Rides of Our Promises (Original, English Version)

Chapter 14 - Aya McDaniels

I should've known. He's not interested in finding a woman for himself. How could he be bothered to find a man for me? It's been a few months and I hadn't gone on a date for a while. I need to get out and have fun. I'm turning into Charles. I shivered. Not a good thought. He hasn't been grumpy these last few weeks, but he hasn't been smiling, too. He pretty much wore a mask of calm as he worked tirelessly. I admire his dedication.

I checked in with my friends, see if they have someone they can introduce me to. There's no sense hoping for someone who's clearly not there. I should get a move on. Meet someone good. One of the girls sent me someone's contact information, together with a photo. I stared at it. He looks good. Just a bit above average, I say. I sent him a message. Standard introduction and a question of whether he might want to get to know each other before we meet on a blind date. Would it still be a blind date when I already know how he looks? I'm sure my female friend also sent my information and random photo to him. He replied and I told him we could chat in the evening. No sense doing it during working hours. Charles would kill me.

The following day, we agreed on a tentative schedule to meet. Friday night. No surprise there, really. He mentioned that he liked clubbing and that it goes on until the early hours. The corner of my lips twitched when he mentioned that I could stay overnight at his place. He's too forward. I agreed but I know it won't happen. I'm pretty much an expert at escaping and leaving my dates without notice when they're not to my liking.

I brought it up to Charles while we're having lunch in his office. I talked about the guy and what he said. So, I told him I have a date on Friday and I might stay outside overnight. I went on to say I have not much hope on this one, but there might be something. You never know until you actually meet a person to tell what they are really like. He could be better than when he was only exchanging text messages with me.

When I glanced at Charles, he seems to be distracted.

The following days until Friday, Charles wasn't his usual self.

"I think you need a break. You look like you could use a night out." I told him during coffee break and he only glared at me. He couldn't be bothered to even say a word. As far as I know, there are no company issues that would make him look serious.

"Well, you need to relax. This expression on your face isn't attractive. You're going to scare away the employees." I gestured at him. I heard him exhale hard. Oops. The explosion will come after.

"I'll go back to work. Right, I'm not coming home tonight." I left before he could say anything.

When I get back to my desk, I have a message from Kent. Looks like our date got cancelled. I sighed. I stretched my back before contemplating what to do next. I still need a break and a night out. I could check in to a hotel if need be. I'll hit a couple of bars, see if fate would lead me to meet someone. I've done it before.