"If you want to have fun, you need to show him how lucky he is to have you, Jade," Sue said, sitting on the edge of the bed with her legs crossed, resting on her elbows, looking at Jade up and down as if judging her. "Confidence is key in everything, but I recommend not eating too much during your date; it can be uncomfortable, unless you want to feel like a barrel bouncing in a violent river."
"It's a date, not a cardio night," Jade was sitting in a swivel chair in front of the makeup table, biting her nails. Behind her, Evie held up two pairs of heels she found in her closet, more gifts that Zeth had bought for 'this special girl' apparently.
"Golden stilettos or black pumps?" Evie was debating which ones would look best with the golden blouse Jade was wearing.
"Get yourself into a sexy state of mind," Sue said, pointing at the stilettos Evie was holding, to which Evie herself nodded. "Even if it means fantasizing about another guy instead of your man, and I'm talking about Zeth."
"Just don't say Zeth's name," Evie said with an eye roll, approaching Jade to put the stilettos on her, "I swear I'll break your bones if you break Frank's heart."
"I don't understand. I feel like Sue is talking about one thing and you, Evie, are talking about another." Jade said, pressing her thighs together.
"I'm talking about your date with Frank, Sue is talking about what she thinks will happen after it, which obviously won't happen," Evie said angrily, "I know Frank. He's not like that."
"But the boy rented a room that you and I, Evie, are going to turn into any Wattpad girl's dream," Sue said, pointing at a black necklace that was on the bed. Evie immediately nodded and grabbed it.
"And why should I help you? Didn't you say that you told Frank that you could handle everything on your own?" Evie continued as she walked over to a gift bag, opening it and searching for something to match the necklace. She internally debated whether the gold earrings on her left hand were better than the black ones on her right hand. Evie finally chose the black earrings, approaching Jade to put them and the necklace on,
"I just think that two girls are better than one," Sue explained, "And two mouths mean a lot of gossip."
"You just want to gossip. Fine. I'll help you but I won't gossip," Evie said as she tucked Jade's hair behind her ears.
"Ooohhh. And it's so funny watching you help the competition look pretty," Sue teased. Evie discreetly gave her the middle finger.
"Shut up. I'm just trying to smooth things over. If the boys want to be polyamorous with Jade, it means we'll be seeing each other often so I'd rather there be no bad blood before it all starts."
"Does that mean you won't hate me? Have you gotten over your denial phase and seen that I am special?" Jade asked mockingly.
"Alright, we get it, you can stop now," Evie said, turning Jade around in the chair she was sitting in. Evie then ruffled Jade's hair a little.
"Oh yes, Jade!" Sue bit her black nail, "Frank will be on his knees when he sees you! I'm so excited for you! You must tell me everything! I want details!"
"I don't," Evie felt betrayed, not just by Frank but by all the boys. How could they do this to her? After what happened during the show, Evie thought that everyone was closer than ever.
But she was wrong.
And all this poly relationship nonsense? Fuck it! If they wanted Jade in on this, then Evie was out the door.
"And remember, Jade," Sue licked her lips, "During your date, warm up the boy with touches on the sly, talk dirty and talk about long things that you crave to put in your mouth, be sensual."
"Okay... I'd better get going. I have two minutes to get to the restaurant." Jade said, "Wish me luck!"
"Oh! Jade," Sue said and Jade stopped at the door looking over her shoulder. Sue was checking her nails, her devil's tail moved like a snake, "I'll give you one last piece of advice... Don't blindly trust men. Learn from my mistake." She stopped looking at her nails to wink at Jade, "I once fell in love with a man, Prince Zehtt 'The Blond' Rahman, the warrior prince who fought for Queen for a Day Elizekhmet Rahman during the Clash of the Rahmans."
"You were there during the Clash of the Rahmans?" Evie raised an eyebrow, but Sue shook her head.
"My father, brother and I defected around two decades before the Clash, when Viktoria Rubinstein gave birth to Zehtt's bastard daughter... Franka." Just saying that name was painful for Sue, "Men aren't to be trusted, Jade. They just use you and then leave you. If you learn to live with that, it will be more pleasant and easier."
