Chapter 70
“What the hell, Lassa? What is taking you so long? We’re going to be late,” Luisa whined as she burst into Thalassa’s room after knocking.
“Calm down, jeez. I’m almost done. Besides, it’s not nearly time,” Thalassa complained but couldn’t help the smile on her face, knowing Luisa was this impatient because she was a nervous wreck.
She ran the brush through her hair one last time and picked up her clutch, declaring, “There. I’m all done. Shall we go now, Miss Nervous Wreck?”
Luisa glared at her and rolled her eyes, causing Thalassa to chuckle as they finally made their way downstairs. Heading to the door, they opened it only to find Zeke on the porch, his hand raised as if he was about to ring the doorbell.
“Oh, hey. I was just coming to take you guys out for dinner, but I see you’re already going out,” he said.
Turning to Luisa to survey her hair and the dress she was wearing, he raised a brow. “Damn, sis. You’re looking gorgeous, but who is this for?”
Luisa blushed. “We’re just going out for dinner.”
“Oh great then. I’ll go with you.”
Thalassa and Luisa shared a glance before Luisa spoke. “No you can’t come with us.”
Zeke frowned. “Why not? You’re just going to dinner, right?”
“It’s not just any dinner, Zeke. Your sister is going on a date,” Thalassa clarified.
“It’s not a date,” Luisa quickly retorted. “We’re just going to hang out, and it’s not even a date or anything.”
“A date?” Zeke’s expression dropped. “Your boyfriend is in Baltimore?”
“No, it’s not Victor.”
Confusion marred Zeke’s forehead. “You’re going on a date with another guy? What about Victor?”
“Victor and I are not together anymore. I broke up with him.” Luisa explained, her expression souring.
Zeke was surprised. He’d never liked this Victor guy, but his sister had seemed so infatuated with him that he didn’t think they would break up.
“How long has it been since you broke up?”
“Just about a week.”
“What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Zeke gritted his teeth and continued probing. “Did that bastard hurt you? What did he do to you?”
“I said I don’t want to talk about it,” Luisa snapped.
Zeke looked hurt, “Luisa, what has happened to us? You never talk to me about yourself like you used to. You broke up with your boyfriend a week ago and I don’t even know about it.”
Seeing that Luisa was still silent, he turned to Thalassa. “Maybe you’ll tell me what-‘
1/3
Chapter 70
+25 BONUS
“I’m sorry, Zeke, but no,” Thalassa cut him off. “It’s not my place to tell you anything.”
Zeke nodded slowly as he looked back at his sister. “Okay, fine. I’ll wait till you’re ready to talk about it. But for now, just tell me about this guy you’re going out with. Do know him?”
Luisa hesitated. “You might.”
“Oh, that’s great then. Since you said all of you are just going to hang out, can I go with you so that I can meet him?”
Luisa’s eyes hardened. “Why? So that you can tell me what you think of him and assess whether our relationship is doomed from the start like you always do?”
Zeke was taken aback by her words. “Luisa, why are you saying that? I’ve never done anything with malice towards you. You’re one of the most important people in my life, so of course I would want you to be careful and safe.”
Luisa felt slightly guilty knowing that Zeke had done nothing wrong and she was only taking out her frustration on him. It wasn’t his fault that he was always right about the people she chose to date. 1
“I’m sorry, and yes, you can come with us if you want to, but I don’t want you giving any judgments or interfering.”
“Me? Never,” Zeke said, making a cross sign over his heart, which finally made Luisa smile.
The restaurant bar didn’t seem like an ordinary one. It had a fancy, woody exterior that matched the interior. Since it was a mix between a restaurant and a bar, the lighting and other decorative elements were just right, making it neither too formal nor too club–like. Soft music played in the background.
“Wait, I know that guy,” Zeke exclaimed as they entered the restaurant and saw Millie and Alden’s table. “Isn’t that Kris Miller’s friend? He’s the guy you’re coming to ‘hang out‘ with?”
He didn’t look pleased at all and didn’t try to hide it.
Alden also froze when he saw Zeke. He hadn’t anticipated the presence of Luisa’s brother who was also obviously into Thalassa. The man might make Kris’s plan difficult.
Luisa glared at Zeke and reminded him, “You said that you wouldn’t judge.”
“But…but…” Zeke wanted to protest but trailed off when Millie approached them.
“You’re here. I’m glad you guys could make it,” she paused when she saw Zeke. “Oh, you brought him too.”
“He insisted on coming,” Luisa said.
“What? Don’t tell me that guy isn’t going to like my presence,” Zeke brooded.
Though he made a promise not to interfere, he couldn’t hide the fact that he was displeased. Out of all men, why did his sister have to hang out with the friend of Kris Miller
“No, of course not. He won’t mind,” Millie said and began leading the way towards the table.
Luisa felt her heart flutter as Alden’s eyes remained on her throughout her approach. Reaching the table, Millie sat on Alden’s left and Thalassa sat on Millie’s left, leaving only the seat on the right side of Alden since there were only four chairs around the table.
With a smile, Alden got up and pulled the chair back, intending for Luisa to sit on it, but just as Luisa was about
2/3
Chapter 70
+25 BONUS
to, Zeke quickly grabbed a chair from an unoccupied table and shoved it between Luisa and Alden’s chairs.
Then he turned to Alden, putting on a fake, innocent smile “Hope you don’t mind me sitting beside you? It looks more comfortable here.”
Today’s Bonus Offer
