Memory

Chapter 12

Friday after school.

Jennifer P.O.V

"I can't believe we're doing this," Manolo and I say in unison.

While Manolo felt excited and enthusiastic, I, on the other hand, felt anxious and doubtful.

During the whole car ride here, he insisted that this would work and that I would go home scot-free.

Still, I couldn't help but worry that something might go wrong.

Wandering through the mall, we went to store after store but found nothing that caught my attention.

I texted David yesterday (he gave me his number the day before) about what I should wear to this date, but all he replied with was something simple and casual.

It was helpful, but not at the same time.

Clearly, it wasn't something fancy, but how casual did he mean?

A skirt or a simple dress?

After what felt like an eternity, we passed by yet another store, but one of the outfits the mannequin was wearing in the window caught Manolo's attention.

Gently grabbing me by the wrist, he softly yanks me back, placing me in front of the mannequin.

"This one," he gleams.

Looking at the outfit, I have to admit it truly is a beautiful dress, but it's too sexy, and I don't it'll complement my body as much as I hope it will.

"Is there something wrong with the outfit?" Manolo asks, sensing my self-doubt.

"I don't think that outfit will look all that good on me, that outfit belongs on a person who radiates confidence, and that person isn't me".

Flipping me around, I'm met with his stern gaze.

"Jeni, trust me, you will look amazing in that dress. I know it's a bit out of your comfort zone, but it never hurts to try new things. Maybe after putting it on, you'll find the confidence you believe you don't have," he smiled, rubbing my shoulders in comfort.

"I guess you're right, but what if David doesn't think so," I say, feeling a bit anxious, wondering how he'll look once he sees my outfit.

"I doubt it, David looks at you like you are the most beautiful woman in the world when he sees you in your work clothes, so I'm very sure he'll be drooling once he sees you in this"

I hope he does.

"Fine, let's get the outfit," I say in defeat as Manolo cheers in victory.

After buying the outfit, Manolo told me that all I needed now were some heels and accessories.

Luckily, we found some heels and a matching purse in the store next to the one we just left.

Once we paid for the items, we left, luckily seeing a huge jewelry store nearby.

Entering the store, I was astonished by all the stunning jewelry sets displayed in front of me.

I saw diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and even more beautiful jewels scattered around in protective glass cases.

Nicolas has taken me jewelry shopping before, but only to show off to his friends, flaunting that he bought his wife the latest designer jewels.

He always kept me from picking anything I liked. He claimed my taste wasn't as extravagant or Luxurious as his.

I just don't enjoy wearing over-the-top jewelry. I prefer something basic yet pleasing to the eye.

Of course, Nicolas doesn't care about anything I like though, only what he thinks is best for me.

After looking over all the different jewelry sets, I selected one that included a lovely necklace and matching earrings.

"Okay, we have everything we need and still more than enough time to make it back to the school so you can retrieve your phone and head home," he said, pulling his phone from his pocket and checking the time. "Do you want to leave now or head to the food court and grab a bite to eat first because I'm starting to get hungry?"

"Yeah, we can have something to eat first."

Taking the elevator down to the first floor, we went to the food court, picking Pizza Hut as our eating choice since we were both in the mood for pizza.

While Manolo was ordering our pizza, I was scrolling through Instagram when a notification popped up.

At first, I was just going to scroll up and ignore it, but the minute I saw the contact name, I wasted no time replying.

David: Hey, how's the shopping going?

Jennifer: It's going well. It took us a bit of time to find the right outfit, but we eventually did

David: that's good, can I see the outfit?

Jennifer:🤔

Jennifer: Nope, sorry. Since you said the restaurant is a surprise, my outfit will surprise you.

David: Toche 😂

While David and I continued texting about more details of the date, including getting to know each other better personally, Manolo returned with our supreme pizza, placing it on the table.

"I take it you're texting David at the moment." He cocked a brow, sitting down, taking out the hand sanitizer he always carried.

"I-".

How the hell did he know? Maybe he saw my phone when he returned to the table.

"If you're wondering how I know you're texting David, it's because your face is red like the pepperonis on this pizza," he clarified, grabbing a slice of pizza. "It's also extremely obvious because you're smiling like you just won the lottery," he said, biting into his food.

I slapped his arm cause it was more than obvious that he was teasing me.

"Hey, hey, don't make me waste the food. It cost me damn near twenty dollars," Manolo chuckled, raising his arms in defense.

"Stop teasing me every chance you get, and I won't have to hit you." I stopped picking up a slice of pizza.

"I'm good on that because then the funnies part of our friendship would be gone," he defended, finishing the first pizza slice.

Telling jokes and rekindling old memories from the beginning of our friendship, I forgot how worried I would be if Nicolas were to find out what I was doing.

I honestly think I wouldn't care either way, no matter how bad the outcome may be.

It felt good going out with a friend and enjoying each other company.

Sad as it may be, this is my first time going out with Manolo, even though we've been friends for two years now.

In the past, he's questioned why I was always quoted as "too busy" to hang out with him after work, and those were times I sincerely considered telling him about the dark side of my marriage.

I shortly reconsidered out of fear, disturbed by the mere thought of Nicolas doing anything harmful to Manolo.

I love Manolo deeply and see him as an older, protective brother who has my back no matter how dire the circumstances are.

If anything were to happen to him because of me, I don't think I would ever find the strength to forgive myself.