Two days after Fabian apologized, he came by to the store. I was on my break, at the counter and I was reading a historical fiction.

"Denise," was all he said for my head to snap up so fast, I almost got whiplash.

I started smiling but I didn't want to look too eager so I wiped the smile off my face.

"Hey Fabian..." I said, trailing out. I honestly was at a loss for what to say.

"Are you on your break right now? Can we talk?" As soon as he asked, my heart went into overdrive. Was he going to tell me it was better for us to reject each other once again? Why did he look so serious?

"Don't worry, it's nothing bad," he reassured with a smile. I assume he saw the panicked expression on my face.

I liked to think I had an expressionless face but I've been told that all my emotions could be read in my face.

"Okay sure," I replied and stood. "Ingrid, please can you take over the counter." She called her affirmation and I smiled. I was so lucky to have her.

I knew sooner more than later,I was going to have to hire other employees and I was not happy about that. Sure, I was glad that business had been good lately, but I was not happy about having to get used to a whole bunch of people once again.

As soon as Fabian and I stepped out, I was hit with the cold breeze. Sure it was summer, but the weather was increasingly weird these days. It could be sunny as everything outside, but still cold.

I shivered and wrapped my arms around my middle. Fabian looked at me curiously but did not comment on the action.

"So, you've brought me out here, what did you want us to talk about?" I asked, turning to face him.

"I was just.. you know we've met three times but we don't know each other. I know we're mates. But we know nothing of each other. So I was wondering if you wanted to go out on a date sometime?" He asked, seeming nervous. His hands were in the pockets of his jacket and his long hair was tied into a bun.

I blushed a little as I imagined us going out on a date. It was going to be completely different from what I had been used to so far. There was going to be nobody throwing us disgusted looks or accidentally pouring drinks on me.

"Yes. I'd like that" I replied. I didn't want Fabian to think I was too eager. I still did not trust his intentions. He was clearly not the type of person to stick to a decision once he took it. And I didn't want to develop feelings and get hurt like I had gotten in my previous relationships.

He smiled after I agreed. His smile was beautiful. It made him seem more boyish, more approachable. He was handsome but his smile opened him up.

"Can I have your number then?" He asked, and I nodded, then rattled it off to him as soon as he got his phone out.

"I sent you a text. You'll know it's me" he said with a wink. I blushed and shook my head with a little smile.

"Soo, is that all you had to ask?" I asked awkwardly. I wasn't used to this type of awkwardness. It had never been awkward with Ethan or Cory.

"Yeah" he said hesitantly. "So, I guess I'll get going"

I stood at a loss for what to say. I didn't know how to act around him. It was weird.

"Do you want some muffins before you go?" I blurted out the question, then almost slapped myself in the face because of how stupid the question sounded.

He agreed and I quickly went in to package them, my face hot. I berated myself all the way even I gave him the muffins.

"See you tomorrow," he said with a bright smile.

I was confused. "For?"

"Our date..?" He made it sound it sound more like a question and I immediately felt stupid.

"Oh right. What time?"

"Let's say 8 pm" he suggested and I nodded stupidly.

"See you then," he said and I nodded once again, inwardly cursing myself for being awkward. I waved as he entered his car and got into the store as soon as he drove off.

I sighed as I reached the register.

Ingrid wiggled her eyebrows as soon as she saw me. "Well?"

"Well, I have a date tomorrow" I responded.

"Oh" was all Ingrid said. I raised my eyebrows for her to elaborate cause I knew that was not all she was thinking.

"It's just.. you don't seem eager. I mean, you don't look like you're excited about it.." I stared at her for a while after realizing that what she had said was true.

"I.. I don't know Ingrid. I mean, yeah, he's my second chance mate and all that, but I just don't feel anything for him. But I'm not going to rush into making a decision. I'll just.. um.. you know.. go with the.. flow. Yeah, I'll go with the flow" I shook my head in the affirmative, as if I were trying to convince my own self.

"Don't just set your hopes too high, or trust him too much. Cause I don't trust him as far as I can throw him," Ingrid said, then paused. "Do they even say that?"

We burst into laughter at her sentence and I shrugged helplessly.

***

"Are you done yet?" Ingrid shouted from outside my bathroom.

"Almost!" I screamed back and proceeded to put one last coat of mascara.

I came out of the bathroom and stood in front of Ingrid.

"How do I look?" I asked taking in a deep breath.

"Wow, you look so pretty. Oh my gosh, Muffin!" She exclaimed, standing up and making me do a pirouette.

I blushed.

"Ah, thanks? You're going to make me blush!" I scolded, putting my hands on my heated cheeks.

She laughed and gave me a big peck on my cheek.

I had gone for something that was dressy but casual. And I hoped the night was going to be a good one. I got to waiting.

An hour later, at eight thirty, Fabian was still not there. And he had not sent any text to let me know he was going to be running late or whatsoever.

Ingrid was fuming even more than me. I was indifferent. I had endured a lot worse than being stood up for a date, but when I tried to explain that to her, she shot me a glare and I wisely shut my mouth.

A few minutes later, the doorbell was rung.

"Finally," Ingrid breathed out making me smile a bit. As she went to open the door, I stopped her from doing so, knowing she was going to rip him a new one. I didn't want that. I wanted a peaceful night, not one filled with tension.

"Please?" she begged and I shook my head resiliently. As I was about to answer her, the bell rang again. I thought better of it and went to the door and opened it.

There Fabian was, standing in front of me with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates in his hands.

"I'm really really sorry. There was so much traffic on the road here," he said and I believed him. His expression was far too genuine.

"It's okay," I replied, taking the flowers and chocolate he offered with a smile, and gesturing for him to come in.

"Fabian this is Ingrid, my.. friend. And Ingrid, this is Fabian, my.. friend?"

They both laughed at my presentation and my cheeks heated up.

Ingrid shook Fabian's hand with a stern expression and I shook my head. She was too protective.

"We should get going then," I hastened to say to Fabian.

He nodded and headed for the door muttering a small bye to Ingrid.

As soon as he went out, I handed her the flowers and the chocolate.

"Be safe okay? Call me if he tries anything," she prodded and I nodded. ()

"I will. And don't eat all the chocolate," I teased and she nodded with a guilty smile. I kissed her forehead and went out, but not before taking in a deep breath and praying everything went well.

***

After a hiatus of almost half a year, I'm back with a new chapter. I have reasons for being absent so. I published them in a prior an but then deleted it cause I felt like I was burdening people with stuff they didn't even care about.

I hope you enjoy this chapter tho. Vote and comment if you did.

Love, Essie