"And you think Frank is like that?" Jade frowned. "Do you think all of the guys are like Prince Zehtt?"
"It's very likely," Evie said and Jade didn't know if it was a joke or not, "Particularly Zeth. He is a Rahman after all, isn't he?"
"Evie, Evie, Evie. It hurts to be replaced, doesn't it?" Sue scoffed. "I've been there before. It hurts, but it won't kill you."
"Zeth is like no other man, and Frank is a gentleman," Jade replied.
"Live your fantasy while it lasts, Jade," Sue smiled, and it was genuine, "I mean that in the best way. Just don't expect a wedding because that's never going to happen. Only in Evalon could you marry more than one man at a time, if they don't kill each other first, that's it."
"Yeah, sure," Evie rolled her eyes, "Whatever. This poly relationship thing is stupid. I understand now that I have no place in it so have fun, Jade."
"Thanks," Jade said, annoyed already.
Ridiculous women! Jade was fed up with them already. Was she supposed to live with the envy of everyone like this from now on? Huh. It sounded more fun in her head.
Jade was nervous on her way to the elevator, and once inside... That smell? Was it Zeth's cologne? Had Zeth been here?
From now on, she would have it all, and that expensive cologne would become a tattoo on her nose. It was not her best analogy.
Stepping out of the elevator, Jade looked at herself in the reflection of the double doors, lightly fluffed her hair, and walked toward her fate.
At the door of the fancy restaurant stood Frank, dressed in a suit and bowtie, smiling while violins played in the background. The light was dim, the red and black walls were lightly illuminated by many vanilla scented candles, and Jade's shoulders had never felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Any kind of unfounded fear installed in her mind by the other two girls had faded, and all it took was one look at Frank.
Surely Frank had never seen anyone more beautiful than her. She was an angel, not a biblically accurate one, but one painted by a talented artist.
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH
Jade never imagined that Frank Rubinstein would be her first formal date. She had spent her entire life dreaming of this moment, of true love, of her own prince charming, and finally he was here, smiling at her.
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH
Jade had always been the ugly girl at school, the weirdo, the one to ignore, always rejected by all the boys she ever loved. Edward, Rafa, Brandon, Diego, Tate, Dustin, and many other names were already being forgotten, one for each step she took towards Frank.
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH
They all broke her heart, destroyed it, in particular a boy who she loved like no one else and just ignored her as if she were crazy for telling him what she felt!
But Frank?
He would never do that.
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH
Jade was ready, she would finally stop being a freak to become a Kardashark-level celebrity, and this fine date he had prepared for her, this beautiful moment, would surely...
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH
Oh for Fucks Sake! What the hell was that noise?!
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH
Jade turned ever so slowly to her right, and there he was, sitting on the edge of a huge flower pot...
This had to be a fucking joke.
"Heeeeee-ey! Draco here!" He was smiling, looking at her with cute puppy eyes, waving an orange-fingered hand effusively. He had a bag of Cheetos in his other hand.
"What is Draco doing here?" Jade raised an eyebrow and looked at Frank, who blushed and rubbed his nape.
"He got a little overactive and I decided to buy him some Cheetos and... The other guys are at the restaurant too, except for Alex."
"But I thought this would be a special night," Jade frowned.
"It will be special," Frank nodded, glancing at Draco, "And there will be no interruptions again."
"Oh! Are you talking about me? Just ignore me," Draco said, shoving another Cheeto into his mouth, "Me and the boys CRUNCH We're going to be CRUNCH Sitting at another table planning the CRUNCH Revamped album. I better go. Your special girl, you and Zeth have a CRUNCH Lot to talk about." Draco was talking with his mouth full, and then wiped his fingers on his faux leather pants, "You won't even notice our presence, Frank."
Well, Jade was noticing it right now.
But maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
She smiled at Frank.
"Well, I'll tell you. This is very romantic." She walked closer to Frank.
"Thanks," Frank replied with a bow, but then he looked over Jade's head, as if searching for someone, "So... Where's Evie?"
"I beg your bloody pardon?"
"Evie? Your temporary bodyguard?" Frank cocked his head, "Tall? Athletic? High heels? Evie!"
"Oh, she's upstairs, she won't be coming. I think that was clear?" Jade was angry now.
