To You, with Love

CHAPTER NINE

Amelia

It's hard to get out of bed on a Monday morning, but that doesn't matter when you just got a message reminding you that you've received your salary.

I need to be rewarded for my efforts, and the best motivator is food, specifically cookies.

It's been a while since I had one. The last time I bought some was back in my college days since I didn't have the time or money to do so after that.

I stepped inside the bakery and happily took my order. Nothing beats earning the job of your dreams and receiving your first salary. Life is pretty good right now. I'm so hungry, I'll just bite on one of these delicious cookies.

It tasted so delicious from the first bite that it brought back so many memories. I want to eat... "I'm really sorry." I bumped into a man's chest.

"It's okay, it's my fault after all, huh?" It's Asher again.  "Oh, hi, Asher! How have you been lately?" I smiled.

Seriously! Why does this man always appear at the worst possible times?

"I've been doing great, thank you." He paused. "And how about you?" He asked.

"I'm great as well. Please have some," I said as I pushed my cookie bag towards him. He picked a cookie with a small smile that didn't even look like one.

He thanked me, and I was relieved that I could finally leave without feeling awkward, but I was mistaken.

"Do you still enjoy reading books?" Why, of all questions, did he have to ask me this one?

"Yes, I still adore them." Please don't ask me about the books I've read. Please don't ask me about the books I've read. "So, what are your favorite ones?" Wrong question. What am I supposed to tell him? Yes, I read romance books to escape reality. No thanks. I'm not going with this option.

There was a long silence before I answered, "I don't know. I like every book that piques my interest." I am definitely lying. I should apologize to my bookshelf when I come back home.

"Good to hear you're still interested in your hobby. You haven't changed at all." He started smiling now. Where is my phone? I need to take a picture.

"Yes, you're right. I haven't changed." This. Is. So. Awkward.

We stood there for minutes, staring at each other without saying a word, but it didn't feel awkward at all.

He finally broke the silence. "I hope I'm not making you feel uncomfortable. If he will not like seeing you with me, I'll totally leave." Who is he? What does he mean?

I gave him a confused look before he explained, "The man that picked you up that day is your boyfriend, right?" 

I literally laughed. "I'm sorry; I can't stop laughing." He was now the one confused.

"Don't worry. He's not my boyfriend, and I'm not dating anyone." Why did I say so much?

"Right, I'm sorry, I thought you were dating him," he said.

I scratched my head. "It's fine; there's no need to apologize."

He looked at his watch and said, "It was nice to meet you again. You mentioned that you aren't dating anyone, so may I give you a ride to my sister's house?" Deep down, I want to say yes, but there is a part of me that says no.

"There is no need; I want to go there on foot; but thank you for the offer." He nodded, we said our goodbyes, and he drove away while I walked to work.

If you think about it for a second, you'll realize that life is giving me so many options to choose from. The problem is that I'm not used to this, and I don't want to end up hurting someone just to be happy. What am I supposed to do now?

A/N: Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please make sure to comment your thoughts.

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