Chapter 63

Chapter 63
Bella got dressed in a blue strapless gown. She wore low heels, had few accessories on, and wore simple makeup. She stood in front of the mirror, checking herself out.
Yesterday, she sent a message to Jordan, and they agreed to meet today by seven in the evening. Bella wanted to move their meeting by a day, but Charlotte convinced her not to.
"Meet with him once and for all, so you can take it off your mind and resume work brand new," Charlotte had told her.
Bella thought it was a good idea, which was the reason she agreed to it. So by five, she began to get ready.
"What do you think?" She asked Charlotte, who was on a video call with her.
"You look beautiful," Charlotte answered. "Nothing too serious. I love that."
Bella stared at the wall clock. It was a few minutes to six.
"I have to go," she said. "I do not want to be late and be the reason we have another fallout."
"You're right. I wouldn't want that either."
"Send my regards to Liam," Bella said.
"I will," Charlotte answered. "Have fun."
The call ended, and Bella went on to give her face some last touches before picking up her bag and leaving the house.
Bella was about to get into her car when she received a call from Jordan.
"Look to the right," he told her.
Bella did what she was told. She saw a car parked some distance away. Jordan was standing in front of it.
He waved. "Can you see me? I am here to pick you up."
Bella was not expecting that. She smiled and waved back. "I can see you."
She ended the call and walked towards him. Jordan didn't wait for her to get to him; he met her halfway.
"Hi," she said.
"Hi," Jordan said. "You look beautiful, I must say."
"Thank you," Bella answered.
Jordan led her to the car and opened the door.
"My lady," he said, bowing.
Bella smiled. This seems to be the Jordan she knew. Or maybe he's trying to act like a gentleman.
He closed the door when she was in the car and returned to the driver's seat.
"Can we go now?" He asked.
Bella nodded. "Sure."
"Off we go," he mumbled, driving off.
The drive wasn't as awkward as Bella had thought it would be. Jordan was chatty all through the drive. He asked about work and commended her for the beautiful dress she made for April.
"I was amazed when I saw the dress. You did a great job crafting such a masterpiece in a short time. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you," Bella replied.
"A friend saw the dress. When she knew I knew you, she reached out to me, wanting you to make hers."
Bella furrowed her brows. "A friend?"
"Yes," Jordan answered. "I reposted your work, and she loved what she saw. So she reached out, but I told her I have to speak to you first. Right now, you're on a short vacation. You needed that rest more than anything."
Bella nodded. "I know I do. And I'm glad I did."
"How has the break been so far?"
"Boring, I must confess," Bella said. "But not always. I have Charlotte and Liam keeping me company."
Jordan nodded. "I'm glad to hear that."
He went on to talk about other things. There was so much to talk about that Bella wondered what they would talked about when the dinner started.
Maybe only the issue at hand.
The car stopped in front of an Italian restaurant. Bella stared out of the window.
Are they eating here?
"I heard you love Italian food. So I thought I could bring you here."
"That's so thoughtful of you," Bella said. "Thank you."
"You should go in. I will go and park the car." Bella nodded and came down from the car. "I made a reservation for table nine," he said.
"Table nine. I get that," Bella said, confirming she heard him correctly.
Jordan drove off, and she went into the restaurant. There were only a few people in.
"Welcome, ma'am," a waiter greeted her.
He wanted to lead her to an empty table, but she told him there was a reservation.
"Table nine."
"You must be here for Master Jordan," the waiter said, leading her to the table. "He isn't here yet. His reservation is for seven. He should be here soon."
Bella nodded. "Is he a regular here? You seem to know him well."
"He's one of our top VIPs. Please sit," the waiter said.
Bella sat down. "Thank you."
"What do you want me to get you before he comes?"
"Water, please," Bella answered. "Thank you."
The waiter left. Bella brought out her phone and began to press.
"Sorry I kept you waiting," she heard Jordan's voice.
"It's nothing," Bella answered, dropping her phone.
Jordan sat down. "Have you made an order yet?"
"No, I've not. But I asked for water, though."
Jordan nodded. He picked up a menu and handed it over to Bella. "See what you would like to eat."
Bella took it from him and opened it. She began to go through it. Jordan took the second menu and began to go through it too.
The waiter returned with a tray containing a bottle of water and a glass. He dropped it on the table.
"Thank you," Bella mumbled, dropping the menu in her hand on the table.
"Are you ready to order?" Jordan asked.
Bella nodded. She went ahead to make her order; Jordan did too.
The waiter took their orders and left. Bella poured some water into the cup and drank from it.
"So," she said. "Should we talk after we've eaten?"
"I think we should start talking," Jordan said. "We can stop when the food is here and then continue when we're done eating."
Bella nodded. "So, do you want to go first? Or should I?"
"Please do," Jordan said.
Bella sighed. "As I said before," she began.
She went on to talk about what she had said in the message she had sent him. She also told him what she thought about their last dinner date.
"I was angry," Jordan answered. "And I know I did not handle that well. I'm sorry."
Bella nodded. "I..."
"Our food is here," Jordan said, and that paused their conversation.
The waiter placed their food on the table.
"Enjoy your meal," he told them, and then left.
They began to eat in silence, and when they were done, they rested for a little while before they went on with their conversation. Bella finished what she wanted to say before the waiter showed up. Jordan also said what he wanted to say.
In the end, they both apologized to each other and promised to better communicate with themselves.
They left the restaurant by ten, and Jordan drove Bella back to her place.
"Thank you for today," he told her. "And thank you for forgiving me."
"I should also thank you for meeting with me so we could clear the air. Thank you for the meal too. I enjoyed it."
"I'm glad you did."