CHAPTER 17

Casey watched his loved up friend and was genuinely happy for him. She looked like a fairy out of painting and beside her was her complete opposite if she had fragile, white pure wings Deans would be strong and black.

"I'm sure Dean will like whatever you have in mind. You know Dean here is not frivolous or one to just like anything or anyone... that's why he is waiting for the one before he would enter into a relationship. There aren't many men like that these days. What do you think April?" Casey was smiling as he wanted to give her a good impression of Dean.

April looked at the men waiting for her reply, she bit her lip. They were all handsome and highly capable men and she felt flustered with all of them looking at her, "I am sure once I see the space I will get a feel for what needs to be done as for your personal tastes it may not match mine so again I will need your advice."

April ignored the personal comments that her CEO had made about Dean hoping to escape. She didn't trust as easily now, so how could she let them know that in her heart she no longer believed in love or the one.

"We have all been best friends since our childhood April if Dean has set his heart on something or someone he wouldn't betray or deceive them like some men, on the contrary, he would treat them with care, love and kindness forever," Micheal spoke sincerely hoping to help out his friend.

Meanwhile, Dean rolled his eyes these two idiots were acting like they were his biggest fans. He knew with April's personality she wouldn't get their subtle hints.

April nodded and just listened to Casey and Michael. She knew Micheal had a boyfriend, maybe it was Dean? That could be why he was speaking so highly of him, thinking this she smiled and nodded.

Click

The door opened and a waiter rolled in a trolley he placed down their drinks and food and then left quickly.

April took a sip of the sweet refreshing tea and smiled.

It was a smile Dean wanted to see every day for the rest of his life. He had to keep her family from stealing her cheerful smile.

"April what do you think of a man who would only love his partner, stay true to them and shower them with affection and love?" Micheal asked as he served himself and Casey some food from the dishes in front of them.

April had barely touched her cutlery when she noticed Dean was also piling food on her plate. Was this his way of reciprocating after she has fed him twice?

She looked to Micheal who was still waiting for an answer, "I think whoever his partner may be will be very lucky and happy to be loved that way."

Dean was very happy with her response. Maybe these two lightbulbs were not that bad to keep around.

Casey then added, "April is right!" he nodded his head in agreement. "You have no idea how many girls and boys in the City admire Dean. As long as he's willing, there will be a lot of men and women rushing to marry him."

As his best friend, he had to help him.

April pursed her lips, her expression is dissatisfied. "That's true. Dean, you're a rare talent in our generation. Anyone would presumably admire you."

April was unhappy because she thought that Micheal would have a tough time keeping away many beauties in the future. Dean was a catch, he was the most sought after bachelor and wealthiest man in the City. She felt bad for her friend Micheal.

Not knowing the chaos they had caused by flattering Dean, Casey then continued, " But not to worry no matter how many will chase after Dean he would only have eyes for one person."

Hearing Caseys statement April felt better so she smiled and started to eat happily.

The lunch continued with more flattery and questions. April felt full and worn out after the meal.

Casey and Micheal both saw that the meal had ended so tactfully stood, "My legs feel numb after sitting for too long. We will go pay the bill and head back to the office. Take your time, it was lovely to meet you April."

"Thank you, Micheal and CEO Walker, it was lovely to meet you too." April smiled cheerfully at them both as they walked out together.

Looking at the time on her watch she wanted to get back to the office so she turned to Dean and asked, "Should we..."

"What about you?"

Before she could finish his sentence, Dean had interrupted her.

"Huh? What about me?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She was stunned and could not react in time.

"You said that I'm a rare talent whom anyone would presumably admire. What about you?"

He recited her words expressionlessly, but his eyes deceived him as there was a hint of expectation and uneasiness in them. He waited for her response patiently.

April was stunned. She stared at him blankly and was speechless for a long time. In the restaurant's private room, an awkward atmosphere spread.

After a while, she coughed lightly and stood up. "Im sorry, Dean I have to get back to work so I'll be leaving first."

Then, she disappeared quickly like the wind.

Dean stared in the direction where she left with a gloomy gaze. Was April shy, or was he… rejected?

It's alright. There's still a long way for them both to go.

Outside the restaurant just down the street, April flew past Casey and Micheal as they walked slowly.

Casey and Michael watched her petite figure disappear and then they both turned to face the direction of the restaurant were they saw Dean approach them.

Dean stopped when he saw his friends, he didn't think she would be so fast.

Casey turned and asked his best friend, "What did you say to make April run away in such a hurry?"

