Badboy's Venom

chapter 58

ZOE'S POV

I take a look at myself in the mirror for the last time and sigh before heading out to catch my uber outside. On the journey to my destination, my mind is flashing back memories of all the events that occurred when Carl was still around. At some point I did him wrong and I regret ever cutting him off but then I'm just joyful for Carl being Carl, he doesn't hold grudges. I make my payment to the uber driver and step out of the car, heading inside MacDonald. In the meantime I have ordered juice as I wait for Carl to arrive. I check the time on my phone once more, my patience is running thin. A wave of relief surges within me upon seeing him as I lift my head from facing my phone in hand and there he is; walking towards my direction still looking decent.

Seeing him today triggers many suppressed feelings I've been trying to avoid. I compose myself and stand up firmly, offering Carl a hug but he kisses my cheek after breaking the hug which causes me to blush a bit. "Zoe" he calls calmly, his eyes scanning my whole body in adoration. "Carl" I smile at him.  "You look beautiful." "Thanks and so are you" my cheeks aflame after my statement. "Can we get seated?" He points to the chair. "Yeah of course...yeah" I trail off, pulling my chair for a seat. "It's really nice to see you after so long." He says with a smile on his face, his smile is contagious. "I've missed you too." I admit with a smile plastered on my face and right now I'm sure my eyes are watery already.

A moment of silence passes by after exchanging our prolonged eye contact. "So out of all places you'd choose for lunch, you chose MacDonald?" Carl shots me a mischievous smirk as he questions. "Hey show some respect, it's the least I can afford," I pause and take a sip from my juice as I witness him darting his eyes around the restaurant "Plus you demanded at the last minute." I defend myself after drinking my juice. Carl releases a soft laughter "Oh I demanded?" "Yes that's what you did." I retort playfully. "Let's drop it; I like MacDonald by the way. I hope you brought your wallet with you." "Duh it's on me how can I forget." I roll my eyes playfully at him. He smiles again after my playful act and purse his lips "Let's order, there's a lot to catch up on." He says and I nod.

The waiter makes his way to us after Carl signalled for his attention using his hand and he takes our orders. We catch up while eating our lunch. I inform Carl about everything that's been happening in my life including my friendship with Dave. "I wonder who this 'white ghetto Dave' is." Carl's voice oozes sarcasm as he implies nonchalantly. "He's our friend, I just told you that. What? Are you jealous?" A mischievous grin is evident on my face. "I don't have a reason to be, in fact I'm glad you're now extrovert." He points out, proud dripping in his voice. I look at him for a moment. "What?" He shrugs his shoulders. "Are you even real?" I ask, scrutinizing his face. "What do you mean?" He aks with a perplexed look plastered on his face.

"You've been nothing but good to me. I still cannot believe you submitted that painting of me and luckily for you it turned out to be something big in your favour." I voice out in adoration. "Oh that, it's no big deal" he states calmly and signals for the nearest waiter. "Please add milkshakes, strawberry and chocolate." The waiter writes down and queries "anything else sir?" "That's all; thank you" the waiter departs after Carl's statement.

"Really Carl? I never budgeted for this." I say with my eyes questioning him and he releases a light chuckle, his eyes not leaving mine. "What?" I ask. "You look cute." He says with a serious facial expression, causing me to sigh and smile at the same time. "Can you be serious for a minute? Its fine I'll take the last of my cents and pay." I frown a little then smile when the waiter approaches with the milkshakes. "I'll get the bill." He informs in a kind tone and I nod to him.