Love 101

Chapter 8

Friends or More than Friends

Juliette was starting to get annoyed with all the flowers that Nicolas had sent her. It was over a week since he joined the company and stayed his distance. However, he did not give up on dating her. The cards read the same every time "I would be honored to go out with you." Juliette was starting to be recognized by her colleagues who marveled at the fact that she had a secret admirer. But Juliette wanted the attention to stop and Nicolas to give up. She placed the flower in the corner as Cassandra walked into the office

"Your boo is quite persistent," Cassandra teased taking a seat. "He is not my boo and I did not ask for this," Juliette said sternly. "Okay, my friend. It's not the end of the world that a man wants to go out with you," she smiled. "It's easy for you to say," Juliette said. "Juliette, you have the power to put this all to an end. Simply go out with him and set your guidelines," Cassandra suggested.

"I don't want to be cornered into a date," Juliette admitted. "My girl, don't call it a date. Introduce him to your world. If he wants to be a part of your life, he will stay," Cassandra pointed out. Juliette eyes widened at the thought. Nicolas did not know that she was big on worship, charity and simply enjoyed the simple things in life. "Perhaps, if he sees me and realizes I am different, he will stop this obsession of wanting to date me," Juliette stated in delight. Cassandra laughed at her friend who she felt was delusional and naïve. "What?" Juliette asked wanting an explanation for her humor.

"I don't think you can deter that man from the way he feels about you. He looks at you differently and seems to be interested in a long-term relationship," Cassandra pointed out. "Okay, we will see," Juliette challenged. She was almost certain that he would lose interest in her pretty soon.

Nicolas packed up numerous lunch snacks he had prepared in his picnic basket. He was beyond ecstatic that she had agreed to go out with him. He tried not to get carried away because she had stressed that this was purely platonic and she wanted to simply be friends. Nicolas wanted to be more than friends but he was willing to move at her pace because he yearned to be a part of her life. When he saw her, he could not find the words to express how radiant she looked. Juliette met his eyes and tried not to get flustered in his presence. Why was she feeling nervous about this? She reminded herself that she simply wanted friendship and nothing else. This was purely an attempt on her part to show Nicolas what her life was all about.

"You look lovely," he smiled. "Thank you," she said.

"I am happy you finally agreed to go out with me," he announced opening his car door for her. "Nicolas, don't forget I agreed to be your friend and nothing more," she reminded him.

"I know," he nodded putting on her seatbelt. "You know that I am capable of putting on my seatbelt," she explained. "I am just assisting my friend," he teased looking into her eyes.

Juliette bit her lips trying not to smile knowing that he was teasing her. Juliette looked away shyly and continued to keep her posture. Nicolas smiled realizing that she was a bit rattled by his words.

When he returned to the driver's side, he played gospel tunes that surprised her.

"How did you know?" Juliette asked curiously. "Juliette Lawson, I did my homework. You love gospel music, charity, and nature," he said. "How??, Juliette turned to face him. Nicolas giggled, "Facebook, you shared your interests in several posts," he admitted.

Juliette laughed realizing that he had done his homework. "Are you stalking me, Nicolas McFall?" she asked pleasantly surprised that she was enjoying his company.

"Just being observant," he stated driving slowly to the beach. Juliette wondered if she had underestimated Nicholas and wondered if her plan would work.

Nicholas was stunned by how amazing Juliette was. They had talked for hours and enjoyed the tranquility of the water, and nature at its best. They enjoyed scrumptious snacks and homemade that made him simply grateful to be in her presence. Every new detail made him like her even more. Discovering Juliette's love and passion for God, being a Christian, and assistance with outreach programs all proved that she had a warm, caring, and compassionate spirit. Nicholas knew that Juliette may have thought that after discovering her faith, interest, and commitment to God he would not be interested. It was quite the contrary. He was over the moon that she exhibited such characteristics of values, strength, and standards. His heart would not allow him to walk away from the best thing that ever happened to him.

Juliette could not believe that she was having such a wonderful time. Nicolas was indeed a gentleman. She was surprised at how much he listened to her and seemed genuinely interested in her life.