Thirty and Single.

Chapter 8.

"It has been weeks already, and Corey keeps asking you to go out with him. Why can't you just go?" Brooklyn's voice cut through the quiet hum of our office, her eyes fixed on me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

I glanced up from my desktop, fingers pausing over the keyboard. "I don't know. I just want to concentrate on work," I replied, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Brooklyn leaned against the edge of my desk, her arms crossed. "I know you have work, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do other things, like going out, especially with Corey. Genesis, that guy worships the ground you walk on."

She wasn't wrong. Corey had been persistent, always kind, always patient. He wasn't a bad guy at all. But something held me back.

"What?" I asked, noticing her scrutinizing gaze.

"Did you hear any words that I said?"

"Yeah. I heard you."

"And? Are you going to give him a chance?"

"Er...I'll think about it."

"Please, Genesis. Give the poor guy a chance. I know you're still thinking of Colton, but I think he made it clear that he isn't good with relationships. I don't want to see you getting hurt, darling."

I sighed deeply, Colton's image flashing in my mind. We were back to being friends, but my feelings for him hadn't faded. He was confusing, sometimes acting like he cared, other times distant.

"Alright! One date. Just one date!" I conceded.

Brooklyn's face lit up as she rushed over and kissed my cheek. "I am sure it won't be just one date."

I smiled, returning my focus to work.

A few hours later, the office door swung open, and Corey walked in, holding a cup of coffee and a bouquet of flowers. He approached my desk with a warm smile.

"I thought you might need this," he said, placing the coffee beside me. Then, handing me the flowers, he added, "And these are for you."

I was taken aback. No one had ever brought me flowers before. "Thank you, Corey," I said, genuinely touched.

Clearing my throat, I mustered the courage to say, "I'll go on that date with you."

His eyes widened in surprise. "Sorry, what did you say, Genesis?"

"I'll go on that date with you," I repeated, louder this time.

He beamed, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "Thank you, darling."

As he left, Brooklyn exclaimed, "Oh my God! That was so romantic, Genesis."

I couldn't help but smile.

Later that evening, Corey picked me up, and we drove to Stanquic Restaurant. The ambiance was elegant, with soft lighting and tasteful décor.

"Wow! This place is beautiful, Corey," I remarked as we entered.

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

We were seated at a cozy table, and after perusing the menu, we both decided on the garlic butter baked salmon. The waiter recommended a bottle of Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvée Cassaneas 2017 .

As we sipped the wine and enjoyed our meal, Corey said, "I'm so glad you came on this date with me, Genesis."

I smiled, "I think there will be more dates."

"Please, I want to hear more about you," he urged.

"Honestly, my life is boring. I'm an only child. My parents divorced when I was in middle school, and I enjoy my work," I shared.

"That sounds interesting," he said, taking another sip of wine.

"What about you? What's your story?" I inquired.

"I have two brothers. I'm the eldest. I like traveling, my favourite sport is golf, and I really, really like this beautiful lady sitting in front of me," he said with a grin.

I blushed, then asked, "How about past relationships?"

"I dated once, but it didn't go well. She got pregnant with her gym trainer," he revealed.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I said sympathetically.

He sighed, then asked, "How about you?"

"I dated a guy named Olivier in college. I was so in love with him. We had many plans together, but one day he just left without saying a word. A few months later, I found out he had moved to another country and was in a serious relationship," I recounted.

"How can someone do that to you? You're such a beautiful lady, and you deserve all the love in the world," he said sincerely.

We finished our meal, and Corey drove me home.

"It was really nice spending time with you," he said as we arrived.

"I enjoyed my evening. Thank you so much, Corey."

"Anytime, gorgeous," he replied with a wink, making me blush.

He walked me to my door, kissed my cheek, and said, "Good night, Genesis. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Corey. See you tomorrow," I responded, watching him drive away.

As I stood there, reflecting on the evening, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Oh, was that your date?"

Colton.

He approached me, his eyes red and filled with sadness.

"Uh...yes," I replied.

"What's his name?"

"Corey."

"Corey? What kind of a name is that?" he asked sarcastically.

"Did you have fun? Did he treat you well?"

"Yes, I had fun, and he treated me well," I affirmed.

"Colton, are you alright?" I asked, noticing the smell of alcohol on his breath.

"No! I am not alright," he confessed, looking torn and broken.

"Please come in," I urged.

He nodded, and we entered my house. He sat on the couch while I switched on the lights and sat beside him.

"What's wrong?" I inquired.

"Genesis, she left me on a day like today. I never got a chance to say goodbye," he said, his voice heavy with sadness.

"Who left you, Colton?"

"Nina. Nina left me."