But he was the Bad Boy

Well then, this is goodbye

We sit down at the table, and a waitress rushes over to us to bring us a flashy bottle of expensive champagne.

"Wow.  Henry is definitely making sure you enjoy every minute," I gush to Clara.

"Ms. Smith?" the waitress asks. That's my fake last name.  It's for me? Clara's eyes teem with intrigue and approval as I look back toward the waitress. "That's me," I lie. "This is from Mr. Stone. He said to make sure your table's tab goes to him for the rest of the night, and he requested my services be solely focused on you.  Here's a bottle of champagne, courtesy of him."

Oh drat.  Trouble just invaded my night against my will.

"Well," Melissa snarks bitterly.  "How in the world did you manage that?" I shrug.  "Beats the hell out of me.  I turned him down as punishment for his rudeness earlier." My eyes dart around the room, but I don't see him anywhere.

"Well this night just got interesting," Clara beams, sipping her glass of champagne while offering me an appraising glance.

I slump a little in my seat as a large platter of chocolate covered strawberries is brought to us.  There's a note in the middle of the platter addressed to "Alexius Smith."  I warily pull it open and read it.

Has your mind changed yet?

I smile reflexively and quickly check the room, but I still don't see him.  I sigh a little before writing under his text on the card.

No, but thank you for the strawberries and booze.  Perhaps you're too fond of the chase.

I hand the waitress the card, and she smirks as she reads the front. I scratched out "Alexius Smith" and changed it to "Mr. Loves The Chase."

She disappears from the room, and I try to assess where she is going.  She seems to disappear behind a crowd of men, and I lose her behind the flock.  Clara interrupts my silent search.

"Well, I'm impressed," she laughs. "I'm not," I fib. We finish the strawberries, and the waitress returns to clear the plate while handing me a new card.  She's smiling ear to ear as I read the addressed name." Miss Hot And Cold". I let out a bit of a laugh as I open it.

I realize my hasty rejection to your earlier advance has possibly wounded your ego, but I can assure you it was not attributed to anything other than your brazen approach.  I misjudged you, and now I'm filled with regret.  Contrary to your accusation, I'm not overly fond of chases.  I prefer simplicity in everything.  Please reconsider, or I'll be forced to go against my grain and continue to chase you.

I shiver a little against the overwhelming temptation.  Then a sigh escapes as I grab a napkin to write a reply on.  He didn't leave any room on this small card for me to counter.

Mr. Lost Opportunity,
          It took a great deal of courage for me to put myself out there with what you call my "brazen approach."  Your cruel rejection did wound my ego, and it embarrassed the hell out of me.  There was simplicity in my obvious intentions, but you rejected it.  The moment I showed you the same indifference you shared with me, you began this little "chase."  It's obvious the chase is you're end goal, not me.  The door closed the moment you slammed it in my face.  I don't believe in second chances.

I hesitate for a moment, questioning my resolve.  This will certainly end our little flirty exchange, but I don't need this much drama with a complete stranger.

  I'm going home tomorrow, and I certainly don't need to be sucked in by someone as hot as he is. I hand the folded napkin to the waitress, and she disappears once more.  I instantly regret completely killing the possibility, but I know it's for the best.