Ray
A few weeks later.
We were all in the rehearsal room getting set for our new album. Carl came with Bella she had that smile on her face. She watched us play. I could see her stealing looks at me. Our eyes met many times.
Carl said he was taking her out to celebrate. Her story was going to be published it was the second-best.
Carl's phone started ringing towards the end of rehearsal. We had to pause rehearse to let him take the call.
"Oh my God mum I promise I will be there soon," Carl said.
"Yes, trust me, I am on my way," he said then he ended the call.
"I have to go guys." he said. "Ray can you help me get Bella home safely?" he asked.
"' Sure," I replied "and Bella we are still having that celebration, we will just make it some other time," he said.
''Carl, I really would love to thank the person who made it possible over dinner instead of having a celebration," she said. I did not know why but my ears picked up on their conversation.
''Okay..." He dragged his words looking at her.
Bella frown as though she was having difficulty continue with her statement. ''I feel he will not agree but maybe if you help me ask him he will,'' she said twisting her mouth.
''Okay,'' he said then turned to me, "Ray please allow her to treat you to dinner," he said.
''But she never said it was me," I said. I felt the two were showing off their deep understanding of each other.
''She does not have to, I know you are the one," Carl replied with a smug look. ''am I right?" he turned to Bella.
''Yes," she nod but did not look at me.
''I already have plans for tonight,' I shook my head since I couldn't directly reject her with Carl in the mix.
''That's fine how about tomorrow," she asked.
I ran my hand through my hair "There is no getting away from this one?' I raised my brows. I could tell she would ask for the next day if I refused. ''No", she said.
''Tomorrow is fine," I agreed. It was best to get it over with as soon as possible.
''sounds like a plan," Carl said. ''Make sure you take care of her for me. You know how mum gets. We are going…." His phone started ringing again. ''Oh shit, I have to go, get her home safely," he said and walked out.
.....
The next morning I received a text message from Bella. She had made a reservation for us at the king's garden. It was one of my favorites hang at place spot. I wonder how she knew. Maybe Carl told her or it just a coincidence.
I got dressed by seven, Carl has called that he and mum were having time together, like a family vacation.
I took my time to look as handsome as possible. I even practice how to act formally with her. I did not want her causing a problem between me and Carl. I got to the venue before her, you know you should not keep a lady waiting. She has asked for a reserve areal which means only the two of us will be there. It was just the way I will like it. Flowers and light. A meal with nature as I like to call it. I order wine to keep me busy while I wait.
She did not keep me waiting for long before she arrived. God, she was looking beautiful. It like each time I see her she looks more beautiful than the last. She wore a plain black gown that stops a little above our knees. She flashed a smile as soon as she saw me. I got up to help her with her sit.
''Sorry for keeping you waiting" she apologized. I nod, "you look beautiful by the way," I said.
'' Thanks And you look as handsome as always," she said rolling her eyes in a way that sent a shiver through my Spain.
We made our order. while we waited, I asked why she did not just tell me she was a Wisdom Wealth when I ask her to tell me about her family. She took a deep breath "maybe because I was just finding out myself. I was still trying to be sure I was not dreaming," she answered and smiled.
God, each time she smiled I felt like pressing my lips against hers. Our order was brought and we started eating.
''Wait you mean to tell me you did not know who you were all the while? I asked. I was amazed at my ability to bring up topic.
''Well, I knew wisdom was my family name. I grew up in the wealth mansion. I did not just know what it meant to be Wisdom Wealth," she said. ''I don't even know much about my parent. And Dad my uncle has refused to tell me anything. I wonder why he finds it hard to tell me about my father," she said.
''Well maybe he is still hurt by the memory, and he just does not want to remember," I suggested.
''Yeah, she said but I wish he could have told me," she said.
''Maybe you should try to find out who their friends were and people that know them," I suggested, I was a good listener
"That's a good idea I never thought about it ," she said. We pause for a while and continue eating.
"How do you like the venue?" she asked.
"It's nice just the way I will like it. It looks like you got some help," I commented.
"Not really, you don't like crowded places and you stopped at a garden when we took that late-night ride. But Carl did tell me king's garden was like your favorite hang out spot," She explained. I smile.
''So you like Carl?" I asked. I am not sure why those questions came out of my mouth. She looks at me and smiled "Carl is very sweet but I think I like someone else," she answered.
''That guy in the article?" I asked.
''Jace, I use to or something like that but I am really into someone else but I think he will never think of me," she said looking depressed.
''That's enough about me, let talk about you," she said.
''What do you want to know?" I asked.
"So I am free to ask you any question and you will answer?" she inquired.
''Sure," I nodded.
"So, you don't have to answer and please don't get angry the last time you were angry, I felt like disappearing," she said.
"Ask the question already," I urge her. I was already guessing what the question might be.
"Why do you stay away from ladies? like you don't let them come close," she asked.
Bingo, I was right. I knew her question will have to do with this. I took a deep breath and touch my forehead. ''I just find ladies annoying," I said. She drank from her cup and did not say anything for a while.
"So you are gay," it was more of a statement, but I knew she wanted an answer because of the way she was looking at me.
"No, I am not I have a girlfriend," I said. There was this look on her face I did not quite get it.
"You do?" She asked after a while. There was something about her voice that was different.
"No, just kidding but I am not gay just finding it had to trust," I said. ''Okay," she smiled, I don't known if it is my imagination but she seemed relieved.
''Do you like anyone?" She asked after a pause.
''Yeah, I think someone is making me love and trust again. too bad she will never notice me," I used her words for no reason.
She just burst into laughter. "Which lady will not notice you?" she asked in between laughing. Her hands brushed mine, across the table. I could not tell if this was a deliberate move or mistake.
"Well, it just likes you, who would believe there is a lady like you who would be into another guy, not Carl" l commented. She raised her eyebrows then look straight but calmly into my eyes. Our eyes locked like it did at the party but this time I could not look away. I wanted to reach her across the table hold her, kiss her, or something. Could I be someone else she likes or am I just getting ideals because of my feelings.
She kept looking and it looks like I was drowning into her. Goodness, I just hate this feeling why am I this week and unable to overcome them. I don't want anything coming between me and Carl. At the thought of Carl, I moved my eyes away and got up from the table.
I walked a few steps away from the table completely backing her and trying to put myself together. I could hear her approaching steps. I was praying she did not come close or touch me but she did. She touched my shoulder from the behind and asked "are you okay." The concern in her voice made me struggle more.
Her hand on my shoulder sent a shiver throughout my body. God why do I have to like the same girl as Carl I thought. I tap my forehead 'get it together man' I said mentally to myself. I turn around to meet her fix gaze. Our eyes locked again and this time it was too close. Her lips seem to be calling mine.
There was no stopping me I pressed my lips against hers softly. She was so surprised but I held her closer and kissed her more. 'What are you doing the thought comes to my mind? I moved away without looking at her. "I am sorry," I said and walked away before she will say something or I will say something I did not want to say.