My Gorgeous Mobster (JenLisa)

Chapter 18: Set Straight

JENNIE

Jennie felt jittery when she saw Lisa a few meters away from her. She was at the Manoban estate for Maro Manoban's birthday celebration. She tried to beg off the invitation, but her grandfather wouldn't let her. She understood; they needed to be there to show their gratitude to the Manoban patriarch. The Manobans had helped them immensely, not only with their company but also by saving their lives.

It’s just that she felt uneasy knowing she would see the blonde again. It had been a week since that odd night at Lisa's apartment. She hadn’t seen the taller woman much in the office, and when she did, the blonde would only look at her and occasionally give a slight nod acknowledging her presence. Jennie didn’t know what was going on in Lisa's mind. One moment, she was declaring her claim on her, acting erratically to stop her from seeing her cousin, even having her followed, and now, total silence? It just didn’t add up. Jennie was confused and curious about why Lisa was acting so cool towards her again. Well, that was what she wanted in the first place. At least Lisa wasn’t bothering her anymore, but it was still puzzling.

In the last few days, Jennie had been going out with Bambam. He was a good person, fun to be around, and she knew he was romantically interested in her. That flattered her. There were so many women more beautiful and younger than her, but he fancied her. She mostly talked to him at tonight's party, where he was acting as a good host. Her parents and grandfather were all present.

Everything seemed to be going well. Her father was managing his gambling addiction, her sister seemed to be doing fine, too, and Rosie was expected to graduate later this year. Their company was in good standing. The only tension in her life came from the blonde woman, who was eyeing her intently at that moment.

While talking to Bambam, Jennie couldn’t stop herself from throwing sideways glances at Lisa. She was wearing an elegant dusty-pink pant suit ensemble and matching high-heeled shoes. Her signature fringe was a little trimmed compared to the last time Jennie saw her. Nevertheless, she still looked gorgeous. Lisa held a flute of what seemed to be white wine. She was alone, and when the blonde looked in Jennie's direction, Jennie quickly took a mouthful of her martini.

"Would you like another one?" Bambam asked.

"Yes, thank you."

He smiled and turned his back. Jennie found herself turning her head again to look at Lisa, who was now making her way towards her. Her heart raced like crazy. When Lisa was finally near her, Jennie’s nose automatically picked up the familiar scent—a mixture of expensive perfume, vanilla, and a hint of spice. She missed Lisa. She had no idea how long she would miss her. Jennie just hoped that one day it would stop, that she would stop longing for this woman.

"How have you been?" Lisa asked, observing her face closely. Jennie looked down slightly, but Lisa used a finger to lift her chin gently and looked directly into her eyes.

"I... I'm..." Jennie swallowed. She couldn’t meet the blonde's stare and decided to focus on Lisa's throat instead. Damn. She used to kiss that freckle on her throat. "I'm fine." Her voice was slightly squeaky as she croaked a reply, her annoyance evident. "H-how are you?"

Lisa then removed her fingers from Jennie’s chin and took her hand in hers. The blonde squeezed it once, then let go. "I'm... I'm glad to know you're fine. Is he treating you well?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, is Bambam treating you well?"

"Yes. Of course."

"Good. Okay. Good." The Thai woman nodded, but her eyes seemed sad. "I'm glad. It's nice to see you again. You look lovely tonight, by the way. Good evening. Enjoy the party, please." Lisa gave a curt nod and turned away.