10| the 'date'

Without knowing, time flew by fast and it was already lunch time.

Since she still had quite a bit to do for preparation for the new hire working with her, she did what she did yesterday and ate while doing her work.

This time, thankfully, was a smooth ride.

No one bothered her much which was good. Leah didn't want to be pitied and looked at differently, etc.

She doesn't want to be known as the girl who has burns or the girl who is a mess, etc.

Leah slurped on her pasta, enjoying the flavors exploding in her mouth. Delicious, she thought.

In a few hours time, both Kane and her would be meeting for dinner.

It was fast, in a blink of an eye, it was already Friday, the end of the week.

She didn't want to admit it but she was actually looking forward for the dinner.

But she knew she couldn't get close to him.

For one, there are other people who are more worthy to be his lover. Two, Enya. She is one scary yet small female. And three, Jessica is one crazy human.

It was better to play safe than be sorry.

Getting back to her work, Leah tried not to think too much and just focus. No overthinking in this household.

When she saw lunch time was almost over, she decided to wash up the container so she didn't have to later.

It was likely she will take some time to decide what to wear, what to do, etc.

With that out of the way, she resumed working, taking breaks here and there.

•••

Her phone vibrated as she was packing her things to go back home.

It was from Kane.

Kane- I'm sorry but change of plans. Let's meet at 7 instead. I'll pick you up at your place. You okay with the changes?

Leah- yes that's fine. i was about to text you the same thing 🙃

Kane- Alright. See you then!

Leah- see you!

Leah ended the conversation. If she ended work at 6, it was impossible to meet at 6. Unless, she wore what she wore to work.

But she wanted to have a bit of spice.

Dress up a little. Something she rarely gets to do.

Feeling excited, she went back home with a smile. Leah felt oddly happy.

Leah didn't want to jump to conclusions about her feelings so instead, she decided to take it slow.

Without realizing, she reached her apartment complex.

Thank god she didn't overshot or that would be hilarious.

By the time she reached home, it was about 6.20pm.

However she was stuck. What is the attire?

So she messaged Kane.

Leah- hi

Leah- do i dress more formal or casual?

His reply was almost instant

Kane- Casual would be good

Leah-👌🏻

Leah- thank you 🤜🏻

Kane- 🤛🏻 No problem!

Leah laughed at the reciprocated energy Kane returned. It put a smile to her face.

Now, she needed to focus. Leah had one thing on her agenda- find a nice outfit.

Before that, she wanted to take a quick shower. It would be refreshing for her, plus she would feel much better.

Once she was done with her shower, she searched her closet high and low, dining the perfect outfit for this occasion.

Leah planned to wear a dress, something that was easy and no need for matching.

Ultimately, she decided on a cute flora dress.

To add a little bit of spice, she wore a necklace and a bracelet.

Next up, she applied some light makeup and let her down naturally. She had natural curls so there was no need for curling.

As for shoes, she wore white sneakers to complete the look. Leah grabbed a simple purse and that was it.

Leah felt beautiful. She rarely ever dressed up unless you count to the office.

She had so many nerves and thoughts. Her overthinking was back, haunting her.

Many thoughts clouded her mind. Will he like my outfit? What if I embarrass myself? Is this going to be disastrous?

But she decided to throw those thoughts away. It was not an actual date at all. Besides, it is just a one time thing, right?

Just then, she heard a ping from your phone. Assuming it was from Kane, Leah rushed.

Turns out, it was just a notification from some company.

But since she is on her phone, might as well just surf the web.

As tomorrow she would be meeting the agent for the space, she looked into her finance, making sure she was doing just fine and also packed some documents relevant for tomorrow's expenditure.

Not long after, she heard a ping and this time it was from Kane.

Kane- I'm here

Leah- okay i'm coming

She finished typing and left the house with a grin on her face.

The moment she left her apartment, she spotted the familiar car parked in front of her apartment.

Knocking on the car's door to signal her arrival, Kane unlocked it for her to enter.

"Hi" They both said it at the same time, making both of them laugh.

"You look so beautiful" Kane complimented her. Not saying she never looked stunning, but it was something about her that was different.

Leah gave off an aura that she never knew she even had. Maybe this 'date' caused that.

"Thank you" She blushed at the compliment. No one really gave her much compliments, except for her parents but that didn't go as plan...

"You look good" Leah blurted out her thoughts on accident. She wanted to comprehend and think through her words before blurting out.

"Thank you" He beamed, very proud of his outfit.

He was wearing a simple white t-shirt with army green pants, paired with a checkered jacket.

It was kind of weird for Leah to see Kane in anything else but a suit. She wasn't complaining though.

I don't think anyone would.

"Ready?" Kane asked as she buckled her seat belt, being a responsible citizen.

"Yup. Where are we going though?"

"You will see" He answered a simple three words.

Along the way, they had small talk, getting to know one another better.

It felt less tense and more relaxed. Likely due to the fact they weren't in office wear or in the office.

Kane had planned to head to a restaurant that specializes in Italian food. He noticed that she quite often eating Italian food so why not surprise her with that.

