CHAPTER 18
APRIL
Finally, I’ve got my day off after working my butt in the past few days. My intention was to sleep in the whole day as Sophia had to go to work but a message from James, Matilda’s boyfriend, got me changing my plans.
I’ve always looked forward to my day offs since it was the only chance for me to remain indoors while exercising my hobbies.
The day started with me engaging in my hobbies, I’d made waffles and syrup as soon as I got back that morning. After having breakfast while binging the episodes of the new dating show that was just completed, I got a message from Joann.
James wants me to come over to his restaurant this afternoon and he wants Matilda to be oblivious about it.
At first I thought Joann made a mistake typing James name since Matilda was the one meant to do that but after asking her again, it made me feel suspicious.
I don’t know why I was suspecting James but it was really out of the blue. Why would he want to meet his girlfriend’s friend behind her? The fact he doesn’t want Matilda to know about it made me grow more suspicious.
Yeah, James has always been faithful but I trust no man. After everything I’ve gone through with them and with just the recent happening of Ray getting my neighbour pregnant, I’ve become wary of all guys around me. Now, I trust no guy and I think it’ll be better to just remain single.
If I have no luck meeting the right man for me, then I’ll just enjoy my life alone. It was while I was still thinking about Joann’s message that my phone vibrated once again.
April, will you be free this afternoon? Can we meet at my restaurant?
I fluttered my lashes as I read this message from James and then I heaved a sigh of relief. The fact that he dropped the same message to me meant he wanted to see us concerning himself and Matilda probably her birthday coming up soon.
Why did I think so hard about it? As Ray really clouded my thoughts about guys? After replying his message, I dumped my phone and focused on the show which I soon dropped after I realised it was only opening up my wounds and reminding me I could never get a fairytale love like the one in the show.
I went into the kitchen to do the dishes before returning to my room to get some sleep but still ensuring I set up the alarm so as not to miss James appointment.
When the alarm shrieked later in the afternoon, my eyes fluttered open slowly until I was finally able to get the hang of the reason I set up an alarm for the afternoon.
I got out of bed grudgingly and made my way to the bathroom to wash up. Picking out a green rompers, I got myself into it, applied a little makeup, made my hair into a bun, carried my small bag and made my way out of the house and into my old car. Money wasn’t an option so I had to keep going with the old car.
I stopped at Dan Springs Coffee to get Vanilla latte for some sipping until I get to James restaurant.
As soon as I got out of my car, my eyes caught sight of Joann looking at her side view mirror and I walked up to her. She was busy touching up her lipstick so she didn’t know I was behind her until I tickled her.
“Oh my goodness! You scared me!” She exclaimed as she turned back to me.
“You were busy applying the lipstick, why didn’t you do that at home?” I asked and she flipped her hair.
“I did but it smudged.”
“Smudged?” I wriggled my brows and she nudged my shoulders.
“Stop imagining things. Let’s go in,” she said before taking the first step and soon we entered the three-star Michelin restaurant.
Entering the busy restaurant, you would think the day was it’s luncheon but it was actually a ten year old restaurant; one James started while we were in college and ever since then, it has prospered really well.
James office was on the last floor but I wasn’t sure of where exactly, Joann seemed to remember clearly so she left the way.
A slight knock on the door and it opened instantly as if someone had been keeping watch of it. We came face to face with James who seemed like he wanted to step out but seeing us, his face broke into a smile.
After exchanging some pleasantries, he led us inside his cozy office and we took our seats on the couch while he sat opposite us.
“What would you guys like to have?” He offered and my face immediately broke into a huge smile. I’ve actually been looking forward to that question and it was also the main reason I answered his message.
James was a great chef no doubt and eating his meals specially prepared by him was always like a blessing. Matilda never had any cause to starve or lack good foods so gaining from such liberty a few times was something I always look forward to.
“I purposely didn’t eat anything before coming here. We’ll love your signature special for today, right April?” Joann turned to me and I bobbed my head.
“Of course.”
“You guys are so predictable. I made it myself not quite long, let me just beep one of the waiters,” he said as he got on his feet and headed to the landline on his table. After dropping the message, he returned to his seat.
“So, why did you call us? It’s rare for us to meet without Matilda present,” I started.
“I expected you guys to have guessed,” James replied and Joann glanced at me before talking.
“Is this about Matilda’s birthday? Are you planning a surprise party for her?” Joann questioned in an excited tone.
“I’m planning a surprise proposal party and I thought I needed you guys help.”
I blinked three times as Joann looked at me.
“Wait, did you say proposal?” Joann and I asked in unison and he nodded.
“Oh my goodness! I’m so glad. You’re planning to propose to her on her birthday?” Joann asked again like she wanted some confirmation.
“Yeah, that’s my plan so I need your help.”
“This is such a great news,” I commented and a knock accompanied it. The door opened slowly and a waiter walked in with our meals.
Over there, we conversed about James plan and gave him more ideas on the perfect proposal Matilda has always wanted.
“Now, that Matilda is leaving us to the single world, don’t you think we should up our games too?” Joann started as we stepped out of the building.
“Wait, are you saying you’re ready to get into a relationship?” I asked with widened eyes.
“Maybe.”
“Wow, this is great.” I pulled her in for a warm hug. To think she’s finally decided to move on with her life, it’s something we’ve been looking forward to and now that it’s finally happening, I couldn’t be more than happy for her.
“And you? Don’t you think it’s time to move one from that jerk?” She asked as she pulled out from the hug.
“I’ve moved on.”
“But you’re not getting into a new relationship,” she pointed out and I shrugged.
“Anyway, I booked a beauty session for us.”
“Really?”
“We need a new makeover to get into the world aggressively this time so… Let’s go,” she screamed the last part and I chuckled.