28

"W-Why would you ask me that?" Harold swallowed the drink in his mouth, hiding his nervousness.

"Well, I don't know if I should be saying this. But, I saw how the two of you were looking at each other the day she brought you here to meet me. So, let me ask you again, do you love her?" his mother explained.

He sighed deeply. "Yes, I do. I love her more than anything in this world."

"Then, why haven't you told her yet?" his mother was confused.

"I don't know if you know this but Denise is my boss. I am just her driver."

"Yes, I know that. But, I don't think that should stop you. I saw the way the two of you were looking at each other the other day and I must say, you two look so in love."

"Mother, I do love Denise very much. Even more than my life. But, I don't think she really has the same feelings for me. Even if she has, I don't think she will accept me."

"Why do you say that?"

"It's because Denise has had met come into her life. And, they all betrayed her one way or the other. I am scared that she will reject me because of that. And I really won't be able to stand it if that happens."

She placed her hand on Harold's hand on the table. "Have you tried talking to her about it?"

"No. I don't know how I am going to tell her."

"Look, son. I already met with Denise before she decided to set up that meeting between us. And you know, the way she spoke about you made me realize that she likes you more than just her driver or friend. She might be in love with you as well and waiting for you to come to her. Talk to her and know what's on her mind. Otherwise, you will be left wondering and that will give you sleepless nights. Just talk to her."

Harold nodded and sighed deeply. "I will talk to her when I get home. Thanks, mother."

Mrs. Sandy smiled at her son with all the love in her eyes. She would finally be able to sleep knowing her son finally forgave her. They changed their conversation and started talking about something else. They kept laughing and talking until late in the afternoon. Both of them had to return to their respective homes so they had to leave. At the car park, Harold walked his mother to her car.

"Is that your car?" Harold asked, looking shocked.

Mrs. Sandy nodded. "Yes, this is one of my cars. Soon, all I own will become yours and you will be able to use any one of them you want."

"Wow, mother. That is a really good car. And, I don't think I can handle your businesses mother. I just want to be with you and get to know you better. That's all I need."

"I know. But I want to turn everything I have over to you when I am no more. You know what, let's forget about that. There will be a time to talk about that. For now, you have to go back to Denise. And please send my regards to her, alright?"

"I will mother. And, thank you so much for coming. I had a great time," Harold said.

"Me too. I will see you later."

"See you later."

Mrs. Sandy hugged her son for the last time and got into her car. Then she drove away, leaving Harold to his thoughts. He also got into Denise's car, which he brought with him and drove off. When he was getting closer to the house, his heart was beating in his chest. He could feel his heart turning and turning in his chest. He was so nervous. He got inside the house and stepped out of the car. He turned to lock the car when he felt someone standing behind him.

"I thought you would be back early. Did not think you will take this long," Chantel said.

Harold turned quickly, almost dropping the keys. "Y-Yeah, it took longer than I expected. Actually, I was with my mother. I met up with her so that I could speak with her."

"Really? How did it go?"

"It went well. I forgave her and decided to get to know her better. Anyway Denise, can I speak with you in private?" He said, his face suddenly turning serious.

"Yes, sure. Is something wrong?"

"No, no. Everything is fine. I just want to speak to you alone. I hope it's okay with you."

"Sure. We can go to the garden if you like."

"That is a great idea. Let's go there."

They both walked together to the garden in silence, both feeling very nervous. They got there and sat on the bench, near the fountain.

"So, you wanted to talk to me? We are here now," Denise announced.

Harold let out a deep breath. "Denise I have something serious I have to talk to you about, but I don't know how I should really go about it. So, I might as well just say it straight away instead to get rid of all the awkwardness."

He turned and looked her straight in the eye, then pushed closer to her.

"Denise, I am in love with you. I can't tell you when or how it happened but all I can say is that I love you with all of my heart."

"Harold... "

"No, Denise, let me finish. I know that you have had so many heartbreaks from men who professed their love for you and I know you are scared because of that. I just wanted you to know how I feel because I can't keep it inside anymore. I love you so much Denise and I will understand if you don't feel the same way about me. I don't want our friendship to end because of this." he looked at her as he spoke.

Denise smiled and suddenly kissed Harold. It happened so fast that Harold did not have time to react. Denise broke the kiss before Harold could really fall into the kiss.

"I love you too."