Chapter 17: chapter 17

Few days later,       I came out of the bed, yawning. Jamie was lying on the sofa, with his face buried on the pillow."Morning" I called him."Morning" he answered without any enthusiasm.I prepared coffee and smiled. I never described Jamie's features. He is not gay, like the films stereotypes, Nail polish, bleached hair, loves to wear women clothes, he does nothing like that.He is a white man, same as my age, brown spiky hair, 5'6", blue eyes, generic nose, pink wide lips. He never liked beard, so he always likes to be shaved. He loves to wear jeans and shirts. He is the kindest person I've ever met. We met during our first year. He stood with me when I got ragged by my seniors. From that moment, our friendship started. Within a week, he was my best friend. He loves to flirt with everyone and loves to be loved. As he always says, if he is not into men, he would be my soulmate.I handed him coffee, waking him up. He sat stretching his body, I sat near him asking, "Bad night?"Bad date" he sighed and bought coffee to his lips."What's this time?" I asked sipping my coffee."We met in a bar, talked, even we had some common interests. But he wasn't sure of what he is doing"."What do you mean by that?""He...he...thinks it's...just some kind of phase in his life and came there only for the thrill. So, he is not sure of what he is".I sighed, "I'm sorry. But you like him?"He thought for a second before answering, "Not that much" he tried to be cool, "But we had a rhythm"."What's with him?""I think, same there"."Then I think, you'll meet again. Until you settle the heat"."Really?" His eyes twinkled.I shrugged, "Not for sure. But something says you'll meet him. What's his name?""Mac, Mac stark. Why?""Nothing, I'm just imagining your names in wedding cards" I winked.He stared at me, "Ha...ha...very funny"."Really, Jamie. I have never seen you clingy like this. I think the universe going to bring you together"."Let's see that, if we ever meet" he rolled his eyes."You'll" I cheered him up, "By the way, today is Chris's birthday. You remember it, right?""Oh! Man!" He kept his hands on the head, "I completely forgot. Thanks for reminding"."Wish him" I took the cups to sink, "Also, we have a party to attend"."Well, what's cooking between you guys?" He turned his body to look at me."What? There is nothing"."I'm not an idiot, Ana. Tell me, Is something happening?""Well, I don't know" I admitted it, "I think I'm physically attracted to him. But...but...at the...same...time..I...don't like him...I...don't want to spoil our friendship...ugh...I don't know Jamie. Back to the start".He came near me, "Then tell him, what do you feel?""Are you insane?" I turned to look at him, "What he'll think of me?""Oh..." He waved that with his hand, "I'm sure he is into you since the moment he stepped into our office"."No" I tried to deny."Yes," he strengthened his argument, "Why the fuck he had to stick with you all the time? Tell me a day he passed without talking to you? He respected your words and changed his way with women. Initially, I was jealous that he'll take my spot. But now, I can say he wants more than that. My place is safe" he winked.I stood in confusion."Ana" he touched my shoulders and turned me to face him, "Don't overthink it. Just tell him. He won't take it wrong".I sighed, "Ok, if you say so"."Also, another thing?"I looked at him with a questioning look."You have to be completely honest with him" he looked at me deeply, "You know what I mean, if he finds out, he'll be surely disappointed".I nodded, gulping my saliva, "I will tell him everything if he reciprocates my feelings"."Good" he hugged me, "When are you gonna tell him?""I don't want to spoil his birthday, maybe next week"."Okay" he sounded happy, "Tell me, how it goes"."Oh! Jamie! What I'll do without you?" I smiled.He chuckled and replied proudly, "I'm love Guru"."But isn't weird, that I'm taking advice from my Dad" I teased him."Ana" he released me and closed his eyes in irritation, "I hate you. Get out of my sight".He went back to the living room."Hey, I was just kidding" I tried to catch him.Finally, I consoled him. We had breakfast and he left the place. After he left, I dialled him. Nowadays my heart thumped fastly whenever I dial or talk to him. He attended in the first ring."Happy birthday, Christopher Mike Rovan".I sensed a smile on his lips, "Thank you so much, Ana Thomas".I smiled, "What's so special today?""Ugh...nothing...spending morning in Christopher's Haven. An usual party in my parent's house, which I hate. After that back to the house, sipping wine to remove that stress"."Chris...umm...your Mom invited us all for that party. Day before yesterday, we got the mail"."Really?" He was genuinely shocked. After a minute, he sighed, "Ana, I'll completely understand if you don't wanna be there"."No...No...not at