Precious!

Finally, after what felt like a whirlwind of hilarity, we arrived at the car park where Precious had parked her vehicle. It was one of the many car parks strategically placed along the city's bustling streets, each one a hub of stories and secrets.

As we approached the gate, the city's ambient sounds provided the backdrop for our conversations. The night unfurled before us like an intricate tapestry, weaving a web of emotions that i hadn't anticipated.

"Oh can i have my purse"

"Sure, why not" i replied softly.

Precious's request for her purse drew me into the present moment, I had almost forgot I still held on to her gadgets. Passing it to her, she reached inside lazily, revealing a set of keys and a small grayish-blue round disc, about the size of a coin, which she handed over to the security personnel at the gate before they let us in.

With a soft "PRI PRI," the car's headlights illuminated the spot where her car was parked.

"There you are," she said, a bright smile gracing her lips as she pointed towards her car.

But as the moment hung suspended in time, I could sense a hint of disappointment in her eyes. She turned around, staring into my eyes for a bit, her smile disappearing as quickly as it came, a breath of anticipation hanging in the air. Her gaze bore into mine, searching for the words to convey her thoughts.

"So about your 'mission' to surprise your family tonight," she began, her voice tinged with a subtle layer of disappointment.

My response was measured, understanding the unspoken words that lingered in the air. "You shouldn't worry about that. I already aborted my 'mission' a while ago. Luckily, it was a surprise visit, so they weren't expecting me in the first place."

Her eyes lit up with excitement, her emotions unfiltered, and she couldn't hide her genuine delight. I met her enthusiasm with a knowing glance and a light smirk.

"Also, you shouldn't be alone in this state," I added. "How about we wait in your car until you feel better? It's the responsible thing to do."

The car's interior beckoned, offering warmth and shelter from the cold night. I had no intention of letting Precious take the wheel in her inebriated state, despite her earlier agreement to drop me off at my parents' house. I settled into the driver's seat, adjusting it to accommodate my height, while Precious occupied the passenger seat.

The pale blue leather seats were pretty warm and cozy, the dimly lit interior created an intimate ambiance, with the soft glow of the dashboard casting a warm aura.

I contemplated the idea of driving to my apartment so she could rest properly for the night or taking her to her place. However, I didn't know where her place was, and I was unsure about the logistics of getting back home to my apartment this late even if i successfully did drive her home.

Just as I was about to voice my thoughts, a surprising turn of events occurred as Precious, who had been dancing and sharing stories earlier, had become more relaxed. The effects of her inebriation had intensified, causing her to transition into a sleepy state. Her movements grew languid, and she really was on the verge of dozing off.

Suddenly, she reached out and touched my face. Her fingers traced the contours of my jawline, and for a moment, I was frozen in surprise. I hadn't expected her to make such a bold move, but by now, I was prepared for anything.

I slowly turned my head, allowing her hand to guide my face toward hers. Our eyes met, and we found ourselves suspended in a moment charged with anticipation. It was the beginning of an enchanting journey, with each touch, every stolen glance, and every word becoming a chapter in the unfolding story between us.

Her lips parted, and she spoke softly, the warmth of her breath brushing against my face. "I'm sorry, Daniel. I wasn't actually drunk. I was just pretending to get you to stay longer," she confessed in a voice that wavered between sleep and wakefulness. "Now I'm starting to feel bad about my actions. You didn't deserve that. You're really a nice guy, and I ruined your plans for the night."

I couldn't help but feel a hint of disappointment at her revelation. It was a moment of vulnerability, and I had allowed myself to be swayed. However, it was the right decision at that moment.

"Please don't get mad," she implored, her voice soft as she rested her head on the passenger seat, her sleepy eyes gazing toward me. Her hands still cupped my cheeks, and she looked up with a hint of vulnerability.

As we sat in her car, the lingering effects of the night's adventures were still palpable. The faint scent of martini hung in the air, a reminder of our shared laughter and spontaneous moments. Precious's apology had melted away any lingering disappointment, and the spontaneity of the evening had taken precedence.

"No, I'm not mad," I replied, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face, revealing the softness of her skin. Her eyes held a tinge of surprise, but the fiery spark had dimmed.

"Really, why not?" She asked, her curiosity apparent, although her tipsy state muted the intensity.

Was I mad? Well, I must admit it took courage to confess to something like that. Perhaps she had intended to feign intoxication to test my reaction or maybe even to have something to hold against me if I had proceeded with my plan to leave.

Nevertheless, at this moment, it was evident that she was genuinely very drunk. She had even started to doze off in the passenger's seat. Perhaps her mind couldn't let her rest due to lingering guilt over her 'pretense'.

Besides, she had already offered a heartfelt apology, which made it impossible for me to hold onto any lingering disappointment. The weekend had an unpredictable vibe, and that was part of what made it special.

"Well, I knew you were pretending from the start, that was why I played along so well,"

I lied, though I had doubts back then, her laughs sounded too boisterous it felt fake, i had just blamed it on the alcohol, but i guessed she would feel better if she felt I was letting her in on my little secret. But damn, she was a really good 'actor'.

Her admission took courage, and I couldn't deny her honesty.

"But it's becoming clear that you've had a bit too much to drink. Right now you're really, truly drunk."

Her expression shifted as the realization set in. A mix of embarrassment and amusement danced in her eyes. "So, you knew all along?"

I nodded, my grin widening. "It was quite a performance, I must say."

Her face displayed a brief hesitation, but the exhaustion won over. "I'm too tired to object," she admitted, her honesty endearing.

Her level of inebriation was unmistakable, and it was a concern that weighed on me. I knew that we had shared a unique night filled with surprises, laughter, and spontaneity, but it was evident that it was time to ensure her well-being.

The guilt of her earlier actions seemed to had kept her from resting fully, but she was genuinely inebriated, i have to figure out a way to keep her up if we really wanted to reach a decision on where to go before she fully succumbed.