Chapter 138
Isabella’s POV.
The weekend had finally arrived, and I found myself sitting in a cozy restaurant with my dearest friends, Isla and Nasira. It had been far too long since our last hangout and the air buzzed with excitement as I eagerly anticipated catching up on all the events that had unfolded in their lives.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret that Isla and Nasira couldn't join us in Italy. Work commitments held them behind. Nevertheless, we were determined to make the most of our time together, turning this lunch into a mini catch-up session.
As we settled in, my curiosity got the better of me, and I turned my attention to Nasira, the other half of what I often deemed America's cutest couple – her and Ken. They were the embodiment of relationship goals that you see online, their outfits occasionally coordinating in a way that seemed too perfect to be coincidental.
"So, Nasira, how have you and Ken been?" I inquired, unable to hide the grin that crept onto my face.
"Haven't you seen how smitten he is over her? They keep staring at each other with lovey eyes all day, and I'm caught in the middle," She said as a mischievous spark danced in Isla's eyes.
"Oh, you poor, poor soul," I couldn't help but tease Isla for her jokes, patting her back in mock sympathy.
Nasira blushed at the mention of her relationship, a sight that only fueled Isla's teasing demeanor. "Well, we're thinking of taking it to the next level," Nasira redirected the conversation with a sly smile.
Isla seized the opportunity to poke fun, "More staring in the office?" I struggled to suppress my laughter, resorting to a snort that escaped despite my efforts. Leaning over, I grabbed my iced tea, taking a deliberate sip as I observed the playful exchange between my two friends.
"We do not stare at each other like you're making it out to be," Nasira defended herself, shooting a glare at Isla.
"I don't know, Isla builds a strong case," I chimed in, adding a touch of mischief to the conversation, eager to see where it would lead. From what I observed, Nasira and Ken were diligent about maintaining professionalism at work, yet I couldn't deny catching those subtle, affectionate stares exchanged between them. It was undeniably adorable.
"Isla needs to get laid," Nasira retorted with a smirk, prompting a hearty laugh from me. How I had missed the candid banter and genuine connection we shared. "Feisty," I began to remark before Isla beat me to it, sighing dramatically. "But you would be right."
Shifting the focus, I couldn't help but dive into the intriguing topic. "Anyways, what does the next step mean?”
"Marriage, that is if he wants to continue this relationship, of course," Nasira answered with a soft smile playing on her lips.
The idea of marriage always struck me as a monumental step, and I couldn't help but express my curiosity. "Are you ready for that? It seems like such a huge leap."
"I believe so, yeah. Ken is basically dying to ask my parents," Nasira chuckled, her eyes filled with happiness.
"That's amazing," I grinned, genuinely thrilled for my friend.
"Can't believe Ken is getting married before me, but you do deserve the world," Isla chimed in, patting Nasira's hand affectionately.
"Thank you, Iz," Nasira responded with a warm smile.
The topic then shifted from the prospect of marriage to Isla's romantic ventures. "Speaking of getting laid, I scored a date tonight," she announced, sharing a photo of the handsome basketball player she had plans with.
"Wow, look at you go, plus you also passed your last exams," Nasira gushed, admiration evident in her voice. Our lunch turned into a celebration of love, achievement, and the delightful twists that life brought our way. As we continued to share stories and laughter, the bond between us only strengthened.
"Yep, I'm officially done with studying! Okay, maybe just maybe I might go to law school," Isla rambled, then groaned at herself in that endearing way of hers.
"Honestly, I can certainly see you as a lawyer," I admitted, letting my imagination paint a vivid picture of Isla passionately arguing her case in a courtroom.
"Right," Nasira agreed, her eyes reflecting the possibility.
"I think so too," Isla sighed and smiled, diverting the topic with a quick shift. "Anyways, tell us about you and Ares."
"We're doing as great as ever. I love him to pieces," I began, relishing the chance to share the joy that Ares brought into my life. However, a recent conversation lingered in my thoughts, casting a slight shadow.
