Chapter 21 - I.F.L.Y

As Grande had promised, Easton, Layla, Kayden and I did have that luxury dinner as a reward. It was fun and nice to be able to talk to other people other than Paris. I take back what I said earlier, not all rich people are snobbish and obnoxious. That's just Jason. 

The trip ended all too quickly and we were all back in school by Sunday. I drove home to the reception of Sophie who bombarded me with questions about how the trip went and what I had gotten her. Of course, I got her nothing and she whined about me not loving her enough. We bickered, she stomped to her room and slammed the door while I dragged my luggage to my room.

Just another typical day in the Jones' household.

It's Tuesday and I'm lazying around on the couch with a bag of popcorn while watching The Order on Netflix. Mum's at work and Sophie is in school which leaves me alone in the apartment. Paris suggested the series to me and said it'd be worth my time and she was right. So far so good, I'm already in Season 2 and I love it, too bad it's criminally underrated.

All day, I've been trying to forget about the fact that Jason and I almost…you know, kissed, but I can't. It's like everytime I close my eyes, I picture his plump lips, wet hair and blue eyes as they inch towards me and it's driving me crazy. I shouldn't let it affect me so much, no I really shouldn't. He doesn't like me, point blank, period. He was just caught up in the moment that day and THAT happened.

I've been telling myself that for a while now, but my head refuses to believe it and…

My phone rings and I pick it up with a smile. Finally, a wanted distraction.

''Hey, babe.''

''Hey, beautiful,'' he answers in a husky tone. ''You back from that trip of yours?''

''Yea. Came back on Sunday but I zoned out all Monday cause I was exhausted. Sorry I didn't call you so much. I was really busy.''

''It's fine, Mel. I understand. How was the trip?''

''It was actually insightful. I didn't know I could wrestle a 6ft 4 person to the ground to get a reward, but I did it.''

''He laughs over the phone. ''I'm almost afraid to ask what you mean.''

''It's nothing to be worried out. Bottom line, I didn't kill him.''

''Again, should I be worried?''

''You have nothing to fear, Bob.''

''Alright then. So I wanted to know if you'd like to come over for dinner and a movie. I know you like Disney so I got the new Mulan movie. What'd you say?''

Yes, please.

''You had me at dinner. Send me your location?''

''Already did. See you soon, babe.''

''Yea, see you soon.''

....

''Remember when we first met?'' Bob asks. We are on his black leather couch, spooning; my back is pressed up against his chest and he has his hands wrapped around my waist. The live action remake of Mulan is playing on the screen but I barely pay attention to it.

''Don't remind me,'' I groan and he chuckles. ''What the actual fuck was I doing at a club?''

''Beats me. Why were you there anyways?''

I smile at the memory. ''You know my bestie, Paris. She had some VIP tickets to see the resident DJ that night and she coerced me to come. I was so young and immature back then.''

''I never would've pegged you for a sixteen year old in that green jumpsuit. Certainly didn't look like one.''

''That was all Paris' doing,'' I grab the remote and decrease the volume to hear myself think for a bit. ''I didn't really want to be there but what Paris wants, Paris gets.''

He gives me a peck on the cheek, his light stubble rubbing against my face. ''If it wasn't for that day, who knows what could've been.''

''Well,'' I drag. ''I still showed up for the job interview.''

In January, I applied for a job at the diner, Bob's Eat and Grillz, to help mum out with the bills and be financial independent. It was the first 'big girl' move I made in a very long time and I was happy to even be considered for an interview.

''The horrified expression on your face when you realized I was the girl at the club was priceless. You literally threw me out before I even got the chance to explain myself.''

He presses his jaw against my shoulder. ''You did lie to me.''

''Not necessarily,'' I defend. Okay, I did lie but he doesn't need to know that. ''I told you my name was Lianna-Melody Lianna Jones. You didn't expect me to give you my real name, did you?''

''Fair point, but I was so pissed off when I found out,'' Bob says. I shrug and shift my position a little to get more comfortable. ''Stranger Danger.''

''It's our 5 month anniversary,'' he says with a satisfied tone. ''Can you believe it's been 5 months already?"

Time goes when you're in la la land with someone you like. I won't say I'm in love just yet because it's too soon, but I've been so happy ever since I started dating him. Paris always asks why I always have this glow whenever I talk, and in my head, I'm like. ''It's because I have a man.'- a man who likes me, respects me and always puts my feelings into consideration. I guess it comes with the territory of dating an older guy-they're usually more loving and attentive than the hormonal teenage boys in high school. 

''Anything planned for the big 5?'' I question. He nods his head. ''I already planned something, but I can't tell you. It's a surprise.''

I turn to face him and give him a pout. ''I don't like surprises,'' I whine. ''Tell me now.''

Bob gives me a quick kiss on the lips. I smile into the kiss and he rubs my hand. ''I'm sorry, I can't. You'll find out soon enough though. But for now, I have a pre anniversary gift.''

My eyes light up like stars, my eyes beaming with pride. ''What is it?''

''Be right back.'' He kisses me again and disappears to a room near the kitchen. This is the first time I'm coming over to his house, and I've been so engrossed in the discussion that I didn't realize how lovely his abode actually is. He lives in a fairly wealthy neighbourhood with houses with the white picket fences and all that jazz you see in the movies. Again, it's another 360 degree turn from where I live but I'm not complaining.

The interior is really nice: He went for a dark, monochromatic theme: dark walls, dark counter, hell, even the doors are coated in black and white. I can make out 3 rooms from my vantage point, two on my left, one in which Bob entered and another on my right which I'd assume is the basement since the door is left unlocked and there's a staircase descending.

The hallway, which is quite spacious, flows into a marble staircase. Off the hallway is a quaint fireplace whose embers are not burning due to it being summer, and the living room, which is housed by dark, leather couches.

Have to admit, this place is gorgeous.

Bob comes in and he has something behind his back. I try to take a quick peak from the back but he's not having it. He proceeds towards me with a sneaky smile on his face. ''Oh, come on.''

''Patience, Mel.'' He takes a seat next to me on the couch, his hands still behind his back. I contour my face in annoyance and curiosity but he pokes my cheek. ''Don't be like that. Here you go.''

He hands me a cream coloured card with a heart-shaped bow, the inscription 'Melody' boldly written on it in cursive. I cautiously look at him but he encourages me to open it. I untie the note and there's a card in it.

''Read it,'' he says.

''Forever a beauty

You shine brighter than the diamonds of the world

I'm so lucky

To have you in my life

No one knows what the future holds

But one thing is true

Melody Lianna Jones

There's no one but you.''

I close the card with tears in my eyes. Fuck, no one has ever gifted me a card before, talkless of writing sweet-nothings in one. This is so thoughtful and so heartfelt and I'm being all emotional right now, but I can't help it.

I like the gift a lot, and I like him a lot as well.

Some girls are impressed when their man buys them like designer bags and shoes, or takes them on trips overseas. That's fine, but personally, I derive pleasure in the little things, such as a card with a heartfelt note. It's just how I am and I wouldn't change it for the world.

''Happy five-month-aversary, babe. You're a fucking rockstar.''