How To Seduce

4. John and lesson number two

I walk from table to table setting orders in front of the customers, while the earphones in my ears play Pompeii by Bastille. This morning, strangely, I woke up with a smile on my lips: Zayn brought me breakfast in bed and we had it together, laughing and joking like little kids. At university I didn’t see Natalie, which was weird, but thought maybe she had something to do or got sick, so didn’t inquire. Lessons were boring, and the teachers told us the last exams were going to be on Monday, so we would have six days to get ready and study. Luckily, and unlike the other students, I started studying in great advance, so now I actually have time for work and Malik’s seduction lessons.

The song ends and You Rock My World by Michael Jackson comes on, my mood lightens considerably , enough to have me humming happily as I bring orders to the respective tables, until I feel two hands rest on my hips.

I turn around, tearing away from the stranger.

<<John!>> I exclaim when I recognize the supposed stranger, taking the earphones out of my ears and smiling at the boy, who holds a wide grin.

<<Lea! I waited for your phone call but you never called…>> he sighs sadly, but his smile is back in no time. I start stammering, waving my hands wildly in the air <<I’ve been really busy lately and haven’t had time.>> I say mortified, looking at the floor. John lifts my chin and I meet his eyes and smile.

<<It’s ok, don’t worry. Would you like to hang out, me and you? To make up for your lost phone call.>> he winks at me and I blush ferociously. <<Sure. When?>> I stutter unsure, torturing my hands.

<<Tomorrow? What do you think? I can come pick you up after work.>> he suggests, hoping in my consent.

<<Course! Tomorrow.  But can I ask you to come to my house instead? So I can change and get ready.>> I smile.

<<Course! What time?>> <<Half past thirty?.>> John nods, taking a piece of paper from his pocket and offering it to me.

<<Write down your address, so I’ll be there tomorrow.>> he smiles once again.

I nod at his words, grab the pen from my apron's pocket and, with trembling hands, scribble what he asked.

He smiles and kisses my cheek, then says goodbye and leaves the cafeteria smiling, if possible, even more.

Is that boy always smiling?!

<<What?!>> Natalie screams from over the phone, deafing me for a couple seconds.

<<John asked you out?!>> she screams yet again, having me holding the phone away from my ear, fearing a hearing loss.

I’m walking through the streets of Bradford, returning home and called Natalie to ask if she was okay and keep me company during the journey. After telling me she was ill, I told her the big news: John’s date.

<<Yep Nat.>> I answer and hold the coat tighter around my body as cold winds blow around me making me shiver.

<<And you?>> I stop in my tracks, arching an eyebrow at her question.

<<And I what?>> I ask myself, starting to walk again, seeing Zayn and my apartment a block down the road. <<I mean, are you planning on going?>> <<Yeah, I am.>> I hear my friend stifle a holler and sigh amused, finding myself in front of the gate precluding my building. <<Nat? I just got home and am ringing the bell for Zayn, talk to you later or tomorrow, ‘kay?>> we say our goodbyes and I hang up, ringing the bell.