Chapter Four

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I gave myself a once over in the mirror for what must have been the twelfth time and I checked to make sure my hair had curled evenly and my mascara wasn't clumpy. Everything needed to be perfect, I need to be perfect; for Jake. Checking the time on my cellphone I realized he would be here in less than 10 minutes and I still hadn't found a good pair of shoes.

I flew down the stairs and was about to make a swift turn down the hall when I ran into a large mass. Stopping to look up at what I had hit I saw none other than Alex. I smoothed out my dress and began to go around him, but he stopped me. I didn't have time for this, I couldn't allow myself to be charmed by Alex when I was about to go on a date with another guy; especially since I was using this guy as a way to forget Alex's charm, though I refused to admit that crucial detail. 

"You like nice," he smiled. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was something much more sexual than that. I felt my cheeks get hot as I realized he was looking at my face, not my boobs; for what felt like the first time.

I cleared my throat, "Uh, thanks." I tried to go around him once more, and he let me; but followed close behind.

"Is this for that date?" he asked, watching as I found the pair of shoes I thought I had lost and slipped them on my feet.

I sighed, why was he being so nice all of a sudden? "Yes."

Alex's face fell, but he tried to hide his disappointment behind his fringe. I couldn't help but think of how cute and childlike he was acting. "With that guy from the Chinese place?" I nodded, walking away to find my purse. I just wanted the conversation to be over; so I could focus on impressing Jake. "Oh," he said, trying to sound perky but ultimately failing.

"Listen," I let out another sigh. "I don't wanna be rude but he's gonna be here any minute and I have to make sure I'm ready."

I went into the bathroom, stopping at the mirror to reapply my lipstick. Alex's reflection appeared behind me, "Blaire, you shouldn't have to get so stressed about going a date with this guy. He gets a date with you, that should be enough for any guy." What he was saying sounded pretty convincing but I knew he was just trying to psyche me out and ruin my date.

I heard the honking of a car horn and I felt myself stiffen. "Well, that's him. I gotta go," I slipped around him and out of the bathroom. "Bye Bri!" I called, heading for the door.

"Wait, he's not even coming to the door?" Alex called. 

I whipped my head around, tired of his shenanigans. "No," I said through gritted teeth. "I have to go out there and meet him."

"Oh, uh ok. Well, have fun," he grinned. "Make sure he treats you right."

I blinked a few times, trying to make sure I wasn't hallucination. There was no way those words came out of Alex's mouth. I shook my head, coming to my senses. Manipulation, manipulation, manipulation; I needed to focus on Jake.

"Sorry about the hold up," I laughed, getting into Jake's car. "I couldn't get my brother's friend off of my back." Or off of my mind I thought to myself.

Jake flashed one of his million dollar smiles, "Your beauty was worth the wait."

My cheeks were probably redder than a fire engine and the ride to the restaurant had barely begun.

"Thanks," I giggled, batting my eyelashes. "You clean up nicely yourself." My eyes trailed over his maroon collared shirt and pressed khaki pants. "I hope I'm dressed nicely enough," I said slowly, suddenly becoming nervous that my little black dress was too informal. Just when I thought I had gotten everything down perfect I was having second thoughts.

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