"Axel is the most free-spirited person I know," I said, smiling to myself. "Even though he's easygoing and a bit of a jokester, he has these moments where he's serious, and he actually looks cool when he is. He's really caring toward me, too, and honestly, he's one of the smartest people I know." Thinking back on this past month, I realized it was all true.
"So just like Axel, his face and body are your favorite things too, right?" Brianna teased, making me nearly choke on my food.
"Haha, sure," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up. Today seemed to be one blush after another.
"Anyway, what do you do for work, Axel?" Brianna asked, changing the topic.
"Just family business," he answered simply. Judging by her expression, Brianna likely assumed it was something small. I was relieved she didn't know his real status; she'd be acting very differently if she did.
"So, Cora works under you?" Dan asked.
"Yeah, you could say that," Axel replied.
Brianna laughed awkwardly. "So, Cora, you're dating your boss?"
Before I could respond, Brianna pulled out her phone. "Let's take some pictures!" She took a bunch of selfies and even called a waiter over to take a few of all of us together. Axel naturally put his arm around me, and when Brianna insisted on photos of just us two, I sat stiffly while Axel grinned. I took a photo of her and Dan, where she hugged him.
"Now your turn," Axel said with a grin. "Dan, what do you like about Brianna?"
Dan shrugged, glancing her way. "She's fun, comfortable to be around…"
Brianna gave him a look, so he added, "…and pretty."
It still didn't seem enough for her. Dan had always been like this, not exactly great with expressing his feelings.
Brianna sighed, rolling her eyes. "You could learn a thing or two from Axel; he's so sweet and caring toward Cora." Then, under her breath, she mumbled, "Even though I'm prettier than her."
"Excuse me?" Axel asked seriously while looking at her sharply.
"Nothing," Brianna said quickly, clearly flustered.
"Oh really? Because I thought I heard something ridiculous." Brianna stayed silent, neither denying nor admitting what she'd said.
"My prettiest Cora in the world, would you like some dessert?" Axel asked, made sure to emphasize the first sentence loudly
I couldn't let him have all the fun, so I played along. "Can I get some chocolate pudding, my Axie?"
Axel burst out laughing. "What about you guys?" he asked Dan and Brianna.
"You pick for me, Dan," Brianna said, turning to him.
"Ice cream?" Dan suggested.
"Did you forget I had the flu last week?" she asked, annoyed.
Dan sighed. "So, what do you want?"
"Never mind," she muttered, crossing her arms. They looked like they were about to argue, and Axel and I exchanged a look.
"Maybe we can save the pudding for next time, Axel." I squeezed his hand as I stood up.
"But I wanted it now—" he joked, but I tugged him to his feet. "Let's call it a night, everyone," I said, nudging us all toward the exit.
At the front, Axel grabbed his card that he had given before we even ate, and the waiter printed the receipt that had been paid.
"You already paid?" Brianna asked, surprised. "You should've let me pay; you covered bowling, too," Dan added.
"Thanks, Axel! You're the best!" Brianna said, beaming.
After saying goodbye, we all headed in separate directions. Brianna waved to Axel. "Hope I'll see you again, Axel."
He nodded politely, didn't take it seriously, and Dan gave us a little wave before following her to their car.
As we walked toward Axel's car, he smirked. "What a couple."
"So, that's your type?" he asked, glancing over as we got in.
I snapped my seatbelt into place. "Shut up; that was back when I was still... innocent," I muttered, feeling my face warm.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You're saying you're not anymore?"
"I'm in my mid-twenties, Axel," I replied.
He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. "And are you sure Brianna's really your friend?" he asked, giving me a skeptical look.
"She's not that bad…" I said, trying to sound convincing.
"Not that bad?" he scoffed. "She dated your crush, knowing you liked him."
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. "That's not exactly what happened. And he's an ex-crush."
"Still, it's a little off, right? Don't women have a 'girl code'?"
"Oh, so now you're a girl code expert?" I teased, nudging him.
He smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "Hey, don't change the topic!"
"What was it you said earlier? 'Lacey sexy' what?" I challenged.
"Red sexy lace dress—it even rhymes," Axel replied, grinning.
"You've got awful taste," I shot back, laughing.
"Even so, you still love me, right?" he said, flashing his dimples.
"Didn't you say I'm caring, kind, and smart? I'm sure you meant it." He waggled his eyebrows playfully.
"Nope. I just put on my best act to convince them."