He had a feeling her tastebuds will be in for a treat.

Soon, they reached the place. The atmosphere was very nice.

Often bringing his family here, he considered to be a regular.

The atmosphere was very relaxed and very happy.

When you step in, you can hear people laughing, talking, bonding with one another.

"Oh hello Kane! Table for two?" The waiter, Henry asked.

Since Kane was one of the regulars, most of the people working there recognized Kane.

But what they found shocking was he brought a girl.

He only ever brought his family and that one friend of his, Romeo.

Speaking of which, they will be meeting this weekend. They hadn't met in weeks as Romeo was on a business trip.

"Yup" Kane said as they followed Henry to a secluded seat.

"Here's the menu, I'll be back to take your orders" Henry said, leaving them both to be.

"I take it that you are a regular?" Leah started the conversation.

"You got that right" Smiling at her, he replied.

"So regular, what do you recommend?" Leah asked cheekily, a faint smile plastered on her face.

"Hmm, you can try the beef lasagna or the classic pepperoni pizza" Kane recommended.

"Hmm, how about you order for me? Surprise me" She suggested as Kane nodded.

"I'll be back" Kane smiled as he went to order. He wanted the surprise to be a surprise, if that made sense.

Meanwhile, Leah admired the decorations of the restaurant. It felt homely and cozy. It almost felt familiar even.

But she didn't want to dwell on it. It was probably her mind going crazy, as per usual.

Just then, Kane came back with a slight smile on his face.

"Hope you like it. They got the best foods here" Kane told her. "Or at least in my opinion" They both chuckled.

"Me too" Leah smiled.

"So, biggest fear?" Leah asked, trying to have conversations.

"Hmm, I would say heights. Not a fan" Kane responded casually. "You?"

"I would say like insects. Especially spiders so don't try to make me do anything with a spider" She warned knowing the results would not be pretty.

"What's your goal in life?" Leah asked. The last time, she was the only one who answered.

She wanted to start her fashion business.

However she was curious what he wanted. Despite being the billionaire, there sure has to be something he longed for right?

"I want to have a happy life with my future wife and have maybe two kids" Kane dreamed, trailing off.

She nodded, thinking about how she wanted two kids too.

They both had several similar characteristics if you call it that.

Half way through their talks, Henry came back with two plates of food and two milkshakes.

"Thank you" They both said in unison. It was quite creepy to them.

"No problem. Enjoy!" Henry chuckled, leaving the two of them to be.

"I ordered basically what I recommended to you. Pepperoni pizza and beef lasagna, oh and chocolate milkshakes"

"Thanks" She smiled, taking bites of everything.

"Wow! Everything is so good" Leah couldn't help but exclaim with joy.

"Told you so" He responded cheekily and dug in as well.

The rest of the meal was eaten happily, chatting every now and then.

Not long after, everything was cleared from the plate. Even the cups that held the milkshakes. It looked spotless.

"Ice cream?" Kane asked after paying the bill. Though Leah offered to split the bill, he ignored her words and payed instead.

"Okay but I'll pay this time" Leah said. Kane wanted to protest but Leah quickly shot him down. "If not I will not go"

"Fine" Kane said. "Anyways, follow me. I know a good spot that serves ice cream"

"Let's go" Leah urged. They had to walk for about ten minutes but it was good for them to allow digestion.

Soon, they reached and ordered their ice creams.

Kane chose mint chocolate chip and Leah chose cookies and cream. And Leah did pay.

(AN: fav ice cream flavor?)

Finding seats, they both took a seat.

They mainly enjoyed silently, not wanting to share much. They both were foodies

Kane felt happier than ever. He felt butterflies in his stomach. But he didn't want to judge so quickly.

Maybe his mother could help him.

"I'm very happy today. Thank you so much Kane" Leah thanked her. "Honestly, it has been ages since I did something like that" She shared.

"No problem" Kane returned the smile.

Looking at his watch, it was getting late. "Come on, it's going to be nine soon. I better get you back home safe" Kane said.

"Okay. Let me finish my ice cream" Leah said, swallowing the remaining ice cream that melted.

"Alright! We can go now" Leah told Kane and got up from the seats and retreated back to the car.

The ride back to Leah's place was more silent, with soft sounds coming from the radio.

Soon after, Kane stopped the car in front of her apartment complex.

"Thank you Kane. I had a great time" She said.

"Me too" Kane replied.

"Bye!" Leah waved her hand after getting off the car.

"Bye!" Kane bid her goodbye, then drove off.

They both went back home, a big smile plastered on their face.

~~~

hello!! welcome to another chapter :D

today's chapter is more light-hearted

❤️❤️ hope you like it

anyways, thank you for 280 reads

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💗

please do click the ⭐️ and 💬 your thoughts!!

my school is starting soon and i'm dreading it so updates will now be more random

i'll still try to update once a week unless i have exams 😩

does anyone have book recommendations? (romance as the genre?)

i'm like dying with no books to read :(

alright, that's it for today lol ig. see you in next chapter, whenever that will be :)

[ word count: 1960 words]

[ published on: 26 jun 2021]