T's & C's (don't) Apply

22. Start of a (not-so) Rosy Weekend

Kai didn't go to work on Thursday or Friday. I was annoyed at him but couldn't do much about it since he said he was spending time with Rosalind. His father even accepted his absence if it was because of her so I couldn't fight him about it. Since Rosalind was going to be away for the weekend working with me at her side, Kai said he needed to make up for lost time. Rosalind called multiple times throughout Wednesday so I assumed she wanted to see him.

So, ever since Wednesday, I hadn't seen or heard from Kai. I didn't even cross paths with him in the hallway so I assumed he wasn't at home or got back very late at night.

The weekend arrived and I finally heard from Kai via text. I was told Rosie Posie would meet me at my apartment at half past eight on Saturday morning.

I wouldn't say I liked tardiness so I got up at six to get ready. I packed a small overnight bag because Kai said we were to spend a night wherever we went. I asked Kai where we were headed but he said he didn't know because he didn't ask Rosie.

"Idiot," I muttered to myself. "What if she takes me to some isolated place to get murdered?"

Since my makeover was because of Rosalind, I dressed up a little. I had an entire new wardrobe thanks to Kai so my outfit choices weren't just limited anymore but up with the current trends. It would've been a lie if I said clothes, shoes, and makeup were something I hated, I just chose to not care about it because it was expensive.

However, now compliments of Kai, I was able to do my makeup and hair. I watched enough videos to know how to do my makeup too. I put on a pair of light-wash jeans and matched it with a white top underneath a pastel pink cardigan and white sneakers.

I blow-dried my hair with volume like Alex taught me and kept my makeup to a minimum. Nude-coloured eyeshadow coated my eyelids, a soft pink blush over my cheeks, some mascara and concealer to hide my dark circles, and a rosy lip tint with a dash of gloss over my lips. I puckered my lips and was impressed at how a little colour here and there seemed to change my appearance.

It was way after nine and I grew annoyed and impatient. I tried to call Kai but he didn't answer so I was left with no choice but to check if he was home.

Perhaps I'm lucky and Rosie Posie changed her mind.

Just as I was about to knock, the door opened. Kai stood in front of me and was taken aback for a second. He was about to speak but another voice called from inside and then shortly joined him.

"Babe, I'm running a little late, I'll..." Rosalind trailed off when her eyes found mine.

I didn't miss the way she examined me from head to toe. I couldn't care less about her opinion but her scrutinising gaze made me a little self-conscious. I played off my uneasiness and looked back at her squarely.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Rosalind's voice beat me. She looked at me from head to toe again and then at Kai. "I asked for a makeover, not a face transplant.

"Don't be dramatic, Rose," Kai replied before I was able to retort.

Rosalind didn't look too pleased with Kai's response and before she was able to say anything, he turned toward her. As if I wasn't there, he told her to be safe and take care this weekend. He said a bunch of other stuff but I phased out of their mushy conversation and turned to leave.

I needed to get my stuff from my flat and afterward was going to wait for Rosalind in the carpark. Just as I took a few steps away, a familiar face almost collided with me.

"Pardon me." Duncan instinctively held my shoulders. "Are you alright?"

The more I saw of Duncan the more I couldn't help but think of him as a gentleman. He was always polite and friendly. Even if I wanted to snap at him for not watching where he walked, I couldn't because he was that nice.