Chapter Nine
Emma's POV
" Claire for the love of God you scared me." I said holding my chest.
I had entered the house thinking no one was back yet, I even called out her name, just for her to sneak up behind me and scare me.
" You're such a baby" Claire said making faces at me. I looked at her shaking my heart. She can really be a baby when she wants to.
" Guess what Claire?" I said with a smile on my face.
" I got the honour of reviewing one of fast rising famous authors, Xander Flynn." She both screamed happily and hugged me.
" Congratulations girl, I'm so happy for you." She squealed.
" Though, it's coming with a lot of envy."
" Not everyone has to like you, there has to be haters."
" I know" I said letting out a sigh.
" But look on the bright side you get to read your favourite book before it's out on the market."
" I know right." I said with a big smile.
The next day I spent the whole day in the library. I used my eyes subtly to look for the guy that talked to me yesterday. I didn't find him so I decided to face the book I was reading. Few minutes past seven, the tall sweet man shows up.
Hey Emma" he greeted with his silky voice.
" Hey. . Alex right?" I wasn't so good with names so I tend to forget sometimes.
" Yes, how are you doing today?" He asked with a contagious smile which made me smile too.
" I'm doing pretty well" I said with a big smile.
" What book are you reading?"
" The art of love and war by my professor, Ellis Windsor." I said running my fingers down the front cover admiring it. I had learnt a lot just in this book.
" How about you, what book were you reading today?" I asked.
" The Lady by Xander Flynn." He said pulling out the book from behind his back.
" That book still low key gives me the creep." I said with a mock scared expression which makes him laugh. But really that book kept me up all night scared. It had all sorts of malicious crime described.
" What would you be doing next Friday?" He asked abruptly which took me by suprise.
" Working?" I said. I had a work dinner that I couldn't miss.
" Working till five o'clock? I don't think so."
" So what if I'm not working?" I sassed.
" I would love to take you out for drinks."
" Is that a date?"
" No, except you want it to be. It's just two friends who love Xander Flynn going out to get drinks together." I look at him contemplating but at the same time this office dinner is important. Though not compulsory.
" No thank you but I have another engagement that day but it could be a later date." I took notice of his balled fist which he flexed immediately
" No problem" he said and walked away.
I stood in front of my mirror as I clipped on my jewellery. I had on a blue gown that had a slit.
" You look so hot" Claire said with a squeal.
The doorbell rang few minutes later and Claire gave me suspicious looks.
" You invited a date?"
I didn't do that.
" I'm gonna go check who is at the door?"
While she went out to check the door, I did a few finishing touches on my make up before glancing at my face one more time in the mirror.
" I look pretty" I said with a smile back at my reflection.
" You actually have a date " Claire peeped her head into the room and said.
" Who is a that?"
" I don't know he is, he said you're a friend." I rolled my eyes at whoever it was, Maybe Jason.
I picked up my purse and walked out the door to who it was. I was shocked to see who was sitting in my sister's living room with a bouquet of roses in his hand.
"Alex?" I called out in shock.
" Em?"
" What are you doing here?"
" I came to pick you up for a date"
" A date?"
" I told you, I had another engagement. And how did you get here?" I said
" Which is your office dinner, it was cancelled. I got here by car" I looked at him surprised while he looked up at me with a smile and nodded.
Quickly I picked up my phone and immediately I got a message from the head of the Human resource department apologising for the shift in the dinner date. I looked at him even more shocked.
" How did you know?"
" I just guessed, you look so gorgeous by the way. Can we go?"
" Just let me inform my sister that I'm going out my sister." He nodded in understanding.
I entered the room, Claire was pacing to and fro the length of the room.
" Claire?"
" Emma who's that guy?"
" It's just a friend I met in the library. He loves Xander Flynn too"
" That guy looks creepy as fuck "
" Calm down Claire, he's really harmless, he's a mathematics lecturer"
" And also likes books?"
" Yea"
" That is weird then"
" I know right that's what I also said"
" So you want to go out with him?"
" Yea, it won't be bad to give it a try, right?" Claire stood just looking at me. Immediately I remembered that was me seeking validation.
" I'm going" I said firmly.
" I thought you were gonna take a break from men"
" I'm not dating him Claire bear, it's just a date"
" You remember that's how it all started with Jason?"
" I know, I'm going to be careful with my heart."
" I'm just looking out for you Emma."
" I know and I appreciate that a lot" I said hugging her tightly which she reciprocated.
" Love you Em"
" Love you too Claire bear." I said before leaving the room to where Alex was.
" Shall we?" He said and I nodded