Today's the day. If everything goes well and I find a business partner with good enough conditions for both of us to form a marriage, then I'm leaving this depressing family facade right away.
Since last night none of them have bothered me. Even during breakfast this morning Amelia was well-mannered. No taunts. Only side eyes to reflect she can't believe I have the upper hand for once in her miserable life. Then there was Briana, looking at everyone around the table nervously. She had to be nervous, I had my phone on the table with grandma's number on display. A clear warning for them to behave.
I had my gym session just fine too, and even got to leave the house and meet with Manon before she went to work at around ten. Now I'm back home and getting ready for the blind date.
I've already showered and done my makeup. I'm going for the black swan look today. "Intimidate them before they speak to you. Mark your territory," said Grandma.
Now here I am adjusting my outfit—a white blouse with puffy sleeves and a sweetheart neckline adorned with lace trim along the edges. The sleeves are loose-fitting and have ties at the cuffs. I mean, I'm going to be intimidating but elegant, duh. That's why I added a black corset-style top underneath, paired with black stretchy fitted pants and pointed-toe knee-high boots. Add a heart-shaped golden necklace and I'm done.
Classy but dangerous.
I'm going to have whoever my blind date is bowing the moment I show myself before him, if he has a sense of style that is. As for my hair, I retouched it and let it loose. I'm not good with hairstyles so I don't fret with it as much as I do my face. Honey this face card is so lethal I get nosebleeds looking at myself in the mirror.
A knock sounds on my door and I adjust my blouse before picking up my purse and rushing out of the room.
"Is he here already?" I ask the new butler. The last one must have resigned because I don't see him around anymore.
"Yes, ma'am," he replies about to bow when I stop him.
"No need to be so respectful sir, you're old enough to be my Dad."
He smiles at me and nods. I return his smile. "Well, see you around when I'm back then."
With that I run down the stairs, making sure to make noise so they can hear I'm leaving. Briana is downstairs and when she sees me her eyes twinkle a little. I know she's amazed. After all, her fashion sense does come from me. When I buy something or get a custom outfit made for me it doesn't take long before she gets herself the same thing.
She can't be helped. With a mother whose fashion sense is entirely reliant on designers not her own, she's bound to be a copycat, right?
"Leaving already?" Dad's voice echoes from behind me after I pass by Briana, smirking.
"Hmm." I don't wait for his reply before I'm out the door and heading for the elevator.
"Stay safe," comes his voice again and I only raise my hand to acknowledge I heard him.
Moments later I'm in the parking lot and I spot Mr. Hot Scar standing next to the G-wagon from yesterday.
"Thank you for keeping the time," he acknowledges opening the door for me. I can't help but want to tease him.
"Hey, how about marrying me in exchange for all this and money, hmm?" I ask gliding my hands down my body before getting into the car. He slams the door in my face and I flinch, watching as he rounds the car.
I can't tell is he's mad or not. His face is stoic and unreadable. Once he's seated in the driver's seat, however, I push myself forward since I'm sitting in the back and he sighs.
"I can't. Madam Lopez is too important for me to ditch her for you. Thank you for considering me an option though."
I chuckle. "That's so sweet of you."
He smiles and I blink. So he can show other expressions after all.
"Thanks," he mumbles before starting the car.
If only my blind date is going to be as cool as him. I'm sure we'll get on very well and might even end up getting married tonight.
I clasp my hands together as if praying and look up. "Please let him be an angel, not a dick."
Hot scar chuckles and I smile. He's cute.
*****
Blind date #1: I'm dressed in a navy blue coat and black suit. Look for the only bald guy in the entire restaurant.
He texted me earlier today and sent a picture of himself saying I shouldn't send mine since he's already seen it. I can't deny that he's handsome and ripped. He looks like the kind of man who would fight the entire world for you if he's in love with you that is, but he's more on the villainous side than the heroic.
Well, I don't care about details now. All I need from him right now is cooperation and no asshole diagnosis and that's it. I'll marry him. Grandma did say he's desperate to get married soon too so it's a win-win situation if we end up getting along.
Stepping inside the restaurant, I'm in awe at my grandmother's legacy—The Lopez Room—she's beautiful. You can't mistake the elegance and class the moment you step inside. Gold is casing most metals in here, and there a hints of black and white here and there. It's almost as if artificial intelligence made an image and it came to life. And don't get me started on the waiters. They're gorgeous. Both men and women.
"Leilani Mayfield, right?" One of them approaches me.
Figures that they know me. Grandma probably told them I'm coming.
"Hmm."
"This way please," the waiter replies pointing me in the direction of the bald guy. A cold sensation masks my body the moment my eyes land on his back. Tall, brooding, and sitting on the chairs like some kind of war lord.
I can tell in an instant this isn't going to be smooth. He looks like he'll be hard to discuss terms and conditions with. Then again, there's Mr hot scar who looks cold but is actually cute.
I'll give him the benefit of the doubt too then.
We pass by the elegant black tables and chairs whose fillers look rich from just a glance as the waiter leads me to the table my date is sitting at. The rich scent of meat, spices, and vegetables doesn't escape my nose and I end up having a watery mouth.
Focus Leilani! This is no time to be getting hungry.
We're almost at our desired location when I spot the man sitting at the table next to ours behind my blind date. His back looks familiar but his dressing is too cute for the guy who flashes in my mind. I immediately snap my thoughts back to my date and ignore him.
"You may sit here," the waiter pulls the chair for me and I sit, thanking him as I place my purse on my lap. My date didn't even stand when he saw me.
That's one red flag behavior right there.
"I'll go get your food now," adds the waiter.
"Wait, I didn't place my order yet," I remind him.
"I did," my blind date cuts me, extending his hand and I take it for a shake.
"Calvin Lawrence. It's nice to finally meet you, Leilani Mayfield."
Lawrence? My mind wanders to Desmond for a moment as it did with the man sitting behind Calvin and I have to shake my head to snap myself back to reality.
"Nice meeting you too, Calvin. Though, did you perhaps do a background check on me to be ordering food for me before I even arrive? What if I don't like what you ordered?" I test him.
"Most ladies prefer light meals and that's what I ordered," he replies, letting go of my hand. "I'm pretty sure you're the same seeing how thin you are. Let me guess, gluten-free, no preservatives, and more salad kind of meal?"
Ugh! He's one of them.
I can't believe my first blind date is officially over before it has even started.