Thirty and Single.

Chapter 15.

I took my phone and called Corey. He said he would rather speak in person. So, he was coming to my place. I was done with publishing an article. I said goodbye to Brooklyn and left.

I found Corey at my door. He looked nervous. "Hey Corey." I said to him, He looked at me and said "Hi Genesis. Can we talk?"

"Yeah, please come in." I told him as I opened my door. He walked behind me and sat on the couch when he got in the house. I sat facing him and asked "Uh, what do you wanna talk about?"

"Um...last night I was talking to my family and I somehow told them that we are dating. So, they wanna meet you for dinner tomorrow night. Genesis....I am so sorry. I know you don't like me that way and now you have to meet my family. I...I am-

"Hey, Corey. It's fine. I'll meet your family." I told him politely.

"Really? Are you serious?"

"Yes! I am serious."

He exhaled deeply and said "Thank you so much Genesis. You don't know how thankful I am."

I gave him a polite smile. He smiled back then stood up.

"Er...so I'll pick you up tomorrow night at 7 sharp. Have a good night Genesis." He said.

I stood up too and said "Okay. I'll be ready by that time. Good night too Corey." Then he walked to the door and within a minute he was out. I closed my door and sat in the living room thinking of meeting Corey's family.

Suddenly there was a knock on my door. Did Corey forget anything? I went to the door and opened it. It wasn't Corey knocking. It was Paisley!

"Hey Paisley!" I greeted her.

She pulled me into a tight hug "Hello Genesis! I missed you!" I welcomed her in and we sat in the living room.

"Wow! Your house is beautiful!" She said as she kept looking around the house.

"Thank you." I said politely.

"How have you been?" She asked me.

"Uh, I have been great! I can't complain." I told her.

"Hmm...I see. Who was that cute guy leaving your house?" She asked jokingly.

"Er...that is Corey. My co-worker." I said.

"I think I have a crush on him." She said that and laughed which made me laugh too.

"When did you arrive?" I asked her.

"Uh, I arrived in the morning. You guys were at work." She said.

There was silence.

"So, you and my brother are working together?" She suddenly asked.

"Yes, we are."

"Are you like dating?" She asked.

"No! No! Why?"

"Because he kept talking about you when he got home." She said with a wide grin.

"No, your brother made it clear that he likes me as a friend. Also he said he will end up breaking my heart." I told her sadly.

"Uh...my brother is not so good at explaining his feelings. I am sure he didn't mean that when he said he likes you as a friend." She spoke.

"I don't know Paisley."

"He likes you! Trust me. I know when he likes someone." She said with a smile.

"Um...is it okay if you tell me more about your brother? He never talks about himself." I said.

"Well, my brother is so charming. When you get to know him he is such a kind and loving person. Sometimes I wish I could have his heart. He used to be a party freak until Nina died."

Ooh! I remember him mentioning Nina in his sleep.

"Um, sorry, who is Nina?" I asked.

"His High School Sweetheart." She said.

"Oooh!" I said.

"Yup, uh...I think I shouldn't be the one telling you the Nina story. He should do it himself."

"It's alright. I totally understand you. Thank you for telling me part of it." I said politely.

"It's fine. You know you're such a cool person. I like you!" She told me and I couldn't stop smiling.

"Aww! Thank you Paisley. You're a cool person too."

"Thanks. I think I should be leaving now. Probably Colton will be wondering where I went."

"Okay! Thanks for coming to see me."

"Anytime darling. Don't forget to tell Corey I am crushing on him." She said with a laugh and stood up. I walked her to the door and she left.

I went to the kitchen and took out my leftovers from the fridge and warmed it then ate. I watched TV for a while then went to bed.

I kept thinking about Nina. What happened to her? How did she die? I kept asking myself so many questions until sleep took me.

*****

The next day I spent my time at the local TV station. I had an interview about my recent article.

After a long tiresome day. I went home and made myself a bubble bath and just soaked in the tub with a glass of wine in my hand. I just wanted to relax before I went to Corey's house.

I missed Brooklyn today. So, I took my phone and called her. "Hey girlfriend!" I said when she picked up her phone.

"Hey sugar! I missed you today at the office though I am proud of you. That interview was lit." She told me.

"Aww darling! Thanks."

"What are you up to?" She asked me.

"I am preparing myself for a date." I told her.

"A date? With who?"

"Try to guess that."

"Um, with your handsome neighbor?"

"Nope! With Corey."

"Corey? I thought you didn't like him."

"Yeah. I only like him as a friend but he kind of told his family that we are dating. So, they want to meet me for dinner later tonight." I told her.

"Oh. My. God!"

"I know! I am as shocked as you are."

"I am coming to your house right now!" She said that and hung up the phone.