Chapter 98 CHAPTER 98

Chapter 98 CHAPTER 98
Andrew’s POV

I sit alone at the bar, a bottle of whiskey in front of me. There is classical music playing in the background and the atmosphere is cooler than usual. I hear footsteps near me, the sound of girls’ heels to be specific. I do not turn, not until the person sits next to me. I can smell it, a familiar scent.

“Hey, handsome,” I hear right beside me. It is the same lady I met a while ago at the bar. Her name was Flora, I believe.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, flustered a little.

“I should ask you that question,” she throws it back to me. “I am a regular here but you… you come only once in a while and every damn time, you have a bottle of whiskey in front you. Ah, you are always in the same seat. That’s being way too predictable, don’t you think so?”

“I am an adult, Flora. I can choose to be predictable,” I tell her calmly. I sip from my glass. She grabs another glass and pour from my bottle. She drinks… I mean, she gulps it down as if she had been thirsty for a long time. She belches right after. It’s gross but she’s being herself, isn’t she?

“I’m a little drunk now,” she looks into my eyes.

“So what?” I ask. “Don’t people drink to get drunk?”

She smiles weakly, “What I am trying to say is, you can tell me what is bothering you. You don’t have to worry about anything, my memories are literally wiped whenever I get drunk.”

That made me laugh.

“I don’t think your memories are wiped,” I say, unconvinced.

“That’s why you should try. Talk to me about it and when you ask tomorrow, I won’t remember it,” she says lightly. I can tell she is trying to make me feel better. However, I am not the type of person that would tell a random person about myself.

“I appreciate the offer but I will decline,” I tell her politely.

“Is it about a girl?” she asks, keeping eye contact with me. I think of denying and then I think I can just say the truth and then I think of denying again. This continues in a loop and I end up compromising.

“Let’s just drink,” I say, waving the entire discussion off. It doesn’t go as great as I want it to. Why? It’s all because of Flora’s persistence.

“I’m sure you don’t want to talk about it but you see, no one understands a woman than another woman. If you tell me, I might be of help,” she points out calmly. For a moment, I think of telling her but a part of me doesn’t let it happen. Not so easily, at least.

“Women might understand themselves better but I doubt you’ll understand this particular woman better than I do. You haven’t met her, you don’t know what she’s like… what makes you think you would understand her when I can’t?” I ask in a tone which hovers in between gentleness and firmness.

“All women are the same,” she says confidently.

“Are they? Let’s drink to that,” I raise my glass and clink glasses with her. This time again, she gulps it all down.

“You are trying to get me drunk,” she accuses me.

“You are literally the one who keeps gulping it down,” I point out. By the time I realize she was only teasing me, it was too late. I had fallen for her bait already.

“Oh really? I might as well stop drinking,” she withdraws, sulking. She might not know but I do not like people who sulk. I appreciate babies but not big babies. I believe adults should be adults at all times.

“You should,” I tell her, refusing to indulge her. She doesn’t speak to me for about a minute. I bet she hoped I would apologize or something. When she eventually speaks, she is pointing to the door.

“Isn’t he the one?” she asks. “I mean, isn’t he your friend? I saw him with you last time.”

I turn to the door myself and she is right. That is definitely Callum there. I wonder why he is always at the bar whenever I visit. Before I can recover from the surprise of seeing him there, Aurora pulls up by his side. Both of them were talking. I turn away from them and fixed my eyes on the glass in front of me.

“Shall I call them over?” Flora asks.

“No!” I bark at her. “Don’t call them.”

“Really?” she blushes. “Does that mean you want us to have some privacy?”

“Yes,” I reply hurriedly. “In fact, we should leave now.”

I stand up in a hurry, hoping to leave before as soon as possible. I do not hope to meet Aurora but somehow, I do. Callum has a big, pleased smile on his face when he meets us.

“You have a new girl, Andrew,” Callum says, holding in his laughter. “She is hot. You have the right eye for women, as expected.”

I can tell he is saying this because Aurora is with us. I do not deny what he says. Instead, I walk out of the door without looking back. Flora comes with me, constantly urging me to slow down. I do not wait for her, not until I get to my car.

“You walk so fast. You shouldn’t live life like you’re being chased. Learn to take your time when doing things, walking for example,” she tells me casually.

I fold my arms, “It seems you have a lot of wisdom to share with me.”

“I’m not that wise,” she says, blushing.

I frown, “You should go your own way now.”

She holds me back, “But you said we will spend time alone today.”

“I was lying,” I replied casually. “Now leave my arm or we will have a problem.”

She holds on for a few seconds but when the look in his eyes changes, she leaves my arm. I get into my car and drive off, leaving her behind.