Chapter 153: Your Crush Is Coming
"Miss, the two dresses you have chosen are both stunning." she said, her voice sincere
Charlotte smiled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "I know, right? That’s why I chose them." she said, her voice confident. "One is for me, and the other is for my lady here." she added, poking Thea playfully with her elbow.
The saleswoman’s eyes flicked to Thea, and she asked, "You two are sisters?"
Charlotte’s smile grew wider, and she replied, "We are more than sisters," her voice low and intimate.
The saleswoman smiled at them and continued with her work. Charlotte after paying went out along with Thea. The kind saleswoman turned to her assistant, "Just take out the clothes that the lady had touched, we have to send them for cleaning."
"Okay, Mrs. Jenson." the assistant replied.
Thea and Charlotte were strolling through the shopping complex, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling mall. As they walked, Charlotte turned to Thea and asked, "Shall we go and visit some restaurant?"
Thea thought for a moment before responding, "Have you done with your shopping?"
Charlotte nodded, "Yes, I’ve got everything I needed. But I would like to see a few other stores before we head to the restaurant."
Thea smiled and agreed, "Okay, let’s go check them out."
They roamed about the mall and then finally went to the restaurant Charlotte chose. As they arrived, Charlotte stopped the car in front of the restaurant, and Thea got down, gazing up at the sign that read "Tuscany Bistro" in bold, golden letters. The exterior of the restaurant was stylishly designed, with a charming patio area and a warm, inviting glow that emanated from within. Thea’s eyes sparkled as she took in the sight, and she turned to Charlotte with a nod of approval. "This looks perfect." she said.
As they stepped into the restaurant, they were greeted by the warm glow of soft lighting and the gentle hum of conversation. However, their enthusiasm was quickly dampened when they saw that the dining area was packed to capacity. Every table was occupied, and the receptionist’s apologetic smile confirmed their worst fears. "Sorry, we are totally booked."he said.
Charlotte’s face fell, and she turned to Thea with a disappointed look. "Unfortunate.." she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
Thea suggested, "Shall we go to another restaurant?" but Charlotte was hesitant. "Hmm, here it will take some time to get a vacancy," she said, glancing around the crowded room.
As they waited, Charlotte took in the atmosphere of the restaurant. She noticed that the patrons were mostly couples celebrating special occasions or business professionals entertaining clients. The air was thick with the aroma of fine cuisine, and the soft music playing in the background added to the sophisticated ambiance. Despite the initial disappointment, Charlotte seemed willing to wait, hoping that a table would become available soon.
Thea’s gaze swept the dining area, and she exclaimed, "That table is empty." She nodded towards the table, her eyes questioning.
Charlotte followed her gaze and replied, "Maybe someone has already booked the table earlier, because the receptionist said it’s totally occupied."
Thea’s face fell, but then she brightened up and said, "Let’s go to another restaurant. I’ll treat you today."
Charlotte’s face lit up with a smile as she replied, "Ooh, then today I’ll eat whatever I want."
Thea laughed and said, "Okay."
As they turned to leave, Charlotte’s eyes locked onto a familiar face behind her, and a sly smile spread across her face. Without anyone noticing, she carefully placed her foot in front of Thea’s path.
Thea, oblivious to the obstacle, took a step forward and stumbled upon Charlotte’s foot. She felt her balance wavering, expecting to fall, but instead, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist, holding her steady.
She had been expecting to fall, but instead, she was caught by someone. Her eyes, which had instinctively closed, slowly opened to meet the gaze of her rescuer.
For a moment, Thea’s eyes locked onto the person’s, and she felt a jolt of surprise. She had been expecting to see Charlotte’s face, but instead, she found herself staring into the eyes of a person she knows.
Thea’s cheeks flushed as she realized she was being held by him.
She felt a flutter in her chest, and her mind went blank as she struggled to process what was happening. His arms, still wrapped around her waist, held her close, and Thea felt a sense of warmth and security wash over her. She stood there, frozen, as the person asked, "Are you okay?"
"Thea, are you okay?" Charlotte showed her attention, her voice breaking the spell. She had achieved what she wanted, and a hint of a smile played on her lips.
Thea took a deep breath and replied, "Hmm...I am Okay...Thanks Ryder.." Ryder’s arms slowly removed from her waist, and Thea felt a pang of disappointment at the loss of his touch.
"Mr. Thompson, nice to meet you.." Charlotte smiled and greeted him. "Hmm...Nice to meet Miss Wright.." He replied her with a smiled. Thea watched the exchange, still feeling a little dazed from the unexpected encounter.
"What are you two doing here?"
Charlotte explained, "We came here to have a meal, but unfortunately, there are no seats available." She gestured to the crowded dining area, and Ryder nodded understandingly.
"You two can join me." Ryder suggested. Thea’s eyes narrowed slightly, unsure if it was a good idea. "Won’t it be any problem?" she asked, her voice laced with hesitation.
Ryder shook his head, "No, actually, the person who was supposed to meet me couldn’t make it right now due to some issues. And I was already planning to have my meal alone. It would be great if you two could join me." he said, his tone warm and inviting. Charlotte’s eyes met Thea’s, and she could see the excitement sparkling in her friend’s eyes. It seemed like fate had brought them together, and Ryder’s offer was too good to refuse.
Thea was about to respond, but before she could utter a word, Charlotte jumped in, "Yes...sh...we would love to join you." Charlotte’s response was quick and enthusiastic, leaving Thea little time to react. Ryder, however, seemed pleased with the response, and he smiled, "Great! Let’s get seated then."
Ryder led the way, and the receptionist greeted him with a warm smile. "Sir, this way please.." she said, gesturing down the hall. Ryder nodded and turned to the receptionist, "You take these two ladies to their seat."
Thea’s eyes met Ryder’s, and she asked him softly, "Are you not coming?" Ryder’s expression turned gentle, and he smiled, "Silly, I have to attend a call. You go and sit there, I’ll come quickly." His voice was low and reassuring, and Thea felt a sense of comfort at his words. She nodded slightly, and Ryder turned to follow the receptionist, who was already leading Charlotte to their table.
Charlotte slid into the seat across from Thea, and Thea’s eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. "Why are you not sitting beside me?" she asked, her voice low and questioning.
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she rolled her eyes at her friend. "Mr. Thompson truly said the truth by calling you ’silly’," she said with a hint of teasing. "I am leaving that seat empty so that Mr. Thompson will sit beside you." she explained, her tone playful and mischievous. Thea’s face grew warm at Charlotte’s words.
Charlotte let out a dreamy sigh, her eyes shining with excitement. "The scene earlier was too good." she gushed, referring to the moment when Ryder had caught Thea in his arms."Are you okay, Thea?" Charlotte repeated, her voice low and soothing, mimicking the same gentle tone Ryder had used earlier when he asked Thea the same question.
But then her expression turned wistful, and she began to daydream out loud. "Ahh, my mind can’t help but repeat the same thing. If only I could also have that scene with Ryan..." she trailed off, her voice filled with longing.
Thea chuckled, a playful glint in her eye. "Don’t worry, I wish you all the best in not getting any of the scenes you imagine." she teased, trying to bring her friend back down to earth.
Charlotte’s eyes snapped back into focus, and she shot Thea a sly grin.
