Appointment
Our dinner dates just got more frequent since that day. Cana and Levy didn't stop bugging me since Natsu's visit in our buildingbecame frequent.
That's why even if I'm not liking what they're doing during breaktime, I just let them be for I can't do anything about it.
Levy's browsing on the iPad in her hands, playing investigator. Cana got her head hidden on her arms as she suffers the consequences of partying 'till morning yesterday.
"What's the name of the girl he brought on the event?" Levyasked.
"Touka…" I answered.
Levy and I were both surprised when Cana's head quickly rosefrom her hands before she slammed her right hand on our table.
"Touka? He brought Touka Alabaster on that event?" she almost shouted.
I stared at her dumbfoundedly, still can't believe her sudden outburst. While Levy kept on murmuring how her surname sounds familiar.
"Maybe? I don't know… I just heard her name," I said, eyes still confused. Cana quickly excused herself after hearing my reply. I just stared at her weird antics.
I proceeded to eat my yogurt when I decided that Cana might just be weirder than usual because of the alcohol which is still in her system. Levy looked broke as she stared into nothing, murmuring Touka's surname and trying hard to remember.
I checked my phone for the time. We still have half an hour left before we have to get back to work.
"Aha!" I almost jumped when Levy shouted, "I heard it in TV!"
I looked at her, eyes uninterested, and shrugged my shoulders. Seriously, even if I was slightly shocked when Natsu came with her that night… I realized after some time that I don't have the rights to question it. We're not in a relationship. It's all physical and nurturing feelings like that won't get me anywhere.
"She's the daughter of a famous tycoon. Touka's father is also involved in real estate. She's the daughter of Senator Alabaster," Levy's eyes squinted.
I continued eating. That explains it. Whatever it is between them, be it business or personal whatnots, it doesn't concern me anymore!
"Do you think these two are arranged?"
I wiped the corner of my lips. Levy almost slammed the table so I grimaced at her.
"You act like you don't care, Lu!" Levy said.
"What do you want me to do? Stalk her?" I frowned at her, "I'm not Natsu's girlfriend so why would I bother with his life?"
Levy stared at me like I've said something wrong. I stopped for a while to contemplate if I really did but realized there's nothing wrong. Cana is not back yet.
"Yeah, well… I just thought what if she's his girlfriend? That would make you a mistress and that's a different story…"
I greeted my teeth. Even if I don't want to admit it, I know Levy has a point.
"He said he doesn't have one."
"And you would believe that? If you said that he's a manipulative businessman, what more to his relationships?" Levy asked.
"Wait… that's not my problem! If that Touka Alabaster is really his girlfriend then she should've intervened already."
"What if she doesn't know?"
"Lev!" I shook my head, "Maybe you're overthinking things?"
"Why don't you ask him? Personally, your arrangement is fine with me but making you a mistress, that's a big no-no."
I tried to act indifferently I can't deny that I'm bothered by it. Why would he lie? If he truly lied, I'm sure as hell that I'll breakthis arrangement. Levy's right… being a mistress is another story.
Cana's nowhere to be found. After that scene during lunch, she suddenly disappeared without even telling us. Maybe her hangover got to her? Weird, Cana's alcohol tolerance has the sky as the limit. I'm just staring at the design I just finished. Architect already approved of it earlier and now I'm just waiting for the time to go but instead of fixing my things, I am just staring into nothing.
If I'll ask Natsu about this, won't I overstep my bounds? That's a personal question, right? To ask if he's in a relationship? Or even ask who's Touka Alabaster?
My phone rang. I lazily grabbed my phone and my eyes popped out as I saw Natsu's text.
Natsu:
Are you done?
Is he going to ask me out tonight? We just went out last Monday and Tuesday. We had dinner too on Thursday. Today's Friday… he still wants to go out?
Me:
Almost. I have to run some errands tonight.
Natsu:
Like what? I can pick you up and help…
My insides felt warm. This is not gonna happen. I combed my blonde hair using my fingers.
Me:
Nothing… Not really important but… yeah, I can do it myself.
Natsu:
What is it? I'm available.
Me:
Are you bored?
My full attention is on my phone. I can imagine him in his swivel chair, bored, and unproductive.
Natsu:
What do you mean?
Me:
You always ask me out…
Damn! I feel like there's an emotion in that question. I need to stop sounding too hopeful.
Natsu:
I just want to have dinner with you. You're starting to lose it again. Don't be sentimental.
Crap! Called it!
Me:
I'm not. I'm just saying that I need to buy things. I'll be very busy.
Natsu:
What do you need to buy? Seems like very important things, huh?
Me:
Paints, brushes, and etc.
Natsu:
Then let's buy paints, brushes, and etc. then have dinner. Is that okay?
I bit my lip. Why am I avoiding him again? If what we're doing is purely sport, why am I hiding from him? I shouldn't, right? What's happening to me?
Me:
Fine. Be here by five.
Natsu:
Alright.
I started retouching. I usually don't put too much make up but every time I'm going home alone, I don't really put effort in fixing my appearance.
"Hmmm. Natsu Dragneel time?" Levy nudged me.
"Oh, please! Drop it!"
Levy chuckled while staring at me as I fixed my hair. She reminded to ask about Touka. As if, I would rather die than ask Natsu about his relationship with that girl.
I started to self-reflect. I haven't done this with anyone before. Won't I fall? Won't I hope for him? What if one day while pretending, all of it became real? How will I save myself from it?
