CHAPTER ELEVEN

For the date, I decided to wear a jean skirt with a pink body suit. I clad my feet with a pair of girly black sandals. My braids were wound into a messy bun. I did not want to appear too eager for the date nor did I want to seem nonchalant. Yet, every ounce of composure I spent the day mustering flew out the window the minute my eyes met Daniel's. He stood under one of the trees a few feet away. His hands were resting comfortably in the pocket of his black hoodie. He had his face cap worn backward and smiled in that peculiar way of his when our eyes met. Act cool, act cool, act cool  I muttered under my breath as Juliet hooked her hand in my elbow, leading me to where He stood. When we got closer, Edward popped out from the side. Rather, I just noticed him. 

"Hey guys" Julie waved, grinning from ear to ear. 

"Hi love" Edward greeted before pulling her in for a hug and kiss. I quickly averted my eyes while mentally rolling them. Daniel saved me from the awkward situation. 

"Um, you look pretty" he slowly gave me a once over with those eyes of his. Ugh the pair I visualise every night before I sleep. the pair that makes me feel giddy. 

"Thank you" I muttered, smiling coyly

"So how did your day go?" Daniel gently held my hand as we walked - a simple gesture, sending thousands of butterflies down my belly. 

"Um, the usual" I shrugged, trying to keep my voice as steady as possible. "I had three lectures and they were boring," I whined as I said the last word.

"You are telling me" Daniel scoffed "Like who even invented school?" He mimicked my whining voice and I laughed

"I don't sound l like that" My head went sideways in a vehement shake. 

"Oh yes you do lady and It sounds cute." Daniel threw me a side glance.

"It does?" I cocked my head to the side, trying to figure out how my plain-ass voice sounded cute. Or is it just a new trick up his sleeves?

"Yeah. Don't worry. There is no deceit over here." He waved his free hand in the hair, assuring me of his honesty. "Everything I tell you is true."

My heart skips a beat. Thank goodness he wasn't looking into my eyes. His words alone were enough to make me pass out. My eyes fell on Julie's ass as she sashayed ahead with her man and for a split second I felt the tiniest bit of jealousy because of how shapely she looked. Even though I had my own fair share of Male attention, it was nothing compared to Julie's. Yet, she chose to stick to the lying and manipulative Edward who looked like he snuck up on earth. Or maybe I'm just a bitter girl who detests him with all she's got. But, I wondered how couple dynamics worked. Ever since my heartbreak, I haven't been able to truly fall in love...till I met Daniel. 

After a few more minutes of casual strolling, we arrived at 'The Lounge', one of the places dedicated to student unwinding. Many of the students there needed a place to let off the hassle of long, boring classes. While a few came to enjoy some grilled protein with their significant others. Daniel and Edward hi-fived some guys by the door. "My guy" and "boss" echoed in my ears as Julie pulled me away from the huddled males. We went ahead to occupy the farthered table tucked at the corner, away from the prying eyes of others. While the boys still chatted with their friends, I decided to busy myself with the menu placed on the table. it contained all grilled and smoked food at expensive prices. My brow furrowed.

"Don't worry." Juliet tapped the back of my hand "They have it covered" 

Soon the boys sauntered to where we were seated. Edward immediately occupied the space beside Julie while Daniel sat beside me, flashing a flirtatious smile. A waitress appeared to take our orders. 

"What would you like to have?" She was dressed in a yellow T-shirt and black jeans. "The lounge' was scrawled across the shirt and the face cap that did little to hide her rough hair. 

Daniel nudged me. "I'll eat what you prefer. order for us" 

"What if you don't like it?" 

"Then, you will feed me. I know it will taste better from your hands." He winked. 

"Stop." I blushed. Turning to the bored waitress, I placed my order."We'll have the large grilled fish and potatoes with extra spicy sauce. For drinks, I'll have a smoothie while he will have Chapman with a mix of alcohol. Thank you." 

She rolled her eyes and turned to Edward and Juliet who were so engrossed with each other. "And you guys?"

"Um....we'll have the exact same thing," Juliet said as she tried to keep her voice steady to no avail. we all knew what was happening under their side of the table. 

"So" Daniel began, shifting his body to look me in the eye. "Tell me more about yourself"

I tucked the curly end of a braid behind my ear, smiling sheepishly. "Well, what do you want to know?"

"Everything there is to know about you, baby girl" His voice deepened, reverberating in my heart. 

I blanked, thinking about myself. What is there to know about me? I wondered as I try to recall who I truly was. No question ever caught off guard like this one did. Now, all of a sudden, I struggled to remember my likes and dislikes. "I love chocolate. It is my favorite snack. I listen to folk music, I read novels, I enjoy crime podcasts."

"Psychopath" Daniel joked, eyeing me playfully. 

I laughed heartily. "I'm not. I am the sweetest person you'd ever meet."

"Oh yeah?" Mock disbelief danced on his voice, his eyes twinkling with mischief. 

Just then, the waiteress returns with our drinks and an even unfriendlier expression. Without a smile or the 'enjoy your meal' phrase, she sets the drinks down before us with enough force to signal her displeasure. 

"Having a bad day?" 

I glanced at Juliet as she addressed the waitress. Between the both of us, Juliet was more outspoken and she knew not to stand for disrespect of any kind wile I was the laid back friend who smiled sheepishly even in the face of disrespect. I was the full definition of a 'people pleaser'. Edward patted her shoulder like he knew what was coming next. 

"No. I am not" The other lady forced a smile. 

"Good. I am sure you do not want a complaint lodged against you." Juliet had reached for a drink, tightening her hand around it. I wished the waitress would not be snarky lest she received the drink on her shirt. 

"I apologize" came the short reply. 

"Accepted" Juliet's smile did not reach her eyes. I took a sip of my smoothie as I watched the waitress walk away. 

"Iron lady" Daniel hailed my friend, reaching across the table to touch her hand. The act displeased me to the core and it was my turn to get annoyed. I sipped again, watching the interaction. 

"I will never tolerate rudeness. she has been scowling at us since we were seated. Or do you guys have anything to do with her?" 

"Come on, Babe. No. At least, I don't." Edward raised his hands in surrender. Just then, Daniel's phone rang. He pressed the power button and placed it face down on the table. Then, He exchanged a knowing look with Edward. I liked to pride myself in my ability to notice details and I did not miss this particular one. 

Perhaps, Daniel was not the picture-perfect guy I thought him to be. There just had to be skeletons somewhere.