"Ouch," Draco said and Jade turned to look at him angrily, "Oops. I'm... I'm leaving," and then Draco entered the restaurant with hurried steps.
"She's not coming?" Frank began to shake. It was all crystal clear for him now. She was avoiding him. The boys were right. Evie just didn't love him anymore.
Frank clenched his fists, squeezing his eyes shut, swallowing hard.
"No, but she said that she now understands that she has no place in this poly relationship," Jade said disinterestedly.
"Oh that... I wish she could come and tell me at least but... That is... Forget it," Frank nodded, pursing his lips, "Okay, I... I guess that's good to know. Anyway... W-Would you like to get something for dinner? You must be starving after all this crazy day."
"Sure!" Jade replied way too happily.
Frank guided her to a table on one of the three balconies that overlooked the rose garden. The moonlight filtered through the leaves of the trees, casting shadows of their branches across the floor. The only sound was the soft chirping of crickets in the background as the violins continued to play. The wind was warm, a little humid, but perfect.
Frank opened the chair for Jade, and she sat down, then he took his place beside her. A waiter arrived and asked them what they wanted to drink. Jade asked for some wine, Frank ordered a soda, and the waiter left.
"Frank, I'm..." Jade wanted to say so many things, but a sad smile from her future boyfriend made her forget everything, absolutely everything she was going to say, "I... I'm very surprised that you did all this. Men are no longer so attentive to special girls."
"I think I went a little overboard," Frank replied, "Maybe this is why I'm not an F Boy like Zeth, huh?"
"You don't need to be like Zeth. This is proof that you are quite the gentleman and very romantic too." she blushed.
"Yeah, I think I am." Frank blushed even redder than her. He then covered his face with both hands, although the bionic one buzzed a little, as if it were malfunctioning. "God! I'm so tired of having my heart broken by the same woman over and over again."
"If you're talking about Evie, forget about her. She doesn't deserve your heart, Frank." Jade whispered, and Frank raised his bushy eyebrows, still hiding half of his face behind his hands, "You know what? I was really upset with her because she left during your most important moment. I mean, who does that?"
"Did Evie tell you about that? How she disappeared and just knocked on my door one day without warning two years after my accident?" Frank sounded very interested in knowing, and he was blinking too fast, and those eyes? Although one was artificial, there was nothing artificial about them.
"It was no accident, Frank. It was attempted murder." Jade replied with all the sincerity she could fit into her body, with every cell of her being and even the ones she didn't have.
Jade's mind was full of silly fantasies about living a Sitcom life with Frank, and she imagined an entire future with him, living happily in a little house in the suburbs, with nice neighbours, kids running around here and there and no trace if Evie.
"Where were you, Draco?" Zeth's voice made her turn. They were in a booth. Finn, Zeth and Everett. Draco was just arriving, fortunately with clean hands. At another table were the Fifth Octave boys, reading contracts with a short man that Jade had already seen at the club. Egor? Yeah, that was his name if she remembered correctly.
"I went to the toaletÄ to wash my hands." Draco said and then sat down with a bounce on the red seat.
"You were being nosy," Everett replied.
"Hey, Jade is with Frank," Finn said, "Why? And where's Evie?"
Finn was already becoming a little annoying to Jade. Why did he always have to get in between her questions and answers? Why was he so square?
"I thought they'd be sitting, you know? Further away." Jade said.
"Maybe I can tell them to keep it down," Frank said, but Jade shook her head.
"I want to learn to live with all of you."
She was so happy right now, no need to be dramatic.
"Hey Finn," Jade heard Draco say again, "Hey, hey, don't bring it up."
"What?" Finn asked, "No, you guys just don't understand. I think Jade..."
"Finn, the girl must be hungry," Zeth said, "Just let her eat her dinner in peace. Don't make everyone uncomfortable."
"But..."
"Yeah, it's okay. It's just dinner." Everett growled.
"Why do I sometimes feel like I'm the only remotely normal guy in the group who sees what's obvious?" Finn asked. "It's like being outside the Matrix, you know?"
"Ugh! Don't even mention it!" Draco laughed, "Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who knows this is all a Wattpad book."