"Nothing... How do I ask her out?" Dean sighed and finally asked his two friends for help.

"Why are you asking us?" Michael laughed and put his arm around Casey.

"Sorry, we can help you ask out a guy. But neither of us has ever asked out a woman," Casey replied as he smiled at his friend Dean.

"You are both useless." Dean then walked off towards his car. He would give April the time that she needed.

Casey and Micheal felt speechless, did they not both try and help him enough already.

Shrugging Casey turned to Micheal, "Honey let's get back to work."

"Let's im worried the wolf has scared the bunny," Micheal smirked as they both walked towards Walker Interiors.

"Possibly asking out a girl is the same as asking out a guy?" Casey thought aloud.

"Going by the way you asked me out Dean is better off not having your help." Micheal laughed at his boyfriend.

"It worked didn't it, you fell for my sweet charms," Casey answered smugly.

"Yeah whatever just leave relationship advice to me you are both wolves and your tactics are to go for the kill. Hence why April ran away. Didn't I run from you as well?" Micheal gestured.

"But I caught you in the end and that's all that matters." Casey smiled delightedly with himself and Michael couldn't help roll his eyes.

Back in the office April jad just walked through the lift doors. Everyone looked like they were busy with their heads down. April gripped her handbag tighter and went to her seat quickly.

She turned on her laptop and it powered back to life.

Click Clack Click Clack

April looked up at her manager Emily and smiled. "Hello, Ms Taylor."

Bang

Emily dumped a stack of files on April's desk and sneered, "I hope you enjoyed a long lunch as you may need to skip dinner. Take these and go through them. Learn our style, techniques, contacts, building yards, architects, etcetera and put them all in order as you learn. Bring them to records management when you have finished."

Bang

Emily had walked back to her desk and dumped another pile of files and documents in front of April. She was not afraid of hard work and she was sure she would be working late tonight but no matter. She would gladly sort through all the files in front of her it can only benefit her in learning.

The two stacks if placed on top of one another would no doubt be the same height as April. So she took a pile from the top and started to go through it. As she did she took out her notebook and jotted down useful contacts and styles she liked.

Emily was quite pleased with herself but seeing April not make a fuss about the amount of work she had given her she lost her smile. Why isn't she acting out, or running to the CEO?

Three hours later it was now five PM and many had started to gather their stuff and leave for the day. April was quite proud of herself. She had got through almost all of the files and has learnt a great deal from them. She had only three left.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her manager Emily get up and walk straight out to the lift and she was gone. April sighed, what kind of manager is she? She arrived when she wants and doesn't even say goodbye at the end of the day.

"Good night everyone." Sean waved and jumped in the lift.

Paul followed in behind him and nodded, "Safe home and welcome April."

"Thanks and take care on your way home." April smiled cheerfully.

Aarna and Sophie came to her desk and she responded with a smile.

"Do you need any help April?" Sophie asked.

"No, I am okay, thanks though," April responded quickly, she didn't want to burden anyone.

"If your sure, then good night. See you in the morning." Sophie waved and got on the lift.

Aarna took her chair and sat down beside April she took the last file and without speaking helped her sort through the documents inside. April's lips curled up and she finished the file in front of her.

A few minutes later they were both done with their own files. April looked up and smiled, "Thanks for the help."

"No problem, let's take these to the records department."

"Thanks but you dont have to do that." April shook her head.

"Nonsense I am here so I can help you. Why make two trips when we can do it together." Aarna offered as she lifts the stack of files from the desk and walked towards the lift.

All April could do was smile and follow so she lifted her stack and went to the lift along with Aarna.

They both left the files at the records department and left the office together.

"Do you need a lift home?" Aarna offered.

"No, I got a car yesterday. Thank you for being so kind. I have made you late getting home." April smiled at her.

"Not to worry all I have waiting for me is a hungry, grumpy cat." Aarna giggled and so did April.

They both walked to their cars and waved goodbye.

April got into her new car and started the forty minutes journey to her fathers home. Her father and mother had worked hard and lived in a nice gated community. When she compared the difference between her mother's condo and her old home. It was as different as day and night.

Rachel had removed the warmth and heart from what should be a comfortable home. April had made many trips this way on her way to her father's house. She had gotten the bus when she had little money or walked it when she didn't. This was the first time she drove and in her own car. No one could take this feeling of accomplishment from her. She turned on the radio and hummed to a tune that had come on. The lyrics resonated with her.

(Our memories, well, they can be inviting

But some are altogether mighty frightening

As we die, both you and I

With my head in my hands, I sit and cry

Don't speak...)