Victoria me ntally facepalmed.
“What date?”
“Girl, what shall it profit you if you keep treating that poor guy like trash?”
“I told you today was his birthday and you are still going to disappoint him?”
“You promised today but you didn’t leave him your address. He said he’s been trying to reach you but he’s unable to get through to you. Let me guess, you blocked him already?”
“Look Kathie, I’m really sorry to disappoint him. I thought from my gestures, he would have known that I’m not interested.”
“Babe, he’s not asking you to marry him. He just wants to hang out with you.”
“Wait, is this about Sophie? You mentioned that her Nanny had the day off. I can come over to look after her so you can go on your date.”
“No. That won’t be necessary.”
“I’ll reach out to him myself.”
“You should be with him and have fun.”
“We shall see,” Vicky ended the call with Kathie.
“So sorry about that. Kathie is just a pain in the a ss.” Vicky said to Lara.
“So you have a date?”
“Please don’t start, Sis. I’m already tense enough.”
“I’m here for tonight which means I can watch over Sophie.”
“No.” Vicky shook her head.
“I feel it’s a waste of time. Why start a friendship when it wouldn’t lead anywhere?”
“Oh, sweetheart. She reached for Victoria’s hands and gave them a light squeeze.
“I know you are really avoiding falling in love again but don’t deprive yourself of the good things life has to really offer
“Not only do you deserve a good relationship, my dear. You also deserve good friendships too.”
“You don’t understand me, Lara. I really don’t want to lead anyone on.”
“You are leading no one on. You obviously need a break from being a morn and work so you’re going for the date.”
“No….” She shook her head.
“Why are you scared? What’s the worst thing that can happen?”
Vicky shrugged,
“Let’s get you all dressed up.”
“I’m going nowhere.”
“Right, take your phone and text him that you will meet him in an hour.”
“Wait, where are you guys meant to meet?”
“I have no idea.”
“You cannot be boring while I’m with you. Let’s find you something to wear!” Lara rose to her feet.
“Noooo….” She grumbled. “I just want to get drunk, sleep and go to bed.”
Vicky had no idea how Lara did it but Lara was able to convince her to attend the date. She helped her pick out an outfit, styled her hair, and beautified her face a little after which she shooed her out of the house in no time.
After about twenty minutes driving, Vicky got to the restaurant. It was a popular one and only attended by the high people of the society because of how pricey it was. Handing her car keys to the valet, Victoria gently made her way in.
Before she could even have the time to look around to locate her guest, a waiter approached her with a smile. “Please come with me, Ma’am,”
Sensing he was taking her to where Ashton was, she happily followed him. They were a couple of steps away from the VIP area when she sighted him, seated, smiling at her. She smiled back at him.
“Two glasses of champagne please.” He said, standing to his feet, the moment the waiter got there with Vicky.
“Right away, sir.” She said and left.
“You look really stunning.” Ashton mumbled, his eyes not leaving her.
Vicky smiled, trying to hide her blush. “Thank you. You don’t look bad either.”
“Nah, I’m just me. But you, you are so gorgeous. I’m used to seeing you in corporate wars but you look so da mn gorgeous right now.”
Vicky was lost for words so she smiled.
“Thank you.”
She was putting of a tube dress, matching heels and jewelries and her hair was neatly styled.
Ashton pulled out a seat for her.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, sitting down.
He took his seat too.
“Sorry I kept you waiting”
“It’s fine. What matters is that you’re here.”
“You don’t have to act all cool with me. I hate it when people keep me waiting” Vicky said.
“hate it too. But I guess this is a different situation. I know what I want. I’m the one pursuing you, so.”
“Ashton…”
“It’s fine, you need not apologize or say anything else. I understand you said we could only be friends. You’ve given me that opportunity and I wouldn’t like to misuse it.”
“I was crushed when I dialed your number and it wasn’t going through so I called Kathie. I thought you were going to stand me up again.”
“I’m not a bad person, I promise. I’m just not into mingling anymore so it irks me,”
“I know you’re not a bad person. You probably have your reason for all the excuses you gave. Regardless, I want you to know I’m glad you turned up tonight”
“I think I’m glad too. By the way, Happy Birthday. I would have gotten you a present but I had no idea that we would actually be seeing tonight.”
“Who told you today’s my birthday?” He asked with a small smile.
“Kathic.”
“I guess I owe her a lot.”
Vicky cursed softly, “Let me guess, today’s not your birthday?”
“No.” He responded with a small smile.
“I’m going to kill that girt.”
“Please don”L” Ashton chuckled. “She only wanted you to hang out with me, I guess.”
“She guilt-tripped me about you not celebrating your birthday and me breaking your heart if I don’t show up.”
“She’s actually right. I don’t celebrate my birthdays and yeah I would have been heartbroken if you didn’t show up but I’m very glad that you are here.”
The waiter came, served them their drinks and they ordered the food they wanted instantly.”
“It’s good to see you out of work.”
“Really?!” Vicky chuckled, “I’m still the same so?”
“No.”
“I insist.” She said, taking a sip of her drink.
“No. You seem really rigid at work. You hardly talk to people, especially if it’s work-related.”
“But now you look relaxed and you’re smiling more. You’ve got a beautiful smile by the way.”
“You really know how to flatter a woman.”
“I’m being sincere and you deserve all of the compliments.”
“Thank you.”
“How’s Sophie by the way?”
“It seems she has more fans in that company than I do. She’s good.”
“Why not? She’s charming.”
“I know,” Vicky said proudly.
After sulking, drinking, and being deep in thought for almost two hours, Oscar found himself in the bathroom. He took a shower and dried himself after which he dressed up in a pair of pants and a matching tee. He reached for his wallet, and keycard, then exited his suit.