"Jade?" Frank asked and she jumped. Oh! The waiter was here!
"Welcome to the Hallow Inn restaurant," said the waiter, "My name is Anibal and I will be at your service. I remind you that this is an inclusive restaurant in case you need any special attention."
"Wait, inclusive how? Are you going to ask me my pronouns or something?" Jade raised an eyebrow and the waiter shook his head.
"Mr Rahman has paid for us to take sign language courses, and we have Braille menus and roll-out ramps for wheelchairs." The man politely explained, "If you or Mr. Rubinstein require assistance, we also have trained emergency personnel. We also have canes and walkers and wheelchairs in case you need something."
"Oh, that's very kind of you," Jade said, "Thank you very much for telling me."
"I'm fine for now, thank you very much." Frank nodded, "So, Jade. What would you like to order?" Frank asked, and as sweet he could be, Jade still couldn't get used to being on a date with him. It made her feel too emotional, too happy, too in a rush about a future with him.
This was a dream come true, a beautiful fantasy, and Frank made it possible. Romantic dinner, violins, and a strong, kind-hearted man?
And he was handsome too! And rich!
It was better to live it than imagine it!
"I haven't checked the menu," Jade told the waiter. "Could you give us a minute, please?"
"Oh, and please tell the musicians they can stop playing," Frank said with a sad face but a kind tone. The waiter nodded and left. "Anibal reminds me of my mum when she worked at the diner. She was just as nice to the customers."
"You know him?" Jade whispered, Frank shook his head.
"No, but he told us his name is Anibal."
"Draco, don't jump on your seat!" Zeth raised his voice, making Jade turn to look at the other table. Finn kept looking at her strangely, Everett was distracted looking at something on the ceiling.
"Would you like me to tell them to come over?" Frank asked.
"No, no. It's okay," Jade said. She wanted this poly relationship, but to date all of them at the same time? She wasn't ready for that yet.
"Are you ready to order, Jade?" Frank asked, "I can tell Anibal to..."
"Not yet," Jade answered. She had Sue's recommendations about not eating too much tattooed on her mind.
"Are you sure?" Frank asked, and she motioned with her finger for him to come a little closer. Her smile was flirtatious, mischievous even. He leaned in towards her ear.
"I think we can skip dinner for now," she whispered seductively. Frank looked at her, stunned. "Sue told me you asked for a room for yourself," Jade pressed her thighs together.
"Oh, well," Frank shrugged with a smirk, "It's just that I wanted... You know... Privacy."
Jade bit her lip and he chuckled.
"So, tell me about yourself, Frank. Have you always lived in Hallow Woods?" Jade asked, blinking rapidly.
"Well... My family and I moved here when I was three years old," Frank said, "I don't remember much, just a black and white dog, a pair of silver shoes, some VHS tapes of cartoons that I have no idea what they were about, and a lot of construction trucks carrying stuff heading north. Dad used to tell me that there was a town that kept growing and growing near the beach, now I know he was talking about Beach Seaty, so I grew up watching Bob the Builder and even dressed up as him for eight Halloween nights in a row."
"Ooohhh! You know what? I've always wanted to dress up as a sexy devil for Halloween," Jade wanted to make a sensual and seductive move, but she was afraid of scaring Frank. After all, Frank wasn't as adventurous as Alex. She would probably scare him off with her boldness, but she still wanted to show him how much she desired him.
She followed Sue's advice about forbidden touching on the sly and slowly took off her stiletto, placing her bare foot on the soft fabric of Frank's slacks.
She tried the old trick of putting her foot up his leg, as sensually and as sexily as possible. She placed her foot on his thigh and leaned forward a little bit, keeping eye contact with him. Then she slowly moved her foot higher and higher until she was half leaning against him.
Her face was only inches away from his, and he stared into her eyes.
"Do you feel that?" Jade bit her lip, running her foot up and down Frank's thigh.
"What?" Frank frowned, his eyes never leaving her face.
Jade gave him a shy smile and reached out, cupping his cheek with her free hand and caressing it softly. They locked eyes, and he nervously licked his lips.
"Do you like that, Frank Rubinstein?" Jade was getting so hot and red that she was even shaking. "Do you like where my foot is right now?"
