Stars Landing [Book 3]

Chapter 30 - One Last Time

Tegan took a stroll around Sera's neighbourhood, her thoughts taking over her emotions. She could barely focus on reuniting with her friends from university because she couldn't stop thinking about Christian Lu. Those things he said to her after Red Jensen's concert couldn't be true. Could they? Did he genuinely not have any time for romance? His honesty was refreshing. For once they weren't fighting. For once they were being honest with one another. Tegan loved the way he held her hand and took control of the whole evening. Was it selfish to want more of that when she knew he couldn't be in a relationship with her? Maybe it was time to end things once and for all. She didn't want to selfishly ask for more time when he was struggling to step away.

Tegan took her phone out and dialled Christian's number. This was their last night in Ottawa, she had to put these problems behind her before returning to Toronto.

"Hey," he answered.

"What are you doing tonight?" Tegan cut to the chase.

"Nothing really," came the reply. "What's up? Did something happen?"

Tegan shook her head. "No, I just wanted to see if you wanted to grab dinner with me? Say around 7:00 tonight?"

"Really?" Christian was rightfully surprised. "Are you day drunk?"

"Not at all," Tegan laughed. "I just wanted to see you. Is that okay?"

There was a short pause. "Of course," he said. "Can I pick you up?"

"That would be nice," Tegan replied. "Thanks...for last night too, I don't think I told you how grateful I am."

It was his turn to laugh. "I had fun."

Tegan commanded her pounding heart to shut the hell up. Now was not the time to overthink things. "Me too," she replied. "See you later."

"See you."

-

Sera finished touching up Tegan's make up while Rhea managed her hair. Her friends were surprisingly supportive of her decision to go on a date with Christian Lu. She didn't want to question their changed feelings because she wasn't sure herself how she felt about going on a proper date with Christian. Who knew what the night would bring? One thing was for sure, she hoped Christian wouldn't be too angry with her decision to part ways. Maybe she was leading him on by asking him out, but she wanted to play pretend a little while longer. For once, she wanted to be kind and considerate towards his feelings and her own.

"Done," Sera announced.

"Just on time too," Rhea said, checking her watch. "He should be coming by any minute. How are you feeling about this?"

Tegan took a steady breath and stood up. "Good," she said, brushing down the the floral dress Sera had lent her. The girl came prepared with enough outfits to clothe a village. Staring at her reflection in the long body mirror, Tegan admired her friends' work. Her straight hair was neatly combed out and her face painted to perfection with eye liner, eye shadow and mascara.

"Finishing touches," Sera said, rummaging through her make up bag and pulling out a pink lipstick. "This shade doesn't work with my skin tone, so keep it afterwards."

Tegan accepted the gift happily. "Thanks guys. You two are the best friends anyone could ask for."

Rhea hugged her tightly. "We are here for you no matter what."

"Always remember that," Sera said, hugging her from the other side.

Christian Lu was five minutes early. Thankfully, Tegan was more than ready to greet him by the front door. She was surprised to see that for once, he was not wearing a suit. He had long black jeans on, a white sweater which he accessorize with a watch, clean sneakers and a fresh new haircut. Tegan's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in surprise. He looked so different, almost cuter than before, if that was at all possible.