[|]

A new month had begun and I was still working for Clark but things have been professional between us since then. He now paid me more each day I finished at work and mostly left the money in my bank account or an envelope in the house. It was better that way and I hoped it stayed professional and business-like.

As I rounded up for the evening, I got a text from Andrea, saying I should meet her up at a cafe. I was too tired to meet her but I had to because the last thing I wanted was to spend my free time with her. So, I texted her back letting her know I was on my way.

Some minutes later, I was at the cafe with a tired body. I saw her sitting at a table beside the window and I went over to her. She smiled at my presence while I took a seat across from her.

"Thank you for coming," Andrea said.

"Yeah... So, what are we doing here?" I asked and she waved her hand.

"Relax, girl. I'm not in a rush."

Well, I am if you aren't. I wanted to say it out loud but smiled at her.

"How have you been?" Andrea asked as she played with the straw in her smoothie.

"I'm good, you?"

"I'm fine... I've never been better. These past days I've been happy because of you know who?"

I reframed from rolling my eyes because I knew what she was going to say next. Besides, Andrea and I weren't close and wouldn't have anything else to discuss. I realized she had been calling and paid attention to her.

"...and he has been the sweetest. You know, maybe you were wrong about Lucas being a playboy," she said.

"Really? He isn't?"

"Yes. He's been attentive to me. When I need something he gets it for me. Last week, I told him I wanted a new laptop, and he got it for me. Just yesterday, he got me new shoes. He's so romantic, Jackie."

I chuckled. "Okay... But why am I here?"

Andrea sipped her smoothie and dropped her glass down on the table. She scooted closer and leaned on the table.

"Remember I told you that Luca's birthday is this month? Well, it's next week and I finally bought some presents for him but I can't choose. I need your help choosing it."

"Why do you need my help?" I asked. "Lucas and I aren't that close to one another."

Andrea smirked. "But you knew him from high school, right? And you've been with him some times since you two are in the same college. I'm sure you must know something about him. Come on, Jackie. Just tell me."

I narrowed my eyes at her as she stared at me inquisitively. I looked away to think about anything but I came up blank. There was nothing I knew about Lucas so I had nothing to say to her. Secondly, she sounded suspicious.

Ever since she met Lucas she's been acting too weird for my liking. I had a feeling that she might have a hunch that I was staying with Lucas but I doubted such since there wasn't any hint for her to latch on to.

"Look, Andrea. I don't know anything about Lucas. So, what did you get him?" I asked, shifting her attention.

Andrea beamed. "I got three things; a basketball jersey since he said something about playing basketball, some tickets to watch a game even though I don't like basketball and shoes. Those are what I bought. Which of them should I give him?"

I shrugged. "Just give him all. The more, the better. I'm sure he'll love it."

"Good idea," she said and picked up her phone from the table. "I have a medical practice to attend in an hour."

I rose from my seat, happy to leave but she grabbed my hand. I glanced at it then at her face, eyebrows raised.

"Sorry," she said and released my hand slowly. Andrea rose from her seat and approached me. "I have enough time left. I was curious about something though."

I blinked. "What?"

"Where do you stay?"

My heart thumped fast at her question and fear took over my body but I composed myself so she would not sense it.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because I want to visit sometime. It gets boring for me at my place and I hate that I live here with my parents in California. I want to see your place and from there I can go to my practice."

I racked my head for what to tell her. I could not think about how close she was and how she was staring at me.

"Andrea, I wish I could invite you over but the gu—person I live with doesn't like me bringing visitors. H— this person is a bit territorial," I replied and saw how her blank expression held something behind it.

"That's sad. I wanted you to help me plan Luca's party anyway," Andrea said and walked past me.

I stared at the spot she had been standing before walking away. I got out of the café and saw her walking to her car. I moved the other way and sighed in relief that this was already over.

"Jackie, wait!"

I paused in my steps and shut my eyes so tight at Andrea's voice. All I wanted to do was get back to the house and sleep. I opened my eyes and put a fake smile on my face before turning around. Andrea was running up to me. When she stopped in front of me, she placed a hand on my shoulder to breathe well.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I wanted to know if you can help me tell Lucas something," she said.

"Why would I tell Lucas something when I don't even know him that well. You act as if we live together or something."

I swallowed at my words, hoping she doesn't take the hint.

"Whatever... Look, I need to plan his party and I need to do it at his place. So, can you meet up with him or something and tell him that I need his place?"

There was no way this was happening.

A/N: Read Forty-Four to the fiftieth chapter on Patreon. Updates on Wattpad will be slow.

My Patreon link is in my bio.