Chapter Three I Just Know It

We sat down to make our plates. We were picking up the conversation from the living room. I found myself laughing and smiling—something I hadn't done in a while. I got the feeling Axon was perfect for me, it was too bad I just got out of a breakup, but we could still be friends, couldn't we?

When the night was over, and I had walked him to the door, I found myself wishing for just five more minutes. I didn't want the night to end.

He shuffled his feet at the door and ran his fingers through his short blonde hair."Well, it was lovely meeting you, Tatianna. Do you, maybe think, that I could take you out sometime?" You could tell he was nervous about asking the question.

I smiled to reassure him and, maybe with a little too much enthusiasm, said, "Sure" Reaching out to him, I placed a peck on his cheek. Wishing I could turn it into more, but instead, I just said, "good night!" As I closed the door.

Bracing my body against the door in a swoon-worthy pose, I think back to the night I just had. I'm not looking for a boyfriend after what happened with Jackson. On the other hand, Axon seems like a nice guy, and I guess it wouldn't hurt to get to know him. A snarky voice in my head says, 'Yeah, right, you want to get more than to know him.' I push the thought to the back of my mind.

I can't believe Kate. Well, yes, I can; she's known to pull something like this. At least this guy, I like. The last guy she set me up with was incredibly dull and complacent.

Axon seems thoughtful and caring. Not boring at all, and he's incredibly handsome. For once, I'm kind of glad Kate set me up on a blind date.

I get on my laptop to check my emails. The first one I read is from my publicist.

Tatianna, the tabloids are blowing up. Can you explain this?

Underneath the email, there are a few attachments. I quickly download the attachments and cover my mouth in horror at the headline.

"Tatianna wasn't enough to settle Jackson's needs." Says Tamara Reeds.

I'm going to kill him. Jackson was screwing my nemesis. Are you freaking kidding me? There's a photo of Jackson standing beside a skinny blonde with green eyes and a fake tan on the cover.

You can run, Tatianna, but you can't hide. Where is Tatianna now? Sources say she's in Hawaii.

At least they haven't found out where I am; the photo they have of me is an old photo crying at a family member's wedding. These people have no shame.

I rub my temples and close my laptop. Perhaps I'll deal with this on another day. I only have a few more days here, and then it's back to my hectic life. On the bright side, I'll soon be shooting in Hawaii. So I won't have to go back to L.A so soon.

What on Earth possessed me to give Axon another date? I shouldn't get involved with him, especially since I'm leaving soon. There's no way I can date him with the career I have.

Kate finally comes sneaking through the door at midnight.

I furrow my eyebrows and interrogate her as a mother would her child. "Where have you been, Kate?"

She lowers her head, knowing she's in the wrong.

"Just out." She says casually.

I wag my finger to scold her."Please don't lie to me, Kate. I know you have a boyfriend, now spill."

She bites her lip and looks up at me. "my boyfriend's name is Aiden. I've been dating him for a while now. I'm sorry I didn't tell you; I figured you were having a rough time as it is, and you didn't need me gloating about my new boyfriend. I only want to see you happy. So when Aiden mentioned setting Axon up with someone, I instantly thought of you."

"Katie Bug, I am happy. I'm happy that you're happy. I'm just curious to know why you set me up on a date without telling me?"

"Because I knew you wouldn't agree to it, and you deserve to be happy. Axon is a nice guy; give him a chance."

I bit my lip and sighed, coming back down to reality."Why give him a chance Kate? I'm just going to be leaving in a few days, and I'll never see him again."

She raises her eyebrow and smirks." Well, I wouldn't necessarily say you'll never see him again."

"Spit it out, Kate; what exactly are you getting at?" I give her a look of annoyance. I hate when she beats around the bush.

She claps her hands excitedly."He has an office in LA as well as Ohio."

"You thought this all through, didn't you?" I can't decide if I'm annoyed or if I'm excited. Leave it to Kate to think of everything. How has he not heard of me?

"Kate, did you tell him about my modeling career?"

"Of course not! I know you want someone to like you for you and not because your famous."

"How much do you know about Axon?" I furrow my brow.

"Enough to know he's successful and cute."

"Wow, Katie Bug, I just can't even deal right now!"

"Enjoy his company. I'm not saying to go out and marry the guy but test the waters."

"I'm still not over, Jackson." I hang my head lower, the realization hitting me like a ton of bricks. I loved Jackson, didn't I?

"The quickest way to get over a guy is to get under another." She says, laughing.

"Have you been listening to Betty White again?"

"No!" She says with a cackle.

Kate is an advocate Golden girls lover. She adores Betty White. I'm more like Sophia or Dorothy. Hey, we can't all be a Rose.

"Come on, Tati, live a little."

"Hmm, let me think about, nope, no way not going to happen!"

She gives me her best puppy dog eyes. "Please, Tati, you need this; he needs this."

She's desperate, so I know she's hiding something."What aren't you telling me about him?"

"Well....he's gone through some things. A break up I think. I don't know to what extent Aiden didn't say.

"So I'm his rebound?"

"Don't say it like that, Tati. Will you please do this for me."

"Okay! You know I already agreed to go on a second date with him anyway. I wish he would have told me he's been through a breakup recently."

"Well, did you tell him about Jackson?" She asked, looking skeptical.

"Well, no, why would I?"

"Why not?" She says, raising an eyebrow.

"Because he's not a subject I like talking about, "I say while biting my cheek.

"Exactly; I'm sure his ex is a sore subject to talk about as well."

"I guess you're right. I guess I'll give Axon a chance. What's the worst that can happen?"

"Okay, Tati, I'm going to sleep; you should get some rest as well."

"I can't. Have you seen the tabloids?"

"Yes, that's why I told you to stay away from them."

"Well, that's kinda hard when you have the publicist I have."

"Good night, Tati, sweet dreams."

"Night, Katie Bug," I say, yawning.