Luck of a Chubby Girl

Chapter 17

I woke up and stared at the familiar ceiling. I became quite accustomed to it since last night. I hoped that the dizzy feeling in my head would have disappeared by now, but no. Much like yesterday, I was still light-headed. It was like I was balancing on clouds, some kind of out of body experience.

I still had trouble believing. I wondered if I ever would believe it. It just seemed so unrealistic for this to be happening to me. So unbelievable. But I could remember the feeling of his lips next to mine, making my own lips tingle. I could remember the warmth of his embrace, the feeling of his hand around mine.

I raised my hands up to my face in embarrassment, even if there was no one to see me blush.

There was no more time to waste. I needed to get up and go to work. I just didn't know how to react anymore. Sighting, I got up and tried to get ready. Usually I wouldn't care too much over my clothes, I would pick something comfortable and cute to wear. But today I wanted to put a bit more effort. I put on a pink blouse with lace details on the sleeves that I really liked and dark black pants that hugged my figure. Looking over the mirror, I decided to style my hair in a half updo. My makeup was kept to a minimal like normally.

Looking at my mirror one last time, I wondered if I was trying too hard. Aiden had seen me in some of my worst moments either way. It was not like it mattered if I tried to look better now. Still, if I was going to see him today, I wanted to put on the effort. So I took a deep breath, grabbed my jacket and my purse and went out.

I couldn't help but glance at the apartment next door as I waited for the elevator. I knew the boys had already gone out since today they had a bunch of interviews on morning shows. I probably wouldn't see them until later in the afternoon. I was both eager and nervous about it.

The cold morning air outside helped me straight my thoughts as I walked. March was just around the corner, which meant it was still cold in the mornings, but a bit sunnier in the afternoons. Well, as sunny as London could get. Even if I still had trouble believing it, I needed to think about what would happen from here forward. If Aiden truly liked me – and my cheeks warmed up just thinking about it and a small smile formed in my lips –, I feared what would change.

People wouldn't understand it. Much like I don't really understand what Aiden could possibly see in me. There would be so much talk about it... And the boys. I wondered if they would see me with other eyes if they knew. If I told Mindy, would she think I took advantage of my situation in some way? Would the boys think so too? And if word ever got to Mr. Phillips... would he still let me work for him? Still work with this team?

My fears were just growing and growing as I approached the Unike building. I was biting my lips and frowning as I got in the elevator. I decided I needed to talk with Aiden as soon as he came in. I just hoped I wasn't too late already.

Concentrating on my work was a bit difficult that morning. Not only was I constantly looking at the time to see if the boys would be arriving any time soon, but my mind kept drifting. I tried focusing on my translations, but I would find myself back in the elevator from yesterday. I snapped myself out of it multiple times until it was lunch time and Mindy told me she would wait for me in the cafeteria as I finished up.

I was in my designated room clearing up some papers when I heard the door behind me opening and I assumed it was Mindy growing impatient.

- I'll be right there in a bit, Mindy. I just need to organize these - I informed her, expecting to hear her sight in response.

- Mindy told me you would be here.

I immediately spun back, my breath caught in my throat as I saw Aiden close the door and come my way with a sweet shy smile in his face. He was still in the suit the stylist had arranged for him and the others to wear during the morning interviews and looked absolutely breathtaking. We exchange looks for a moment, as he stood beside me next to the table. Then he chuckled nervously.