Last Night:An EarnPete Fanfic

22. Of Favourites and Wishes

Pete

We ended up at XXX hotel 30 minutes later. Earn was smiling cheekily again. He ushered me towards the hotel's restaurant. We were supposed to have our dinner here that one time, but because I was late, we ended up at McDonald's.

I shook my head. That was months ago. So many things had happened in that span of time. So many things I thought would happen but didn't. Just as how I thought my attraction towards Earn would vanish over time but didn't. On the contrary, I felt that it was actually intensifying over the course of time. And as much as I wanted it to stop, I was slowly  unconsciously accepting that fact.

I was sitting opposite Earn who was busy checking out the menu. In turn, I checked him out. He was wearing a plain white tee under a grey varsity jacket paired with a khaki cargo shorts. A very relaxed combination opposite to my white plaid polo shirt and black slacks.

"You were not wearing your uniform today?"

I asked him after the waiter left with our orders.

"I went on and changed after you dismissed us earlier. I know you wouldn't want to be seen around with me in uniform."

I nodded in agreement.

"I want you to know that I am really serious about this. Although I must point out again, including your superiors, they don't have a hold on us dating."

I had not had any alcohol yet, and the place seemed to be fully air conditioned, but why do I feel so hot suddenly?

"We are not dating."

I pointed out after I straigtened my uncrumpled folded sleeve.

"Yet. But I was really on to changing that."

The asshole was quick to rebutt.

I was glad our food came. That way, I had the chance to avoid Earn for a moment because honestly, I was not going to last long before I actually melt with his stare.

We had steak and red wine. Because it was what this restaurant was famous for. Not really my favorite but I was enjoying every single minute of the dinner.

Earn indulged me with random talks. We talked about our breaks and random topics about school, work and current issues. We even exchange and laughed at each other's jokes.

I never thought this day would come, that I would actually be able to sit opposite Earn and not feel anxious about it. I was still second guessing about what we really have, but that night, I realized one thing, solidly that time. I liked Earn. Really liked him.

"So, how was it? Did you like the food?"

We were standing at the hotel's lobby waiting for our car.

"It was okay, thanks by the way. But, um, it wasn't really my favorite."

I needed to thank him for paying. He insisted since according to him, he was the one who invited me and that it was supposed to be our date. And he needed to know what I really like, just in case he invited me again because I would definitely say yes.

"You're always welcome, babe!"

I rolled my eyes at him just in time when our ride arrived.

We were on the Hi way, on our way back when Earn, on the wheels, asked.

"So, what do you like to eat? What are your favorites?"

I shrugged.

"I'm good with anything, thai."

He nodded.

"My bad. I really should have asked you before bringing you there. I thought you like it there because that was where we first meet, and where you asked me to go that one time you bailed on me."

He was smirking with his last statement.

"I knowwww, I'm sorry about that. I'll make it up to you someday, okay? No need for grudges really."

I shook my head before I continued.

"About the place, I really like it there, and don't get me wrong, I love their food too but It wasn't really something I super enjoy eating. But I really had fun tonight."

Earn smiled.

"Well, I'm happy to hear that. Definitely looking forward to another dinner with you."

I tried to hide my smile. Earn on the other hand, wasn't shy about his.

"I loved steak, it was one of my favorites."

I furrowed at him.

"Loved? Why? What's your new favorite?"

We stopped at the red light before Earn turned to me.

"You. You are my favorite everything."

I was taken aback. I silenced.

Earn and I held each other's eyes for a while.

It was but a comfortable silence.

We only broke off when we heard frantic honking from the cars behind us.

Earn was chuckling before he drove again. While I went on catching my breath.

Ten minutes after, Earn stopped the car, a block from my place.

"So, this is me. Thanks for tonight."

I looked at him, puzzled.

"That's my car over there. Jek arranged the parking for me. We needed to be careful, right?"

I saw his car parked in front of a convenience store. But it wasn't what's really bugging me.

"Does Jek know that you're out with me tonight?"

"Nope. I said I had things to do. He's not really that inquisitive tho."

I nodded. But I was not still good with that Jek.

"I could have dropped you home, you know."

Earn gave me his melting smile again.

"Some other time, maybe."

Earn went for the door but not before he said something.

"Just so you know, I really really really, wish to kiss you right now. But I  wouldn't. I'm trying to be nice, that's why. But for your information, I'm going to bed with blue balls tonight. Sleep on that!"

I was trying not to laugh at what Earn said but I failed. He was just the cutest. The door to my car opened again and revealed a disgruntled Earn.

"Well, I'm glad you find it funny."

I was trying to contain myself.

"Sorry, I just. I wasn't expecting you to say that."

He looked at me.

"Why? What were you expecting?"

I stilled. I was expecting him to just grab me and kiss me that instant. I mentally smacked myself at the thought.

Too much for being uptight.

"Good night, Earn. Thanks for tonight. And oh, by the way, wishes do come true, you know."

I smiled at him, before I closed the door and revved my car and drove away.

I saw him smiling from my rearview mirror.
His smile was the last thing that I saw before I turned to my corner.

That night, I whispered a wish too.