Chereads / YES I HOPE / Chapter 21 - PARTNERS

Chapter 21 - PARTNERS

"I've never seen anyone look so ready to own it!" I heard a man's voice and suddenly turned to see who he was.

It's him, Joe Batters. What is he doing here this eary for fucks sake? "Well, you just saw" I said and smirked at him. He took his steps towards me with serious expressions. "You look really hot!"

"I know right, Joe." I said and suddenly turned towards the mirror. Go away please.

"Maam! I brought you another piece", I saw that dress and was bewildered. It was satin lace up back bodycon dress. It was fucking exquisite. "Pack them up, both are on me." said Joe. I looked at him shockingly. Why did he even say that? "What are you saying? I don't want you to buy them for me" I said with my pupils wide open.

"Emma, you can't say no to a gift" said Joe with raised eyebrows.

"What's the occasion? Duh? Excuse me, don't pa-ac". Joe cutted me off, "Okay-y-y Emma, you can treat me a breakfast in exchange" I glared at him, the deal seemed reasonable, I've not yet applied for a job and this is the only piece left. I should grasp this opportunity. I'll buy him a heavy meal even though I don't want to eat with him, "Well, it's justifiable!" I said and rolled my eyes.

I took a glimpse at my watch, I still had an hour left for class. I sighed.

"Lets go, dear!" Joe suddenly said. Why does he even call me dear? It's one of the words that irritates me so much. Jackass!

I nodded and we went to the food court. He kept walking, passing almost every empty seat, I had to follow his steps unfortunately. He chosed a spot near a glass wall. I glared at him. "Perfect!" he grinned. He ordered scrambled eggs topped with cheese and a shake. I ordered bluberry buttremilk pancake.

"Fate won, Emma!" Joe said.

I choked while eating. So, I drank the water. Why did I meet him again? Maybe because I had not enough money to buy those luxurious dresses and he bought me as my divine patron. I laughed and said, "It sure did!"

"Fate do plays with us but right now it seems firm just like you" Joe said.

I was looking at him with blank expressions.

"By the way, are you and Aston a couple?" he said curiously.

I glared at him. How did he know his name? I recalled how tensed their last encounter was. So they know eachother? "We are just friends" I said and it reminded me of our kiss in the pool. FRIENDS WHAT? I took a deep breath in. "Pleased to hear that! So are you single?" Joe said. I nodded. "More pleased to hear that", he said and smirked. What's there to be happy about? As if I'll commit with you. I should change the topic or he'll flirt more.

"How do you know Aston?" I asked.

He grinned. I didn't even ask something hilarious!

"In a nutshell, I just know him." Joe said. He is not even clear with his words. He really likes to play with everyone. Maybe they have a bad past. I stared at him. We finished eating. He took out a note and wrote something, "Emma, I'm interested in you! This is my number, let's get to know eachother!" Joe said and bited his lower lip. He held my hand and placed the note in my palm. I'm least interested in you Joe Batters, "Not that easy to know me, Joe!" I stood up. "I'll be late for my class, so I'll take my lead, thankyou for the dress" I said. He stood straight, smiled at me and then came close to me and whispered, "I'll be waiting for your message!" I felt odd. I don't know why I feel an evil vibe from him everytime I meet him. His expressions are suspicious as if innumerable things are going on in his mind. He thinks and speaks different. I forced a smile and turned away.

I drove back home, freshened my makeup and went out of my room. "Dear, you are up early!" mother said. "Yes mom luckily! I went for a drive and had a breakfast. I'm going to the university now. See you!" I said hurriedly and kissed mother.

"Morning Emma! You're here. I hope we are not late for stats!" Luna said when I was about to open the class door. "Morning Luna, we still have five minutes to go." I said and we went inside the class. I saw the front row empty, Luna and I sat there. I was wandering my eyes when I saw Aston busy using his phone in the middle row. He suddenly looked up and I swiftly averted my eyes. I sighed and felt my heart pounding. Why are you beating so fast? I wondered while tapping my chest.

"Good Morning class! Emma come here!"

I went to Mr. Juan.

"Pass out these papers to everyone" Mr. Juan said.

I went ahead and now reached where Aston was sitting, I brought my hand forward to give him the paper, he held the paper while gazing at me, suddenly his fingers caressed my hand, I felt shivers down my spine. He had an expressionless face. I didn't have a clue what was he wondering about. I distributed the papers to everyone and went back to my row.

"I have assigned you as partners according to your roll numbers. Submit me your project in a week. I'll pin down the paper here, you may acknowledge your partners. Start working on it, I'll be in my office." Mr. Juan said and went out.

I steadily went to see who my partner is. I was fine with it to be anyone but deep down I was hoping it to be Aston. I was running my finger to find my name on the sheet and stopped suddenly..

TO BE CONTINUED...