Chapter 39 I Love You.
SHIMMA.
“So, what do you say?” Mr. Mattias asked me. I released a heavy sigh, turning away for a quick second as my mind raced with thoughts.
How do I tell my dad? What do I tell him? How would he take it? Would he approve of this?
I looked back at Mr. Mattias, his eyes filled with curiosity. Slowly, I nodded my head as I watched his curious gaze shift to one of amusement.
“Really?” he asked. I responded with a warm smile, even though deep down I was anxious about what would happen when I told my father that I was in love with his best friend.
“Yes, babe, but we have to wait until the weekend—on Sunday, when you come over to my place. How about that?” I asked, and he nodded, a smirk on his lips. “That is fine, babe. Sunday is fine,” he replied.
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A DAY TO SUNDAY; SATURDAY.
For the past few days, I couldn’t stop thinking about how tomorrow was going to turn out. How he was going to react to the situation.
“Shimma,” Mr. Mattias’s voice broke me from my thoughts. I looked away from the window, my eyes landing on him as he drove. “You seem worried. Why?” he asked, his eyes still on the road. “Uhmm, worried? No, I’m not,” I said, looking back outside at the beautiful city lights and the illuminated tall skyscrapers. Los Angeles is indeed beautiful, especially at night.
Mr. Mattias pulled up in front of his gate. He didn’t say anything after that. It was as if he knew I was truly bothered but didn’t want to press me with questions.
Just as we drove into Mr. Mattias's compound, it began to rain heavily. I had noticed the weather earlier as we stepped out of the office building, but I didn’t know it would rain this hard. Great. This means I wouldn’t be going back home unless it stops soon, which I didn’t think it would.
You might be wondering why I was at Mr. Mattias's house and not mine. Well, he had invited me over for dinner. He promised to cook his special meal so that I could have a taste of it. He hasn’t told me what his favorite meal is yet, but I can’t wait!
We both ran inside the house to escape the heavy rain. But despite how fast we ran, we still got soaking wet. I guess it was my fault because running in heels was no easy task, and Mr. Mattias couldn’t leave me behind, so he had to run at my slow pace.
“Go upstairs, take a warm shower, and change into…” Mr. Mattias paused, realizing that I had nothing to wear.
I had packed up all my clothes before leaving last time, so right now I had nothing. “Uhmm, babe, I have nothing to wear,” I said, and he nodded. “I know. We didn’t plan this,” he said, running his hand through his hair. “But would you be comfortable in mine?” he asked. “Like your shirt?” I asked, and he nodded....
“Uhh, okay,” I said nervously. I hadn't worn any of my ex's clothes before, let alone Mr. Mattias's.
“Alright, you can go upstairs and take your bath; I'll bring it to your room,” he said. I nodded.
I was about to take a step when he called my name.
“Shimma,” I paused, turning to face him. “You seem bothered. What's bothering you?” he asked, taking a step closer to me.
He was right. A lot had been happening over the last few days, and tomorrow would determine whether my relationship with Mr. Mattias would continue.
“Hmmmn?” Mr. Mattias cupped my face, bringing me from my thoughts to that moment. “It's nothing,” I mumbled.
“Don't lie to me, Shimma. I know you're not fine. Since this week, tell me, what's wrong?” he asked in a concerned tone, a frown settling on his face.
“It's tomorrow,” I said, looking deep into his eyes as I watched them darken, as if he had just unmasked the fear within them.
“Look, Shimma, you do not have to worry about anything. Telling them would be the right thing to do, but even if they don't approve of what we have, I promise you, I wouldn't give up on you. I love you, and this love we both share is forever,” he said as I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
I shut my eyes as he leaned forward to kiss my forehead. I love it when he kisses my forehead. (Okay, I'm sure I must have said that a million times, but his lips! Oh! Lord have mercy).
“Alright, go take a warm bath; I don't want you catching cold,” he said, releasing his hands from my face. I nodded with a smile, but I felt his grip again. He pulled me toward him, planting another kiss on my forehead, then my cheek. He rarely does that.
“Alright, I should leave you,” he said. I giggled because his hands were still holding on to mine.
“I love you, Shimma,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I love you too,” I responded.
“No,” he said, a frown settling on my face. What does he mean, no?
“What?” I asked.
“When I say, ‘I love you,’ you say ‘I love you too.’ You should add 'too' to it. Then you mean you love me because I love you, not just because you love me,” he said. I smiled because Mr. Mattias had taken the time to explain it to me. Where is the real cold, nonchalant, tough, arrogant, prideful Mr. Mattias? This isn't him. Like, damn! (I like him better now, though).
I giggled, finally releasing myself from his grip.
“Okay, babe, noted,” I said, taking the stairs. He stopped, laughing, his eyes locked on my backside as I ascended.
I had just gotten out of the shower and grabbed a white towel, wrapping it around my body. My eyes landed on Mr. Mattias's shirt on my bed; beside it was a note.
I smiled, bending to pick up the note as I read through it….