"And you—your acting was too good! You could be an actor," I praised.
"Brianna and Dan totally bought it. She even compared you to Dan," I added.
"But I wasn't acting, though," Axel mumbled to himself.
"What?"
"No replays," he grinned.
I pulled out my phone. "About dinner, let me send you the money."
"What are you talking about?" He feigned confusion.
"Seriously, Axel—they're my friends. I shouldn't have made you pay."
"Nope, Brianna's my new friend now. Didn't you hear her say she wants to see me again?" he teased.
"Come on, let me do this," I insisted.
"No, Cora. Tonight is my wish day, so I'm paying."
"Fine, but next time, at least let me pay."
"I'm not saying yes," he shrugged.
"Axel!" I said, exasperated.
We kept up our playful arguing all the way to my place, making the drive feel way too short. Finally, he pulled up, laughing. "Ha! Secured the next two weeks of lessons."
"Only because I let you win," he grinned.
"Thank you for today—you really helped me," I said as I opened the door.
"Helped you with what? I'm your boyfriend, remember?" he called after me, winking.
I cringed. "I don't know if I can get used to that."
"Bye, Axel—see you in two days," I said, hinting at the upcoming party, but he didn't seem to catch it.
"Bye, my love," he said, driving off, leaving me with butterflies in my stomach. Axel, what are you doing to me?
Saturday.
Today, I'm heading to Jeanice's to borrow a proper dress for tomorrow's dinner. I'll be staying over at her place since she's volunteered to be my makeup artist for the night.
Before leaving, I packed some clothes for the next three days. "Mom, I'll be back Monday night after work," I called out.
"Don't forget to take this to Jeanice." Mom handed me some packed food. "Also, there's a package for you."
"I didn't order anything, though?" I thought the washing machine I'd ordered was arriving Monday—I was planning to surprise her with it.
Mom brought out a box, nearly the size of a small suitcase. "It's from Adam Kusuma. Isn't he your boss?"
"Oh, right," I replied, surprised. "But he didn't mention sending me anything." I inspected the box and opened it, revealing several smaller boxes inside, each bearing a luxury brand logo I recognized.
"Are those clothes?" Mom guessed. "Must be for the company event tomorrow."
"I think so." I lifted the lid of the largest box, and inside, neatly folded and wrapped in tissue paper, was a black dress. Mom and I exchanged glances, both struck by how beautiful it was. The dress had short sleeves, with tiny crystal constellations adorning each shoulder. The fabric was smooth and felt incredibly expensive.
"Wow, Cora, you have to send me pictures when you wear this stunning dress."
"Of course, Mom." I carefully placed the dress back in its box. As I closed the lid, I noticed a note tucked inside labeled From: Grandfather.
Curious, I slipped the note into my bag and called an Uber to Jeanice's. I couldn't help but wonder if it was okay to accept all this. I hadn't even checked the other boxes yet, but I was certain Mr. Kusuma had sent a full outfit.
In the Uber, I unfolded the letter.
Dear Cora,
I know it must be hard to pick a dress on your own, so I've prepared this for you. I hope it fits you beautifully. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, and please, call me Grandfather when we meet.
—Grandfather
The letter was handwritten, maybe by Mr. Kusuma himself. Still, I couldn't shake the question: should I really accept all of this?
As soon as I arrived, Jeanice excitedly opened the remaining boxes, gasping as she went. There was a pair of black spool heels, delicate earrings, and a pearl bracelet that matched the crystals on the dress.
"You're going to look amazing tomorrow!" she squealed.
"Can't I just borrow your dress?" I asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Are you out of your mind?" she laughed. "You've got the prettiest dress here, and you're not going to wear it?"
"It just feels like too much," I said. "I'm not sure if I should accept all this."
"So, what are you planning to do? Return it?"
"Well… maybe?"
"No way. If you do, I'm not lending you my dress!" she said firmly.
"Jeanice…" I gave her my best puppy-dog eyes.
"Nice try, but no. I want to see you in this dress," she said, unmoved. "Think of it as an employee benefit."
"What kind of company gifts their employees thousand-dollar dresses?"
"The Kusumas, obviously!" She smirked. "After all, you've got this love mission from Grandfather. You're not just some ordinary employee to them."
Jeanice's words made sense, but I still felt hesitant. I valued professionalism, and accepting a gift like this didn't feel exactly professional. But maybe, just for one night, I could make an exception.