HEALING HEARTS: A SECOND CHANCE LOVE STORY

Juliana's pov

"You look good Juliana, I am sure poor Mike will drool when he sees you in that dress. And you dear Julie will have fun," says Maggie, my best friend since high school.

"I am not sure about that, Maggie I just feel nervous about all of this."

I know Maggie is just trying to help me get back Into the world, but I don't think I am ready to be out there and have fun as she put it. 

She has been excited about this date all week. Someone might even think that she is the one going on a date, but that's just Maggie. When it comes to my happiness, she would do anything to put a smile on my face, she is one in a million.

"Look I understand why you are reluctant to go on this date but you need to start living again, it's been 3 years since the incident Juliana, just try to enjoy tonight okay."

"Yeah, you are right I will try to be happy today, I just hope he is as good as he seems to be."

Mike seems to be a good guy but I stopped judging people by the way they look a long time ago. People pretend to be nice just so they can get what they want from you.

"I am sure he is Julie, stop overthinking and finish getting ready."

"You are the one who disturbed me, Maggie, Now go I finish."

" I just needed to make sure you didn't change your mind like you always do, Now hurry up, the car will be here soon."

"Okay, ma'am," 

Maggie is the twin sister I wish I had, she is always there for me no matter what. I don't know what I did in my previous life to deserve her.

I am just finishing up with makeup when Maggie comes knocking on the door letting me know that the car is here.

"Hey, Julie," Maggie calls as I step out of our apartment. " Have fun tonight and remember I am just a phone call away. If by any chance you feel uncomfortable, call me and I will be there."

"Of course, don't worry I will be okay."

Maggie kisses me on the cheek and watches as I get in the taxi and leave.

I am nervous as hell on the way to the restaurant, it's been a long time since I last went on a date.

I know I am overthinking but what if I make a fool out of myself and freeze the moment he touches me? 

I have been making excuses every time Mike asks to take me on a date. But now I have run out of reasons. So here I am in the taxi trying to convince myself that everything will be okay when I know deep down that it won't.

l am still in my head by the time we reach the restaurant, I almost miss the driver announcing that I have reached my destination.

I spot Mike the moment I enter the restaurant, sitting at one of the tables with a glass of wine in hand. I am sure that the wine he is drinking costs more than I make in a year. But that's Mike for you, always around nice and expensive things. I am sure that's why he chose one of the best restaurants for our first date, to show me what I am missing.

Mike stands up the moment I reach the table and pulls the chair for me.

" How are you? I almost called to find out if you were still coming." He says.

"I am fine, thanks. What made you think that I would cancel?"

"Well, because you have been doing it for months." Well, he is right, I have been canceling on him.

"I am sorry I have just been busy the last few months, but I am here now."

I have indeed been busy the last few months, but I know I would have made some time if I wanted, but I won't tell him that.

"Yeah, you are right, you are here and that's what matters. Would you like to have something to drink? You can have what I am taking or I can order something else for you."

"It's okay, I will have what you are having."

"Good choice, this is one of the best wines, I am sure you will enjoy it." 

" Well, I hope so."

He pours a glass for me. The moment I taste it, I know it's one of the fine ones.

"Do you like it?" He asks me the moment I put the glass down.

" Yes, it's not bad."

"I told you, it's good." he takes a few sips and then continues." Look at the menu and choose what you want to have, just tick on the food you want to have. Our server will come to get the order."

I am familiar with the menu, so I go straight to what I want to have. I haven't had Thai chicken satay in a long time, so I almost drool the moment I see it. There is just something about it that makes me want to eat every time I am in a Thai restaurant. For dessert, I chose the coconut pudding cake, which is one of the mouthwatering desserts.

A few minutes later, our server for the night comes and collects our order.

"How is work, Juliana, any new projects?"

" Work is fine. We have no new projects this month. We will be finishing our old ones."

I know he will start telling me about his father before he even starts. I don't know Mike that well, but based on a few conversations we have had he likes to add his father's success in everything. I know every child is proud of their parents, but for Mike, it's too much.

"My father is building another hotel in Ndola, and he plans to build another one in Lusaka next year." He pauses and then continues. " He has achieved a lot of things since he started the company."

Okay, l might seem like a bitch, but this is one of the reasons I didn't want to go on a date with Mike. He's always talking about his father, and what he has accomplished. I know his father is a legend but the man does not deserve the praises he gives him.

In my head, I am being like; What the hell man? When are you going to talk about your achievement? But instead, I sit and listen to him praise his father, as our server brings our food.

I don't even know why he asked me to go on a date If the only person he wanted to talk about was his dad the entire time. I zone out as he goes on with the praises about his father.

"Do you think I can do it?"

I only come out of my head, when he asks a question.

"Do you mind repeating the question, this food is good, it distracted me," I say as I sip my wine.

"Of course, l was saying that my father thinks that I will make a good CEO one day. I was wondering if you think I can do it."

"I am sure you will do good when that time comes, Mike."

"If it comes", I want to add but decide to close my mouth instead.

Mike's father is known for his love for his company. The only thing that can separate him from his company is death. The man was once sick for a month but still worked from home.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom. I will be right back."

"Okay, are you alright?"

" Yes, I am fine."

If I stay one moment to listen to him, talk about his father, I will snap And say something I will regret. The last thing I want to do right now is create a scene in front of all these people.

l call Maggie the moment I reach the restroom. It rings for a few seconds and then she answers.

" Hey, girl are you okay?"

"Not really, I need your help, call me in fifteen minutes."

" Wait, why do you want me to call you?"

