''No! There is nothing going on. We are… we are just normal friends. Nothing more, nothing less.'' Alison said but the blush on her face begged to differ.
''Just normal friends? Alison, you are blushing. Tell me, do you like this friend?'' Lucia moved closer and asked with a smirk.
''I… no. I don't like him. We are friends. Friends cannot like each other, right? It will ruin the friendship.''
''Who said that? Friends to lovers is the trend these days. If he likes you, then it won't ruin anything between you two.''
''Oh, really? It's that why you are still crushing on that mystery man for years now? Aren't you also scared to tell him how you feel because you don't want to ruin your friendship with him?''
''That is different. That crazy jerk doesn't even deserve me. I'm going to stop liking him.''
''That's sudden. Did something happen between you two?''
'Not necessarily. You know how I said we've being three friends for the longest time, right?''
''Yes.''
''It turns out that one of my friends, the third one found a woman who has the heart of his ex-wife. That crazy bastard wants our friend to mess with that innocent woman. I mean, how could he even say that with a straight face? I hate men like him who are emotionless and always puts their duty before their women.''
''I see, then… how do you plan to unlike him? Can you really do that? You've liked him for a long time now.''
Lucia sighed. ''Aye, I indeed have liked him for a long time. Maybe all my life. I don't even know what it means to not like him. Despite his cold ways, I still find my heart beating at the thought of him. I haven't seen him in a while and it's already driving me crazy. I must have lost my mind.''
Lucia shook her head. 'In any case, this is different. Listen to me. A man who offered you his clothes to wear must definitely have feelings for you. Look at it this way… his clothes are what is closed to his body. Tell me, didn't you feel like he was close by when you wore his clothes. Didn't you feel his smell all over you?''
''Well… I did.'' Alison bit her lips and blushed. ''But I don't think I am his type. He is so handsome. His face is so beautiful. I doubt he would like an ordinary person like me.''
''Hey! Don't underestimate yourself. You are beautiful, Alison. Didn't you say that you emerged second to the most beautiful people in your company after your boss? Have some confidence, you fool. Even the owner of your company, whose face no one knows, came out to be the most beautiful person because people just measure him by his nose, lips and body. Let me tell you, you are totally beautiful.''
Alison chuckled. ''Why are you suddenly so serious?''
''In any case, if he comes here, make a move on him. You've being a virgin all your life. It's time to get that over with.''
''Hey! I'm not a virgin because I want to. All the boys I dated in the past found me weird after a few dates and dump me. I told you, right? How I even went to the hotel with my boyfriend once and he went into the washroom to bath.''
''I remember. He came out of the washroom and told you that he wanted to break up with you…'' Lucia laughed.
''Yes. I still don't know what he saw in that bathroom for him to make that decision. Since then, I lost hope in ever having a normal relationship. Something weird always comes to break it up. Maybe I'm not cut out for dating.''
''Then, how about this…? Instead of dating, just go straight to sleep with him.''
''Hey! Are you crazy? How can I sleep with?'' Alison hit Lucia's shoulder lightly.
''Aye, forget it! You are a lost case.'' Lucia turned when she heard the doorbell ringing. ''That must be the delivery man. I will be back!''
Lucia walked out to the hall and to the door. When she opened the door, she saw Walden. Lucia stepped aside and crossed her arms.
''I'm so jealous. Someone who has lost his wife has being able to find love but I who hasn't ever being in a relationship before is yet to find love. Why is the world so unfair to women?'' Lucia commented.
''The world isn't unfair to women. You are just stuck in an unrequited love. The two are definitely not the same.''
''Annoying! You are so brutally honest. Anyways, what are you going to do about Alison? I think she is falling for you.'' Lucia cocked her brows and followed Walden into the hall.
''What are you saying?'' Walden turned and asked.
''You…'' Lucia turned when the doorbell rang alone. Wait!'' Lucia said and went to the door. She opened and took the food from the delivery man and turned to Walden. ''Give me $150, my purse is in Alison's room.''
Walden sighed and removed his wallet. He took out $200 dollars and walked over. He handed it to the delivery man said. 'Keep the change!''
''Thank you, Sir.'' The delivery man said excitedly.
Lucia closed the door and sent to the food to the table. ''Since you are here, I will take my leave. I need to go and take care of something.''
''Owen asked of you. He is at the clinic.'' Walden said and looked at Lucia.
Lucia went into Alison's room and saw her looking at herself in the mirror. ''Little Miss, you are beautiful already. Come out, your prince is here to see you.''
''Walden is here? When did he come?'' Alison asked.
''Just now. I'm leaving, don't want to be the third wheel!'' Lucia picked her purse and phone and turned.
Alison rushed out of the room and saw Walden. He was sitting down. Walden stood up and greeted. ''Hi!''
''Hi, sit down.'' Alison said nervously. She turned to look at Lucia.
''Mrs. Walden, I will take my leave now!'' Lucia said as she picked her trench coat from the couch.
''Okay.'' Walden replied and looked at Alison.
''Lucia, bye…'' Alison said awkwardly and walked closer to Walden. 'You… you are welcome. Water, juice, coffee?'' She asked.
''Water is fine!'' Walden replied with a smile.
''Okay!''