ARIANA'S POV (continuing):
As we were eating and talking in the restaurant, the atmosphere between us had slowly started to feel more comfortable, almost like old times, but not quite. There was still a layer of unfamiliarity, like two people trying to relearn each other.
Suddenly, a loud sound of thunder echoed outside, followed by heavy rain pouring down against the glass windows.
Oh God… how am I going to get home now? I don't even have an umbrella, and there's no cab outside…
Come to my apartment. It's nearby.
No, thanks. I'll go on my own…
A small frown appeared on his face as he glanced outside at the intense rain.
Ariana, it's raining heavily, and it looks like it'll continue until night. Are you planning to stay here all day? Just come to my place. You can leave when it stops.
I looked at the rain again. He was right, it wasn't stopping anytime soon. After a moment of hesitation, I nodded slowly.
Okay… let's go.
He grabbed a board from near the restaurant entrance and held it over our heads to shield us from the rain. We ran toward his apartment building, laughing slightly as water still managed to splash onto us.
When we entered his apartment, I looked around. It was small but cozy, warm lights, a comfortable couch, books stacked on a shelf, and a faint scent of coffee lingering in the air.
He immediately walked toward the fireplace and lit it, filling the room with a soft orange glow. Then he disappeared into his room and came back with two towels, handing one to me.
Thank you…
No problem. He smiled gently.
I dried my hair and hands while standing near the fireplace, feeling the warmth slowly seep into my cold skin.
After a while, we both sat in chairs in front of the fire. He went to the kitchen and returned with two mugs of coffee, handing one to me.
Here… drink this. It'll warm you up.
I took it, wrapping my fingers around the mug.
Thank you…
The silence between us wasn't awkward anymore, just calm. The sound of rain hitting the windows and the crackling of the fire created a strangely peaceful moment.
After a few minutes, I pulled out my phone to call Mykel, but the screen wouldn't turn on.
Oh shit… battery dead…
I looked up at Percy.
Hey… can I make a phone call from your phone? My battery's dead.
Yeah, sure. Here.
Thank you.
I walked to the corner of the room and dialed Mykel's number.
Hello… Mykel?
His voice came instantly, filled with worry and urgency.
Ariana? Where are you? You're not at home, the maids told me and it's raining heavily. Are you okay? And whose phone are you calling from? Where's your phone? I've been calling you so many times. Is everything okay? Did something happen?
No, no… everything's fine. I was out with a friend, and it started raining, so I came to my friend's apartment. My phone died, so I called you from his phone.
Oh… thank God you're okay. I was so worried about you… I'll be there to pick you up. Wait for me.
No, it's okay. I'll come home on my own when the rain stops…
The rain won't stop anytime soon, and if I leave you there, I'll just keep getting anxious. I'm coming. Wait for me.
I smiled softly.
Okay… I'll send you the address.
After the call ended, I walked back and handed Percy his phone.
Thank you…
No problem. He nodded. Looks like your husband cares about you a lot.
Yeah… he's always like this. Worried and concerned that I might get into trouble or something.
He loves you. That's what it means.
I hesitated for a second before answering.
Yeah… I love him too. Maybe not as much as he loves me… but I do, as much as I can.
Percy didn't say anything after that. He just stared into the fire, his expression unreadable.
After some time, the doorbell rang.
That must be him.
I walked to the door and opened it. The moment Mykel saw me, he pulled me into a tight hug.
Glad you're okay…
I hugged him back, feeling his arms wrapped protectively around me.
I'm fine…
As Percy walked toward us, Mykel slowly pulled away but kept one arm around my shoulders.
Thank you for taking care of my wife. I owe you a favor.
It's not a favor. She's my friend now… it's also my responsibility to make sure nothing happens to her. By the way, I'm Percy.
He stretched his hand forward for a handshake.
Mykel shook it firmly.
Mykel. Call me if you ever need something.
Percy nodded.
There was a brief moment of silence between the two men, polite on the surface, but carrying an undercurrent of tension I couldn't quite explain.
Then Mykel guided me toward the door.
Let's go.
We walked to the car together and drove home, the rain still pouring outside, but my mind felt even more stormy than the weather.