Chapter 64 The Date!

Chapter 64 The Date!

Laura's POV:

Leaning forward, I stared at myself in the mirror, while slowly rolling down a lipgloss over my dried lips.

Gwen came into focus from behind me, walking from the opposite end of the room, her hands wrapped round something small and tiny.

I squinted my eyes and watched her with furrowed brows.

She drew closer in three more steps.

“Are you sure you'll be okay, Laur.?” She asked, her eyes worried and concerned.

This was the upteenth time she was repeating this question since I told her I was going out—not like going out… But going to talk things over with Jaxon.

Together.
Alone.
In an enclosed space.

My heart picked up its drumming rapidly and beads of sweat began pouring out on my forehead, that now had firm lines etched over them.

I reached for something to dab at the sweat, so it wouldn't break off my makeup.

“I'll be fine, Gwen. Trust me.”

Even I didn't trust myself—fuck, how could I even think about being fine. When I'd be sitting out with the same monster who forcefully had his way with me six years back? Ruining my whole near perfect life. Ruining everything!

Gwen drew closer, she was so close. I could feel her hot breath on the back of my neck and somehow that warmed me up.

I drew in a deep steadying breath and turned my attention back to the mirror.

Something cold slipped over my neck—a necklace. A beautiful diamond jewelry.

I straightened in my chair, my eyes wide open in shock, as I watched a playful smile curl over Gwen's lips as she wore the necklace on me; it nestled comfortably over my neck like a missing piece, glinting under the dim chandelier light.

She slipped the hook in place and drew back a bit.

“Do you like it?” She asked with a bright smile, masking off her earlier worry.

I wrapped a hand round the necklace, fiddling with it. “Thank you so much, Gwen. I love it—I love you.” The necklace had small golden rings embroidered in a bigger heart-shaped diamond.

“I have always wanted to see you wear this out… I mean to a date. I have always imagined how it'd look on you…” Her voice trailed off.

I swallowed uneasily and an awkward sensation spread through my stomach squeezing the last breath of air in my lungs into a tight knot.

My hands rubbing the diamond momentarily paused in mid motion and I just held the necklace.

Feeling so awkward and unsure of myself.

Am I supposed to smile or just nod or just keep calm or…

“But this is not like an actual date.” I stuttered out, red in the face.

She nodded, her two hands fell on my shoulders. “I know. But this is the first time you're going out with a man in a very long time…”

What?

Another knot lodged between my throat, as I fought down another forceful gulp. Choking on my own.

I reached to brush the hem of my dress, which literally didn't need any straightening whatsoever.

Jaxon Fallon—the name sprung up in my mind again.

The same violent man from six years ago, the rapist.

I was going out with him?

I shuddered and made a poor attempt at clearing my throat.

“It's not a date please.” I said firmly, dropping my hands off the necklace.

Gwen drew back her hands and I pulled myself off the seat.

“We're just going to talk things over… this whole scandal is just rumors.”

Did my best friend really think I'd be attracted to that man?

That same man?

“I know, it's not. I was just saying.”

I drew in another breath and managed to turn my face to her.

“I know you didn't mean any harm. Thank you for the necklace though, I love it.”

Her sad eyes gleamed up, and her famous smile returned. “I knew you would.”

I chuckled softly and drew her into a tight bone-crushing hug.

“Thank you.” I whispered in a hushed tone.

She nodded. “You're welcome.”

My chest tightened, I pressed against her, hugging her tightly in place, as though I was afraid I'd lose her like I lost my dignity that night. Like I lost everything…

“Thank you for everything…” I said, my voice trembling with several emotions.

She rubbed my back gently. “It's nothing, Laura. I have always done what a good friend should do.”

“I know, thank you still.”

She nudged me gently. “Don't let that bastard try anything funny.”

I nodded against her chest and drew back, then resumed dabbing off the tear streak that had fallen down my chin.

“Hermes would be with me, I know he can't try anything funny with him around.” I said, trying to smile.

“I know. He wouldn't dare—just ring me up if anything comes up, I'd definitely walk in there and kick his damn sorry ass.”

“I'm sure you would.” I said chuckling.

“Good thing, you know.”

………

We got to the hotel in no time, the place was barely a few blocks from my house and that wasn't even more reason why I agreed to show up.

Hermes helped me with the door and I walked in confidently, holding my head high. My heels clanked on the tiled floor as we made for the receptionist, drawing all attention to us.

I held my black purse up and undid the lid, giving a sharp contrast to my long red gown. All eyes were on me as usual, but at least these people had the decency of not taking any photos or rushing over to beg for autographs.

Just normal civilized people. And that was better, just what I needed.

Hermes stood behind me like a second shadow, as I slipped out my reservation card to the receptionist.

Jaxon had booked a more reserved place, for our meeting. Like he knew that I really didn't need the crowd and all.

I didn't love the attention. That was Vixen's specialty not Laura Jacobs.

I just needed a fucking quiet life.

The receptionist waved a female hotel staff over and whispered a few words to her before turning towards us.

“Please, she would guide you to your reservation ma'am.” She said smiling.

I nodded at her and immediately fell under the staff's direction. We took an elevator to the very last floor. Immediately the elevator doors dinged and slithered open, I marched out as confident as ever.

Jaxon was sitting at the very extreme of the all secluded hall. Immediately he saw me, his face split into a wide grin, he stood up from his chair and made to hold out the chair for me to take a seat.

I furrowed my brows and eyed him suspiciously.

“I'm glad you made it, please have a seat Miss Jacobs.”

The way my name rolled off his tongue made me feel different conflicted emotions at the same time and that made me so uncomfortable.

I smiled stiffly at him and slipped into the seat. Hermes perched on an empty seat few feet from us, not too far but close enough to reach us in one minute if he had to.

Jaxon slid back into his seat and smiled at me.

I frowned, as our eyes met.