The jazz music and live singer lit the open restaurant to life as we took our seat just beside a slightly elevated dance floor that was assembled with cream-colored wood. Over us, was a trellis, shaped in a circle that provided shade for every other table. Strings of fairy lights decorated the vines, coiling around the metallic structures, giving off a romantic and peaceful atmosphere that seemed more suitable for lovers. As if to bestow further charm and allure, a candle that gave off a sweet vanilla scent as it burnt, was situated between us both.
"This place is beautiful, Nathan." I sighed in delight, seeing the stars in the night sky. "You didn't have to." A part of me felt guilty for making him spend a good extent of money for a single dinner, yet I could not deny the delight felt on this wonderful night.
"Nothing is too expensive if it's for you." Shielding my face with the menu, I hid away the grin before reading off the card.
"Good evening, may I take your order?" The waiter, neatly dressed in a tux with his hair combed back, exuding a fair bit of professionalism, looked over to me with a memo in his hand.
"Yes, please. For starters, the smoked salmon. The mains would be the smoked duck topped Almas white caviar. And as for the desserts, the espresso chocolate mousse with rum raisin sherbet."
The man scribbled through the pad before turning his attention to Nathan.
"I'll have the same."
"Understood, sir. Dinner will be served shortly."
As soon as the waiter went away to have our orders prepared, the piano sprang to life, filling the place with its soothing tunes before it was accompanied with the guitar, its strings strumming to accentuate the richness of the melody.
"Come on." Nathan stood up, extending his hand to me.
"Where to?" I asked, placing my palms in his as he led me to stand, still confused about his invitation. Slowly, I looked over to the few patrons that were paired up as they swayed to the tune.
"We are going to dance."
"Oh? Are you sure that you can keep up with me?" I smirked, reminiscing the dance lessons that were shared with Nicholas; the sweet sadness that lingers at the back of my mind.
"We shall see." Leading me up the steps and onto the stage, Nathan's arms encircled around my waist while I put mine over his shoulder and around his neck. As soon as we started moving to the beat, the vocalist began singing. The velvety richness and depth in her voice as she enunciated the lyrics, set the mood as I lay my head against Nathan's chest; feeling the throbbing of his heart pressed upon my ear.
We'll Meet Again
Don't know where, don't know when
But I know we'll meet again
Some sunny day
Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
'Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.
So will you please say hello
To the folks that I know
Tell them I won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That as you saw me go
I was singing this song
The warmth that radiated from him, melted away the sorrows that Nicholas afflicted. He made me fell head over heels for him; not because he was an exact replica of Nicholas, but because he had his own distinct qualities. Though, I must be honest that his character was almost on par with Nicholas. Still, just like how Nicholas did, he made me feel whole and complete.
He felt like home.
Like a feather, his lips grazed my ears, whispering to me in a soft melodic voice.
"We'll meet again... Don't know where, don't know when... But I know we'll meet again some sunny day..."
My arms tightened around his neck, pulling him closer as I shut my eyes to enjoy his hushed singing in my ear; my heart beaming with joy that quickly spread to my lips, drawing a wide smile for this enchanting moment.
"I love you, Ava."
Our movements stopped. It was as if the world stopped revolving and that there was nobody around but us. The noises dulled and the music seemed to fade. There was nothing that I could hear except his words, ringing continuously in my head.
"I love you too."
Gingerly, I pressed my weight against my toes, pulling his neck downwards before enveloping his lips with mine; knowing that this shall be a moment that will be locked in my memories for as long as I live.
Nathan's POV
I love you, Ava.
I have longed for the day where I was able to say those words again. Those words that though, conveyed their meaning, were never able to truly describe the burning desire for her. And today, was finally that day. Somehow, it spilled out of me; beyond my control. Yet, I felt a sense of guilt that I was not worthy of her love, nor was it even deserving for me to love her. Not after what I have done.
Darkness greeted me as I opened the door to my apartment, tired from the business meetings but instantly refreshed at the sight of her. She was my oxygen, a breath of air that I could never get enough of.
The light came on the moment I stepped in as I settled my keys on the countertop, removing the coat.
"I see you're still as pathetic as you look." That voice halted my motions, letting a sigh escape as I shook my head. Pouring myself a drink, I leaned against the counter, hoping that this night would already end.
"I see that it's still in your hobby to break into other people's property," taking a sip, I tapped my index finger against the whisky glass, irritated by his presence that ruined that perfect night. "Victor."
Despite someone of his age, the man before me who had his head plagued with white strands of hair, seems to be holding strong through the years. A man that I have come to hate. And right now, he was seated on the sofa with his leg crossed on top of the other, speaking as if he owned this apartment.
"It's grandfather to you."
"I thought that it was already established that I have no other sorts of relations with you." I sneered, aware of how heartless I may sound to others if they knew our ties.
"I'm not here to talk about the past with you. I'm here to talk about your future." He said, placing a photo on the coffee table, prompting me to take a closer look at its content.
"Who is she?" My eyes grew wider as I eyed at the glossy picture.
No. No more.
"Aurelia Harrison. The daughter and sole heir of the Harrison Enterprise."
"NO!" My voice boomed, reverberating against the walls as it became clear as to what he has in mind.
"I knew you would say that."
Reaching into his suit, he retrieved an envelope before throwing it on the table. Picking it up, I unfolded the lid, revealing a stack of pictures depicting Ava and I. The hours spent together; the lunch dates, the car rides, and even the kiss we shared outside her house, were all taken and displayed before me. With the last piece of photograph coming to view, I felt my eyes widen.
"Is this a threat?!" I hollered, scrunching the picture of us dancing a few hours ago in my fist, knowing that it will not be long before my temper got the better of me.
"It's up to what you think." He replied with a deadpan expression. "I told you, in exchange for the company, you have to fulfill my condition. And now, that time has come."
"That company was not yours to begin with! It belonged to my parents. They were the ones that built it to what it is today." I retaliated. I knew that there would come a time where I will have to obey a demand from Victor; anything but this. No longer will I hurt her.
"Wrong!" He spat, "It did belong to her when I gave it to her. But now that she's gone, the company belongs to the Bailey's. And might I ask, are you a Bailey?"
I kept quiet, with immense anger the churning violently in my belly. Straightening his suit, Victor stood up as he held his cane to support his weak legs.
"Do as I say and nothing will happen to the girl." He added, walking straight to the door. "By the way, I've arranged a meeting for you and Harrison tomorrow. 7pm at The Poppy. I expect something good to come out of it. Am I clear?"
I kept silent. With my back towards him, fists clenched at the remaining photographs of Ava and I; teeth gnashed together in helplessness.
"I said, am I clear?" He repeated, exuding more authority.
"Yes." The unwillingness in letting him have his way made a surge of hate to rise, a hate that was directed at myself for being weak and vulnerable.
"That's a good boy." The mocking tone was further aggravated by the slam of the door.
Collapsing on the sofa, I unfolded the picture that was taken just a few others ago as I placed my finger over Ava's face, imagining that she was here with me right now.
Letting my head drop back onto the cushion, I stared at the ceiling until my vision became blurry and not long after, damp.
"What must I do for us to be together?"