Warrior

19

After staying in the park for a little while longer, we walked back to our cars. Was my hand still in his? No, and only time will tell if we'll ever get there. However, what I will say is that there's a possibility I might start to see him as a friend soon, rather than later.

When we reach our cars and are about to leave, Arnav remembers something. He opens the door to his car and reaches over to grab something, before coming back to me.

"This is for you," he smiles softly.

In his hand is a white box, tied up with string. 

"What's this," I ask as I take the box.

"Check it once you leave."

I look at him in confusion, but he only smiles and starts retreating.

"You'll understand. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

"Umm... okay."

He smiles even more and gets in his car and I get in mine. I watch his car come to life in my rearview mirror, and he slowly pulls up besides me and stops.

"I'm really glad you came to meet me."

The corner of my lips crook up on its own. "Yeah... me too."

He smiles at me once more. "See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

With another smile, Arnav pulls away, the shiny, jet black beauty getting smaller and smaller as it went away. I let out a sigh and look at the box Arnav gave me. Curious, I removed the string and opened it up, and inside were a dozen mini cannolis.

I'll get them for you the next time I see you

I can't help but to scoff lightly, a small smile taking over my face.

"Hope," I murmured to myself.

Closing the box and placing it on the driver's seat, I head on home. I take the box of cannolis with me inside, and as soon as I get in, Payal nearly tackles me, almost making me drop the box out of my hands.

"Payal-!"

"What happened? What did he say? You were gone for a while! What happened?"

I shrug the chihuahua off of me and make my way to the kitchen. Payal follows along, as well as her questions, but I ignore her and them. In the kitchen, I find Gomez and a few of the chefs.

"Hey Gomez, is Monica in," I asked.

"No madam, she's done with her shift."

"When will she be in tomorrow?"

"Early in the morning."

Meaning seven.... "When she comes in, can you tell her to prepare a dozen of her chocolate cupcakes with the chocolate buttercream?"

I can hear Payal gasp with excitement and I can tell without even looking that her eyes are ready to pop out.

"Of course," Gomez smiled.

"Thanks Gomez. Please make sure that no one eats them," and I head back to the main hall to go upstairs.

Payal followed after me, of course. "What's the cupcakes for?"

"Don't worry about it squirt."

"It's for Arnav, isn't it?"

I reach the top of the steps and look back at Payal, my eyebrows scrunched.

"I'm totally right," and she's grinning like an idiot.

I place my hand at my hip, tilting my head at her.