The Steps To Your Heart

Prologue

--- Nique--- (Pronounced as Nik)

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I remember it hurt ...

Loving him hurts ...

And the worst part is ...

I never got the chance to tell ...

And that I may never will ...

How I truly felt towards him ...

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"I'm sorry I'm late," I excused as I made my way to my seat, across from my supposed to be blind date of the week. He was about to stand up like a gentleman to pull the sit for me - as I already expected he would, but stopped midway seeing as I already pulled the chair and sat.

"So, did you order already?" I asked nonchalantly and picked up the menu, browsing through it without much thought.

I felt him grimace at my behaviour but then he brushed it off and sat too.

"I didn't, yet. I was waiting for you," he answered smiling.

I nodded in answer and pretended to look at the menu earnestly.

"I heard from Shayne you're studying at the university near here," he said and I nodded again.

"Uhm – and? How's schoo - - - "

"Why don't we just order something first, I'm starving," I interrupted placing the menu down and stared at him seriously.

"Oka - - - "

"But if you want to skip through all the formalities and just jump right on board ..." I trailed off on purpose.

"We could also do that." I finished when I saw his confused look. Then when he finally understood what I meant, he grimaced. I smirked.

"But just a heads up ... If you really want to, I'm a tough one to handle. Not only is my personality assertive and the fact that I'm also the wilful kind of person, but I'm also the temperamental kind. That's why I like the forbearing kind of people. So if you think you can put up with me, then by all means, I can give you an answer right now," I said frankly.

When he still didn't respond, I continued, "What? You want me to be the one to ask you out instead? Sure! I could also do that," I finished and smiled at him as sweetly as I could.

"Uhm - - -" he just muttered after a few seconds.

I laughed sheepishly, shaking my head. "I can't believe I let him fool with me," I whispered to myself.

I stood up and signalled at Chris for my regular take out lunch.

"I'm sorry if you had to go out of your way just for this stupid blind date. Don't worry, it's not you," I dismissed and pulled out my wallet.

"Here's your take out ma'am," Chris intervened from behind me with that grin of his plastered on his face – as he always does when he sees I'm in another blind date.

"Thanks. Just give him the usual." I glared back and reached for my food, shooing him away with my eyes. He left shaking his head.

"Thanks for today, and don't worry about that. My treat," I turned towards him – and I wasn't even sure if I should ask his name.