33 We’re Neighbors

John opened the car door and made space for her to get in. He simply said, "Get in."

It was like he was following her shadow, thinking that he might have waited for an hour and a half, Alice couldn't help but feel guilty, and the scene by the lake had given her too much pressure. She felt uneasy and said "Thank you" in a low voice.

He wasn't driving, sitting next to her with his left hand gently pressing his temple. Alice saw his profile and couldn't help but envy how handsome he was.

"Mr. Williams, are you going home too?" Peter asked.

"Yeah," he almost closed his eyes as he spoke, then those very beautiful eyes opened, turning to explain to Alice, "I'm really too tired to drive today."

Peter glanced at Alice in the rear-view mirror and greeted her with a smile, "Hello, Miss Smith."

Alice smiled back at him awkwardly. The silence lasted until they reached the entrance of her department. John got out first and held the car door for Alice, then he told Peter, "You can go back."

The black car drove away, and Alice looked at the man beside her, stunned for the second time that night. "Where do you live?" she asked, unable to look him in the eye and only staring at his generous chest.

"Oh, we're neighbors," John explained with a faint smile. "A friend has a place here, and I've come a few times. I really like the environment, so I bought it."

"So… you've lived here for a while?" Alice couldn't help but ask, her brow furrowed as she considered the matter.

"Yeah, not too long," John didn't say more, so Alice didn't ask anymore. But she couldn't help but think more.

It's deliberate to the point without any doubt… She looked at the darkness outside and was scared by her own thoughts.

Christmas was coming. Businesses promoting sales, lovers exchanging gifts, friends gathering, visiting relatives, the atmosphere of the festival was filled up with this modern city. She slept until noontime and then decided to kill the afternoon by shopping.

On her way out, she passed Sweet Retreat, it was still closed, and Alice felt a sense of loss, deciding not to think about it. She looked around and was afraid the car would appear again. She couldn't help but laugh at herself.

She strolled slowly with the crowd, really loving this. She loved the Christmas atmosphere, not because she could have worked off, but just loving the way the streets and windows were decorated in white, green, and red. Occasionally, a Christmas song would float by, with a touch of sanctity and spirituality.

Passing by a bakery cafe, she bought a Carrot Cake Cupcake and a cup of hot milk while she shopped, remembering when she was in college, seeing celebrities on the internet with a Starbucks cup in hand, and someone commented, "Is coffee an essential prop for celebrity street photos?" She couldn't help but laugh out loud, and it left a deep impression. Back then, she wanted to try it but was intimidated by the price.

She entered the mall, where the first floor's area was communications and electronic products. Right away, she saw the prominent Pro 6S promotional tactics. By the counter, there was a young man buying a phone. Alice didn't look at his expression, he was probably gentle and smiling. She imagined the mood and expression when her girlfriend received a gift, feeling she could understand her mood. The first gift she received from him was the red mug, which she adored so much. He understands her so well, could he predict such an outcome for their love? The warmth of the red mug supported her for so many years. She was relieved that she could finally smile and recall. Love was so beautiful, and there was no need to avoid it on purpose.

After having dinner outside, Alice came home and opened her email. Just as she heard the ringtone, she put the mouse aside and ran to find her phone. Her phone was always carelessly thrown, often ended up calling herself to find it.

It was John calling, "Are you free this Christmas Eve? May I invite you out." His voice made her heart beat a little faster.

Alice slowly walked back to her computer, carefully thinking. Her Christmases were always spent at the hotel, and she had only once strolled the streets with Lily, that was after work.

"Does work count?" she sighed, "We're never duty off on Christmas Eve."

"What time do you get off work?"

There was a long silence on the phone.

John asked again, "Hello?"

Alice came back to her senses, "I'm afraid Christmas Eve is really not possible. I'll contact you on Christmas day, okay?" She didn't want to argue anymore and hung up the phone in a hurry.

John stood there stunned. It was the first time someone hung up on him. However, what was intriguing was her attitude, at least she said she would contact him again. Thinking about it, he smiled lightly. However, he didn't need her to contact him, as long as she had the attitude, it was enough.

John walked into the office, and Anna Allen kept calling him behind him, and then turned around and asked, "What's wrong?"

"About the charity banquet on the 24th night, the organizers are still waiting for your reply."

Anna's words seemed to remind him, and John asked casually, "Call Roosevelt and ask if I can make a reservation for dinner on Christmas Eve."

Anna agreed and entered the office a moment later, asking, "Mr. Williams, they have family and a couple dinner options, which one do you want to book?" Her usually stern face finally softened, looking at the seated John.