Robin's POV

   Someone rings my doorbell.  Well that can't be Orla.  Unless she's trying something new.  Highly doubt it, though.

I open the door.  "Alya?  Showing up at my door again, aye?  Be careful.  I might get a restraining order on you."  I joke.

Why am I joking with her?  Oh God.  Something's wrong with me, too.  It's infectious!

She smiles at my joke.  "Well, I wanted to ask if you want to get a drink."  "You saw me earlier today.  I was at the office the whole time.  You couldn't have asked me then?  I mean, you're literally still in your work suit and shoes.  I'm still in my work clothes, too."

"Yeah, but I didn't want it to feel like I was abusing my authority by asking you in my office."

I look at her like she's crazy, furrowing my brows.  She smiles, lowering her head and lifting it back up, looking at me again.  "I know, I know.  You're not used to me being a decent human being.  It's confusing for everyone involved."

"Hm.  You took the words right out of my mouth."  "About that drink, though?  I mean, you might as well.  We're both still dressed."

"Speaking of which, you must've been really excited to ask me.  You didn't give either one of us some time to chill.  I literally just saw you twenty minutes ago."  I smally smile.

"I-I don't know about that......."  She laughs.......nervously?  Seriously, who the fuck is standing in front of me right now?  I've never even heard of Alya being nervous before.  "Are you in or not?"

"I guess I could go for a drink........  What's the harm in that?  As long as you're paying."  She smiles brightly.  "I am indeed paying."  "Alright.  Let's go."

.....

Alya and I are riding in her car.  Weird, I'd never thought I'd be sitting in it.  You know what they say.  "There's a first for everything."

"Oh my God, you're not gonna spike my drink, are you?  Is that how you do it?  You get women drunk then sleep with them?"  I say, joking once again.

She laughs.  "No, silly.  I know I'm terrible, but I'm not a date rapist.  Plus, how could I spike your drink if you're right there with me the whole time?  And, by the way, if I was gonna spike your drink, I wouldn't tell you so."

"You make some very valid points."  I say, my fingers on my chin.  She laughs again.  "You're cute, you know that?"  "You did it again."  "Did what?"  "Complimented me."

"Is that a bad thing?"  "Yes.  What are you up to?  Why are you doing any of this?  Asking me out for a drink, complimenting me, driving me to the bar.  What do you want from me?"

"Now you're starting something,"  She looks up briefly as she speaks.  "I'm genuinely not trying anything,"  She's looking back at the road.  "I know it's hard for you to believe that underneath all my conniving bullshit there could be someone at least half decent, but you gotta give me some credit for trying."

One thing I can say about Alya, at least she's self-aware.  "What makes you want to change, though?"  I question, a frown on my face.  I still don't know if I should trust it.

"I can't even answer that for you.  But when I can, I will.  I promise."

Did she........  Did she just promise me something?  I can't even trust if this isn't an act.  How am I supposed to trust her promise?  She must be serious.

She looks to me.  "I really am trying, Robin."  Her eyes don't seem deceitful.  They're just......really pretty......and honest.  A lot of people must not see that look.

She looks back at the road, the rest of the drive being silent.

.....

We're sitting at the bar now, our drinks in front of us.  I ordered red wine and she ordered whiskey.

"I don't know why, but I kinda figured you'd be into hard liquor."  I say.  We take our first sips of the night.  "Hard liquor for a hard personality.  My dad raised me to be tough.  How else are you supposed to handle a business full of people?  It's not easy, I'll tell ya that much,"  She smirks at me.  "I could definitely see you as a wine drinker.  It matches your personality, more refined and sophisticated."

"Why thank you."  I smile.  "You're welcome, ma'am."  She smiles back and we both laugh.

"..........So when you said you don't sleep with your employees anymore, did you mean Lola, too?"  "How'd you know about Lola?"  She says nonchalantly.

"Remember that day where you and Lola were out?  It was recent."  "Yeah."  "Well I was out, too.......and I saw you two together.  I....may or may not have made my way over to her when you guys parted ways."

She smirks.  "Care about who I fuck?"  She sips some of her drink, hiding the smirk behind the rim of the glass.  "No,"  I roll my eyes.  "I just didn't want a poor woman giving her body away, only to be used by someone of a higher power."

"Trust me, Lola isn't some poor woman.  She's a lot stronger than people give her credit for.  But to answer your question, yes, I meant her, too.  Lola and I haven't done it in a week."

My brows perk up.  "Wow.  I'm impressed.  Good for you.  You seem to be sticking to your word."  "Well, I'm twenty-five now, I'm in charge of an enterprise.  Maybe it's time to mature.  I need a drink after just saying that."

I chuckle as she sips her drink again.  "I know you've cut off things with Francine, but have you tried to go back to her?"

"I haven't gone back to any of my ex-flings.  She's tried to come back to me, though.  I kinda feel bad.  I fucked that girl up."  She drinks again, taking a big gulp, almost downing it.

"Wow.  Poor Francine."  "She thinks we had something special........  Francine was fun to hang out with, and she's actually really sweet.  I was just too much of a dick to care.  I only wanted what I wanted, and that meant sleeping with my other employees as well.  God, I'm fucked up."

She finishes the rest of her drink.  "Want another one?"  I inquire, raising a brow.  "Nah, I'm only having one.  I drove.  I've always been irresponsible when it comes to people's feelings, but I've always been responsible when it comes to drinking."

"I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but that's something I actually respect about you.  Holy fuck, I think I need more wine."  She laughs as I down my wine and order another.

"Maybe you and I aren't so different after all."