To Infinity and Beyond

Alice

Mark's POV
NYC

I stood in front of the mirror as Rose helped me put on a tailored fit blue jacket above a classic black tee that I had paired with my favourite black denim.

"Wow, Dad! You look so handsome." Mia squealed in joy as she gave Rose a high five.

"Isn't he looking amazing, Mia? Yours' is one of the most boring closets that can ever exist Mark. If I were you, I will throw those monotone colours out and dress like this every day." Rose said, pointing her index finger at my dressing room, as she continued to admire my reflection in the mirror.

"Please Rose. I really think this date isn't a good idea. I am only doing this if you keep up with your end of the bargain." I reminded her.

"What bargain?" She pouted, acting oblivious.

"Really? Don't try to act smart Miss Petra. You know me well enough. If you don't oblige, I might just go out, have my favourite coffee and come back, leaving that blind date you fixed, hanging - out and dry. A deal is a deal." I re-emphasized every word, ensuring that she fulfils her end of the promise too.

"I know you well enough, and that's why I know you respect women way too much to be able to do that. So, your threats don't scare me." She raised her brows with a determined smirk before she continued, "But, as I promised, I will talk to Casper about our wedding. I am a woman of my words, after all." She forced a smile, and I could see her eyes twinkled just at the mention of the word wedding.     

Casper and Rose were having a baby, but they were not married. Casper had always been very clear about his incredulity in the institution of marriage. He wasn't able to move past what happened a decade ago, and Rose had been the most understanding partner one could ask for. Marriage or no marriage, she respected his choices, and keeping her wishes aside, she agreed to stay by his side.

But I knew for a fact that they both deserved better. Casper would have to stop raking up the past and give this beautiful woman in his life, the happily ever after she deserved.

"Did you check out Alice's profile?" Rose cleared her throat and dodged eye contact in an attempt to divert the topic.

"Umm.. actually no." I stuttered nervously.

"What? Why?" Shock evident in her tone.

"I didn't feel like it. What's the point of a blind date anyway? I mean I just want to get over with it. I know for sure this would mean nothing at the end, so why to waste time and energy?" I reasoned.

"Are you crazy? God. How will you even recognise her?" Her orbs grew wide, and she was suddenly hysterical.

She needed to take it easy, either she was hell gritty about getting me married or she was high on pregnancy, whatever be the case, she had started scaring me more often than once.

"Dude relax, calm down. Even if I don't, she will recognise me, after all, she too swiped right on my profile. If it is meant to happen, it will. Trust me." As a sign of assurance, I held her shoulders and gave her a soft squeeze. She calmed down a bit and gave me a reluctant nod.

I planted a quick kiss on Mia's forehead and headed out of the door, when suddenly Rose called me from behind.

"Mark?"

"Yes?"

"You need to give love a chance again. Emma has moved on and is happily married. She would want the same for you. And... in fact... Avery too. So please don't mess this up." She looked at me with pleading eyes. My heart warmed at her concern for me, and I decided, only for her sake, that I will try my best to treat this evening fairly.