𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚂𝚊𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜

Chapter-31

Kenji and Baba might be on the other side of the world but they never let me feel alone, I was talking to them so frequently I genuinely felt like we were together, all the time. As for Charles, we snuck in a little phone call whenever either of us had time I didn't think it was possible to find so much peace in a person in such a short time.

I spent the whole of February writing, editing and writing even more, Vanessa was a great person but a shrewd businesswoman. She made sure I was on track and wasn't falling behind, she checked in on me more frequently than Katsumi did, she believed it was because Vanessa's money was on the line. Which did make sense.

It was finally the day, it was time for me to board my flight and get to Manama. He told me about a million times on what I should carry, how I should deal with my jet lag and that he would be there to pick me up. Which I felt like was too much, he probably had other more commitments, but well, secretly a part of me was hoping his smile would be the one to greet me.

And it was, once again, it felt like when I had landed in Nice last December. He stood at the opening of the arrivals terminal, his smile growing bigger as I walked to him and arms spread wide to welcome me.

"It's so good to finally see you again." He smiled pulling me closer.

"I've missed you a lot." I buried my head in his chest.

I missed this familiarity, this comfort he brought to me. I couldn't believe I'd spent so long without this feeling that was rushing through me right now, it's what I needed- this was going to become something I'll crave. I knew that in my bones.

He helped me with my luggage and drove us to the hotel, while checking in I realised we had two rooms- team protocols he laughed. I found it funny enough to make the receptionist think I was deranged.

"Well, at least our rooms are across from each other!" He tried to point out the positive.

"Yeah! Too bad you'll never see me though." I teased him.

"Why?" He looked at me in confusion.

"Well, it's such a nice hotel the rooms ought to be luxurious I don't think I'll be leaving mine." I pushed the door open.

And I was right, the decor of the place was inviting but grand. The plush pillows, wonderful view of the sunset, the sweet smell in the air- I loved it all. "I think I've lost my girlfriend to this room." He shook his head and sighed. I chuckled. He dragged in my bags and help me settle in.

"How tired are you feeling?" He asked.

"Nothing a nice long shower can't fix." I said placing my things down.

"Can I join?" He smirked.

"Get out." I rolled my eyes, "like right now, stand up and see yourself out for saying that."

"I'm sorry, I didn't think it would be that corny. My bad." He laughed, "the offer still stands-"

"Seriously. GO!" I burst into laughter.

"Okay, okay! I'll see you later don't change into pyjamas I'm taking you out for dinner." He shut the door after him.

"What sort of place is it? I'll need to dress accordingly." But he was already gone.

I took a shower, changed into something comfortable and texted mom that I had reached. She didn't see the message, it was probably late into the night already for her. I walked to the room across and knocked on the door.

"Ah you're ready! Let's go." He linked his arm with mine.

He drove us to what looked like the city centre, it was bustling with life. There were a lot of people but he seemed to navigate through these streets just fine, without attracting attention. To be fair, they would have thought we were just two more random tourists to add to the crowd that had taken over town.

He led me to a building, I looked at its terrace and I was already obsessed. It was a terrace garden sort of restaurant and we could look at the beautiful sights around us as we ate. In his true gentleman fashion, he pulled out the chair for me and had me seated first before hurriedly plopping down across from me.

"Okay, so before you fight over who's paying-I am. I organised everything and that's what we agreed on." He said scanning the menu.

"You spoil me rotten." I sighed.

"I know." He smiled, "Get whatever your heart desires and I mean whatever, I'll be getting a salad."

"Just a salad?"

"I've still got to be very conscious about what I choose to eat."

"Maybe a little dessert? Sneak in a little bit, nobody has to know." I tried to convince him.

"Hmmm..." he read the desserts on the menu.

"Alright it's settled! I'm ordering dessert and we're sharing it." I called for a waitress.

She gave us a big smile and welcomed us to the restaurant, a little special attention to him of course. We placed our order and she was gone again. Charles and I didn't talk so much, we spent a good portion of the time just taking in how incredible this place looked from up here.

Our food was here, and then his salad arrived which made his face drop. I wouldn't blame him, everything coming out of those kitchen doors looked so delicious, the salad probably tasted good too, but it wasn't going to be as fulfilling in taste if you compared it to a slightly more indulgent dish.

"Also, can you please flirt with the waitress?" I joked.

"Are you alright?" He placed his hand on my head, "you're not running a fever. What are you even speaking?"

"She sure likes you, maybe if you're nice enough she might give us a discount." I laughed.

"You're weird." He scrunched his nose.

"It's okay Charles I'm not looking, you can eat my side dishes." I giggled at the third time he'd tried to sneak a fry off my plate hoping I wouldn't look.

"No! I was just checking how observant you are." He smiled cheekily.

Gosh I'd missed this grin. I don't think there was any going back, this dimpled grin owned my whole heart. He could just flash a smile and I'd feel like life was fine- it was great in fact. This evening made me feel like that- he was great, life was great.