"Your foot?" Frank raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, my foot," she ran her delicate toes over Frank's thigh again. "Does it turn you on to feel my foot on your leg, Frank?"
But Frank lowered his eyebrows and sighed.
"Jade?"
"Yes, handsome?" she said, massaging his thigh with her toes so hard and so fast that it looked like she wanted to start a fire with the friction.
"Jade, my legs are bionic," Frank said with a slight giggle. "I don't feel anything."
And Jade's whole sexy act went down like a house of cards in a hurricane.
"You don't feel anything? Like... Nothing?" Jade asked, perhaps with a bit of surprise and disappointment mixed in her voice, and Frank shook his head with a frown.
"No, Jade, nothing at all."
"Are you sure?"
"Jade, trust me, there is no sensation at all," he assured her. "Nothing."
"Oh god, I am so ashamed!" She quickly removed her foot from his thigh and backed away slightly. "I'm so stupid!"
"And I think Alex got sweaty and his pheromones affected you?" Frank laughed, "Yes, that's most likely the case. Don't worry, I know you're not yourself right now. Just don't do that again. I know it sounds silly after whatever happened tonight, but I'm technically committed to a formal poly relationship."
"So you're the type to wait for marriage? I thought you said you weren't a virgin?" Jade raised an eyebrow.
"I... I'm not but, I mean, I'm interested in something formal and I can't afford to, you know, do something like this."
"Zeth, stop looking at them, it looks like your ass hurts!" Jade heard Draco say. She widened her eyes.
She looked discreetly in the direction of the boys' booth.
Zeth was looking at her, and he didn't avoid her gaze, but she didn't know exactly what that emotion on his face was. She had always had only one favourite, and that was Zeth, but Frank was more who she wanted.
Frank was stable, kind and romantic, and Zeth was more of a teenage dream.
Jade knew almost everything about Frank thanks to interviews and magazines, his past and his present, even a few things about his relationship with Evie, but about Zeth? She simply knew nothing. That excited her, she couldn't lie, but it wasn't enough.
Frank was an absolute truth, a real future boyfriend, and Zeth was just a fantasy, possible but too far away.
Zeth never had time for her, he was always busy.
But was she replacing Zeth with Frank? Was this date a bad idea? Did Zeth see her as more than just a game of push and pull?
No. Jade was sure that Zeth could be her favourite singer and star, but Frank was more than that.
Frank was the most down-to-earth man of the group, the most romantic so far.
Maybe she was just another trophy, another amulet, to Zeth.
So she turned away and looked Frank in the eyes.
"Are you not going to order something to eat?" Frank asked.
"It's just that Sue told me that before, you know, exercising..." Jade tightened her grip on Frank's hand, "Eating is a bad idea."
"Oh! You wanna go to the gym?" Frank asked, rubbing his pecs. He had a lot more than her in that department, "I can be your coach if you want."
Oh definitely! Frank had the best body of the whole group. He knew about gym stuff for sure and would be a great and handsome coach. He was big but every muscle was well defined. His body was more muscular than Alex's but not as intimidating as Everett's. His definition was way better than Zeth's too and that was saying something, with impressive abs and triceps and V cuts to die for.
"I think it would be interesting to go to the gym with you someday," Jade lied to fit in. "Of all your friends, I think you have achieved a perfect balance."
"It was not easy, trust me," he giggled, rubbing his pecs again, "In fact, it took me a long time to get the Vorpal Steel muscles of my prosthetics into balance with the rest of my body."
"May I take your order now?" the waiter asked, "Would you like me to suggest something from the menu?"
Jade licked her lips, remembering what Sue told her, so she was brave and licked her lips again.
"Oh! I already know what I want," Jade said, wiggling her eyebrows at Frank, "I want a nice sausage for dinner."
"I beg your pardon?" The waiter blushed.
"Oh! Jesus Christ, Jade!" Frank blushed scarlet.
And it was at that moment that Jade knew she fucked up.
"Oh Jesus Christ! I'm so sorry!" Jade covered her blushing face behind her hands.
