The Flaked Life Of Lotanna

3

══✿══╡°˖✧DAVIS✧˖°╞══✿══

After a few minutes of the three ladies being in the restroom, only Scarlett stepped out. I wasn't sure if it was something I said or how I acted. "Do you think Lotanna likes me?" I questioned in a serious tone when she answered.

Scarlett hesitated. She set her cup on the table. "You know what, Davis, now that I think about it, I'm not so sure you and Lotanna suit each other."

My phone's vibration distracted me a bit, but I turned the phone off when I saw it was her calling. I looked up at Scarlett. "What?" My forehead creased in more confusion. "But you're the one who nudged Rena to leave so I could talk to Lotanna. Isn't that what you women do when you want two adults to get to know each other?"

Scarlett put up her hands in surrender and helplessness. "I know. But a lot has happened after that. And I don't even know you that well."

Her words left me stunned. What could have happened? From my perspective, Lotanna and I had a unique connection, one I had never experienced before with another woman, except one. Even from our brief interaction, I had felt that she would definitely be someone I would love to spend more time with. Even if she treated me with a less-than-receptive attitude towards the end of our conversation, I wasn't about to let her slip away without a fight. Maybe if we got talking, she would change her mind. I certainly would not pass up the chance to know such a beautiful young lady. Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I pressed on, "Did I say something that offended your sister?"

"You could say that." Her gaze dropped to her drink.

"Well, aren't you going to tell me what it is?" I stared into her eyes, desperate for some kind of answer that would help me better plan my next move with Lotanna.

Scarlett cleared her throat. "What's the most important thing you look for in a woman?"

"What does that have to do with what Lotanna said?"

She sighed. "Don't take the rejection personally. She just didn't feel the same spark as you."

Why was she trying to brush this off so quickly after the connection I just felt a few minutes ago? This wasn't going anywhere. I needed to be more straightforward. "That sounds great. But I really want to date Lotanna," he stated matter-of-factly.

"Why are you so obsessed with her?" Scarlett frowned. "I love my sister, but there are plenty of other women who would gladly jump into your arms."

"I can't explain it. There's just something about your sister... that kind of thing you just know when you feel." I was one who never lost a challenge, and I wasn't losing this one. I leaned forward and rested my elbows on the table. "Please, could you at least talk to her and tell her to give me one more chance?" I needed to make sure I got my game back.

"I don't know." Scarlett looked away. "You are putting me in an uncomfortable situation."

I persisted, "Please, Scarlett. If I can't impress her, I promise won't bug you anymore."

Scarlett pursed her lips, her face deep in concentration. "Davis, there are some things you don't know about Lotanna, and I promised not to tell."

It was my turn to frown. "She's not an obsessed stalker, is she? And she's not married?" My phone rang again. She was still calling, and I had to leave soon before it got worse.

"Of course not!" Scarlett shook her head and let out a small laugh. "Aren't you going to pick up your call? Or it's one of your ladies calling?"

I raised an eyebrow. "My business isn't the topic of discussion now. Your sister is. All I'm asking for is a chance to show myself to her." I could see I was softening her resistance, which meant I was one step closer to getting my way.

"Okay, I've heard you." Scarlett leaned back into the seat. "She's going to kill me for doing this, though. I can't make any promises, but I'll try to talk her into giving you a shot. If I can convince her to go out on a date with you, you promise you'll leave her alone if things don't work out?"

I raised a hand. "Hey, I promise."

"Don't screw this up," Scarlett smiled.

"You all won't regret this." I felt a surge of excitement sweep over me as I planned my next move to win this woman.

══✿══╡°˖✧LOTANNA✧˖°╞══✿══

"Absolutely not! Are you crazy?" I glared at her sister. "After what we talked about last week, you're asking me to go out on a date with him?" I stopped in the center of the crowded Stamford Town Center. The place was bustling with shoppers hoping to take advantage of the after-sales. I continued, stunned at what my sister said. "I thought you were on my side."

"I am. Besides, it's only one date. I made Davis promise me if things didn't work out between the two of you, he'll never bother you again."

I turned to Rena. "Were you in on this, too? Because you are the one that is his friend, and I don't know how he convinced Scarlett."

"Me?" Rena pointed at herself. "I had nothing to do with it, sis."

"I'm the only one to blame," Scarlett reassured. "Look, it's not that difficult. Just give him the cold shoulder the whole evening, and he won't bother you again."

"He is cute. Maybe after you're done with him, you could set me up on a date with him." Rena laughed.

"Rena, you're not helping!"

"Why waste an excellent opportunity when you see one?"

Scarlett scowled at Rena.

I tried to express my frustration. "This is insane. You're asking me to go out with my rival, who's destroying my dream of going into business for myself."

"Just do this. You may benefit from it even. Who knows what you could find out about the contract you both are gunning for? "

I let out a sigh. It's only one date, I told myself. What possible harm could come out of it? Besides, it would give me another opportunity to check out the competition, maybe even discourage him from buying the business.

A plan formed in my mind. I had to come up with reasons he shouldn't take on the project. This date was the only way to achieve such.