Valentin and I had a blast at the library. Neither of us took their break because to take a break, the other one has to keep working. So instead we both stayed at our desks and occasionally roamed around the room containing all the books. Not many customers came in and it allowed us to 'waste' time. His sense of humour is priceless and I can't remember the last time I laughed that much. I wish he could work there instead of Ms Heilig, it would be like a therapy session.

Since I rejected Adrian last night, I feel much better about myself. It somehow made me feel a little stronger and less emotionally dependent on him. This morning he sent me a 'good morning' text to which I replied and we had a small talk. I assume that is him trying to show me his interest. When I got home from the library I found a large bouquet of roses in front of my door bearing his name on a little card. Since the ones I got from Tom are almost completely dry, these took their place. I sent him another text to thank him. Even though I like them very much, if he thinks that he will buy me with presents he is very wrong.

'What are you doing tonight?' He asked in a text.

'Meeting a friend to go see some movie.' I replied referring to Valentin who asked me to go with him to see this new movie which he likes.

'Enjoy.' He answered and the conversation ended.

Ellen knocked on my door and quickly asked me if I would be able to babysit Sam one of the following days. Since it's in the morning and I won't work at the library that day, I gladly accepted.

With that being sorted, I slowly started to get ready for the cinema. Although it seems like a date, Valentin and I are just friends. There isn't any chemistry between us and the way he looks at me doesn't reveal any romantic emotions.

I opted for simple high waisted jeans and a tight tank top. Instead of a handbag I got a small backpack and put inside some necessities. Valentin picked me up with his car and we were off.

He wanted popcorn while I was more in the mood for nachos, and once we bought all the snacks and drinks we found our seats. At first they were playing the adverts so we used the time to settle and make ourselves comfortable.

"Hey Lana!" A jolly voice called from behind as I took a sip of my cola. Turning around I saw a familiar blonde man walking like a duck.

Adrian again. Ugh.

He had a dumb smile on his face and completely dropped his confident posture. It is obvious that he's doing it on purpose to give a different impression of himself. Acting all friendly he came closer and shook Valentin's hand.

"I am Lana's friend. So happy to meet you!" He kept that stupid expression. On the other hand I looked like I just ate a lemon.

Valentin didn't share his amusement but introduced himself politely. I became irritated knowing that Adrian didn't bump into us accidentally, but came here on purpose.

"What a coincidence! I'm so happy!" He continued acting cheerful like an idiot and being completely opposite of his actual self. "Can I sit in the middle please?"

Without waiting for a reply he removed our things which we put on the seat between us, and sat down. Holding our stuff in his lap, he waited for us to remove them. Rolling my eyes I did just that.

The movie started but Adrian wouldn't stop talking. First it was about random things, but when I showed my annoyance, he shifted to commenting about the movie. At least Valentin didn't seem the least bit irritated. Instead he watched the movie not paying attention to Adrian and I attempted to do the same. It was obviously impossible because he had something to say every couple of seconds. I don't think this was part of his act, I think that is how he is and I will make sure to never watch a movie with him again.

At one point Valentin went to the toilet and I used the opportunity to confront him.

"What on earth are you doing?" I snapped letting all my irritation out. He smirked.

"Making sure you don't fall in love with your new friend." He replied and then took a nacho from me. Looking down I realised that he ate almost all of them. I sighed.

"You are the worst person to watch a movie with." I complained. "Please remind me not to do it again."

Telling him my exact thoughts I handed him my nacho container and demanded a refill.

___

The following evening I was dancing at the club and Julian stopped by. My initial reaction was negative but his intentions were, surprisingly, good. Making sure that Adrian doesn't see him there, he pulled me aside while I was breathing some fresh air at the entrance door.

"If you came for an apology, forget it." I referred to the water incident while eyeing the grown man in front of me. As always he wore a strong cologne.

"Oh that pissed me off but I already forgot about it. I came to tell you that tomorrow is my brother's birthday and I figured you'd want to know." He jumped straight to the point and I can't believe I'm saying this, but he is right. I do want to know. "You're welcome." He didn't give me time to thank him but left immediately.

The little I know about Julian tells me that he'd gladly stay to irritate me some more but he must be in a rush. At least that's the manner in which he left. Keeping what he told me in mind, I finished my shift and went home to think of a present.

What could I possibly buy for Adrian that he doesn't already have? He is rich so he can get everything he wishes for, and on the other hand I have no idea what a middle aged man would like. Simple things like a wallet, a cologne, and a shirt crossed my mind. But those are too basic and his wallet is probably much more expensive than the one I would get him. A cologne sounds effortless.

It came to me that the only thing I can give him which he cannot buy and doesn't already have is something handmade and something sentimental. Plus it requires a certain amount of effort. My problem is that I didn't know about his birthday before so whatever I do will be in the last minute and it must be fast.

I googled ideas until late at night but they were too romantic. I am not close to him enough for something like that and he doesn't seem like the type who is into those things.

Feeling a little disappointed that I didn't manage to find anything, I thought it best to leave it for the morning.