"Maggie, please just do what I told you okay."

"Okay, but you better have a good explanation."

" Yes, just do it bye."

" Okay, bye."

I hope Maggie will call me before I have to listen to Mike talk about his father. I never thought I would ever be one of the people who ran away from their date, and yet here I am planning my escape.

"Trying to run away from your date babydoll?"

I hear a voice behind me as I make my way back to the restaurant. What the hell? Did I think out loud?

"Excuse me, who .....who.....who are you?" I stutter looking where the voice came from.

Oh my God, I have seen good-looking men before. But this man before me is pant melting hot. He looks to be in his mid-thirties, but at this moment, I don't care about his age.

"I am someone who has been paying attention to you tonight babydoll."

Oh my, did this sexy man Just call me babydoll again?

I can't help but look into his eyes and damn he has beautiful blue eyes. I feel like they are pulling me. I have to say something before I make a fool out of myself.

"Really?" I don't even recognize my voice as I speak.

"Yes, and I am sure that you were not doing anything in  there, but were planning your escape instead." Who is this man and how did he know that I was planning to escape?

I stare at him like an idiot avoiding his eyes. What can I say when he is standing just two steps from me, I can even feel his breath. I somehow managed to gather some courage to look him in the eyes again.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Now if you excuse me, I have a date waiting for me."

I say as I try to leave, before I even make a step the stranger grabs my hand and pulls me to him. Surprisingly I don't feel uncomfortable with his touch. Our lips are almost touching. I can't help but lick my lips, his eyes travel to them as I do so.

"There are a lot of things these lips can do," he says, tracing my lips with his thumb. He takes a few steps back and continues looking at my lips.

What things is he talking about? Oh my, I hope it's not what I am thinking. Just hearing his voice makes me soak my panties, something I have not done in years.

"Let's not pretend, babydoll," he murmurs, his voice low and seductive. "I saw the desperation in your eyes when you got up from your table. You don't want to spend any more time with your date, do you?"

I am speechless, my heart pounding in my chest as his words hit home. How does this stranger know how I feel? And why is he suddenly invading my personal space? And more importantly, why am I not feeling uncomfortable? Usually, when a man comes this close to me I feel uncomfortable.

Before I can react, he closes the distance between us again, and his lips come close to mine, almost kissing me. I can't deny the sparks that ignite within me, even as my mind tells me to pull away.

Just as I think he is going to kiss me, he releases me and takes a step back, leaving me standing there, breathless and confused. His blue eyes bore into mine, searching for a reaction.

"What was that?" I manage to ask, my voice barely audible.

"A taste of what could be," he replies, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "I can see it in your eyes, babydoll. The desire to escape from that date and find something more exciting."

I can't deny the truth in his words. The allure of this mysterious man has shaken me to the core, making me question everything. But I can't simply abandon my date and dive headfirst into the unknown.

"I... I can't just leave," I stammer, trying to regain some semblance of composure. "I committed, and it wouldn't be fair to..."

He smirks, cutting me off. "Fairness isn't always the most exciting option, babydoll. Sometimes, you have to grab life by the reins and take a chance. Life is too short for regrets. Moreover, you are already planning your escape." 

"I will leave my date but I am not going with you anywhere," I tell him looking at him straight in his gorgeous eyes.

"It's okay I can wait, if you don't come with me today, I am sure you will come with me one day." He says, biting his lower lip. He moves close to me and holds both my hands.

" I...I should go." I manage to say hoping this sexy god will let me go before I jump on him.

He looks at me as if searching for something in my eyes, he seems to have found what he is looking for and lets me go.

"Yes, sure, just give me your phone number before you go," he says, handing me his phone.

My mind is telling me not to give him but my treacherous body wants something else. So against my best judgment, I put my phone number.

"Good girl, pick up when I call you babydoll." That endearment again, this man is something else.

"Ok...okay." I manage to stutter and then he's gone.

Returning to the table, Mike continues where he left off, unaware of my growing disinterest. He talks about his father's tireless work ethic and unyielding dedication to his company. I can't help but wonder if Mike feels overshadowed or if he has his drive and passion separate from his father's achievements.

"Do you have any plans next weekend?" Mike asks, I think he has noticed that I am not interested in this conversation.

"Yes, Maggie and I are volunteering at the kid's hospital."

To be honest, even if I didn't have anything to do next weekend. I would have found other excuses to avoid another date with him.

"Oh, that's great, What about that other weekend?"

I am glad Maggie decided to call at this moment and saved me from answering that question.

"I am sorry I need to take this, It's Maggie."

"Yes, go ahead."

"Thanks," I say as I stand to go and answer the phone call.

"Hey, I have called now to tell me why you are being weird."

"Thanks, Maggie, I will tell you when I reach home. I will be there soon bye."

"Okay, I will be waiting."

I end the call and make my way back to the table.

" Is everything okay?"

Mike asks, noticing the change in my mood.

"Not really, something came up. I need to go."

"What happened? Do you need me to take you?" He asks, standing up.

"It's nothing you should worry about, l will be okay."

"Okay, I will call you," Mike says, kissing my cheek.

"Yeah, good night Mike.

I spot the sexy stranger on my way out and he winks at me.

I have never been attracted to an older man before, until now, my last boyfriend was two years my senior.

As I sit in the taxi, I can't help but remember Mr. Hottie and what he said about my lips. I wonder if he will even call me. A lot of guys have asked for my number over the years but they don't always call. I just hope Mr. Hottie calls. He looked like someone who does not leave things unfinished.  Right now I would want him to finish me in every way.