As Ace and I arrived home, I realized I had a whopping 7 hours to kill before dinner. "Nap time, here I come!" I declared, planning to snooze until 6 pm and then get ready for the evening. But, as I changed into comfy clothes, my attention was hijacked by a mysterious mark on my torso. My mind instantly wandered to Olivia's mom – those piercing blue eyes, which seemed to hold a deep familiarity. I felt an inexplicable sense of peace, as if I'd known her for years. It was as if our connection was instantaneous, like we shared a secret understanding. I couldn't shake off the feeling that we belonged together, like two pieces of a puzzle. Weird, I know, but there it was!
I was lost in thought, replaying the image of Olivia's mom's captivating blue eyes, when my phone's ping sound jolted me back to reality. I swiftly changed into cozy PJs and dove into bed, curiosity getting the better of me.
I checked my phone to find a message from an unknown number:
"Hey! This is Olivia from uni. Thought I'd share my actual number"
I smiled, feeling a thrill of excitement. Olivia was reaching out!
"Hey! Thanks for the rescue mission – saving your number now!" I replied, adding a winking emoji 😉.
Olivia responded with a laughing emoji and a message: "Glad I could save you from the unknown number abyss! 😂 What's your evening look like?"
"Right now, I'm going to sneak in a power nap," I typed, "and later, I'm grabbing dinner with my dad. What about you? Any exciting evening plans?"
Olivia responded with a casual vibe:
"Not much, just mindlessly scrolling through TikTok and Instagram. My dad's at work, and my mom's downstairs... don't want to disturb her binge-watching session"
I chuckled, imagining Olivia's mom engrossed in her favorite show.
"Sweet dreams, beautiful!" Olivia added, showering me with virtual affection. "Enjoy your nap and dinner with your dad. Catch you tomorrow! Bye for now"
I smiled, feeling grateful for our budding friendship.
I set my phone aside, ignoring the potential ping-fest, and snuggled into my cozy bed. My mind began to drift, but one person dominated my thoughts: the captivating Victoria, Olivia's mom, with those breathtaking blue eyes. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd known her forever.
"Victoria," I whispered, my voice barely audible, as I struggled to recall our brief conversation. What was it about her that left me so enchanted?
As I repeated her name, my eyelids grew heavy, and my thoughts blurred. "Victoria... Victoria..." The sound of her name became a soothing lullaby, guiding me into a dreamy slumber.
I sprang out of bed at 6 pm, feeling refreshed and excited for dinner with Dad. A warm bath and hair wash later, I stood before my closet, deliberating on the perfect outfit.
"Hmm, what'll make Dad go wow?" I thought, scanning my dresses. My eyes landed on the showstopper: a stunning Saint Laurent backless silk dress with a daring slit. I paired it with sleek Saint Laurent heels and the adorable Mini Le 5 À 7 shoulder bag.
With my hair slightly curled and cascading over my shoulders, I felt like a million bucks. I struck a pose in front of the mirror, admiring the overall look.
"Saint Laurent, you never disappoint!" I chuckled, giving myself a thumbs-up.
After getting ready, I headed downstairs, where Ace was lounging on the couch. As I descended the stairs, he looked up and flashed a charming grin.
"Wow, you're rocking that outfit! Who's the lucky guy getting the VIP treatment today?" Ace teased.
I chuckled and rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Ha! Just dinner with Dad, Ace. No VIPs in sight."
Ace's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, in that case, I'm promoting myself to escort duty. Olive Garden-bound, baby!"
I playfully raised an eyebrow. "You're volunteering to babysit me?"
Ace shrugged. "Someone's gotta keep you out of trouble. Plus, I love their breadsticks."
I laughed. "You're just using me for free breadsticks, aren't you?"
Ace grinned mischievously. "Guilty as charged. Shall we go? We'll meet your dad there."
After what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at the restaurant. Ace gallantly opened the door, ushering me out onto the sidewalk.
As we stepped inside, the warm glow of the dining area enveloped us, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. A friendly waiter greeted us, his smile welcoming.
"Right this way, Sir . Your table is ready."
As we followed the waiter, I couldn't help but notice the appreciative glances from nearby diners. Ace seemed to sense my unease, his hand subtly finding its way to the small of my back. The gentle touch sent a reassuring shiver down my spine.
"I've got you," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude toward Ace.
As we approached our table, I spotted my dad, engrossed in his phone conversation. His eyes flicked up, locking onto mine, and a warm smile spread across his face.
"Hey, kiddo! Sorry about that. Business call," he explained, standing up to hug me.
Ace extended his hand. "Mr. Hernandez, great to see you again."
My dad shook Ace's hand firmly. "Ace, thanks for joining us. I appreciate you keeping Catherine company."
As we settled in, Ace joining us at the table, Dad had already taken the liberty of ordering. The aroma of freshly baked breadsticks and savory pasta wafted through the air, teasing our taste buds.
Dad's phone calls seemed endless, leaving Ace and me to exchange amused glances. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dad hung up and turned his attention to us.
"So, kiddo, how's university life treating you?" Dad asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
I launched into an enthusiastic update, sharing stories about my classes and friends. Ace chimed in, regaling us with tales of his own college adventures.
Just as our conversation was flowing, I sensed a pair of eyes on me. I glanced over Dad's shoulder, and my heart skipped a beat.
Those piercing blue eyes, reminiscent of a tranquil ocean, locked onto mine. My mind raced:
Oh. My. God. It's her. She's here.
A/N:
You've reached the end of Chapter 4!
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Why Don't You STAY
RomanceWhen shadows of the past linger, can a chance encounter ignite a brighter future? For one young soul, the comfort of solitude is disrupted by an unexpected connection, leading to a journey of self-discovery, hidden truths, and the blurred lines betw...