Chapter 19

Maisie threw her clothes one after the other on her bed. Tess was sitting on the bed feeling fed up with Maisie.

“Everything you have tried on is beautiful. I do not get why you are making such a fuss about this dinner”

Maisie stopped and glared at Tess for a second then looked back at the mirror looking at the dress she held in front of her body.

“I don’t know,” Maisie said devastated, and sank with the dress to the floor.

Clothes were laying scattered all over the floor.

“Hey! Hey! “Tess called out as she climbed down the bed and crouched next to Maisie. “You can wear a plastic bag and you will still look gorgeous.”

Maisie stared into Tess's eyes.

“You're not helping you know,” Maisie said disheartened

“Do you like him?” Tess asked

Maisie looked confused at Tess then fell backward on the floor as she yelled out, “I don't know.” She sighed “We have been texting this whole week. He kept asking me to dinner and I kept declining him. Then he used the owed card on me…”

“Okay, I am confused. What owed card?” Tess asked

Maisie pushed herself up. “It’s all your fault!”

“Don’t drag me into this,” Tess said confused at Maisie's words.

Maisie smacked Tess on the arm.

“Ow!” Tess looked stunned at Maisie, “You hit me. Why did you hit me.”

“Because you keep acting all innocent. You took that drink from those strange guys and almost went home with them, oh and.” Maisie held her finger up at Tess. “No wait - wait. We! We!” she motioned her finger back and forth between them. “You drag me into your mess and who had to get us out of it? Me! I did. Luckily for us, Luca was there to help us. Who do you think helped me take you home? Oh yes, and don't forget the part that you threw up all over him.”

Tess looked unbothered at Maisie. “How many times are you going to tell me this? It’s getting old.”

“Tess!”

Tess held her hands up in defense. “Okay, okay sorry I will stop, but you are confusing me. I thought you said Luca was supper hot and amazing and besides it is just dinner. I don't see why you are making such a fuss about it. What are you scared of.”

“Three things,” Maisie showed with her fingers

“Okay?”

“Getting attached, he breaks my heart and Kevin.”

“Not every guy is going to break your heart, Maisie. Uh and yeah, the Kevin part I can’t help you with. Your brother is a tough one.” Tess’s eyes widened “Isn’t this like your first date, dinner in like ever.”

“Yeah! Every time Kevin finds out he sends his men to scare the guy away.” Maisie said as she looked with a worried expression at Tess.

"Then don’t tell him. How does he find out every time?”

“I can’t hide stuff from him Tess. It shows all over my face when I don’t tell him something.”

“Then don’t tell him and control your face.”

“I don’t know how!” Maisie said then hid her face in her hands.

“I got an idea. Why don't you come and stay with me for a while? You can go and meet Luca and get to know him. If you genuinely like him and he likes you, you can introduce him to your brother. See it like a test, if he likes you, he will not get scared off by your bother.

Maisie looked at Tess as if she was crazy. “My brother is a scary person. Even I would run to the mountains if I were a guy. So, no. If I like him, I am hiding him far away from my brother.”

“Good luck with that. Your brother knows everything.”

“Yeah, I know. But anyway, I like your plan. Let’s do it.”

“Okay. Now, let's get ready for this date first, then when you come back you can get packing and come live with me.”

Maisie walked into the restaurant and was immediately greeted by a waiter. Maisie did not want Luca to pick her up at her house so they agreed that she would meet him at the restaurant.

“Welcome miss. Do you have a reservation?”

“I…”

“She is with me,” Luca said from behind the waiter.

The waiter bends his head when he saw Luca and took a step back. Luca smiled as he approached Maisie. He held his hand out for her to take. Maisie felt all gooey inside as she watched him approach her. She placed her hand on his and let him lead her to their table. Luca pulled out her chair, Maisie thanked him as she sat down. He smiled at her and walked around and took his seat.

“I ordered for us in advance. I hope you don’t mind.” Luca said.

“Of course not.”

“Can I pour you a glass?” Luca asked as he picked up the bottle showing her the brand.

“Yes please.”

Luca smirked at her as he poured her a glass, making sure to glance every few seconds at her.

“I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look tonight but then I thought it would not be the right word to describe your beauty,” Luca said

“Oh, that’s a bit cheesy don’t you think?” Masie asked teasingly.

“Not if it is the truth,” Luca said as he picked up his glass of wine. He took a sip as he watched her reaction curiously.

Masie felt her cheeks heating up under his gaze. She shook her head and smiled at him.

“Why is it so hard to get you to have dinner with me? You kept shooting me off.” Luca asked.

Maisie looked down at her hands that were on her lap, “It’s complicated.”

“I like complicated, especially when it involves you.”

Masie giggled. She smiled as she looked at him.

“Now that’s settled tell me. What does Miss complicated do when she is not out clubbing?”

Maisie tilted her head as she smiled at him and traced the rim of the wine glass with her finger.

“I am a fashion designer, and you? What do you do when you are not chatting girls up at bars.”

“It’s Complicated,” Luca said mysteriously.

“Oh. Seems we are a perfect match then.” Masie teases

“It’s like you read my mind,” Luca said as he picked up his glass and held it out toward Maisie for a toast.

“Are you going to be like Cinderella?”

Maisie looked at him confused, “Cinderella?”

“Yes. Are you going to leave at the end of the night without me seeing you again? Then I have to go beyond measures to find you.”

“It depends,” Maisie said then grinned

“Depends on?” Luca asked curiously

“If you make the night memorable.”

Luca chuckled, “I will do just that then. I promise I will not disappoint.”