Invitation

Stella's POV

I am so glad that after a day, Luca became okay. So, I am now in process of grooming Luca, I understand that my weekend, and perhaps my entire existence, is going to change.

In the doorway, Carla peeks her head out and reveals the locked screen on my phone. A few minutes later, "Hey! I'm about to go, but your phone just went off. I think you just got a message."

"Who is it?" To avoid Luca escaping from his tub, I ask, keeping my eyes glued on him.

When pressed further, "I'm not sure," she replied. "I'm so sorry, but you don't have this phone number saved in your contact list."

"There's a message there that I'd like to know. Kindly check it?"

"Hold on. I'll take a look." Her phone's screen lights up with a message, and she reads it. "The message say…Hello, little pet-sitter? Do you have any evening plans?"

I'm not sure if it's from him. To avoid answering her question, I say, "Give me a second, I'll be back to you."

"Is it a date with a handsome rich guy?" Carla asks.

"I don't think so."

"Can I reply him and ask who is he?" Carla asks.

"Sure."

Her brief message is followed by a high-pitched screech. "OMG! He said, it's your hot neighbor."

"What?" This came as a surprise because he had just texted me to tell me that. I immediately get up. As I clean my palm because of Luca's fur, I extend an arm. "Hand the phone to me, please. I'll get back to you."

"Hello Mr. Sebastian. What's going on?'

He replied. "Wait, I'll give you a call."

My phone rings and the tone goes off a few seconds later.

Carla asks if I'd mind putting the phone on loudspeaker, and I oblige. "What are your plans for tonight?"

He asks over the phone, his raspy, male baritone much deeper, "There's a formal party tonight."

As much as I can, I try to block out the warmth that emanates from my heart and keep my mind focused. "Would you like me to go with you?"

"Yes. Because I let your cat go wild on my balcony so many times, I'd like you to think of it as a form of compensation."

"Sebastian, you're quite slick. Are you serious with that?"

"Yes. I am serious."

I start thinking about what I'm going to wear, how much time I have to get ready, and whether or not I'll need my hair and nails done before I go. Carla is nodding furiously and saying "OMG" repeatedly.

"Do you remember your first date's reaction when they dumped you?" I ask.

"No. My dates aren't deserting me, either. Ever. I didn't have one before, and now I'm itching to get my hands on a copy. And it's you."

Is there ever a time when he veers from his clear approach? My face flushes at his remark. "Where is it and what time?"

"Tonight, at 9:00 p.m.. At Ever garden Place."

Suddenly, Carla widens her mouth and her eyes to pop out of her head.

I say it with a sarcastic undertone, "It's last minute already."

He asks, "Do you want to go or not?"

I'm tempted to reject him. It makes sense, but I'm curious as to how formal this is. In addition, have a look at how well-heeled people enjoy themselves.

"Sure. Count me in. "

"Great."

"The only problem is that I'll have to come back to my place to wear something."

"That's fine. It's nothing to worry about. Everything is now in order. I'll have my driver. They pick you up at 8:30 p.pm."

"By 'they,' who do you mean?" I ask.

When pressed further, "I'm not sure," he replied. "Maybe it's all in the hair and make-up artist. Whoever Geisel generally sends out for these stuff."

"Oh, okay. I understand."

"I'm looking forward to see you my little pet-sitter. It would be great if we could see each other again. See you later. Bye."

After the call, Carla screamed, "Oh my God. Your lovely next-door neighbor inviting you a date! Is he that good-looking? You know what; I am going to be the assistant cook in that place tonight. I'm shocked that he invited you to join him. I'm giddy and excited for you. Some guys are coming over to help you get ready too! Do you have any excitement about it?"

I am grown accustomed to her long winded sentences, so I nod and grin. "I'm curious and kind of excited." I say.

"You'll be rubbing elbows with the elite ranks of New York's high society," she does so with English accent.

"As long as I don't have to change my behavior, I'm good."

"You're in good shape if he invites you. I'm excited to see you there to witness it. At 4 p.m. this afternoon, I'll be at the restaurant to start preparing the menu items."

"Can you believe it's a ten-course meal? That's not all though. By the way, his invitation stated what time he would meet you, again?"

"9 p.m., but he said his driver going to pick me up here by 8:30 p.m."

"So you're not going for a sit-down lunch after all. At five o'clock, that begins. Additionally, the rooftop garden has been set aside for social drinking, talking, and dancing. It's going to be a blast for you. I'm sure of it!"

After we talked, Carla decided to leave the condo unit already and brought her dish of homemade bread as well. It's clear that Carla is thrilled for the party later. I have to admit that I'm enthralled by the subject matter. In general, I have no idea what to expect.

Suddenly, Luca and Daisy climbed to my lap when I sit to the couch and they suddenly licked my face. Luca lie down on my lap and wrapped around her body to me as well as Luna. While Tucker is quietly sleeping in the couch.

Date with a billionaire on the cards. This is a subject about which I'm undecided.