14 Seductive Stranger?

"Isn't that the reason?" Anoi gradually returned to reality and looked attentively at the man, whose handsome face was twisted in confusion. "It's alright. Don't worry, I'm not mad at you for refusing the date."

The man nodded, and then, with a bit of regret or hesitation mumbled, "It is. But… I didn't quite refuse…I didn't expect you to be so understanding."

"Sorry, can you repeat that?" Anoi didn't quite hear. "And, tell me, where did Jackie disappear to?"

"I said," the man reddened while uttering, "I didn't expect you to be so understanding. I didn't want to offend anyone, so I asked my friend to come with me and substitute as your date. He too, is looking for a partner. We were waiting for you, but he got a call and headed out to answer it. Jackie went to call him back inside."

The girl was puzzled.

"Excuse me, but I'm not looking for a partner. There's no need for your friend to come and..."

"Anoi!" Jackie's shout interrupted her flow of thoughts. Anoi, together with other visitors in the café turned her head to stare at the running girl.

Jackie dropped herself on the cushioned chair beside Anoi and quickly started talking.

"Umm… You see, my friend Shad. Well, we're not friends anymore, so.. This jerk, Shad, suddenly said that he doesn't want to date you. Not you. Ehh..In general, he… He's not into girls, you see!" Jackie exclaimed, turning attention of everyone around for the second time.

Anoi could barely maintain her laugher inside. She glanced at the miserable guy, who was now blushing furiously.

He was staring with a dangerous expression, that Jackie, however, ignored.

"Or maybe he is. You see," she continued, "he's a weirdo. I don't understand him. Anyways, he's not worthy of you. Don't pay any attention to him. On the other side, his friend… He's hot! He's got the body, the looks, the brains. His pay is higher, his car is bigger. And he'd never, ever, run away from his date. Long story short, he's much better than Shad!"

Anoi had a faint feeling that this "advertisement" was just a way to cover up the guilt in Jackie's heart, as well as make sure that she, Anoi, won't get mad.

"Oh, but I quite like the way Shad looks," she couldn't help but tease. She missed such moments and was very glad to have this second try in living.

Shad blushed even more (if that was even possible) and started shaking his head. Jackie continued praising the other male, constantly comparing him to that "failure of a man" previously known as her best friend since grade school.

"He's almost done talking. You'll agree with me once you see him. He's got the right body! Just your type! I bet he's got the abs too. And his…"

"Jack!" Shad finally half-shouted, half-said anxiously.

"Don't call me that, stupid. What do you want?"

Before the response could be heard, a pleasant low voice resounded near the trio.

"Miss Brown. If I hadn't known you, I would've thought you're the one seeking a marriage partner."

The voice was very magnetic and made a strong impression of an imposing yet charming man. It made one want to listen to it and do whatever one was told. This was what usually run though everyone's mind when hearing it.

Except Anoi.

For her, it was the voice of Death.

A sense of loss and a terror started filling her up and her breathing got heavier. From the corners of her eyes she spotted brown leather shoes. The newcomer sat down right across.

She felt the man's intent look on her, and an intense fear overcame every thought that she held at that moment.

"You're joking. I'll be single for the rest of my life. And no need to call me Miss Brown." Jackie cheerfully lectured the man. She elbowed Anoi, implying for her to start the greeting.

And so, the horrified girl rigidly lifted her gaze.