Chapter 41 - 41: IHOP

(Third POV)

"Steven, want to join me and Mich to eat breakfast?" Andy asked as he placed his phone inside his pocket.

Steven mused for a moment, "No, you go ahead. I'm going to the library. I'll just see you later in class."

"You sure? You know, I don't get why you need to study so hard. I mean, it's not like you're gonna use it that much in the future."

"Just go."

"Alright! see you later!"

Steven shook his head as he watched Andy go. His friends would never understand. Unlike them, he needed to perform not just well, but excellently. Many people might envy him for being the only son of the richest man in their country, but they don't really know what's going on behind closed doors.

--

Andy walked to his car all smiles. He's not a novice at love, and he dated a lot of girls before. In fact, just 2 weeks ago, before classes began, he was still dating Hayley Xu, one of his co-stars in the variety show that just finished airing. Being a star and the heir to the Peng industries made it possible for him to become a chick magnet.

Like, all he had to do was flirt a little, give them a wink, and well, the girls would already open their legs for him. Actually, there were even times when he doesn't have to do anything at all.

However, there was also a downside to that. He could not decipher if a girl truly liked him for who and not just what he was.

His first experience to that was with Veronica Zhang. She was his first love. He thought that she truly liked him, but apparently, she was only using him as a stepping-stone to enter the entertainment industry. When she became a little more famous, she dumped him for a more famous actor, Jimmy Chou. It was an eye-opener to him and from then on, he told himself that he won't fall for someone like that again. Not that he's being dramatic though. He did enjoy going through different flavors like a buffet after his first disappointment.

Anyway, so what does that have to do with Michelle?

Michelle was the first girl after Veronica that made him feel giddy, excited, and like he's having this innocent crush on a girl once more. Admittedly, there's a lot of physical attraction on his part, but unlike the girls he just dates for the sake of getting under their skirt, he sees Michelle as his potential girlfriend. But then, he wasn't up for another disappointment, so he really wants to get to know her better. Besides, no need to rush things, it was also enjoyable to be her friend first.

--

When Andy arrived at IHOP, he was able to park his car immediately. He saw Michelle's car and driver indicating that she's already inside.

He looked at the rear mirror to check his appearance. He tried to fix his hair more. Then, he brought out his aviator sunglasses. What? It looked cool.

Although he wants to be Michelle's friend first, it wouldn't hurt to have her attracted to him too. Honestly, let's not be hypocrites. It's not that he's being shallow, but love has to start somewhere, and he knew for certain that it usually starts with physical attraction. Like he himself would not give Michelle a second look if she didn't pass his standards.

Anyway, he went down his car to enter the restaurant.

Upon entry, a waitress approached to welcome him. "Good morning. Table for how many, sir?"

"I have a companion inside." He replied as he tried to look for Michelle. Where was she?

Then, like in slow motion, he saw her waving at him. She was smiling, and not for the first time, he felt the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. Objectively, although Michelle was very pretty, she was not the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. However, when she smiles, her entire feature brightens, and when her eyes turn to crescents, she just radiates. Really, even he would think that with her smile, she can put the Mona Lisa painting to shame.

Thank goodness he was wearing sunglasses, or she might have noticed how much he was awestruck by her. Trying to act normal and cool, he smiled and waved his hand back.

"There she is. Thanks." He told the waitress as he walked to where Michelle was. He noted that unlike other girls he dated, Michelle chose a table where people won't see him immediately. How considerate of her.

--

(Michelle POV)

I stared at the door waiting for Andy to arrive. It's not that I'm looking forward to our impromptu date though it's just between friends or anything… I gave myself an eyeroll. Ok, so I totally am. But who can blame me? I mean, he's Andy Peng, and not because I had a husband, or that I like Anthony very much means that I'm immune to Andy's charm.

It's not a sin, is it? I'm still single and available now. Hehehe.

Anyway, when the door opened, I saw Andy entering. WAHHHHHH!!!! He's so handsome and cool! He's even wearing aviator sunglasses. Really, I'm so weak with guys wearing one. Thank god I dressed up today or else I might look like his maid (Servant girl)!

The waitress approached him, and I saw him looking around. Maybe he did not notice me because of my new hairdo? When he turned to my direction, I smiled and wave at him trying to look cute. What? How else should I act?

He smiled and waved back. Gods! I felt like a superstar just waved at me. Oh sorry, he was indeed a superstar, the biggest star in my timeline!

He walked towards the table I was at then pulled the chair to sit in front of me.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mich. Have you taken your order?" he asked as he took off his sunglasses.

Oh my goodness. My jaw almost dropped. Why does he look so sexy today!? Did taking sunglasses off have to look that sexy!? It's almost illegal! I mean, it totally reminded me of how he did that in one of the movies he starred in. He was older then, but wow.

I shook my head, both to answer him and to make myself recover from being starstruck. Andy's just a friend. No need to act like some fangirl. "Not yet, I was waiting for you."

"Oh, sorry again for arriving late, as compensation, let this meal be my treat. So, what do you want to eat?" he asked.

'YOU!!!!!!' I screamed. Of course, let it be said that it's just in my head.

In reality that's not what I said. Like, really, although I like Andy along with other guys, my morality isn't skewed. I like Anthony more and I haven't confessed to him just yet. Letting Andy treat me would label this little outing as a real date. I'm not rejecting him right away, but letting him pay for me? Won't that make him think that I should know he's trying to date me? I don't know if I'm just assuming too much, but better be safe.

I smiled at him and shook my head. "I just arrived earlier because this is nearer from where I'm coming at. We can split the bill."

I don't know what Andy thought of my reply. He did not insist. He just smiled, nodded his head, and said "Okay.", not even a single word of protest.

UGH! Okay, so I was a little disappointed, maybe he's just being friendly. Thank god I did not say 'you!' or else that would have been a total disaster!

--

TBC