Zendaya's POV

Getting into the hall, I'm bemused. I thought the exterior was the most beautiful thing I'll see today but the interior is so magnificent. The light, music, arrangement, flowers, sections, chairs, the cake is so perfect. I think I'll change my mind about parties

"Wow, this is really nice" I complimented

"Thanks. The interior designers did a great job" He added

"You know my dad, always aiming at perfection," He said with my hand still in his

"It's a good attribute" I added

"Thanks for having my back Adam" I appreciated

"No probs. What are friends for?" He replied

"That's true"

"I've not been a gentleman lately. I must confess, you look different" He declared

"That's the power of makeup"

"And you're taller than I am" He added

"Thank you heels," I said looking at them

He's taller than I am on a normal day but a change isn't bad. He's dressed in a black suit, a blue necktie, a white shirt and of course, a designer shoe. His hair is gelled and I can still see the traces of el on his face. He's terrible at this!! He doesn't wear perfume on a normal day but the smell of what's he's wearing going to make me pass out very soon. Sincerely, he's like the elder brother I don't have, defending and having my back when the enemy strikes.

"I'm yet to understand how you ladies feel comfortable in them" He commented

"That's why we're ladies and not gents," I said removing my hand from his

"Oh! I had no idea I was still holding yours"

"You're making this sound weird" I interjected

"Okay, where are the celebrants?" I inquired changing the subject

"Over there," He said pointing to a designated section of the hall

We walked up to them.

"Happy wedding anniversary to the both of you" I stated

Thank you dear, I'm really glad you came" Celene declared

"How could I not attend" I added

"I love your gown" She commented

"Yours is so beautiful" I confessed

She's wearing a red sparkly gown stopping exactly at her knees. Her hair is down and adorned with silver petals. Her heels are even higher than mine. Her cologne is more concentrated than Adams'. Her makeup is light and her .smile is. ever beautiful.

"I'm happy I honored your invitation" Christopher added

"My pleasure sir," I said hugging him

Mr. Christopher Gates is in a tuxedo. He looks younger than his age. He's been holding his Celene's' hand throughout the discussion. His shoe is just like that of his son's. I can see clearly the resemblance between them.

"Where are your parents?" Christopher inquired

"They got in before I did. I'll introduce you to them as soon as i see them" I said

[ And there I see them]

"Oh! here they are" I added

They walked up to us.

"Mum, dad, Kenzie, meet Adam's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Gates " I introduced

"Just call me Celene. It's really nice to meet you guys. Adan has told me a lot about you" She expressed hugging my mum

"Nice to meet you too. I also prefer that you call me Tasha" My mum replied returning the hug

"I'm Christopher, nice to meet you. I must confess, you really have a great daughter" Mr. Gates stated making me blush

"Thanks, I'm Tom by the way," My dad said stretching out his hand for a handshake

They shook hands

"Hey Adam" Kenzie greeted

He shook her hand making me laugh because, in size, her hand is like an ant compared to an elephant.

"Happy anniversary. You have a great son. I'm Mackenzie but you can call me Kenzie since we're friends" Kenzie declared

Everyone laughed

"Nice to meet you dear. I love you already" Celene confessed touching her chest

"Why not take Kenzie to play with her peers at the Kid's section Celene," Christopher said

"That'll be great" She replied

The duo left

"Are you interested in a game of chess? Christopher asked my Parents

"When it comes to the game of chess my wife and I are undefeatable" My dad appended

"We'll see about that. This way to the game room please" He added leading them

They left leaving me with Adam

"Looks like this Party is divided according to Peers. Let's go look for our age group" I declared

"Excluding the both of us, Richard is the only peer we have here" Adam stated

" I prefer to be on my own here then" I stated

" I knew you'll say something like that", he added

*******************************************************

[After an hour]

" Fill your glass with wine or any drink close to you and let's propose a toast to this wonderful couple" The MC announced

We all proposed a toast to the Gates

"Okay, get on the dance floor. As some will say, get you dancing shoes on, it's time to dance" The MC shouted

Each couple moved to the dance floor. The song being played is 'Beautiful in White' This is not a wedding. I gave The Gates their gift, two lockets, and a bouquet.

"I'd be honored to have this dance" His voice interrupted my thoughts

"We're not a couple. You heard when the MC specified " I replied

"That doesn't mean anything. I've not done a slow dance recently. Please" He added giving me a cute puppy look

" Well, it does to me. If Kenzie sees us, she'll ask ridiculous questions" I responded avoiding his gaze because it's really cute

"Come on, please" He stated

"I'm doing this just because we're friends " I added

"No problem," He said and bowed

"Lead the way," I said curtsying

[On the dance floor]

"So tell me, Zendaya, why did you guys move to New York. I mean, Chicago is a great city, so there must be a strong reason for relocating." He inquired

"My dad is the reason we're here. He had some issues in Chicago and wanted to start afresh. The plan was to relocate to California but my mum suggested New York is better. She lived here for a couple of years" I replied.

" So, are you having a great time here?"He questioned

"It's not as bad as I thought it'll be. I certainly miss my friends but I've made a new one here" I responded

"Which is me?" He asked smiling

"Oh! Adam Gates, you rate yourself really high. Yeah, you're a friend. Regina is also. Where is she by the way?"I asked

"She traveled"

"So, tell me about yourself. You know me way better than I know you" I investigated

"My name is Adam Gates and I'm a great guy" He replied with a smirk

She stepped on me.

"Ouch!" I whispered

"You know what I mean Adam" I declared

"I don't" He nowhere

"I'm out of here," I said and took my hand off his shoulder

"You're going no where" He stated and added pressure to his hand on my waist, held me tight with the other

What under the heavens is going on here?? Typical boys

"If you don't release me, I'll cause a scene" I warned

"Sorry about that" He apologized

"Can you lead me to the Verandah or anywhere I can catch my breath?" I asked him

Sure, are you fine?" He asked

"Yeah but, I need fresh air"

"This way" He stated and lead the way

[ At the Verandah]

What's your favorite song" I asked

"I don't have one but I love Good Life, Despacito, Old Town Road and Perfect" He responded

"Great taste" I added

"Your favorite band?" I enquired

I'm such a nosey lady

"I love the BTS. My second best is One direction" He replied

"Cool. We do have that in common" I appended

"Your best book?"

"I love Pride and Prejudice" He declared

You're not as bad as I thought" I told him

"I'm a great guy, I don't know how long it'll take you to realize that"

Of course, you are

"I need a drink," I said breaking the silence

"Let's get in"

It's past 4 pm and the weather is getting cold. My mum forced me into this gown. My initial plan was to wear a shirt and trouser but my'perfect' mum rejected that

"Have my jacket?" He said removing his

"No, I'm fine"

How did he know? Probably because I'm rubbing my hands on my shoulders

"You're not great at lying," He said and left his jacket on my shoulder

"I agree, thanks" I appreciated and wore it

The smell of his cologne rushed into my nose. I'm sure Kenzie's going to pester me if she sees me like this

"If you don't mind, what's the name of your cologne" I inquired not sure of his response

"I use Penhaligon at night but the one I'm wearing is Tom Ford" He replied passing a cup of red wine

"Oh!"

"Don't think of getting it, it's not for ladies" He added sipping his drink

"I wasn't thinking of that"

That was not the total truth but still not a lie.

A/N

So, what do you guys think? 

I love Adam, I don't know about you

Richard is a jerk. Who feels the same way?

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to vote, comment and share

Love you all xoxo