The awkward moment

Gemma was still sick. She would continue to stay at James' place for a couple more days, which I was grateful for, not because she was sick, but because she was not here to witness my stupidity. Yes, I was reckless enough to agree to this date.

Now, it was almost time to prepare for my date with Mr. Hayes, I meant Nathan. Should I really consider this a date? What else do you want to call it? I mumbled to myself. Resigning to my fate for the night.

I berated myself for not thinking this through. I should have been firmed in my resolve never to go out with him. However, the rebellious and stubborn part of me encouraged me to live the moment, took some risk, and just enjoy whatever the night would bring. Many girls would fight for a chance to be with him, but I was not most girls.

I was wearing the red dress that Gemma asked me to try on. She ended up buying it and giving it to me as a gift. At first, I did not like the idea of accepting it because it was too much, but she would not have it any other way. She even bought me a pair of laced bra and a tong. She said it would make me feel sexier.

What would Gemma think if she learned about my plan tonight? She did rather warned me against him. Then, there was Daniel. She would prefer that I went out with him instead. She would insist that he was the better choice and my mind would agree with her.

Admit it. Your curiosity outweighs all your sensibility. My subconscious reminded me. Now, here I was waiting for Nathan to pick me up. Honestly, I had no idea how I should feel about this.

After a few more minutes, I was ready to cancel the date and changed back to my leggings and a shirt. I just could not go through with it. I was about to run back to my room when a commotion at the door made me stop.

A knocked at the door made me look at the clock at the corner of the living room. He was early. I still had fifteen minutes before our agreed time. I guessed I had no more choice, but to get on with this. Anyway, since I was already set, I grabbed my bag and opened the door.

"Wow! You look great." He immediately complimented my appearance. "Going somewhere?" I was not expecting to see who was outside. It was certainly not Nathan.

Daniel's wide grin was what I saw when I opened the door. He did surprise me. He was holding a bunch of flowers and a paper bag, which I would assume was take-out food. This was not good. He was not supposed to be here.

"Hi! What are you doing here?" I suddenly felt awkward. I knew we had no arrangement today. Then, why was he standing outside my door when Nathan was supposed to be here in a few more minutes.

"I heard from James that Gemma would be staying with him while she is sick. I thought you might need some company." His gaze traveled from my head to toe. Obviously liking what I was wearing.

"OH... You don't have to do that." What should I do? How do I make him go away before Nathan arrived? My mind was working overtime while I kept cool in front of him. I could not just ask him to leave. It would be rude.

"I know, but I want to. This is for you." Handing me the flowers. He was sweet like that. He always did the simplest things that made you feel special. "Though it would seem that you already have other plans so I guess I'll be taking this home with me." Holding the bag up. "It was just a shame. I brought you your favorite."

"Really, that was so thoughtful. I'm just sorry I won't be able to taste it." He knew how much I love chocolate cake. He just kept loading up my guilt. How could I tell him that I was going out on a date when I clearly told him that I was not yet ready for a romantic relationship?

"Sorry Daniel. Maybe we can do this another time. These are lovely by the way." I took the flowers. "Thank you." Hoping that he would take the hint and left immediately.

However, life was not that simple or we would all live happily ever after. My hope that Daniel would be gone by the time Nathan arrived just vanished into thin air. Beyond his shoulder, I already saw Nathan walking closer to us. There was no avoiding the awkward moment.

"Daniel, what are you doing here?" Nathan tapped him on his shoulder, making him spun around and looked at the other man. Nathan extended his hand and Daniel took it.

"Oh, just visiting a friend. What about you?" he inquired. "Do you know each other?" He was now looking from me to Nathan with confusion.

"Yes. We're going out for dinner." Nathan just confirmed what he was probably deduced from the situation in front of him.

Daniel's eyes suddenly changed. I was not sure, but I thought I saw the hurt in it briefly before it returned to normal. I could only guess what was going on in his mind at this moment. If there was a way for me to change this situation, I would. I really like him as a friend, hurting him was the last thing I would like to do.

"We met at the cafe." I simply said. Now, I was also confused. Obviously, they knew each other. How? Maybe they went on the same circles, through friends or business associates, I mused to myself.

"We also met at the club," Nathan interjected. As if reminding me that he had not forgotten our little scene.

Before I could respond, Nathan extended his hand and said, "Shall we go?" Motioning for me to move outside my door.

"Well, I guess I should be leaving," Daniel said. Shoving the bag back to his arms.

"Wait, I'll just put this inside." Indicating to the flowers, I was still holding in my hands. "Daniel I'll see you another time. Thanks again." I still would like to show him that I appreciate his simple gesture. Although it was hard to look at him right now, I smiled, hoping that would be enough to say how sorry I was about this situation.

He smiled, but not the same way I was usually accustomed to seeing on his face. I saw him walked away to his car while I went back inside. I placed the flowers in a vase on the counter, made my way out, and locked the door after me.

I just needed to get this date over and dealt with. After tonight, I never had to see Nathan again, unless of course, he went to the diner, but at least, this thing between us would be over. That was my plan unless something else happened, which I doubt.