Chapter 27 A date
NOVA
After the incident, I pretended nothing happened between us. Luckily, Dashiell travelled for business and would be back in a week, giving me ample time to prepare for his return, knowing he would once more start following me around like the annoying housefly he was. The only good thing about this week was Brion's return. I had been eagerly waiting, counting the days until his return. "So, where do you wish to go on the date?" Brion asked, smiling at me, his eyes crinkling at the side as he watched. Like always, it drew me to him. I would be a liar if I said I never noticed how handsome he was. It didn't make matters okay. He was such a good uncle to my kids, making me imagine what a romantic life with him would be like, but I didn't take those expectations far.
Brion had been my saviour, something I never asked for, and one reason I would always be indebted to him. Thinking about him romantically would only cause a strain on our relationship, something I
never wanted.
"Nova?" He waved his palm at my face, causing me to jerk from my thoughts. Blinking, I smiled at him. "Are you okay?" His tone was concerned, and so was his gaze. The way he stared at me made it seem like I might break into pieces should he not watch me closely.
"I was just thinking of how lonely I was when you left," I sobbed, wrapping my hands around his neck. "I missed you, Brion!" I sniffed his neck, burying my face in it as his warm scent enveloped me. Brion always smelled like home, the scent was warm and inviting, like a gentle embrace. It's a mix of his natural skin odour, his cologne, and the subtle aroma of freshly cut wood. The scent is deep and rich, but not overpowering.
"You will choke me!" He moaned, jokingly trying to pull me away when he was only bringing me closer.
"That's the goal. I intend to smother you. With love, of course." Chuckling, I detangled from his embrace and got up from the couch. "Let's go shopping first. There are things I've been meaning to get." "Not this, God," he groaned, exasperated as he covered his face with his palm, "Why can't you choose to go on a date in a restaurant like others?"
"We will do that later." Winking at him, I walked towards my room to get dressed, stopping at my kids' room to check on them. They were fast asleep after having played with Brion all afternoon. It was a Saturday, and none of them went to school. So, with Brion's return, they requested he play outside with them.
Mara, who had been a constant in the house these past few days, joined me out in the foyer, reading a novel as we watched them play all day. It was such a hearty time for us, one that made me feel like we were one big family when I shared the cookies I baked.
Certain they were still asleep, I returned to my room to get dressed. There wasn't a need to overdress as we were just going on a date and also had some shopping to do.
Dates for Brion and I aren't like the normal couple's own. We were just friends, who always went on a date each month or once in two months, depending on how busy we were. It's like a monthly ritual for us. Most times, we take the kids, but at other times, we don't.
I got dressed in black pants and a flowery shirt, pairing it off with black flats. Like always, I didn't bother with makeup. I just wore my earrings and wristwatch and it was good to do.
As I exited my room, I walked over to the one we gave Mara for the times she slept over in the house, to tell her we were leaving, so she would be on alert in case the twins woke up. After telling her what I expected her to do, and hearing her gush over my dressing and hair, which I had in a braided bun, I left her room for the parlour.
"Are you ready?" I asked Brion when I stepped in, smiling when I recognized he had dressed similarly to me.
"We think alike," he commented when he noticed me staring at his flowery Hawaiian shirt. "Do you want me to change?" He proposed after a minute, his face morphing into a frown as he watched me,
waiting for me to say something.
"Nah, it's okay." I shook my head, grinning as I walked over to link my arms with his. "I was just surprised, that's all."
"Good." Leaning down to place a kiss on my forehead, he led me out of the house and towards his car. Since we were going on a date, there was no need to use mine.
The drive to the mall was the fastest ever. There was no traffic on the road, so we zoomed past, with Brion keeping to the speed limit. The last thing we needed was getting flagged by cops.
"Can I walk around while you shop? There are -" He paled when I shot a dark scowl at him.
"Weren't you the one who promised to take me out on a date? Don't tell me you are trying to slip away from it?"
"Not at all!" Forcing a smile, he linked his arm with mine as he led me into the mall and straight to where he knew I wanted to go first. I had been meaning to buy a new handbag, but -
I stilled on my steps when I noticed someone in the same shop I was going to. Dashiell was there, with Lilith hugging his arm, as they went around each other for bags.
My heart felt bitter when I saw them, not out of jealousy, but anger. I recalled all the times I asked Dashiell to take me out, but was turned down.
However, there he was, flirting with his girlfriend as they went around looking at the bags in the shop. What a freaking bastard! I hope he rots in the deepest part of hell. "Nova? Are you okay?" Brion, who hadn't seen them, demanded, looking down at me with concern. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Smiling, I turned, causing him to do the same. "I just recalled something. Let's check the clothes out first. We can come back for the bag after that."
"Okay."
Unquestionably, he led me towards another store, not knowing I had a reason for changing my mind. Seeing that damned bastard spoiled my mood.