was being perky, making sure that Bianca can feel the oozing spark between us. I want her to feel so awkward that she'd just walk away. "No, I just got here. Did you bake me my cookies, baby?" he emphasized the word baby.

I gave him a funny smile and said, "I did! Of course, how can I not? You asked for it," I raised my arm, showing him the paper bag where his box full of cookies is. "Oh my God, you're the best!" He was so ecstatic. He grabbed the bag and smelled it. "Thank you, baby!" then, he gave me small kisses on the lips.

Bianca coughed, reminding us that she's still there. This is my chance to give Blake a good show. He will so owe me a lot after this.

I wrap my arm around Blake's waist, and my other arm touching his muscled stomach. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there. Are you a friend of Blake?" I asked Bianca, maintaining my perky act. Blake's ex-girlfriend probably thought that I'd be intimidated by her, but bitch got it all wrong. "No, I'm his ex-fiance," she answered with so much pride in her voice.

I smiled, already knowing what to say next. Blake calls her out, "Bianca!" I held on to his waist tighter, and I rubbed his chest with my other hand, "It's okay, babe. There's no issue here."

I looked at the bitch once again and gave her my most perky smile. "I see. Nice to finally meet you, Bianca," I reach out my hand for her to shake, "I'm Madison. Blake's girlfriend. I've heard so much about you." She takes my hand and shakes it. She then gave me a forced smile, and faced Blake, "I'd like to meet with you some other time, Blake. I need to talk to you about something."

Oh hell to the no, this bitch didn't just set a date in front of me. "I don't think I have anything to say to you, Bianca," he told her off, sounding so cold. "Plus, it'd be rude for Madison. I would say it was nice bumping into you, but it's not." He reached for my hand and entwined our fingers. I couldn't help but look down at our entwined hands.

Oh crap! I'm feeling something I should not once again.

I tightened my grip on his hand and rubbed his upper arm. Man, Blake has nice biceps. My thoughts started to wander. I quickly snapped out of it. I gave him a reassuring smile, and then he asked, "Let's go?" All I did was nod, and we turned our backs on Bianca who looked beyond insulted. We entered the coffee shop still holding hands. From my peripheral view, I saw Bianca walking away to where we were. She looked defeated and hurt. I've seen that look before, but from a guy. A guy I never want to cross paths with ever again. 

That look will only last for a few minutes, maybe an hour or a week tops. That's nothing compared to what the other pair felt. That's nothing compared to emotional murder. That's why I understand how cold Blake was earlier. 

I waited until Bianca was nowhere to be seen before I loosened my grip on Blake's hand, but he held on to me tighter.

I looked down at our hands and I looked at him. He was looking at the menu by the counter, clearly avoiding eye contact but I couldn't stop staring at him. Finally, he realizes that he has this ability to talk and the sense to explain.

Still not looking at me, with his face focused on the wall menu, he muttered, "Please let me enjoy this moment before you go back to not noticing me again."

I don't even know how to respond to that. Is he developing some kind of feelings for me? Oh crap! This is bad. Although, I did ignore him for quite some time. Even in our casual setup, it was very unusual of me. He must be so confused right now. 

"You probably don't notice but my knees are shaking. I need support," he continued. I always have this need to comfort him whenever. This guy is just the sweetest. I really don't deserve him. He needs a woman who can love him purely. Bianca ruined him, and I probably have to take responsibility for it as well.

I didn't say anything. I just hugged his arm and leaned on him, my cheeks resting on his shoulder. He must've liked my response, as I could feel his body finally ease up. He twists his head and kisses the top of my head and whispered, "Thank you."

My heart melted. Damn it, my heart is beating fast. I was still struggling to find the will to talk so I just hugged him tighter and buried my face on the side of his arm. He silently giggled, I felt the vibration of his body and as well as his warmth.

"Let me guess, Caramel Latte?" he asked.

"Yes, please" I replied with a muffled voice, still too shy to make eye contact with him.