Backroom Deal [ongoing]

•TWENTY•

"Jesus, will you hurry up already?" Julian calls from outside my door.

"I appreciate the flattery but my name is actually Nova" I reply and scowl at the door, even though he can't see my face. I hear a string of grumbled words in response.

I take my sweet time applying my lipstick and mascara, making sure neither will smudge tonight. After finally stepping into my heels, I look at the full body mirror. My velvet black wrap dress is single shouldered with the hem stopping just above my knees. The material covering my right shoulder is dotted with shimmering silver specks, mimicking small stars that gradually fade down to my waist. My hair is loose and brushed but I use a jeweled pin to keep it in a half up and half down style. I look good, as I normally do, for a dinner.

Grabbing my purse, I open the door and see Julian standing there in a midnight blue button-down shirt, dark gray dress pants, and a black tie that is snug around his neck. His russet brown hair is minimally styled, although a few strands are purposely out of place.

He looks up from his phone and his hazel green eyes meet mine. He surveys my attire with a calculated gaze and I think I see his lips part slightly like he wants to make a comment. If he's going to give me shit for my color choice, I'm not in the mood to hear it.

But in the next second, his eyes go to his watch and he glares at me. I gladly return the gesture.

"About damn time" He mutters, turning on his heel and heading for the stairs.

A car is waiting for us outside and as soon as we get in, the ride to the restaurant is silent.

Half an hour later after we arrive and check in, we get seated at a table. Some of the staff recognize us, giving us friendly smiles.

Since Julian's mother made the reservations for us, I found out that our meals will already be paid. It's ridiculous because we're both capable of buying what we want here. But according to Aviella, this is her treat to give us a "nice night out".

It would be a nice night, except for the obvious fact that neither of us wants to be here.

A waitress comes to pours wine into both of our glasses and after she takes our orders, she's gone and leaves us in silence.

I don't bother to say anything as I take out my phone and scroll through my email. Other than a frustrated sigh, Julian doesn't say anything either. Fair enough.

There are other couples and groups around us, enjoying their dinners under the luxury of a five star restaurant; Bellozino is exactly that. I remember coming here with Melina and Grandpa a few years ago and the three floor restaurant is still extravagant.

On all three levels, chandeliers line the ceilings. The walls and floors are entirely made of marble and glass fixtures and the gushing sounds of water from the indoor fountain are drowned out by the soft classic music. The tables each have a bouquet and candle set, along with complimentary wine and a parmesan breadstick basket.

"Look" Julian murmurs after a very long silence. "I don't want to be here either. But you're making it so fucking obvious."

I look up from my phone. Indeed, a couple nearby begins to look at us in recognition. I notice a few other familiar faces because this place is a common upscale choice for romantic nights.

Except, the romance part is nonexistent at our table. Julian and I aren't even talking or acknowledging each other. I suppose it can raise suspicions that can be twisted into something else.

"I dont see you trying" I point out as I put my phone back in my purse.

"Well maybe you weren't paying attention." he replies, narrowing his eyes at me. "This is a two way street, Akhran"