Chapter 6 – Have fun

She’d already mentioned to her family that someone agreed to help them restart their business. She might have mentioned Wayne’s name to her mother. She keeps her parents updated every time she meets with Jay.

When her mother saw her preparing in her room, seemingly unable to decide which dress to wear for tonight’s date, she asked her questions.

“Where are you going?”

“Oh, uhm… outside.” Right. Her mother smiled at how flustered she looks.

“Going out on a date? You can never go wrong with a black dress.”

Andrea hesitated, unsure. Won’t black be too sad, though? She didn’t want to feel like going to a funeral.

“Or the white one.” Mrs. Payne noticed her misgivings, but she hadn’t denied that it was a date. She smiled. It has been a while since she introduced someone to them.

She bit her lip. Won’t it be close to a wedding dress, though? Well, she prefers white.

Andrea let her mom help her prepare, even putting light make up on her.

“What do you want for your hair? Put it up? Or does he like it down?”

She laughed at how her mom is fishing for answers.

“I’m not sure what he likes. It’s our first date.” She decided to satisfy of her curiosity.

“I see. Is he safe? You won’t even tell me his name.”

“He’s quite safe. Don’t worry. I’ll tell you if there’s gonna be a second date.”

Well, she’s certain that there will be but she has to act like she’s not sure yet.

Her phone on the bed rang and she’s sure her mom saw the name “Wayne” on it.

She picked it up quickly.

“Hey…” Being in a relationship, she shouldn’t be too formal, right? Though, their relationship started with a formal contract. Ugh, normal. Do what’s normal. She has to remind herself.

“I’m on my way to the restaurant. Meet me there.”

“Yeah, alright. See you.”

He hang up afterwards. She’s getting used to that.

“Should I expect you tonight or…?” Her mom’s expression was teasing but something she hasn’t seen for a while so she was taken aback for a second there.

“I’ll message you if I’m coming back. Otherwise, see you tomorrow morning?”

“Alright. Have fun. But don’t forget to use protection.”

She laughed at her mom’s continued teasing. It was a little awkward how they thought she’d been… doing that on her dates. They don’t seem to mind so she let them be, not correcting their assumptions.

When she arrived at the place, it seemed closed, though. The entrance was dark. She confirmed that the sign says “closed”. She stood there as she rummaged for her phone. He should be here by now, right?

When Wayne’s phone rang and saw the name, he looked outside the car’s window towards the restaurant. He took a minute to return the documents he’s reviewing in the brief case. His driver already opened the door for him.

When he didn’t answer, Andrea started to get nervous. For a different reason.

And then she saw him walking over. She smiled in relief.

“The restaurant is already closed. Should we go somewhere else?” She suggested, taking note of the neighborhood.

“No need. Let’s go in.”

“What?”

He gently held her arm and pulled her towards the door. His assistant opened them. Her understanding came a little late.

“Don’t tell me you reserved the whole place?” She was stunned. Sure, he can afford it. But still… it’s too wasteful, isn’t it? She kept those thoughts to herself. She shouldn’t criticize him. He must have his reasons.

He’d already chosen the course of their meal. She hoped to see the menu. She had visited many restaurants for input. She hadn’t been to this one, so she’s curious. Catching a server’s eye on the side, she gestured towards him. When he got close, she asked, “Can I see a menu?”

“Certainly.” He answered in the affirmative but was also hesitant.

“Is anything not to your liking?” Wayne asked, having watched her actions.

“I just wanted to see. I could get ideas from it. You know the proposal I’m currently working on, right?” Somehow, she feels at ease talking to him about anything business-related.

“Yes.” His expression seemed to ask her if she thinks he easily forgets such information. She showed an apologetic smile as she continued.

“While the place Jay and I have chosen is still being renovated, we’ll have to decide on the miscellaneous things. You know, settings, table layout, menu…”

His small nod assured her that she’s not exactly expected to stay silent, but since she wanted to be sure she’s not annoying him…

“Do I talk too much? Do you want me to tone it down?”

“It’s fine.” His reply was almost instant.

The server handed them copies of the menu, but she quickly took both of them.

“Thank you. We’re not changing anything on what’s already ordered. I just wanted to see in case we visit again.”

She could see the visible relief on the server’s face. After a curt reply, he went to report to his boss. There’s no crisis, folks.

After enjoying the appetizer, Wayne opened the discussion. She grinned as they’re pretty much on the same page. They have to make it look like a natural process. They have the storyline ready. They met after so many years. They were equally attracted to each other. They started dating. They will go on more dates.

She blushed when he mentioned “being intimate”. She felt her face heat up.

“Your parents will probably want to meet me. I’m sure mine would demand to see you. Mom knows already.”

Ah, right. Aria might have said something. She’s not sure how to face Mrs. Anderson after such a long time and suddenly as her son’s girlfriend.

“Then, will that be okay? Are you willing to meet them?” She wanted to confirm so she’ll know what to tell her mom.

“Yes. I’ll see if I could hint at asking for your hand in marriage.”

“So soon?”

He shrugged. “I’m familiar with your parents.”

“I know. I did mention to them that you’re helping us. I wonder what they would think after they realize we want to get married?” She reached for the glass of wine. Hmm, she likes it.

When she looked around for a server, she realized they’ve been left alone. Wayne reached for the bottle and refilled her glass.

“Thank you.”

Her flushed face does get to him. He wouldn’t have propositioned to her if he wasn’t attracted.

“Though I may have a lot to say initially, don’t think I won’t need your input. Women can be very creative. But as my girlfriend, please make sure to think things through before you do anything related to me.”

“Yes, I understand that. Since we both want this to be as convincing as possible, I’m thinking of bringing you meals or small gifts whenever I visit your office. Just little things. Maybe coffee and bread. Pizza. Would that be okay with you?”

“Sure. You can ask Tina for my preferences.”

“Oh, okay.” Though she initially planned to ask him or maybe observe, she can’t deny that asking Tina for the information would be the easiest route.

“My mom asked if I’ll be going home tonight. What are your plans?” She suddenly remembered.

“What’s your plan?” He raised an eyebrow, wanting to challenge her.

“Well, they certainly don’t mind if I’m getting laid on my first date. Should we make them believe it? It would go well with the premise that we’re extremely attracted to each other.”

Okay, maybe that part is getting exaggerated each time it was mentioned.

Sensing the change in his gaze, she felt her body go warm. “But it was only a ruse, we’re not sleeping together. You said we’ll only do that after we get married.”

“I did?” Did he actually say such a useless thing? Wayne searched his mind for the memory.

“Well, I think you did.” Even she couldn’t remember it. But anyway, she’s sticking to it.

“How about we return to my house tonight? You can tour the place. Get familiar and comfortable. You’ll move in soon anyway.”

“You don’t mind me invading your space?”

“This is an agreement between you and me. It can only work if you and I work together.” He chose her because she seems to be a thoughtful person as well. He doesn’t need a brainless chick.