FOUR

“But it was hilarious how she just left your side and introduced Danny as her new boyfriend." Ida burst out laughing.

Stella.

He had a crush on her, and she was his first love. He expected her to accept his proposal in front of the audience, but she humiliated him. She remained silent while spending his money, and she remained silent while boasting about his father's wealth.

When he asked her out, she never responded. All she told him was to wait until she was ready, but that day never came. All he got was heartbreak.

“Elon?” Ida called, drawing his attention to her.

“I'm sorry I zoned out. So, who's the man in your life now?” he asked gently, cutting his steak.

Man?

“There's no man, Elon. I'm still single and searching,” she smiled at him.

“More like single and not interested in any other man. Ida, I know you've been rejecting suitors coming your way.”

“They aren't my specs, Elon,” she confided in him. She knew he was going to ask what she wanted in a man, and she was mentally and emotionally prepared for that.

“So, what's your ideal kind of man?”

“My ideal man is tall, handsome, successful, caring, loving, has a great personality and a great sense of humor, and most importantly, is a good man. Not those playboys and wannabe fuckboys. I'm a grown woman. I don't do guys or boys. I do mature men,” she explained.

“I thought you women loved guys with the bad boy aura. Hot, arbs, sexy, and all of that,” he sipped from his wine, waiting for her reaction.

“Every woman and what she desires You simply haven't met a woman who isn't attracted to 'bad boys,'” she said.

“Enough about me; what about you? Any woman in your life?” She rested her hand on her chin, eager to hear what he had to say.

“Well, none at the moment,” he replied.

Ida couldn't help but smile at the information she'd acquired. Maybe if she tried her best, he would notice her.

"You've done that since college days, and he still didn't notice you. Move on."

"What about your secret admirer? He seems to be a nice person, and you both would make a great couple," her conscience advised.

They remained silent for a while, lost in their thoughts. The sound of their cutlery hitting their plates was the only thing you could hear. Elon stared at Ida from the corner of his eyes. She was so concentrated on the food before her, and she looked adorable. 

“But is there anyone you're interested in at the moment?" She spoke after a while.

“Yes, there is. But I am taking baby steps, getting to know her better,” he replied.

She felt as if her heart was being ripped from her chest; once again, he had left her broken-hearted. 

Couldn't he see how she yearned for him?

 It's time for me to get over this one-sided love.

“She's a lucky woman to have caught your attention.”

“No, it's the other way round. I am lucky to have her attention, and I am so happy she looks at me the way she does. The way her eyes light up before she breaks into a smile,” he described, looking straight into her eyes, making her shift uncomfortably in her seat.

The waiter brought the bill to Elon's table. He checked the bill and paid for the food, tipping the waiter without taking his eyes off Ida.

“Why do you keep staring at me? It's uncomfortable,” she whispered to him.

“You look gorgeous,” he winked at her, helping her from her seat as they walked out of the restaurant hand-in-hand.

Since when did Elon become a hopeless romantic? She couldn't help but wonder.

The ride to Ida's house was an interesting one. They talked about everything and anything. They recalled their experiences on campus—happy, sad, and emotional ones.

“I enjoyed dinner today; thanks for reaching out to me,” Elon said to her, caressing her face. Each touch sent sparks flying down her spine.

“The pleasure is mine, and thanks for taking me out today. It's been ages since I last had this much fun." She pecked him on the cheek and opened the door, stepping out. Elon was still mesmerized by her actions.

“Good night, Elon," she said, walking towards her house.

“Wait!” he hurried down, taking fast strides towards her. He pulled her in for a hug. She stiffened under his touch for a few minutes before hugging him back. His cologne was so good, she didn't want to let him go.

“Good night, Ida,” he whispered in her ears as butterflies erupted in her tummy. She stood in front of her door, watching Elon walk to his car. He got in and started the ignition, waving at her before driving into the night. She locked the door as soon as she entered her house.

A night well spent!

Elon lay on his bed with a smile on his face. For the first time in his lifetime, he noticed how gorgeous his best friend was. He couldn't get her out of his mind.

Could this be love? He thought to himself, stretching to get a bottle of water from his bedside fridge. Sleep had eluded him at the moment, so he walked into his office to get some work done before it was time for him to go to work.

A couple of minutes later, he heard a ping from his phone.

It was a message from Ida that read 'Good night, sleepyhead.' He replied: ‘Unfortunately, I'm not asleep. What are you doing up by this time? Aren't you sleepy?’ He texted back.

‘About going to bed, don't work yourself too much. Have a nice day at work.’ she texted back.

‘I will, now try and get some sleep; you have a busy day at work as well. And oh, dream about me.’ he replied, locking his phone and going back to his work.

I hope this feeling is real