Cecilia Scarlette Locke’s Point of View
To think that I’ve even established to myself the fact to be Kinsey’s wingman, and now I’ve literally just announced that he is mine. What was I thinking acting somewhat an idiot like that? I mean, technically we are engaged but we also talked about the circumstances that we are voiding that negotiation between families since we both obviously cut ties with them already.
I’ve made everything so so complicated and awkward. How could a small dinner like this be harder than presenting an international business proposal?
I am the one to give myself my own headache.
Seriously.
I slowly turn my head towards Kinsey, expecting a grim face in full display. My mind at full speed is trying its best to tap on neurons to come up with the best excuse for me to clear this up without looking like an idiot. I will look and sound like an idiot, but the least I could do is clear this out.
But instead, Kinsey’s lips are spread upwards before taking my hand in his and lacing our fingers together as if it’s normal. I mean, it is supposed to be normal between the two of us, but I could not help but feel my cheeks warm up. Was it due to embarrassment or something else?
I swallowed the lump in my throat as I glanced at our intertwined hands before facing the two women in front of us. This clearly shifted the mood at our table. Not sure whether it is good or bad by now.
Both ladies look at each other before turning back at us and giving us some awkward smiles.
“Uhm… That’s nice. Actually, me and my friend here work at a small magazine publishing. We are actually looking for some new models, and couldn’t really let the chance go after seeing you thrice. We are hoping we could recruit Pierre here.” Sasha asked, making me blink back at her in surprise. I didn’t even realize that I gasped until they all looked at me.
“We are sorry if we come across as someone interested in your boyfriend. We are interested but in a different way.” Sasha chuckled while waving her hand in front of her face. “We could already tell that the two of you are in a relationship within the first encounter already.”
“We are sorry for making you uncomfortable, Scarlette… And uh you too, Pierre.” Carla seconded after Sasha gave out the explanation.
And if my cheeks are heating up before, they’re probably burning right now. I had it all messed up in my head.
I felt Kinsey pull me closer to him as our shoulders brush against each other. “Do not worry about that. My girlfriend is just the jealous type, but we are cool.” He chuckled.
I gave him a questioning look, but we both know I brought this upon myself as he gave me an overjoyed expression. His grin is present yet again as he gives off the aura of being surrounded by flowers and sunshine. He is literally glowing.
Is he interested in modeling now?
I do not see why he couldn’t do it, though. Kinsey has the looks and the charisma for it. No wonder these ladies are a bit forward with us. They were trying to scout this angel.
Pierre Kinsey’s Point of View
I was already imagining our dinner. It will be simple, but it will be just Cecilia and I with the view of the city’s nightlife- I was already looking forward to it, but then those two women kept making an appearance, and now they’ve asked us for dinner. I was ready to politely decline, but with just a split second of turning the waiver to a staff, Cecilia confirmed.
Was it social pressure?
I doubt it. Cecilia would never give in to peer pressure. I did not expect it at all that I could not hide the frown on my face. Of all the times I had to deal with these kinds of people, it has to be when Cecilia and I are trying to build our home. So much for the take-out dinner date.
My thoughts kept wandering over the could’ves and would’ves of what our night might turn if it wasn’t for them when Cecilia had a sudden outburst. I’ve had enough of their questions already, and I am guessing the same goes for Cecilia as well. I am worried that she is already bored out of her mind. She dislikes small talk afterall.
“Kinsey is already mine. P-please, you better get your own.”
My ears perked up as I looked over at her with all the fire burning within me again. I was brought back to the conversation that I couldn’t care less for seconds ago. If my eyes could sparkle, it probably could in delight.
She just told everyone that I am hers. What a territorial princess I now have. Bursting with joy is an understatement. We could have our dinner date anytime, but this is definitely worth the night.
“Modelling? I am sorry. I have other affiliations already, but thank you for the kind offer.” I smile it off as my thumb starts to draw random circles against Cecilia’s skin. My priority right now is to help Cecilia. I could not afford to be distracted by other matters.
“That’s unfortunate. I thought it might be nice to have the two of you try out our photoshoot. We would definitely use a couple with so much great chemistry.”Sasha said before turning to her associate.
“What did you say?” I asked
Sasha immediately turned to face me. “That it would be nice to have the two of you try out for the photoshoot?”
“No after that.”
“That you two have great chemistry?”
A smile quickly spread across my face. I swiftly turn to look at Cecilia, who is gazing at me with her eyebrows furrowed. “Do you want to try, my love?” I asked. “This will count as trying something new.” I hinted
When I thought that the night couldn’t be better, this chance was offered to us. Cecilia thinks about it for a minute before saying a “Sure. We could try this.” She said, a wave of uncertainty was threaded within her voice.
I squeezed her hand lightly as the two women from across us cheered within themselves.
I am well aware that Cecilia and I have that chemistry. I’ve known her since we were little. I know her like the back of my hand. It’s just that hearing it from someone else proves to me that it’s not just all in my head. I want to be the right one for Cecilia in every way there is.
…
I made sure all our groceries were then loaded into the car before I went inside the driver’s seat. “I am so tired.” I was welcomed by Cecilia’s complaint as she gathers her hair in a ponytail with her hands.
I smile weakly before starting the engine. “You could go and take a nap. I’ll wake you up as soon as we arrived home.” I said. “When we get there, you could immediately hit the bed too. I’ll wait for our appliances.”
“No way.” She quickly answered. “I’ll help set things up. You’ve already paid. That’s the least I could do.” She tries to reason out, making me crack a small smile. Cecilia is always a person of responsibility and fairness. I always like it about her, the way she makes the situation a two-way thing. She receives and then gives all the same. She always tries to make an effort and not just because I am from a family she needs to impress, but because she’s simply that way. I just wished that’s also the case with our relationship as a whole.
“Fine. But take a nap as I drive.” I insisted. “It has been such a long day for you.”
“Hmmm. Okay.”
Silence enveloped the moving car after her ever so soft murmur. I’ve gotten way too excited about living together. I may have really burnt her out. I wonder if I should make a heavier breakfast for tomorrow, or would she rather have her salad as usual.
“Oh, and Kinsey?”
I peered my sight from the road for a split second. “Yes?”
“Sorry about earlier.” She whispered, her eyes not even opening to look at me.
I turn my gaze back outside as I drive. Cecilia dislikes apologizing and admitting her mistakes, but what confuses me more is the reason why she is saying sorry to me right now. If ever, she made me real happy today. I do not think that she would actually agree to live together and then shop ourselves.
“Why are you saying sorry for? If it’s for the mone-”
“It’s not that… I am sorry for blowing up your chance with one of those girls. I… I was not sure what was I thinking.” She was barely audible, but I heard it, making my glowing night dim and rainy.
I did not ask further as to why she came to that conclusion. I simply pressed my lips together in a fine thin line as I watched my knuckles turn white from gripping the stirring wheel.
I guess our relationship will alway just be a connection she has gotten through her family, and it will always be platonic unless she wanted to impress her grandparents and be that Locke she always aspired to be.
I chew the inside of my cheek as my stare bore unto the road, wishing I could burn everything my eyes lay upon on as my chest burns with intensity.
“Take a rest, Cecilia. We could talk later.” I responded, my tone going thick and flat.
I only had a chance because our families tied us together, but I wouldn’t go with it if she doesn’t like the idea, if she didn’t hold the same feelings while penning those letters. Now that she was free from that, I’m here to win this time and not make the same mistakes that day. I’ll never be able to correct it, but how dense could she possibly be?
If only she didn’t like Alexander, then shooting my shot might’ve much been easier.
