Eluding Emotion

Unexpected Date

I’m in casual attire today as well as my employees. It’s dress-down Friday so it’s normal for all of us to be in casual attire. It’s also a good thing since most people tend to get bored if they’re always in business clothing. Lehi helped me in picking out my attire today since tonight’s my date with Ezra. He made me wear a white sleeveless shirt topped with a gray cardigan and black skinny jeans. He said it makes me look normal and that I’ll blend in whenever place Ezra will take me so I went with it. He’s got the same style on—except for the skinny jeans—so we look like we’re on uniform. I don’t know what’s up with him but it’s him who’s going to wear it, so whatever.

He kept on giving me instructions on what to and what not to do during my date with Ezra; I pretended to be interested since the subject just makes me more nervous. I mean, I’ve dated men before, just dinner date, something like that. As years went by, men became more and more aggressive so I stopped going out with them. My aunt had no choice during those years but to listen to my every complaint. Mortal men are so unpredictable and boring, but I’ve never been nervous about going out on a date until today. I mean, Ezra and I went to a lot of places to feed, hang out or stroll; but now, it feels different since I don’t know, maybe because he’s forever been my best friend? It’s confusing, just like how confusing it is that I wanted Lehi to come along to ease my nervousness.

“Hey, you don’t need to be nervous.” Lehi interrupted my trail of thoughts.

“I’m not really nervous; I think I’m confused… I don’t know. Never mind.”

“Just relax, and tell me how it goes, okay?”

“Okay.” I sighed.

It’s almost 5:00 and my nerves are killing me. My heart keeps on pounding and pounding against my ribcage as I check and recheck my iPhone, waiting for a message or call from Ezra. Lehi seems to be entertained by my facial expressions and the anxiety that’s reflecting on my face because he keeps on snickering every time I catch his gaze. This is killing me. I looked at Lehi and when he caught my gaze, I think he realized what’s racing on my mind.

“Chill, its just 10 past 5. He’s gonna call you.” He smiled at me, and then gazed at the floor like he’s thinking about something that will save him from something. And as if on cue, La Traviata played on my iPhone.

“Hey, I thought you’d never call.” I answered immediately.

“Sorry, I was just so busy I forgot to text you.”

“It’s okay; I understand you’ve got a lot on your plate too.”

“Yeah... Hey, Olivia, I’m sorry but I won’t be able to make it tonight. We got this emergency meeting that might take half of the night. Just go and ask someone else to come with you so the tickets won’t be put to waste. I’m so sorry, promise I’ll make it up to you next time, okay?”

“Oh, okay. That would be fine.” I looked at Lehi and I think he knows what Ezra told me since he pouted a little but gave me a reassuring smile. The heavy pounding of my chest disappeared and I let out a breath of relief. “I’ll see you soon.” I told Ezra and hung up. After hanging up, I texted him that I’m not mad and I’ll just take Lehi with me since he’s the only person available to accompany me. I looked at Lehi and saw that he’s standing in front of me waiting for me to say something.

“So, he won’t make it tonight. So it’s either you accompany me or I’ll go alone.” I said as I we walked out the office.

“Is Olivia Snow asking me out?” he teased.

“Please…that’s the last thing that will come to my mind.” I scoffed.

“Buzz kill. Okay, I’ll come with you even if you won’t ask me out properly—Aw!” he exclaimed as I backhanded his chest of steel.