STACY'S POV
Most girls my age would normally be crushing on the hottest guy on campus or the captain of the school's soccer team, but not me.
I know how weird it sounds that I have a crush on this snobbish French guy, older than me, probably gay, genius, super-rich and my brother's best friend at that.
How the hell did my brother in his late 20s end up with a teenager as his best friend.
I learned to suppress my feelings because I knew that I never stood a chance with him.
Not that I was not beautiful, I was very beautiful, needless to say, but I had my style and it always seemed to be a turn off for most people.
Every guy was looking for girls all dolled up in heavy makeup and pink skirts __ but not me. I'm more of a my_boyfriend_dressing kind of girl. So I was really surprised when Neon asked me out to dinner.
I barely closed my eyes this night.
It was finally Saturday. I spent the whole night googling on what was the appropriate dress to wear on a date _ all the dos and don'ts.
My parents and everyone else at home knew that I'll be hanging out with the Adnell girls, not knowing that it'll actually be just one Adnell__the genius.
"You up for shopping today" I texted my best friend Jessy.
"Damn!! sure girl. Who says no to shopping?" she replied almost immediately.
"You are the best, Jess".
"But what are we shopping for, I hope it has nothing to do with engine saws and spades? LOL"
"LMAO. No. We are shopping for clothes?"
"What's the occasion?"
"I'm going on a date..."
"Shut up! "
"I'm damn serious, you'll be surprised with whom. hihi."
"Spill it already!! You are boring. "
"Jeez. I hate gossip thirsty girls. Just meet me at the mall at noon".
I looked up at the beautiful building I alighted in front of. Not that I could not afford to be here, but being here with a guy was surreal. I was dressed up street-style. I decided not to get out of my comfort zone_ just not yet at least.
I still looked more expensive than most of the dolled-up girls I bypassed... well to me.
"Hey, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," I said as soon as I met Neon. He was dressed still in his simple shirt and pants as usual. I was happy that he too did not overdo it, I felt more at ease.
"Not at all, you are just on time," he said as he got up and pulled a chair for me.
"Thanks." I replied with a smile as I placed my purse on the table.
I was happy that he did not choose those VIP rooms, at least here, we've got people surrounding us but there is still the privacy vibe.
"Oh, by the way, you are looking beautiful. More than always." he said with a seductive smile."
'Damn! Did he just lick his lips too???'
"Thank you". I said while blushing. Why the hell was I even blushing. I knew that I was beautiful, it's no surprise. But I couldn't help it.
" What will you like to have?" he asked passing me the menu.
We placed our orders. While waiting for our meal to be served, we talked about each other, I got to learn some new things about him. But I noticed that his eyes kept on shifting to the couple sitting a few tables from our left.
"I guess they should be married," I said, breaking the silence.
"What?" He looked at me confused.
"Both of them," I said, motioning with my chin." they look so much in love, right?"
"oh! I have no idea how people in love behave."
"So... your parents are not in love?" I asked, I was baffled by his response. After voicing that out, only then did I realise that it was a bad idea.
"They literally spend every moment of their lives trying to kill each other." He smiled.
I couldn't help but laugh, then he did it again. He looked at the couple.
"Do you know them?" Curiosity got the best of me, so I asked.
"Yea, kind of," He said drawing his head back to me. "Sorry, I'm all yours now."
"Excuse me, I wanna go to the bathroom," I said, as I picked up my purse and headed off.
I eased myself, touched my lightly made-up face. Took deep breaths and headed back. Luckily, I did not encounter any bathroom - gossip - bitches.
I was surprised not to find Neon sitted by the table when I returned.
I thought maybe I had missed our table, so I looked around for the people who were surrounding us, a few had left already, including the couple Neon had been staring at. I was certain I didn't get the wrong table. So I sat down patiently waiting for him, 'perhaps he had a call or he went to use the men's room too.' I told myself.
After a couple of minutes, I decided to send him a text. Not that I was scared that he'd ditch me and make me pay the bills, of course, I could afford it, but what if something had happened to him? Not that I could fight, but I could get help right?
"... Hey, you okay...?" I texted.
"You miss me already?" I jolted in my seat as I heard that familiar voice behind me.
He walked over to his sit, smiling.
"Where have you been?" I asked, almost sounding like a jealous girlfriend. 'I can't believe I'm saying that.' I said inwardly.
"I went to read a book" He did not stop smiling.
"A book?" I was puzzled. "About what?".
" On tips on how to confess to a girl." He said nonchalantly.
It took a couple of seconds for my brain to process what he just said.
"Uhm-hum. So you want to woo a girl?" I asked.
"Yea."
"What is stopping you then? it's a free world". I advised.
" I'm scared she'll say no. plus I'm not sure what to say."
"But, you just read a book on that right? so get along with it."
"How about you give me some tips?" He asked. Only heaven alone knew how fast my young heart was beating with every word he said.
"So what exactly do you want to know?"
"Ok, assuming that you are that girl ok?"
'Shit! I'm losing it!!!.'
"What would you want a guy to say to you? Something that can move you." He added. He placed his hands on the table and leaned forward, giving me all his attention.
"Take a look at my dressing, I like things straightforward. But trust me, you act like that to other women, you'll be dead before you could say JACK ROBINSON." I said in one breath. I leaned back in my chair not breaking eye contact with him.
"Oh_thanks". He smiled shyly.
I did not want to raise my hopes right now, but deep down I knew where this conversation was heading to. This got me on cloud 9.
" So", Clears throat. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
BOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!
**********
NEON'S POV.
I had been waiting for close to 30minutes. I was scared she wouldn't show up. Part of me was excited, while the other was nervous to stupor.
I didn't mind. I knew it was a normal phenomenon, at least I was sure she was the one. My heart had never reacted like this with anyone else, so....?
I thought of giving her a call, but remembered Thelma's advice on 'never hurrying a woman up.' So I surrendered and decided to play a game instead.
I shot one last glance at the door before returning my focus to my phone. I paused and lifted my head again.
"What the hell is he up to now??" I frowned.
He walked over to another table adjacent to the one I chose.
He smirked as he passed by me.
I could recognise the Lady with him, I mean, I never forget a face.
I didn't mind being spotted with Stacy, I'll protect her obviously, so I decided against cancelling the date.
She walked in a few minutes later, dressed in a light green oversize khaki trousers and a simple white turtle neck crop top. she tied a jean jacket around her waist, held her hair sideways. with light makeup on, my poor brain was on shut down again.
"Hey, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting". I heard that sweet voice.
"Not at all, you are just on time". I said as I stood up and pulled the chair for her. I was contemplating whether or not I should give her a peck. I decided against it. " let things flow Neon" I told myself.
Dinner was smooth. I couldn't let my guard down.
"Excuse me, I wanna go to the bathroom" She said.
I nodded.
Reuben and Zita, were staring at us the whole time.
Well, I guess now is the time to end it. I stood up.