CHAPTER TWENTY

The interview had come and gone, a week to be exact and l was still in the dark about the outcome. Not that l was holding my breath or anything of the sort. But l couldn't help but wonder if l had done enough to get the job. But thinking about it wouldn't change what had already happened. 

Isabel and l had made plans last time we met to meet up again. The thought of meeting my soon-to-be-husband's-girlfriend was a tad bit awkward. Yes we were more acquaintances than enemies but l wasn't one to let my guard down.

"enjoy yourself dear. Its good to see you making friends" my relationship with Mrs Keys had changed over the past week. I don't know if it's because they had used me as a sacrificial lamb to save their business and reputations or maybe, just maybe, although the thought is unsettling, she was starting to see me as a daughter than an enemy. And l didn't know how to feel about that.

Having been treated one way for a long period of time and then suddenly, people's actions and feelings change is a huge adjustment. One that felt forced

"she's not my friend, at least not yet." she rolled her eyes

"l'm sure Keira wouldn't mind you meeting new people. She would want you to move on" she justified her unending need to change my mind about making 'friends'

"well she isn't here to agree or disagree is she?" that came out a bit colder than l had anticipated

"Are you sure you will manage with Akai? l can always cancel. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you"

"No, go out and gave fun. You are still so young to be tied down to a baby that's not yours let alone a marriage for crying out loud. I really do apologise" l heard a few sniffles coming from her and l couldn't help but question 'why the change of heart' but l couldn't ask that now and ruin such a monumental moment.

"l wouldn't have it any other way. If anything comes up call me, no hesitation"

"stop worrying so much and go have fun".

After checking my reflection in the mirror one last time, the little black body con dress that l was wearing had a corset bodice before sticking to my body, ending four fingers above my knees. Paired with red ankle strap heels and a red mini purse. I was ready to live and be young for once. 

The restaurant wasn't that far from my parents house, but a forty-five minute drive from the Keys. Not to mention Friday traffic, l arrived an hour and a half late.

Rushing into the slightly-upper-class-but majority - of-the-customers - are-middle-class restaurant, sporting the runway looking doll face was a mission. The restaurant was packed, tables stacked on top of each other to accommodate the hundreds of people either on date night, girls night like myself or family dinner.

"Aurora, pssh" l heard a voice call out to me. Sweeping my eyes over the many faces in the restaurant, l found a hand waving in my direction. Walking to the familiar figure who immediately stood and embraced my awkward form dressed in a sparkly one shoulder mid thigh hold dress and a bold red lip.

"oh my goodness, l'm so glad you are here. I thought you weren't going to make it" she said with a wide smile

"l'm sorry for not calling, l was stuck in traffic"

"l understand. Take a seat. Thank you for joining me, you look lovely" she said as l took seat opposite her own

"thank you for inviting me. I would compliment you but you already saw yourself in the mirror. Plus l know you can see all the eyes fleeting to our table" and that caused her to laugh before looking at the many eyes stuck on her, regardless of their partners seating less two feet from them.

"how have you been?" she asked as she waived her hand in the air signalling the waiter to come to our table

"l went for a job interview. Waiting to hear from them. I'm stuck in a loveless engagement. Other than that l can't complain. You?"

"l am so sorry about that. If it was possible l would have gladly switched positions with you. But l am okay, although Hilden has been a bit distant" l rolled my eyes at the mention of Golden. She certainly could go better. The man was too controlling for her Fragile soul

"l don't know how l would have handled the news of my boyfriends marrying someone else, let alone have dinner with the woman" l threw that in her face knowing she would take the bait and tell me how she truly feels about the whole situation. I wasn't buying the whole ' let's be friends attitude' and l wouldn't leave without getting the truth from her 

" l will be honest with you. I was furious, l even threatened to break up with him but he reassured me that nothing was ever going to happen between you two. You aren't his type. I was convinced until l met you. That's when the nerves started kicking in when l realised how beautiful and aware of yourself you are. But when l started speaking to you and after your little showdown with Holden l knew l could trust you both. And the only way for it all to work out is if we are civil with each other. Friends would be a bonus" she said but what stuck was Hilden saying he wasn't attracted to me. Was l that unattractive? 

"you should never be too trusting, for all you know l could be pretending and my sole mission is to steal him from right under your nose. He is an attractive man with an ugly personality. But he can be sweet when he wants to" l said remembering all that he did for Akai. 

"call be naive but the way you feel, l can't explain it but l feel safe. I know you wouldn't hurt me, at least not on purpose"