I craned my neck. No matter how much I loved fairytales, I know and proved that it doesn't exist in this world. My mom and dad played with fire. They didn't end up together for 99% of people who engage in these actions aren't serious about it. This is the line, Lucy. I'll draw it myself. I will never fall. I will never love. I don't need it. I don't want it. I am not going to push myself to that infinite abyss.
That's what I tell myself repeatedly.
I almost forgot how to breathe when I saw him talking to the valet. He glanced at me while nodding at what the valet is saying. He's wearing an all-black longsleeve rolled up to his elbows, black slacks, and a most probably Armani Ex shoes. Everything about him is imposing. The type that even at a distance, you'll know that you can't get him wrapped around your finger. His gaze made my cheeks flush. I want to curse,oxygen always seem to disappear every time we meet.
"Good evening…" he smirked.
I averted my eyes, not because I don't want to see his smile, but because my heart is racing so fast. I think that every time our eyes meet, he'll know how my system is in haywire.
The valet left us. His hand travelled to my small waist and the familiar electricity that only he can make me feel consumed my system. I straighten my back while he's guiding me to his car.
My knees trembled. I should remind myself to wear flats around him. It's hard walking with trembling knees in pumps or stilettos.
"How's your day?" he asked while driving.
"Well… fine. We finished all designs so it's all ready. Our supervisor would be the one to present it to you at your office," I explained.
He nodded, "That's great! You should design your own furniture too. I'm sure you'll be good at it."
I looked at him, "I haven't practiced yet."
His brows furrowed, "Did you include your paintings in your designs?"
I stopped at his question. Maybe he felt my shock because he glanced at me after a moment.
"Are you stalking me?" I lost count how many times I've asked him the same question.
"Don't be too dramatic. Laxus Dreyar called for your sister's exhibit. He showed me a picture of the painting that his wife liked. I don't know where they got it but when I searched for it, it's not your sister's. It's from a certain Lucy Heartfilia. Was that yours?"
Color left my face. I also don't know how Laxus Dreyar found about my paintings. It's been so long since I gave up in painting. It's my hobby that's why I took a course related to it. But then, when Ashley told mommy that she wants to paint, mommy asked me to stop painting. Now it'll resurface again…
"I don't sell paintings anymore."
"But… you do paint?" he looked at me.
"Well… Yes. That's why I volunteered to teach the children how to paint. But it's just for fun. Unlike my sister, hers is better since she really paints for exhibits."
"Isn't art better if made freely? Art is only good when it's from the heart. If it's made for exhibit, it means that it isn't free."
I gritted my teeth. I don't like this topic. Ashley's works are amazing!
"Just tell Mr. Dreyar to try to go to the exhibit. Ashley's works are the best. One time, a rich family from Joya bought one of her works. Her works are superb!"
"How would I know? I'm not good in art. I need to see yours and compare."
"I am not painting anymore, Natsu," I said with finality, eyes still avoiding his.
"Why?"
"I'm busy with work. I'm not interested anymore…" I said for him to stop with his questions.
He didn't. He repeatedly asked me about that topic. When we went to the store to but paints, he is constantly glancing at me. I never reciprocated his looks. I busied myself with the washable paints. I also looked for child friendly materials. This will be the week that I'm assigned to teach the kids. Next week would be another artist they paid to facilitate. That's usually their system. The paintings are set for sale at a good price. The kids are earning because of their artworks.
"How will you get to the venue tomorrow?" Natsu asked while I'm choosing the paints.
"Car," I simply said.
I surveyed the surroundings. We're now in a famous bookstore. Almost every one inside are college students whose necks are all craning just to look at the man beside me. He's just so breathtaking and foreign. I can't blame those students.
I chuckled when I saw someone who almost bumped one of the book shelves because of too much staring at Natsu. I turned to him. He didn't even see how their eyes sparkled because of him. His eyes were all on me.
"You left your car…" he raised an eyebrow.
"Huh?" I turned to the paints again.
"You left your car… in the Dreyar building. Remember? I fetched you there."
I rolled my eyes at him and turned to him, "I'll just get it tomorrow morning. Cab."
"What time is the event?" he asked.
"Hmmm. One PM. I have time in the morning," I shrugged.
"I can pick you up by twelve," he said.
"Wow! But no, that'll be hassle for you. I know you're busy and besides, I can ride a cab and get my car back."
"I'm not busy. I work out the whole morning… I'll pick you up by twelve, then?"
I throwed him a look. I can't help but smile. He's taking this seriously. There's no hint of joking in his face. I sort of feel like my activity tomorrow is very important. Important for the kids but the foundation won't mind if I'll be late for a few minutes just because of my car.
"You might have a meeting in the afternoon, I don't want to bother you," I said.
"You still go shy on me?" he grinned.
The hairs on my arms stood up. My eyes went to his lips. All I could think about was his taste; how sweet it tastes like every time we kiss. My breathing became fast. For book's sake, Lucy, we're in a frigging bookstore!
"Really, Natsu. I'll be fine tomorrow."
"No… I'm part of the foundation. I'll go with you."
I sighed. I just want to forget about my thoughts of him.
"You don't have other appointments tomorrow? I might take long since I have to teach painting."
"My Saturdays are reserved for you. You're my appointment tomorrow…"
I bit my lip while staring at the paints. I want to look at him but I'm scared that I might suddenly kiss him because of what he said. This man is driving me nuts… He really is. I would gladly abandon all thoughts of commitment, prince charmings, and fairytales in exchange for a night with him. Well, since we'll eventually come to an end, might as well enjoy the journey with him.
