Fooled by Perfection

Chapter 11: First Kiss

It's the following day. I'm at the boutique, and all I can think about is my date with Dezman. I know I said I wasn't ready for a relationship, but I am feeling him in that boyfriend kind of way, so I would consider giving it a shot. He seemed to know how to say and do all the right things, and I don't want to let my bad past experiences ruin something that could be good. I'm not getting any younger here.

I start to work on dressing one of the mannequins for our storefront when I hear the bells jingling from the doors opening. I greet the customer without turning around, then I hear a man say, "Hello, I have a special delivery for Miss Ciana." I turn around, and our cashier, Stacey, points him in my direction. The delivery guy walks over to me, asking if I'm the person the delivery is for. I shake my head yes, and I say, "These are for me?" He shakes his head in confirmation that they are. He tells me there's a note attached and to have a great day. He hands me the decorative vase with a clear foiled lining. Sitting inside were beautiful red roses. I pulled out the note but hesitated for a moment. The thought of Mikal sending them to me, letting me know that he's found me, haunts my mind for a second. It's definitely something that he would do, but I knew that most likely wouldn't be the case. I pulled out the note and read it. It says...

"I had to send these to let you know that I'm still thinking about last night, and I hope your day is going alright."

The name left at the bottom was simply signed "D." I'm absolutely cheesing from ear to ear at this point, and I immediately take out my phone. I take a picture of myself smiling while holding them, and I send a message with the picture.

-My roses just arrived. That was so sweet. Thank you.

A moment later, he responds.

-You're welcome.

With that said and done, I finished the rest of my day in a good mood. I do go to the salon after my shift is over at the boutique, then it's to the grocery store to get some things. I had no idea what to make for Dezman on Saturday, but what I did know is that I couldn't wait to see him.

Friday comes and goes, and I couldn't be happier. I had nothing planned except to prepare for my evening with Dezman. I decided I'd make shrimp Alfredo pasta with some garlic bread, and we'd have some white wine to go along with it. I had a recipe to die for and fresh ingredients to make the taste extra special. I also wanted to make a dessert, even though Dezman said he doesn't eat sweets much. No one has ever been able to turn down my pound cake. It's delicious and takes time to make, so hopefully he'll at least try it. I have a nail appointment scheduled for ten a.m., so after I eat breakfast, it's out the door. On the way there, my phone rang. I look to see who it is, and it's Dezman. I'm shocked he's up this early on the weekend. I answer with a "hello."

*Dezman*

Whatchu doing?

*Ciana*

This was the first time I talked to him over the phone. His voice sounded deeper, but he spoke the way that he usually does. I tell him where I'm headed. I asked him what he was doing.

*Dezman*

Nothing. I'm still in bed. I'm going to basketball practice in a lil bit, but I wanted to call you first. I can't wait to see you tonight.

*Ciana*

I can't wait to see you either.

*Dezman*

'Ight then. Go do your thing. Let me know when you're ready for me to come through.

*Ciana*

I told him that I would, and we said goodbye. It was a short but sweet conversation. Now I just needed the day to go the same way...