Chapter Twenty— The interview

"Ahem! Kara..." he calls and I glance at him, " From the last few days, I have been meaning to ask you something, but I needed a place of my own first." He pauses for a minute, taking a deep breath, as though he was unsure of himself, "would you like to move in with me?" He came a bit closer after asking this.

I froze. His stare was holding mine so deeply and intensely, and I instantly looked away, shyness overcoming me.

I didn't say anything for a while; the house so silent, I could hear Alex's anxious breaths. "Yes." I muttered

"I didn't hear you. What did you say?" I heard a hint of a smile in his voice. By this time he was standing directly at my front, he used his thumb and forefinger to lift my chin, making our eyes meet.

"I said yes!" I squeal excitedly, throwing my arms around his neck and pulling him close for a hug.

"You can't imagine how happy I am right now." He pulls away and holds my hands. "Do you like the place?" He questions looking around.

He always makes me feel so special.

"It's awesome! I have no words. But let me tell you Alex, you are the most special person I ever have in my life. Thank you for everything." I smile

"You are welcome, my love," he says, pulling me into his arms this time, and I feel instantly at home.

"I still can't believe you bought an apartment!" I say, still in his embrace, shock evident in my voice as I look up from behind him.

"Yeah, you proud?" He asks pulling me slightly away, with a grin appearing on his face

"Hell yeah!" I reply with a laugh

"Now, how fast can you move in?" He jokes, a glint in his eyes.

I slap his arm lightly, "you're forgetting something mister," I say with a small smile which vanishes as I voice out my thoughts. "I have to ask my dad." I say anxiety creeps into me.

"I am sure he will agree." He says with a hint of confidence

"Confident, I see." I smirk

"Maybe. . . But mostly because he likes me." He sings

"But he loves his daughter more." I taunt

"Yeah, yeah, whatever!" He rolls his eyes, and I laugh at that. "I have made dinner." He announced

"You what?" I ask

"I mean 'ordered'." He rubs his neck with a wry smile on his face.

I snicker, "I knew it!"

"Let's go."

"Okay." We both had lunch together and I spent the night at his new apartment.

******

It's been a few days since Alex asked me to move in and I have officially discussed this with my dad. He asked for some time to think about it.

I have a feeling of what's in dad's mind. Even as he knows Alex's family from so long, he thinks we are moving way too fast. He has every right to be concerned, and I am totally okay over this silence. I need my dad's blessing for every decision, so I will be waiting patiently for a final answer.

My phone starts ringing, and I see Alex's name flash.

"Hello love!" He says when I picked

"Hey." I respond

"So, are you ready for the interview?" He asks. My heart sinks into my stomach as he mentions the ' I ' word I've been ignoring.

"Yes.. I am.. I mean, almost." I laugh nervously

"Almost?" He asks amusement laced in his voice.

"Yeah, just deciding on what to wear.. I'm a little nervous."

"Don't be! Just nail this interview." He encourages

"I will try." I say with mock courage. "Max told me the location and it's near our place."

"Great! When you move in, it will be like a ten minutes drive from here, right?" He inquires

"Ten to fifteen minutes, give or take," I respond. "That's if I got in." I sigh

"You will!" He says encouragingly, "so any word from your dad?" He asks hopefully.

"Be patient mister!" I scold playfully

I hear a deep chuckle from him, "I am trying, trust me. I feel like I have already worked way too long for you." He says sweetly

I giggle, "you know I had no idea you liked me when we were kids." I state accusingly

"You do know now." Was his short reply

"Yeah."

"Anyway, meet me at lunch if you get time?" He asks

"I don't know exactly, I have the big interview today, and so much" I relayed to him

"Right, right. . Work excuses, huh?" I catch a small laugh

"It's time to get a taste of your own medicine." I replied with a sassy tone.

"You're so cruel!" He states sardonically

I roll my eyes though he can't see me, with a small laugh, "let's meet at the new bump place. Pick me up after the interview." I suggest

"Okay, I will. Good luck!" He says with a kiss on the phone

"Thanks." I mirror his actions. We both laugh and say goodbye; after which I ended the call.

I still can't believe I have an interview; feeling so nervous. I put my phone down and start to get ready.

-20 mins later-

After a quick shower, and standing in front of my closet for about ten minutes deciding on what to put on. I finally decided on a red shirt with blue jeans, and my flat black shoe. I need to at least look a bit corporate. Assessing myself in the mirror, I nod in approval. I'm good to go. I should call a cab, I think then remember that Alex will be there to pick me anyways.

******

The interview went well, and I saw Max as well. After the interview, Alex came to pick me up and both of us had a nice lunch out. He dropped me home an hour ago because I felt exhausted.

Within that hour, I took a shower and feel totally refreshed right now! "What else do I get to do?" I ask myself loudly. I have a good feeling about this opportunity.

-Few minutes later-

I am indecisive of what to do. Should I order something, or cook? Dad will be home in an hour or two, which means I have got plenty of time to cook something nice. But what?

Ugh! I rake my hands into my almost dried hair. I stop as a thought flashes through my mind and I smile. Chicken spaghetti. I hum nodding in approval. I know how much he loves home cooked meals.

Time to get started.

-40 mins later-

He has been so occupied with work lately that we hardly get to enjoy any meal together, so I just hope he comes home on time.

My dad is finally home! While he went to freshen up, I decided to set the dinner table. Once I am done with the dishes, I go to get the food.

"Hey kiddo!" Dad spoke

"Hey dad, sit?" I ask and he slides the chair backwards a bit, moving it forward once he is comfortable, and I follow suit.

"You cooked?" He asked, astonishingly looking at the table.

"Yes!" I say cheerfully, "it's been days since we ate together properly.

"You're right," he states with a dejected tone. He stretches his hand and engulfs mine that is on the table, rubbing it softly, "I am so sorry honey, having the new client is really demanding," his voice soft as he explains. "But on the bright side, we have for most of the work, so now I can go back to my same old routine." He smiles.

"Phew!" I remark as I retract my hand and wipe away imaginary sweat from my forehead. "Tell me more while we eat, okay?" I requested with a smile.

"Okay." He responded, a smile on his face too.

I serve the food, and it looks delicious.

"Wow, it smells so good. I am starving." He said.

A small laugh escapes me, "me too!" I add

"You are really getting good at this," he says before taking a bite, "it tastes great!" He happily remarked.

"I guess, I got it from mum."

"Yes, you definitely did," he agreed, "she was a great cook honey." He added

"Love the lasagna she used to make." I stated

"Oh yes! You will be a pro like her." He proclaims

I giggle, "hope so."

"Honey," he calls and I glance at him, "I want to discuss something with you." He says.