CHAPTER SIX
********
I was busy cataloging new pieces when my phone buzzed with Tessa's name flashing across the screen. I sighed and answered. "Hey , girl", she chirped in that tiny, flirtatious voice of hers. "Hey Tess," I mumbled, barely putting any energy into it.
"Ouuu, what's with the gloom?", she asked but I could hear the teasing in her tone. "Nothing," I replied, trying to sound dismissive. "Just... someone annoying getting under my skin." I shook my head as if it would remove Elijah from my thoughts. "Ouch. Sorry, babe. But...I do know something that might cheer you up," she said, her voice rising with that of excitement I knew of well.
"Oh no, no, no--not tonight, Tess," I groaned, already guessing what she was about to say. "Aww c'mon, don't be like that! He's really cute. I personally like this one," she said, clearly trying to sell it. "If you like him so much, you go on the blind date then" I snapped but not too much.
"You know I can't do that, Aria. I picked this guy for you. Trust me, you'll love him."-- "No, i'm--"
"I'm not listening to any excuses. you're going. That's final. Same club. Eight o'clock. Be there!" she yelled, sounding half-threatening, half-playful--then hung up.
I stared at my phone in disbelief. Tessa and her matchmaking schemes, one day, I was going to get back at her for this. Finally work came to an end. and instead of walking home--like I desperately wanted to, I walked out of the gallery with a heavy sigh, I was going to the club.
There was no point changing--i hadn't wanted this date in the first place, and dressing up for it felt like admitting I cared--which I didn't. But when Tessa was determined there was such thing as no. I called a cab and rode in silence. The club wasn't far--just a twenty minute drive from the gallery.
When I stepped out, the building buzzed with low thump of bass and neon lights. I stood there for a moment, staring at the chaos. "Let's just get this over with," I muttered to myself, squaring my shoulders as I walked through the doors and into the noise. The place was packed, sweaty bodies pressed together on the dance floor, music thumping through the floor, light flickering. I walked through the crowd, dodging spilled drinks and wayward arms, until I finally made it to the bar.
That's when I saw him. sitting on the bar stool, facing the bartender, was a guy who matched Tessa's description--tall, tousled hair, dark shirt rolled at the sleeves. I couldn't see his face clearly in the dim lights, but something about the way he sat, casual--told me this was the guy.
I stepped closer, took a steadying breath, and tapped his shoulder gently. "Excuse me?". He turned to face me and my heart stopped. "Elijah?" I choked, stumbling back a step. My jaw dropped to the ground, the club noise fading into the background like an echo. "What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded, voice sharper than I intended. "I could ask you the same thing," he said, his voice laced with amusement, that signature smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
I blinked, still thrown. "I...I'm on a date," I managed, though sounded more like a question than a statement. "Ohh, i see." he drawled, leaning back like he was settling in for a show. "Little Miss Grumpy has a date. Now that's interesting." I narrowed my eyes."And why are you here, little Rain boy?" I shot back, folding my arms tightly across my chest.
He raised a brow, clearly enjoying himself. "Isn't it obvious?" he said, gesturing lazily around. "I'm here to have fun." the smirk stayed. "And you happen to be here of all places--figures". I said, my arm still crossed over my chest. "You know, i'm starting to think you are stalking me for real."
He burst into laughter--one that only made this worse. Gosh! I can't stand this guy. "But, tell me why you are dressed like that on a date?" he asked, his eyes tracing my dress up and down. "Dressed like what?--i didn't have time to get a new dress or change so I had to come like this." I looked away and turned my gaze to the dance floor. "Ohh I see, but where is this date of yours then?" his hand gently cupping his jaw.
He's right, where is this guy?. He should be here by now. I just ignored him and scanned the place with my eyes, hoping to find him somewhere in the messy crowd. I couldn't let this guy make fun of me tonight. "You know, if your date blew you off, you could always sit here with me." he shrugged, his hand raised to the air a little. is he being serious right now?
"Sit here with you?--ohh you wish. I would rather do anything else than to sit with you". I scoffed. "You know, just saying". he mumbled. "Just saving you from the embarrassment of your date blowing you off."
"Okay i'm out here". I turned towards the crowd and started reaching for the door. "Aww, c'mon Miss grumpy--don't be like that". he stood from his seat and followed behind me. but I ignored him, I just needed to get away from him and the stupid club. I pushed my way out the club, the bass still pounding in my chest like an unwanted echo. "Where are you going?" Elijah's voice called after me.
"Home. Or anywhere that isn't here," I shouted, not bothering to look back. "Should I take you home then?" he asked, footsteps quick behind me. I stopped in my tracks and spun to face him. " Since when are we friends? since when do you have to take me home?"
He blinked, slightly thrown, but I didn't wait for a response. "Stop following me. i've had enough of you today. Not anymore Elijah. Just...go back inside and leave me alone," I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. For a second, just a second, I saw something flicker in his eyes--he was hurt. He stepped back, jaw tightening like he was holding back words. I hadn't meant to cut that deep, but he was helping either.
I waved down the passing cab and I climbed in and shut the door behind me, barely glancing at him still standing on the sidewalk. Quiet. Still. Watching me leave...I felt a wave of emotion rush over me --seeing him like that did something inside me. it was almost like I could feel what he's feeling. Enough. just got and get a goodnight sleep and maybe yell at Tessa --also blame her for what happened tonight...
******
The next day, I walked into work fully determined to avoid Elijah. I mean sure, he worked here now--but how hard could it really be? The gallery wasn't that big but it wasn't a shoe box either. All i had to do was make sure we didn't cross paths. No eye contact. No small talk. No...anything. Last night was too much drama-- and honestly I don't know if I want to face him today at all.
Mr. Clark had called a staff meeting, and attendance was non-negotiable. Great. I walked into the conference room, hoping for a quiet corner--only to find Elijah already there, sitting in my usual spot.
"He's impossible," I muttered under my breath, barely resisting the urge to look at him. Okay, deep breath. This is fine. I just needed another seat--preferably one far, far away from him. I slid into a chair three spots down, carefully avoiding even a glance in his direction.
But I could feel it. His gaze--steady, unblinking, heavy on my skin like sunlight through glass. And no matter how much I tried to ignore it, my pulse betrayed me...