"I... I guess... It doesn't matter, it's Alex's pheromones that have you like this. The effect will wear off in a few hours." Frank said with a trembling voice, clearing his throat, "So, about the food. They have an amazing Italian selection here."
"I am not quite hungry now," Jade admitted.
"I'll be back in a moment," the waiter said, blushing as much as Jade.
Jade turned to look at Zeth and the other guys at the other table.
"Draco, sit up straight," Zeth ordered, his voice strong and clear.
"You okay, Jade?" Frank held her hand with his bionic one.
"I'm sorry, Zeth," she replied, sighing, "I was just..."
"Zeth?" Frank let go of her hand, "I'm Frank."
Shit.
She had just screwed up.
And it was because of Zeth.
Of course Frank would be mad, he'd hate her for what she said.
"I'm so sorry," Jade shook her head, "I got confused because he spoke."
"Yeah, I see that," Frank laughed awkwardly, "If you want to, we can go there and..."
"No, I'm fine with you." She replied, "I just want to be here with you tonight, Zeth."
"I'm Frank," he sounded a little annoyed this time.
Jade sighed inwardly, but kept smiling.
"So, Jade," Frank took a sip from his soda, "How are you feeling so far? Did you enjoy the show?"
"You and the guys were amazing," Jade said sincerely. Her eyes never leaving his. She could feel herself blushing, "It felt like I was transported into a magical world when you were performing. But... It's a little disappointing that Evie left in the middle of the show."
"She was where she was supposed to be," Frank said, and for a moment he smiled in love, as if he felt proud of the bodyguard.
"I see," Jade looked away briefly, taking another sip of her drink, "No matter what happens, you will never get over her. She means a lot to you, doesn't she?"
"I guess," Frank looked away as well, "She has been a crucial part of our survival, Jade."
"Really?" Jade asked, trying not to sound too annoyed, "Wow... You are sooooo super rude."
"Oookay. Well. Evie is someone special, you know? And she is..."
"Your ex," Jade said rather rudely.
"Okay, Jade? You just 'sooooo super' interrupted me." Frank frowned.
"And you are being literally so rude right now."
"I was going to say Evie is a great bodyguard but..."
"Soooo Rude! She's your ex, Frank. My God!"
"Okay?" Frank frowned, "I didn't know you knew she's my ex."
"And you weren't going to tell me."
"Why would I do that?" Frank cocked his head.
"Why didn't you mention her when we met?" Jade asked, harshly.
"I don't know?" Frank replied, "Maybe because I was only wearing a towel and because I don't talk about my love life with girls I just met?"
"Maybe you should start telling me things about you, Frank," Jade said quietly. "Maybe you should just tell me you still love her."
"Well, I still love her."
"Wow!"
"What?"
"You didn't even hesitate!" Jade was about to make a scene, "You're so rude! So ruuuuude! Rude isn't even enough word! You're sooooo fucking rude! Middle finger emoji!"
"You're not texting."
"So rude."
"Jade." Frank sighed, "I really don't understand anything you're talking about."
"And I guess it would have been perfect if she had come instead of me?"
"Hey, I'm not saying I don't enjoy your company, but I can't deny that it would have been great if she had come," Frank looked down in silence. Jade was one second away from slapping this bitch! "I appreciate you being here, that you came. The fact that you took a moment to be here for me means a lot." His voice sounded sad. Almost vulnerable.
"Exactly. It's me who's here, not her." she replied, caressing Frank's cheek, "Tonight it's just you and me, Zeth."
"I'm Frank." He narrowed his eyes.
Shit.
"Damn! I'm so sorry," Jade quickly stood up, "I have to leave." She grabbed her purse.
"Wait!" He tried to call her back, but Jade ran out of the restaurant with red cheeks.
She was so stupid.
She had just ruined everything with Frank, and all because she was thinking about Zeth. She was a hypocrite. She almost slapped Frank for talking about his ex and here she was on a date with him thinking of another man!
She shouldn't have done that. Frank must be mad at her, and he certainly wouldn't want to see her again anyway.
"Why did I think this was a good idea?" Jade groaned and rushed to the elevator.
The elevator dinged and she stepped inside.
"Jade!" She heard Frank's robotic legs and voice approaching, but she quickly closed the elevator door and went up.