He wasn't a romance fan but there were times when he'd wished he had someone to walk beside on the sidewalks but things were bound to change that night.
He stared at his reflection tugging on the jacket the store assistant swore looked so good on him, but he wondered what Meilin would think of it.
He drowned himself in cologne for the tenth time and turned to the mirror to practice the jokes he was going to say.
The restaurant was already in sight as the taxi parked by the side of the road. Meilin appreciated the driver and paid him with tips.
She took in a deep breath before stepping in. It was quite busy and the people in it looked high class. She fidgeted adjusting her dress and applying another coat of lip tint.
She didn't know how he was able to convince her and get her dressed in her best. She wore a caramel gown made of soft, satin fabric which looked stopping and showed every details of her beautiful frame.
Her eyes observed the women that looked so elegant as they spoke to their friends, husbands or maybe business partners. She wondered if she should have put on more makeup to blend in, hers was simple but she liked it that way. The other women must've spent hours but it only took her fifteen minutes.
She walked forward, her shoulder's relaxed but she stopped a few times to check herself revealing her pride and insecurities to the public.
"Hey" Guiren greeted and she did the same. He got up and pulled out her seat "Thanks for coming" She sat down and he did the same too.
He took in a deep breath calculating his words. "You look beautiful" She nodded with a smile. He went through the list he drafted. He memorized the jokes on the paper and decided to lighten the mood with something that might probably make her laugh.
"how do you make holy water? you boil the hell out of it!" he laughed even though it was not so funny. Her expression remained plain but she thought it was nice to play along and giggle a little.
He refilled his glass and took a shot hoping it would calm him but it made his utterances toxic.
She was getting tired of the lame jokes, and it looked like she was ready to leave. It wasn't even up to fifteen minutes but she couldn't stand anymore of his unworthy puns.
He noticed that he ruined everything, he was too nervous. He could handle anything business related but he didn't know how to flirt on a date, but now he knows how terrible he is at it.
A heavy silence clouded the both of them and Meilin rested her face on her hand as she toyed with her food. His jokes were enough to make her lose appetite and wish she could walk out that door without thinking twice.
He was soaking in embarrassment. He looked at the other men successfully flirting with the women around them and the joy on their faces but Meilin's face showed one of disappointment.
She was probably thinking that coming out was a complete waste of time. He was sorry, it actually was.
"Thanks for coming..." He was about to dismiss her by confessing but with his statement of gratitude only being said, the woman picked up her purse and left him there staring in awe from the shock.
He food was left cold and untouched and his heart ached from the feeling of getting turned down again. There was no one else to blame but himself and his stupidity.
His phone rang and it was a call from Meilin. He answered and she told him to look out the double glaze window and as soon as he did he had a smile on his face.
She was still there and she gestured for him to come out. He called the waiter and paid then hurried out to look for her, wherever she went to.
"Boo!!!" she startled him and hugged the man from behind "My turn to tell a joke." He faced her with a smile on his face as they twirled around the sidewalk, holding hands tenderly and unwilling to let go "what did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? supplies!"
Guiren rolled his eyes "Your jokes suck badly"
"Not as much as yours..." He said wrapping his arms tightly around her small frame, closing the gap between their bodies as their faces were an inch apart.
"I'm sorry for what I said two days ago. I shouldn't have been so rude after you've helped me out a lot" All he did was nod but he stared at her lips. He'd accept her apology if she allowed him to taste it, even if it's just a Peck he wanted to taste a little magic.
"Let's head home" He nodded as he led her to the car park where his Volkswagen was. He opened the door for her before he got in, pushed the start and sped down the road.
They'd say a thing or two about work, economy, and hit each other with compliments from time to time. He was really enjoying her company and she also did too.
"Willing to spend a night?" his ears perked to her request and quickly accepted her invite.
She opened the door and the first thing they set their eyes on were the kids drawing on papers. The baby sitter was next to them applauding their efforts even though it was slightly impossible to make out what they squiggled.
"Evening Miss Zhao" The young girl greeted. "Oh my, he must be your husband!" She said eyes glittering. He was incredible good looking, she couldn't help but plead to take a picture. They wanted to clear up the misunderstanding but the girl didn't give them a chance to. She gave them the two girls to hold and told them the perfect spot to stay.
"It's a good thing I carry my camera around" She said proudly as she took a step back "Say Cheese!!!" They didn't but they gave a warming smile.
"And we're done. Must be fun to have parents" the girl said to herself then pushed up a happy expression "I'll enlarge the picture in not time...bye." She waved as she headed for the door and soon she was gone.
Guiren kissed Li Hua who was nibbling on his finger and spun her around "I've missed you."
"Mama dabudaba" she babbled clapping her hands "didn't know you could talk"
"They started talking, well saying words few weeks ago" Meilin said rocking Li Na.
"MAMA DABUDABA!!!" She babbled a bit louder and Guiren smiled "Why're you getting so cranky? is it because mama is giving li Na attention. Don't worry daddy is here..."
Meilin wanted to correct him but she just let it slide. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
"I'm sorry for saying it. I just wanted to sound a little bit cute" She waved it off "It's fine, it's fine don't worry" he nodded as he dropped Li hua on the floor.
The baby got up on her feet for a while but fell afterwards. Her cry echoed around and Meilin picked her up, singing and rocking her as she went up the stairs to her room.
Guiren carried Li Na and followed. He placed the girl on a secure part of the bed, in between pillows so she wouldn't fall off and turned to leave. He felt like he over stayed his welcome.
He didn't feel comfortable about staying over at all. He shouldn't have accepted. Maybe it was a test.
"Are you going?"
He nodded "Thanks for the invite but I can't. It's not proper. It's something..."
"Couples do? would you stay if we become one right here and right now?"
He pondered for a while. What's gotten into her?