16 I Date With An Intention To Marry

The man's expression did not waver in the slightest as he whispered back:

"I wouldn't dream of doing so."

Suddenly, Anoi remembered something important.

"What did you say before?" She returned to the normal voice and leaned back.

"That I am sorry to shatter your hopes and…"

"Before that!" Anoi interrupted.

"That hearing what Miss Brown, Jackie, said, I would've thought she is the one looking for a marriage partner."

Anoi had a bad premonition.

"What does that mean? Who's looking for a marriage partner?"

This time it was Shad who was surprised.

"You?" he half-asked, half-stated, glancing at his childhood friend who now wanted to run away again.

"I'll explain," started Jackie, "We both know that you've been single your whole life, right. But, life is short, so it's better to start planning everything out. You do not have to marry right away, first you'll go on a date, then-"

This was an obvious get-away lie.

"Enough! Jackie, what have you done this time?"

The girl was taken aback by Anoi's shouting. She nearly started crying.

"I…I…I told Shad you wanted a boyfriend, and pushed Shad to the café, to meet you. He didn't want to, so he secretly asked Lint to come and act in his place. I didn't know about this until today. While you were out shopping, we talked everything though and decided to let you two meet, since you're both interested."

"I understand this part, but why a marriage partner?" Anoi was getting a headache.

"Naturally," Lint stepped in, "That's because I will date with an intention to marry."

"See? Granted, he's a goof like Shad, but at least he's gentlemanly and noble!" Jackie blurted out.

Lint squinted his eyes at the words "goof" but didn't comment on it. He then stood up and flashed a perfect smile.

"Well, now we see that Anoi here has no interest in dating. For this relief much thanks," he turned his head to Anoi. "Since both of us aren't attracted by each other, I shall take my leave."

He quickly payed for the drinks, and then left without saying another word.

Anoi had a weird feeling about him. On one hand, she was glad he acted nothing like a cold-blooded man from 5 years in the future, on the other, she couldn't help but wonder what in the world had happened, or rather will happen, for Lint to change dramatically.

It wasn't surprising, but today was the first time he saw him smile. Despite his rude remarks, he didn't possess any kind of a dangerous aura. Maybe that's why it was easy to let go of the past hate.

"Hey, Shad." Jackie said after seeing the complicated gazes that Anoi was sending after Lint's back. "Where did ya find that weird piece of a friend."

"I wouldn't necessarily call us that way. More like, acquaintances.. Honestly, he was the one to ask to come once he overheard your phone call about this date. I wouldn't dream of inviting him."

"Aren't you long-term buddies?"

"Yeah, but we're not on a very close term, I think. I would love to be friends, but Lint, that man, he always sets distance."

Jackie sighed. Ah, she can understand her decision to be single, after all, if she starts dating, who'll keep Shad the company, but Anoi… Why is she so stubborn? Does she intent on becoming a spinster?