Etched

Chapter 27

"You're not getting any help until I get my fill of the juicy details of him asking you out?" Cassie smirked.

I scowled at her, attempting to hide my blushing face. "There wasn't anything juicy about it."

"So you're telling me that he asked you and you agreed, just like that?" she raised her brow.

"Uh- not exactly... I was gaping at him" I mumbled, blushing furiously.

"As expected" Cassie smacked her forehead, "then?" she persuaded.

"I don't know how long I zoned out Cassie, when I did however return back he looked so nervous almost as if we would pass out" I said shaking my head thinking back to the day before when he popped the question.

His eyes were wild in uncertainty, edging towards the sad green, prepared for my rejection which I wasn't even ready to provide.

"Of course, do you blame him? Anyone would be nervous if the person they ask out blanks but I won't deny it's obviously a shocker to see this reaction from him, to be fair" she added.

"But I didn't mean to. I was just surprised...that uh- that he asked me out" I muttered looking down and my knotted fingers.

Cassie sighed and sat next to me, she placed her hands on my shoulders, "why were you surprised, Jenna?"

I inhaled a deep breath and fell backwards on the bed, Cassie followed after. We both laid side by side staring at the intricate ceiling of my temporary room in Gabriel's mansion.

"I was shocked because I was wondering why would someone like him ever ask someone like me to a date then I realized it could probably be sympathy, guilt or just pity." I twisted a lock of hair between my fingers.

"He's everything I couldn't ever be or what would deem good enough for him. I'm never the one to look down at myself but I couldn't help but notice how unsuited I am for him in all regards."

"If this is about his wealth, I swear to God, Jenna..." Cassie started.

"No...it's never about wealth. There's so much more than that...leave it" I sighed,

"You like him, don't you?" she whispered, I closed my eyes and a faint smile stretched my lips.

I sat straight and nodded, Cassie squealed in glee and cuddled me in her arms. "Jennie has a crush! but Jenna regardless of how invested you both look in each other I hope you know that he has some bad reputation and all this and I don't ever want you hurt"

"I don't trust the rumors Cas, I trust him." Cassie grinned and engulfed me in a bear hug.

"Just take care. Come on! Let's hurry up now. Even though he asked you to dress casual, we still have work to do."

***

"What is this place? You wanted to take me to an art gallery dressed like this?" I frowned looking at him.

He clutched my hand and interlaced our fingers. He guided us towards the large door of the daunting looking building.

The huge French door opened disclosing giant hallways of white and endless marble. I was right, this indeed was an art gallery but why wasn't there anyone else here?

A curator in tuxedo marched towards us, "Bienvenue monsieur et maman" he bowed, I didn't know French so I just passed him a nervous smile but Gabriel nodded. They exchanged a few words in the same language, leaving me lost before the curator passed me a smile and spoke in English probably realizing my incompetence in the language.

"Apologies ma'am. Let me take you to your spot" He directed, we followed behind. Wait, spot? Are there designated spots in art galleries now?

The entire stretch was filled with abstracts and blended colors. Each frame was so enticing, so inviting, clung to the wall. The art was dotted equidistant and intimidating yet so attractive.