all. I'll definitely come. Because I have a surprise for you"."Surprise?" He became more interested, "What's that?""It's a surprise idiot. Do me a favour, can you sneak out from the party?""Of course, I'm an expert in that"."Then, I'll text you. You should sneak out at that time"."What?" He snorted, "I feel like a teenager"."Exactly. Trust me, you'll enjoy it"."Okay then, see you evening" he hung up.Later that evening,      We all stood before his Mom's house, waiting for her open the door for us. The entire mansion is lighted and glowed out of the darkness. Everywhere, we can smell money."No wonder, she is a bitch" Aaron hissed.Blessy opened the door, lowering her head, "Welcome to Mr Rovan's birthday party".We went inside. "How are you, Blessy?" I asked her."I'm fine Mam" she stretched her hands for our coats. We removed it and handed it over to her, "Party is on the roof" she informed us.We all nodded and headed towards the elevator."You guys have any idea why she invited us?" Henna asked us."Probably to appreciate for breaking her nose" Jake replied.We all laughed, "Okay guys, we are here. Behave" Jamie gave us a warning.Elevator pinged, we checked our dresses quickly and came out. Party was huge, all I could see were big shots."Guys, are you seeing what I am seeing?" Alex asked dropping his jaws."Is that Jennifer love?" Jake asked unbelievingly."Omg! Is that Ben Miller?" Nyra shouted, "Look that's Daniel Craig"."I'm gonna faint" Henna hissed."Guys, this is want Crystal wants from us" I spoke, "Don't act like a child. Maintain your dignity. Let's find out birthday boy first".I cannot blame them. All here was a big shot. It kinda made us awkward and different from them.We found Chris, after a minute. He was talking to some old man. We waited until he finished. He was wearing a blue tuxedo with a black open bow silk tie and shoes. Since he is coming to his parent's house, he perfected everything. Two days before, I saw overgrown beard is no more and it was trimmed. His messy hair was now gelled and spiked into natural waves. This man never makes me fails to gawk at him."Ana, Chris is like cutie pie" Nyra dropped her Jaws, "My eyes are not refusing to move away from him".I coughed, "Umm...Nyra...Look there is Ben Miller. Why don't you say hi to him?""Really? He won't mind?""No, no. Go and introduce yourself as his fan. He'll be happy to see his face".She shrugged happily showing her, "Ok, if you say so".She moved away from us to meet him. Chris turned his face suddenly and his eyes caught me. He immediately wrapped things with that old man and came near us. His face was relieved to see us, "Guys, why did it take long?"I smiled and extended my, "Happy Birthday, Chris".He shook it, thanking me. Our eyes ran on each other. Right now, I just wanna say how much I like him.Others wished him "Congratulations buddy! For 28" Aaron, Jamie, Alex, Jake hugged him. Henna shook hands with him.He thanked them fixing his eyes on me. I became shy and lowered my gaze to the ground."Umm...guys...Here you can enjoy the tastiest old wine" he pointed at the bar, "Go ahead, I'll join you".They all headed there happily. He came near tucking his hands inside the pant pockets, "You look beautiful" he complimented me. His face became pink.True though, I particularly selected my blue bodycon dress, Red Mauve lipstick and up to do low bun for this party."Thanks, you too" I looked at him."Umm..." He scratched behind his ears, "Before, I was talking to my Uncle, Michael Hannigan. He is my best friend in the family. Come on, I'll introduce you to him"."Okay" I tried to take a step."Christopher" Crystal's voice stopped us. We turned to look at her.She was perfect for the evening, a pink royal maxi dress with matching antiques showing its worth."Honey, your Dad wants you. Why don't you go there? I'll company Ms Thomas" she smiled gently, without showing her teeth.He hesitated to leave me alone with her."It's okay, Chris, Go" I replied.He sighed, "Give me a minute, Ana. I'll be back".He left us leaving alone. She came near me, "Well, Congratulations! I heard you got a new publisher"."It's all because of your prayers, Mrs Rovan" I replied with a sarcastic smile."Oh..not a problem" She brushed it off, "You know the reason why I called you here?""You tell, I don't know".She smiled boldly, "To say that, I'm not any more worried about you, There" she pointed to a girl. She was very beautiful in her mid-twenties, Dark brown hair, Sweet red glossy lips, Blue eyes, Perfect nose and eyebrows, "Her name is, Nadia Parker, owner of Parker beauty products. One of the wealthy influencers in America. She is gonna be my Daughter-in-law"."What?" I took aback."Yes, I'm going to make her Mrs Christopher. That's the main reason for this party. I'm gonna introduce her to Chris and others. She is a perfect match for my son, isn't she?"        Â