CH 05: A DAY OFF 2

As we finished our meal and pushed our plates aside, we had a great conversation and it was getting late, I made a move to gather my things and leave. But before I could stand up, Alex's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"I feel like my phone would be useless without your digits," he said with a playful grin, pulling out his phone.

A smile spread across my face at his cheeky remark, and without hesitation, I reached for his phone to add my number. "Sure thing," I replied, typing in my contact information.

As I handed his phone back to him, Alex's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Thanks, Elena. Now I'll never be lost without you," he joked.

I chuckled at his comment, feeling a warm glow of camaraderie between us. But as I made a move to leave, Alex spoke up again.

"Which way are you going?" he asked, a note of concern in his voice. "Mind if I drop you off?"

I hesitated for a moment, touched by his offer, but ultimately shook my head. "Thanks, Alex, but I think I'll walk. It's a beautiful day, and I could use the fresh air," I replied with a smile.

Alex paused, his expression thoughtful. "I insist," he said firmly, a determined glint in his eyes.

I couldn't help but be moved by his persistence, but I shook my head once more. "Thank you, Alex, but really, I'll be fine," I insisted, feeling a sense of gratitude for his kindness.

With a sigh, Alex relented, though I could tell he was still concerned. "Alright then. Take care, Elena. Until next time," he said, offering me a wave as I made my way towards the door.

"Bye beautiful" he made his remark and I smiled as I step out of the restaurant .

As I walked out of the restaurant, the warm afternoon sun greeted me, casting a golden glow over the bustling city streets. I could feel Alex's gaze on me as I made my way towards the sidewalk, his concern evident in the way he watched me and he made his way into his car.

But as I took a step forward, Alex's voice broke through my thoughts. "Hop in, my lady," he called out from his car, a playful grin on his face. "I can't have you trekking home."

I hesitated for a moment, torn between my desire to maintain my independence and the practicality of accepting his offer. He has done too much today and i think I might feel awkward sitting with him in the car.But as I glanced at Alex, his expression filled with genuine concern, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for his kindness.

With a smile, I nodded and made my way to the passenger side of the car. "Thank you, Alex," I said, my voice filled with appreciation.

The ride was filled with a comfortable silence until Alex broke it with a question, his voice breaking through the quiet.

"When will I be seeing your beautiful face again?" he asked, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

I couldn't help but laugh at his comment, feeling a warmth spread through me at his charming persistence. Ignoring his question, I simply shook my head, unable to hide my amusement.

Undeterred, Alex tried again. "So, what plans do you have this weekend?" he asked, his tone light and curious.

I glanced out the window, contemplating his question. "Not much, actually," I replied, turning back to him with a smile. "Just some errands and maybe catching up on some reading. What about you?"

Alex shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing too exciting," he replied. "Probably just some work and maybe a quiet night in. But who knows, maybe we'll run into each other again."

" I see where you're driving at," I said, a hint of teasing in my voice.

Alex chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "You do?" he replied, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

I nodded, feeling a surge of excitement coursing through me. "Yeah, I do," I said, meeting his gaze with a sense of determination.

"So what do you say... This weekend, me and you?" He said in a soft and cozy voice.

" Let's see if I'm not preoccupied " I said

" Is that you proving hard girl" he grinned and I couldn't help but laugh I mean we both laughed

"I'll stop at the next turning," I murmured to myself, a smile playing at the corners of my lips.

As I spoke, Alex nodded in agreement, understanding my decision to part ways. Soon, he brought the car to a stop, breaking the rhythm of the journey.

"So, Elena, what do you say?" he asked, his tone gentle yet curious.

But I simply smiled and ignored his question, feeling a sense of finality settle over me. Stepping out of the car, I waved him goodbye.

"Good bye Alex... Thanks for the ride " I said as I waved .

"Goodbye Elena... Hoping we meet again" he said as he waved back and with that he moved his car and I stood till his car was out of sight. Then I made my way into my apartment .

"Oh my God.. he's so clingy" I said in irritation as I smile , then my phone rang , i looked at it to see the caller, it was my bestfriend oliva . I picked the call and a worried tone was heard from the other end.

"Hey, liv. What's up?" I greeted, trying to keep my voice casual.

"Elena, where are you?" Olive's voice was laced with concern. "You didn't come to work today, and I've been trying to reach you all morning. Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to explain the events of the day to Olive. "Um, yeah, sorry about that," I replied, my voice tinged with guilt. "I... had some things to take care of."

Olive let out a sigh of relief. "And you didn't think you were supposed to tell me ?"

" I'm so sorry Olivia, it came too demanding and too sudden" I apologized

" Well... It's nice to hear you are okay " she said

I smiled gratefully at her words, feeling a surge of warmth for my thoughtful friend. "Thanks, Olivia I really appreciate it," I replied, feeling reassured by her presence.

As we said our goodbyes and hung up the phone, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the people in my life who cared about me. And as I settled into the cozy comfort of home, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would always have Olivianby my side.