Don't Fall in Love with the Flirt

Chapter 8: Brunch and Apologies

"Are you waiting for me?"

Sebastian sauntered toward her, a grin on his face. Jasmine realized that Sebastian was more good-looking in the morning light.

His hair had the same tousled look as before as if he had just gotten out of bed. But it was his eyes that disarmed her, the sun made them almost a reflective blue, as clear as the sky after a night of tumultuous rain. Said eyes sparkled mischievously as he stopped in front of her.

"I'm waiting for an Uber," Jasmine said quickly, hoping that her voice didn't sound as shaky as she felt. "But I'm not that lucky it seems."

"Say, do you want to get food? I'm famished." Sebastian rubbed his stomach in an exaggerated manner. "Do you know any place nearby? I still haven't stocked up on groceries at home."

Jasmine hesitated for a moment, but a wave of guilt washed over her when she realized he could've gone with Sebastian to the farmer's market and helped him get around.

"Sure," Jasmine found herself saying. "There's a great café just around the corner."

As they walked toward the café, Jasmine was a bit lost in her thoughts. She was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that after avoiding Sebastian for a few days, here she was walking next to him now, getting brunch together.

They arrived at the café soon enough and they placed their orders quickly. Jasmine ordered her usual pancakes while Sebastian scanned the menu, finally deciding on some healthy-sounding oat dish.

"Do you come here often?" Sebastian asked as he took a sip of his coffee.

"I like the vibe of this place," Jasmine replied. "It's cozy and the food is great."

"Yeah, I can see that," Sebastian said. "So, I was surprised to see you at the art center this morning. I had no idea that you were the designer Adelaide was raving about."

"My housemate Laurel knew Adelaide and recommended me."

Suddenly remembering that she almost got removed from the project, Jasmine raised her eyebrows at Sebastian. "I actually thought she was going to fire me this morning. Something about a sponsor suggesting to hire a bigger agency instead of an unknown freelancer?"

Sebastian did not miss the jab and smiled sheepishly at Jasmine. "I made the suggestion before seeing your initial design proposals. But after seeing them, I knew that Adelaide was right. Your work is incredible."

"Thank you," Jasmine nodded, trying to hide her pleasure at the compliment. She knew she was good at her job. "Well, I also had no idea you're into art centers. What made you want to get involved in this project?"

"I guess you can say that I have a personal stake in this," Sebastian said almost sheepishly. "I recently discovered some of my grandmother's quilts in the attic. There were so many I wanted to donate some of them. But my neighbor, Mrs. Jameson, saw them while I was hauling them out and she convinced me that grandma's quilts are exhibit-worthy so here I am."

"That's wonderful," Jasmine said, genuinely touched by Sebastian's story. "I do remember your grandma quilting all the time. I'm sure your grandmother would've been so proud."

"Adelaide went to look at the quilts and was also amazed at the quality of them," Sebastian said. "So, she suggested that we include some of the quilts in the upcoming charity exhibit featuring other local artists. I decided to support the event when I learned they could use some help."

Of course. Sebastian was a gazillionaire, Jasmine thought. He could easily write a check to support the event. But instead, he was also giving his personal time to help out. She begrudgingly had to admit that she had a newfound respect for the guy.

"I actually asked you to breakfast because I wanted to apologize," Sebastian said, breaking into her thoughts. "I was out of line Friday night when I took your number without your permission."

Jasmine was confused at first, but then she remembered how Sebastian called himself from her phone and saved his number in her contacts.

"Oh, that," Jasmine brushed it off, a bit flustered at his apology. "It's no big deal."

"No, it was a douche move," Sebastian insisted. "When you started ignoring my texts and calls, I realized how creepy it must have seemed. Just because we were friends long ago, I should not have assumed that it was okay to just barge into your life like that."

"Sebastian, it's okay," Jasmine said, feeling guilty as ever. She could not let Sebastian think that he was in the wrong when she was the one who had been avoiding him because of her insecurities. Her childhood friend did not deserve that from her. "I just had some stuff going on last weekend and I'm sorry I didn't respond to your texts. I promise I'll be a better friend while you're here."

Sebastian just looked at her, but he did not press the issue. "Okay," he said finally. "I can't say I'm sorry for seeing you again at the art center because I'm not. I guess it's destiny."

Destiny. The word made Jasmine's heart ache.

When she was younger, she used to believe in destiny. She never told anyone this, but she used to believe that she and Sebastian were destined to be together forever. Then he left and that dream seemed to be idiotic.

Until now.

"I'm glad we ran into each other too," Jasmine said softly, her eyes meeting Sebastian's baby blues across the table. And for the first time in a long time, she actually meant it.

--

Jasmine seems to be softening up to Sebastian! Hope you're enjoying this so far!

But the better question is: Would you order pancakes or oatmeal for brunch?

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