Hazel POV
"So Italian, huh?" Aiden asked me as we pulled up to a small Italian restaurant.
"Yeah, I love this place. It may not be the type of restaurant you're used to, but the food here is absolutely delicious," I explained.
"Well, I'm sold. Let's go," he said, and we entered the restaurant together.
We were seated at a cozy table, and we both ordered our food. Aiden looked at me, gratitude in his eyes. "I really can't thank you enough for what you did today," he said sincerely.
"It's honestly no problem. I love Alice," I replied, taking a sip of my water.
"Alice loves you too. She can't stop talking about you," he added with a smile.
"Good to know."I couldn't help but smile back. It warmed my heart to know that Alice cared about me.
Curiosity got the better of Aiden, and he asked me about my career choice. "Why didn't you ever pursue a career with children?" he inquired.
I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to delve into the reasons. "I wanted to, but things didn't work out," I vaguely replied, hoping he would drop the subject.
"Oh, I see." He simply stated.
"Yeah. Um, what made you want to become a lawyer?" I asked him, trying to change the subject.
"In all honesty, I didn't choose to be a lawyer. My father chose this for me." He said.
"Oh, I see. What would you have chosen?" I asked him.
"Hmm, that's new. No one has asked me what I've wanted in a while. I guess the answer would be a fireman. As a kid, I would picture myself as a fireman, " he replied. "However, my father did a really good job of crushing my dream at a you age." He said with a sad smile.
"He sounds like a tough father," I said, looking down at my plate.
"That would be an understatement," he said.
"I'm sorry." I said, not knowing what to respond.
"It's alright. I don't regret becoming a lawyer. I just wished I actually had a choice in the matter." He said. I smiled and then he changed the subject. "So how do you like working at the firm?" he said.
"I've actually really like it." I replied, and Aiden smiled at me.
"I'm glad you do," he said. Then there was a long pause between us. "Listen, Daisy, I'm sorry." He said as he looked deep into my eyes. "What happened at the party..." He started to say.
I interrupted him before he could finish. "Aiden, it's okay. I forgive you," I reassured him.
He seemed genuinely surprised. "Really?" he asked, his tone filled with disbelief.
"Yes, really," I responded, surprising myself as well. I never thought I could forgive Aiden, but seeing the remorse in his eyes, I believed he was truly sorry. Plus I saw a new side of him that made me belive he was actually sorry.
Aiden smiled gratefully. "Does this mean we can be friends?" he asked, hoping for a positive response.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer. "I don't know," I replied honestly.
"Why not?" he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.
"Well, you're kind of my boss," I pointed out, looking up at him.
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, so? Bosses can be friends with their employees too. I would be honored to call you my friend, Hazel. You're a unique person," he said, his smile sincere.
My cheeks flushed at his words, and I found myself smiling back at him. "I suppose there's no harm in being friends," I conceded.
"Thanks, Hazel," he said with gratitude. Our conversation flowed easily from there, and before we knew it, the waiter brought the check. I tried to reach for it, but Aiden stopped me.
"Please, it's on me," he insisted.
I protested, reminding him that he paid last time. But he brushed off my argument. "You can pay next time we go out," he suggested.
I sighed, realizing he wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Fine, but I will definitely pay next time," I said, giving in.
Aiden paid the bill, and we walked back to his car. As we drove, I noticed his phone vibrating.
"You were right, by the way. The food was absolutely delicious," he said, breaking the silence.
I smiled and replied, "I'm glad you liked it."
We arrived at the apartment complex, and Aiden dropped me off at the entrance.
"I'm meeting some friends," he said.
"Oh, you should have told me. I could have taken a cab." I responded. Feeling uncomfortable.
"Nonsense, I couldn't do that to my new friend," he smiled. "Oh, by the way, since we are now friends, how about I give you a ride to work from now on?" he said.
"What?" I asked surprised. "No, thank. I can get there on my own" I replied.
"We live in the same apartment complex and work in the same place, please Hazel." He replied.
"It just that..."I tried to say.
"Hazel you said we were friends. Friends take favors from other friends right? So please just say yes" he replied.
I groaned. This man was not taking no for an answer "I suppose" I replied.
"Great. I'll see you on Monday." He replied. "Have a good night Hazel"
"Thanks, you too" I said as he drove off.
I arrived at my apartment and asked myself what the heck just happened.