-Shelley-

Once I arrive at the venue, I see Ben seated at a table at the far end. It looks like he arrived early and reserved a table for us. I make my way over to him. As I approach him, he takes notice of me. His eyes gave me a once-over before he stood up. I am wearing a long-sleeved V-neck printed wrap-around white dress with a flat shoe, and his eyes linger on my feet before he meets my gaze.

"Good afternoon. Sorry for keeping you waiting."

"Never mind that. You are here, and that's what matters. By the way, you look beautiful." Damn, that woman knows how to pick her clothes.

With a smile tag on my lips, I reply. "You don't look bad yourself." Not that you need to put any effort into it. You look good in almost anything." He blushed at my compliment as he stood there.

What the fuck is going on with her today? Acknowledging my efforts all together. "Hey, where did my manners go? Sorry. Kindly take a seat." He awkwardly ushered me into my chair and sat across from me.

What the fuck is going on with me? For what reason am I feeling so anxious right now? "This place is amazing. What made you choose this place? Are you a frequent guest here?"He asks while nervously sipping his water.

"Nah, I barely drop by here once or twice. Your approval is greatly appreciated. This location was my top pick because of its stunning interior design, soothing ambience, tasty food, and pleasant staff."

"Aside from that, I can afford it. Only when I need a peaceful spot to get some work done do I come here? In case you need a quiet place to get some work done, they have a comfortable work area." Looking across from where we sat, I gestured towards the neatly organised area.

"Thank you for your suggestion. I will consider it," he says. "It is comfortable here. Let's hope the menu will be outstanding too." 

While I made myself comfortable, I couldn't help but stare at him. Wow, he's quite dashing. He went for a more laid-back look today, for some reason. Blue pants, a white t-shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and black shoes make up his outfit. Was his hair buzzed? I wondered. Compared to how it was before, it appears somewhat shorter. Ben's yell of my name caught me off guard, as I was too focused on his appearance.

"Yeah?"

"What will you have?" He tilts his head to the side, trying to draw my attention to the waiter. It looks like she was waiting for a reply to something. I look at the waiter, noticing her holding a menu in my direction.

"Oh, sorry. I got distracted there." I caught sight of Ben's slight smile.

"Uh..." I will have the mini hot vegetable spring rolls and hot chicken wings to go with any fine drink you will recommend. I gave out my order without even taking the menu.

"All right, ma'am. What about you, sir?"

"I will have homemade chicken goujons. Thank you." He hands the menu back to the waiter.

"Okay, sir, ma'am. I will be right over with your orders." The waiter walks away.

"So, how was work?"

Shrugging, I say, "Uh, good."

"How is Blackson treating you?"

"Just fine. You don't need to worry about that. I can handle him." I assured.

"How long have you two been working together?"

"It has been two and a half years and counting."

"That is enough time for you to adjust to him." He says.

"Do you hear yourself? You, more than anyone else, should understand that Dr. Blackson is not someone you can grow accustomed to. The man can be unbearable sometimes."

With Ben bursting out laughing, I felt silly for my outburst.

"I suppose I can relate, but he is, you know, a good person at heart."

With our food served to us, we dig in right away.

"Mhm..., this is delicious. You know what? From now on, you pick the place we eat."

"What gives you the impression that there will be a second time?" I ask.

"Well, a man can only hope." He winks at me. "Can I ask you a personal question if you don't mind?" he inquires.

'Sure, shoot.'

"What is your deal with men?"

His question made me gag, and I almost choked on the food I had just eaten. I grabbed the glass and downed the water. "I beg your pardon."

"I am so sorry. Are you alright?" Curious, he asks. A look of concern fills his face.

"I am okay. If I understand your question correctly, are you asking if I have issues with men? Because, as far as I know, I do not."

"Oh really? Are you sure? From my perspective, it appears that you are. I know your father's infidelity is a contributing factor to why you don't like my gender."

I looked at him perplexed. How did he come by that piece of information?

"What do you know about my father's infidelity?" I inquires.

"He told me."

"Oh, did he? Did he also, by chance, tell you about how he brought a lady young enough to be his daughter to his house on his matrimonial bed and had sex with her? When I happened to walk in on them, she was indulging in passionate lovemaking with my father."

"Do you have any idea how that went for me? I still can't get that image out of my head. I was only fifteen."

"I am really sorry," he says softly as he presses his palm on my left arm resting on the table. "It was unintentional of me to bring up your dad."

As I slam back into the chair, I continue...

"I was aware of his adultery, but for him to do that to my mom. On the bed they shared, that was a deal-breaker for me."

"What is wrong with you men?"

Leaning forward he says, "Not all of us are the same."

"Oh yeah..." Without a doubt, I have had my fair share of relationships which were not particularly memorable. One way or another, they prove my point.

Man! This woman's hatred for us is deep. "Look, I wish I could speak for my male buddies, but some of their attitudes are indeed out of this world, I can attest to the fact that you haven't met the right guy yet."

"Really! So tell me how many frogs I should kiss to find my prince charming. I am sorry, but this lip has had enough."

"You know what? Let's change the topic, please."

We ate the remainder of the lunch in quiet, breaking only to make passing comments now and then.

***

Finally, I am at my apartment. Ben drops me off, and he walks me to my door after we had a great afternoon out.

"Thanks for lunch today, he says. It was amazing."

"I am glad you liked it." As we stood by my door facing each other, I said, "Hey! You still haven't said what I wanted to hear."

"Which is?"

"Am I forgiven or not?" With a smile spread across his face, he said, "Miss Dickson, you never seemed to surprise me. I don't think I can forgive you just yet."

"I have a feeling you are not out of that nasty attitude of yours. Good night, Miss Dickson." With that, he left.

"You must be shitting me." Dropping my bag on the sofa, I make my way into the room. "This man is completely off his rocker. What did I receive for making the effort to have lunch with him today? Certainly not enough to warrant a simple "you are forgiven." I had to keep my cool when he brought up my father's adultery; he had no clue how difficult it was.

***

-Adam POV-

Even though I am focused on the road ahead, thoughts of Shelley keep popping into my head. "By the time I finish with you, Miss Dickson, you will be mine." True love does exist, and I'm prepared to prove it to you, even if I think we've both felt the letdown of doubting its reality."

My goodness, what the hay! Bringing attention to her dad's adultery. I could tell that she was really sensitive about the subject. I should never have tried to persuade her to forgive her father while I was still harbouring resentment against my own father for abusing my mother. That was hypocritical of me. The last time we spoke, I can't even begin to recall.

I still can't forgive her yet. Having this as a leash is the only way to control her behaviour around me. It's like she wants me around; otherwise, she wouldn't have made the effort to have lunch with me.

At that very moment, my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and was taken aback. "What on earth does this man want?" I shifted my gaze from the phone to the road ahead, my grip tightening on the steering wheel, and muttered, "It doesn't matter if it takes a voice call or not. He is the last person I want to have a conversation with."