"We had an awkward conversation a few days ago," I confessed, noticing Nasira's furrowed brows as she bit into her wrap.
"Ew, it's not a sex thing, is it?" Isla interjected her expression one of playful disgust.
"No, it's not a sex thing," I reassured, laughing and shaking my head. "I just mentioned more kids for Slade, but he understood me differently. I wanted to ask if we'd have more kids, but I'm not sure he understood me, so I didn't mention it again," I carefully chose my words, reluctant to unveil the vulnerability that lingered beneath.
"Well, maybe you should just mention it more openly," Nasira suggested, a touch of wisdom in her voice as she continued enjoying her wrap.
"Do you want more kids?" she asked, raising a brow at me with genuine curiosity.
"Not right now, but I do want more at some point," I admitted truthfully, the thought had occupied my mind the night before when sleep should have claimed me but didn’t so overthinking took place.
"Then you should talk to him about it," Isla advised, her eyes earnest and caring.
"I will... At some point," I promised.
We continued to catch up until it was time for us to head our separate ways. It was Saturday. I spent my morning going to the park with Slade then going to Rene and Reynold and now I just finished my lunch. Next on the rooster was meeting up with Emilio.
“Hey, how are you?” I asked as I called Ares. I made sure to check his schedule first though.
“I’m doing good. How was your lunch with the ladies?” Ares asked, his cool voice making me smile instantly.
“It was great, how was your business lunch?” I wondered, remembering how he groaned about it last night.
“Boring but the thought of your beautiful face kept me going,” Ares said and I could picture the smirk on his face.
“How smooth,” I laughed, feeling a blush creep up my face. “I’ll be heading to the Meadows Retreat,” I reminded him as we had spoken about.
“Oh yes, speaking of, I managed to get you your own membership in case his invite won’t work,” Ares replied. He had been iffy about Emilio’s invitation and wanted me to have my own membership, I wanted my own membership too but read it was hard to get.
“Sounds great, thank you, Ares,” I said excitedly and didn’t bother hiding my excitement.
“I love you, bye,” Ares said into the phone as it was already time for his next meeting.
“I love you too, honey, see you later,” I blew kisses into the phone before ending the call.
I got ready at home, Ares had sent someone to deliver me my shiny new card and I was excited. Emilio asked me to meet him elsewhere first so I headed to the pier to meet up with him.
“Ah you came,” Emilio said as he walked over to me with a smile on his lips. He looked radiating with the sun glistening on his face and the shades covering his eyes.
“You invited me,” I reminded him, staring at the people walking around on the pier, eating, drinking, laughing, and playing games.
“Of course, come on,” Emilio laughed and gestured for me to walk first. “We’ll get some shaved ice first,” he decided and both our eyes settled on the shaved ice stand that was very vibrant.
I nodded in agreement, engaging in light conversation as Emilio and I strolled toward the shaved ice stall, ready to satisfy our sweet cravings.
"How has your day been?" I inquired, turning my gaze towards him. I couldn't help but wonder how a professional athlete filled his free time.
"Great. Mom asked me to move some things for her, then I apparently didn't do it right, so I had to put them back in their original place," Emilio shared, prompting a laugh from me.
"Oh, you poor soul," I snickered, imagining him trying to navigate the items of his mother.
"God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers," Emilio sighed, shaking his head. The timing couldn't have been better as the man at the stall handed us our shaved ice. I opted for a delectable green apple with strawberry, taking a sip and savoring the familiar taste.
"Oh, I forgot how good these are," I mused.
"Right, the apple and pine just hit perfectly," Emilio marveled, his green and yellow drink bringing an extra layer of joy to his expression.
Seemingly driven by a strong desire for shaved ice, Emilio suggested we move on after finishing our treats. He only opted for one ride before declaring it was time to head to the country club. A game of tennis awaited us, and later, Daniela joined us for badminton. We had plans for the spa, anticipating a day filled with relaxation and enjoyment.
Little did I know, my expectations for the day were about to take an unexpected turn, man I wish I had known from the start.