Chapter 5 – Second attempt

She met Gia on the mall and they did go shopping for clothes. They chatted and she bravely asked how she came to know Christan. They seemed very close, in her opinion.

“We went to university together. Classmates. We dated a couple of times, but it’s not meant to be. We’ve been friends ever since, but we haven’t been really close since I got married and he did, too.”

“I see.” Alena digested the information she was given. She bit her lip before asking another one.

“About his wife, can you tell me anything about her?”

At this Gia raised an eyebrow. “Well, what do you know about her?”

“Just her name and that Christan really loved her.”

“Ah, yes. Well, I think that’s all you needed to know. What’s the point of knowing how they met, how they fell in love, how they dated? It’s all in the past. She’s gone. What you need is to make him see you, and not a semblance of his first wife in you. Don’t go that route.”

Alena was amazed by her words. Yes, her thoughts were along those lines when she asked that question. Gia’s right. She shouldn’t try to be like his first wife. That made her grin.

“What is it?” Gia was intrigued by her smile and raised an eyebrow.

“You refer to her as his first wife? Does he have a second one already?”

“He doesn’t. But you are trying to be, aren’t you? Isn’t that the whole point of setting you up with him?”

“Is that right?” Somehow, she’s not wholly comfortable with the setup. It wasn’t part of her plan. It has its own pros and cons but she hasn’t had the time to consider them at the moment.

They bought some clothes. She and Gia were in love with this maroon dress.

“You’ll look seductive but still elegant in this one. Go on and try it.”

Alena did and the dress highlighted her assets. It was a somewhat tight fit but still comfortable to wear. They bought it.

The bar has been open for over an hour already by the time they arrived. Thankfully, there were vacant seats at the bar and Christan received them warmly.

“I see you two really went shopping.” He noted before serving them with drinks. By now, there’s a tacit agreement on what they would like to have. Also, they trust Christan’s judgement on these things. Alena simply drinks whatever he prepares for her.

“We did. It was fun. Alena and I have a lot in common so we have a lot to talk about.”

Alena grinned. That, they did.

Gia furtively glanced at Alena and then at Christan. She must do something, is what she figured. After about fifteen minutes, she executed her plan.

Alena was looking at Christan serving a couple down the bar when Gia abruptly turned in her seat. While doing so, her glass full of beverage splashed onto Alena.

She gasped in surprise, inhaling sharply and pausing.

“I’m so sorry, Alena. I thought someone called me and I looked over.”

She’s still in shock and didn’t move for about ten seconds. Gia already grabbed the napkin Christan handed over and dabbed at her blouse.

“This won’t do. You’re soaked. It’s a good thing we shopped earlier. Why don’t you change into the dress we bought?”

Alena stared at Gia. It all happened too fast and just as she was thinking the woman has ill intentions, she figured out what she’s trying to do. Though, she’s not sure why she thought it’s necessary to pour her a drink.

“Okay. Let me just go to the bathroom.” She was still flustered and didn’t bother looking around. She is embarrassed to be seen like this.

Christan frowned at Gia. “Aren’t you going to help her?” He raised an eyebrow.

The woman drank the remaining liquid in her glass. “In fact, I am. Save our seats, would you?”

Gia followed Alena and quickly helped her change. She did not allow her to speak about the incident, though. They’re still in the bar’s public restroom, after all. Someone may hear. Alena understood.

“You look gorgeous on this number. Don’t look like that. Own this dress. Be confident and comfortable with it.”

Alena ran her hands on its bodice, making it fit her curves. Taking a deep breath, she stared at her reflection.

“Do I really look good?” She sounds doubtful. Gia rolled her eyes at her.

“Are you blind? Now, let’s go.” She pushed her out of the restroom and they returned to their seats. She only looked a little uncomfortable. This dress is very different from the casual clothes she was wearing earlier.  

“I think I smell like cherries.” She did wipe her body dry earlier, but it’s not exactly washing herself.

Gia chuckled. “Ripe for the picking?”

Alena groaned at her attempt at teasing. Christan was within earshot, too.

“It suits you. Let’s ask Christan, why don’t we?”

Alena blinked at her. What is she saying?

The man raised an eyebrow upon hearing his name.

“This dress. I’m saying it’s gorgeous on her but she’s doubtful. What do you think?”

Alena was suddenly feeling conscious. Is he looking at her? She looked at herself and made sure she’s poised. Then, she looked up to see him staring at her. He was definitely nonchalant about it.

“It’s alright. It suits you.” He finally stated.

It was Gia’s turn to groan. “That’s not how you compliment a woman. If it looks good on her, you must say it’s totally beautiful.”

He can’t help but roll his eyes at her. She’s setting him up with Alena again, isn’t she?

“Be more confident.” He said this to Alena and she blushed.

Gia clucked her tongue. He’s hopeless. She decided to let it go and continued chatting with Alena about clothes.

“We should go to the beach sometime. My husband owns a resort.”

“Oh… I’ll check my schedule, then.” She replied before glancing at Christan.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to invite him and his kids. He takes them out to the sand once in a while.” Gia assured her.

After a couple of hours, they decided to call it a night.

“You surprised me.” Alena turned to Gia after they entered the latter’s car. The older woman offered her a ride home.

“I did, didn’t I?” Gia knew what she’s talking about.

“For a second there, I thought you were sabotaging me.” She showed wide eyes to her.

Gia chuckled, amused by her statement and expression. It was understandable, though.

“But why couldn’t I have simply worn it after we shopped?” She was curious. Was it really necessary to pour a drink over her?

“You’re missing the point.” Gia gestured. “I naturally brought his attention to your…” She pointedly looked at her cleavage and Alena was bewildered. That’s her reason?

“And you didn’t tell me beforehand because…?” This is her last question.

Gia shrugged. “I’m not sure if you’re good at acting, so I figured it could only be a natural reaction on your part. Your reaction was genuine.”

Alena sighed, relieved. “Well, thank you. I was rattled, so I didn’t notice… did you see him looking at my chest?”

Gia grinned. “I did.” More than that, she caught him glancing at Alena a few times. Whatever his reason is, it’s a good thing.