24 - Oliver Taylor
1521 Words
I probably made a mistake. I shouldn’t have left her alone. All those socialites who surrounded her must have said a lot of things. I should’ve kept her by my side.
I approached her, then.
“Hey, excuse me, ladies.” Still have to observe some manners.
“Hi.” Lee looked relieved to see me. Her eyes are practically telling me to take her away.
“I have a few friends to introduce, would you like to come with?” I staged the invitation. She beamed and said yes. She excused herself from everyone.
As soon as we walked a few meters away, her beaming expression collapsed.
“Don’t ever do that again.” She expressed sternly.
“Got it.” I offered my arm to her as we navigate towards some of my business colleagues. They did notice Lee earlier and were asking me to introduce her.
Unlike the ladies, they were more open to personally know her, asking questions and allowing her to answer without making her feel like a lowly being. I already warned them earlier not to embarrass her. Lee’s such an honest soul, not even hiding the fact that she’s just a waitress. She did give me an apologetic look as she answered that question about her job. Not at all pretentious.
The boys already grilled me with questions earlier about her. Some of them expressed concern. Some were supportive, leaving the decision to me seeing as it’s my life and they really have nothing to concern themselves about me. Some were asking if I’m serious about not using marriage as an opportunity to strengthen my economic standing and that of my company as well. I should marry an heiress, or at least a company owner as well, they say. I just stared at Lee as she fielded questions. Only the movements of her hands on my arm told me how she’s actually feeling. She’s smart. There was no need for me to block any one’s questions.
“Do you have any plans of working at Oliver’s company?” Someone still asked.
Lee turned to me with her smile. I returned it to her.
“We’ve talked about it. I’m not yet that confident.” She answered.
“Why don’t you give it a try? You’ll learn on the job, anyway.”
“I don’t want to embarrass him. If I’m not prepared, I’ll probably be tricked into messing up. I’ve been studying for now.”
“That’s an idea. What are you studying? Are you attending school?”
“No. Self-study. Random stuff. Whatever my brain can absorb about business and management.” She turned to me again. This time, her smile is almost gone. There’s only so much she can handle.
“I think you guys already asked too much. Give her a break.” I stated. The guys mostly understood.
“Excuse us for a moment.” I withdrew from the group and guided her towards a table. She didn’t want to let go when I tried to leave her for a moment.
“I’ll just order us some food. You must be starving. I am, anyway.” I assured her.
“How long?” Somehow, her expression gripped my heart. I leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.
“I won’t be long. Give me five minutes?” I told her, and she reluctantly nodded.
When I returned, two couples have joined her on the table. I recognized them but I wasn’t that acquainted. I greeted them as I sat down beside Lee.
They were all pleasant. Lee managed to converse with them. The ladies were talking about the issues of being married and how they manage the house while helping their husbands with other issues. The men were mostly talking about business, involving me with their discussions from time to time.
“Are you two dating or are you already married?” The lady’s question was not unexpected but still a surprise. Lee gave me a glance before answering.
“Dating. It hasn’t been that long.” She answered.
“Oh, by the way you two interacted with each other, I would’ve thought you’re already married, like newly-weds. How long have you been dating?”
By now, only the women are talking. The men were focusing on their meals, but attentively listening to the conversation.
“Uhm, four months? Right?” She pulled me into their conversation. I knew she’s still uncomfortable when people ask about our relationship.
“Yes.” I smiled the women as I answered. On the side, Lee gave me the wide eyes. My smile got wider. The ladies noticed.
“She’s still shy about it. You can say I’m her first boyfriend.” I explained, not wanting the ladies’ impression of her to take a downturn.
“Oh, I see. You seem like a sweet, attentive guy. You look adorable together.”
“I remember you. You usually attend social events alone, right?” The other lady commented. I guess some people would notice the little details.
“You can say that. About a year ago, I used to drag my sister with me. A couple of girlfriends.” I’m not sure if I should’ve mentioned that. I stole a glance at Lee.
The lady who asked actually laughed.
“Oh, don’t be jealous, dear. I can tell this one is being careful around you. Can’t even mention ex-girlfriends without looking guilty.” The casual comment made Lee and I to stare at each other.
“Hey, hey… no staring. My heart can’t take it. You guys should invite us when you get married, okay?” The sweet madam actually teased. Lee coughed while turning away, pulling a hanky from her purse.
“Oh, I see what you mean. Haven’t you guys talked about marriage yet?” The question was suddenly directed at me.
“I…” I glanced at Lee, who adamantly refuses to look at me, sipping water on the side.
“I’m still trying to make her comfortable with dating. Otherwise, I would probably scare her with the topic of marriage.” I replied honestly. That’s the way Lee is, at the moment.
“Oh, my. Really? I can already tell you’re being sincere. Miss, you shouldn’t let this guy go…”
“Please don’t. She’s averse to most people’s opinion. If you tell her that, I’m afraid she’ll dump me much earlier.” I teased, and her offended expression is priceless.
I knew she was trying to make a proper comeback, a reply to what I said. That’s when I realized it flew over her head, seeing her nervous and serious expression.
I sighed and touched her nose with a finger. “I was just teasing you. Don’t be so serious.” After I said that, she looked around the table to see everyone’s expression.
“She’s not used to teasing, is she?” One of the ladies asked, smiling at Lee. I should get their names again.
“She’s a bit of a serious type.” I explained. Her face reddened and I grinned down at her.
The others are quick to divert the conversation to mundane things again, realizing Lee’s not comfortable with the current topic. They’re the type of people I like during these functions: genuine.
A few days later, Christan visited me at the office.
“Are you really serious with her?” His question effectively stopped me from working on the documents Charles put in my table.
“Yes, I am.” I answered plainly, but knowing my brother, I didn’t bother continuing with work. I gave him my full attention.
“Have you considered the pros and cons? The risks?” He spoke as if we’re talking about a business deal.
“I have.” We’ve been dating for months now, and so far, I only liked everything. Not a single thing about her turns me off. Of course, that was my opinion. Other people tend to focus on her negatives, mainly her amnesia and her job.
Even Christan already voiced his concerns about my dating life. A few times in the last weeks, to be honest.
“I know what I’m doing. Alright?” I almost pleaded. Any more of this talk discouraging me and somehow maligning Lee, I would eventually lash out. I’m sure he sensed it. He sighed.
“Just remember that your decision will affect the rest of your life.” His serious advice is heart-warming. I did tell him that I plan to marry Lee, practically the moment I had thought of it and how it made me excited, I called him in the middle of the night to tell him about it. Why him? Well, he’s my brother and he’s already married. Remembering that time when he confided in me when he met his wife, how he felt about her and their story that followed, I was in a way envious of his married life, and his two kids. And the fact that I’m not getting any younger.
“I know.” I assured him.
- Writer
