Speed Date (I)

"It will never happen, okay?" Cheslea mumbled, leaned closer to her into an embrace, and reassured that it'll never happen. 

She loosened the hug and responded with a nod. She was very lucky when having friends like them, ready to help get from every problem that she encountered. 

"You will be fine and so is your company. Many other companies are supporting you because of your generosity and I'm sure they will help you too." George uttered. 

"Okay. Thank you guys for being here for me." 

"Well, what friends are for," George mumbled. 

And all of a sudden, his phone rang as he smiled when discerning his boyfriend's name on the screen. Without thinking, he answered it and stood while grabbing his bag. He glanced at her, mouthed, "I need to go!" And winked at her before leaving her apartment. 

She perceived them having multiple rounds tonight. Then, she glanced at the wall clock and now, it's 6 in the evening. Her eyes gazed at Cheslea, who was busy texting on her phone, smiling. 

'She was texting with her husband and I know that smile. They will also have a rounds tonight. When will she leave?'  She thought to herself. 

Cheslea, on the other hand, looked at Jaymiane, who was waiting for her to leave. She just chuckled and ruffled her hair. 

"Anyway, I also need to go. My husband needs… his medicine after dinner."

"Liar." 

She laughed nervously while clenching the strap of her bag and phone. "You should go, Cheslea. I know you are having some rounds with your husband. Now, go!" 

"Okay!" 

She stood from the couch with her bag and walked straight to the door but before she left, she reminded her about her speed blind date. 

"Just relax and look for a dress for tomorrow night at your speed blind date while George and I will take care of Drake." 

And she left without waiting for her response. Then, she stood from the couch and strolled inside her kitchen to get ready for their dinner. 

———

"Why do you need for my help? I mean there's George who has a fashion sense. But why me?" Cheslea asked, resting her body on the bed whilst checking out the dread she was embarking on. 

"You know he was with my son, taking care of him. So I don't want him to bother." She mumbled. 

Then, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror with the dress she was holding. "Well, he knows everything about speed dating. Did you know that he really made this event just for you?" 

She took a deep breath and kept searching for the dress before placing it on her bed. 

"He was a busy man, taking care of this event so I could find the 'perfect guy'." 

"And what's wrong with that? It's normal for us to worry about your love life. We are doing this for your own sake," she explained as she crouched on the bed, observing the dress she was holding. 

Then, she shook her head as an answer on the black dress. She glanced at the dresses that were resting on the bed and searched for the perfect dress for the speed dating. 

"There's nothing wrong with that. I just don't feel… I don't know. Good about this. You know how introvert I am." Jaymianne mumbled, turning around, facing her best friend and searching for the dress again that she tossed on the bed earlier. 

"We know about that. But maybe, give it a chance and meet someone who is perfect for your taste." 

"I hope I will find someone with that speed dating."  

"I know you will. That's why I'm very confident about this because you are now open for the relationship." 

Then, she grabbed the black tight dress, placed it in front of her body and asked her best friend, "how about this?" 

Her brows intersected, yanked the dress away and hit the head. "Are you kidding me? Are you going to seduce every man in the restaurant! It's a big no!" 

She scratched her head in frustration before her eyes gazed at Jaymianne. Cheslea released a deep sigh and stood from her comfortable position. 

"Jayme, it's not necessary to wear a dress to be honest. Don't get me wrong, dress is fine when it comes to a date but it's just speed dating up so you don't need to impress them. Just be yourself." She ranted while patting her shoulder. 

"I'm not impressing anyone. I just want to look okay for this date." She mumbled, crouching on the bed whilst looking at her as she scoured for the dress.

He sighed, grabbing her ripped jeans and blue off-shoulder inside the wardrobe. "Try this on with a two inches stiletto. You don't need to wear a dress,' she explained. 

She sighed, placing all the dresses inside her wardrobe before throwing herself at the bed. Then, she winced when Cheslea abruptly hit her forehead. She glared at her while caressing her forehead. 

"What was that for?" I ask.

"I'm reminding you, Jayme. Just be yourself and talk freely with those men. The host will only give you 5 minutes so do your best shot, okay?" 

"Okay… Thanks for the reminder." 

Afterward, her heart thumped rapidly as if it's coming out of her chest. She felt like passing out when her feet led the way to George's restaurant, where it held the speed dating. 

Then, she jolted from her position when hearing her phone rang inside her purse. She hurriedly grabbed it inside her purse. She swallowed her saliva when her best friend's name came out of her phone screen. She took a deep breath, calming herself down before picking up the call. 

"Hey, where are you?" He asked on the other line.

"I-I'm...I'm on my way." She bit her lips, scolding herself from stuttering. 

"Okay, but be sure to get here at 7 in the evening sharp."

"7 in the evening? I thought it's 6 pm?" 

"Well, they wanted to adjust the time so their wish is my command. So be here at 7 in the evening, okay?" 

"Okay,"  she replied before hanging up the call.

She glanced at her wristwatch and it was only 5:45 in the afternoon. "Well, I guess I have plenty of time before attending that… stupid speed dating." She murmured.