Leonor

     It had been a day since I had invited Gavi to have dinner with us at the palace. It was actually my mother's idea. She had wanted to meet him professionally. She wanted to see what he was all about.

     We had been in contact throughout the day. He was going to be coming over on Thursday evening, so I had enough time to mentally prepare. I wasn't sure how I was going to do that exactly.

     I had a busy week ahead of me to keep me preoccupied. Today, I had to attend a banquet with my father for charity. On Tuesday, I had to go with my mother and sister to another event a few hours away. Wednesday I had tutoring for a few hours in the afternoon. Thursday, Gavi was coming over.

     It really wasn't as much time as I thought.

     I requested the chefs to make steak that night. I wasn't sure if Gavi liked it, but it was what he had for dinner on our date. They had immediately agreed and told me they would try their best. It made me feel a little better.

     During the week, I barely saw Sofia. She had soccer every day, and when she wasn't at practice, she was with her friends hanging out. I wished I had friends in Madrid to hang out with too.

     Chloe lived in Germany with Gio; Hannah, one of my best friends from primary school, was in a record company deal in Italy, and her sister Elena was doing modeling in France. They all had exciting lives.

     I missed Hannah and Elena. They had been my best friends through all of school. I hadn't seen them in a good few years, though. 

     They were both musical artists who were just starting their careers. Beautiful girls. I knew they would both be extremely successful.

     I spent most of that week reading, when I was able. Wednesday evening I sat in my bedroom, turning the pages of my favorite book peacefully. Life was great.

     I thought about Gavi. I wondered what his reaction was when I texted him. I wonder where he was, if he was with any of his friends.

     I put my book down on the bed and stood up, walking to my window. The city looked oddly empty tonight. Barely any people were walking up and down the sidewalks, even though it was a nice late summer night.

     Sofia was out with friends, and mother and father were at some event. I had finished my tutoring lesson 2 hours ago. I had been home alone since then.

     I closed my curtains and shut the lights off in my room, leaving and shutting the door behind me. I made my way downstairs quietly and hurried into the kitchen.

     Opening the pantry, I rustled around inside until I found my box of chocolates. I opened them hungrily and set them on the counter as I shut the door. I grabbed the box and settled down on the couch, flicking the television on.

     This was why I enjoyed being home alone. I could snack freely and watch whatever I pleased.

     I turned Euphoria on and resumed the episode I had been watching, munching on my chocolate. My eyes were heavy with exhaustion; this week had burned me out. It wasn't even done yet.

     As I sat there, I thought about tomorrow. About my growing feelings for Gavi. Maybe I was just out of my mind. Or maybe, I knew exactly what I wanted.

     I woke up to tons of unread text messages from the group chat. I groggily grabbed my phone and swiped it open, preparing to read the conversation that I had missed.

Girlypops😭✋🏻

Chlo Bean: Chloe

Goddess: Hannah

Goddess 2.0: Elena

Chlo Bean: LEONOR👿👿

Chlo Bean: wake up rn

Goddess: what's wrong

Goddess 2.0: ummmmm

Chlo Bean: her date is today and she's not even awake💀🤦🏻‍♀️

Goddess 2.0: it's literally 8 am Chloe

Goddess: like what

Chlo Bean: idk she just needs to wake up

Chlo Bean: I'm bored gio is at the gym

Goddess 2.0: we love a guy who works out

Goddess: Elena shut up

Goddess 2.0: I hate u

Chlo Bean: workout guys are hot✋🏻😍

Goddess 2.0: preach sister

Goddess: ewwww no

Chlo Bean: Leonor wake up or else

Chlo Bean: I will kill you

Goddess: chill oml

Goddess 2.0: Hahahahahah

Me: guys I'm awake

Chlo Bean: thank the lorddddd

Me: what did I miss

Goddess: a lot hahahah

Me: oh haha. got my date today🤦🏻‍♀️

Chlo Bean: ikr I'm so exited for u

Goddess 2.0: please kiss him Leonor🙏🏻

Me: ewwww

Chlo Bean:

Me: ur so nasty Chloe

Chlo Bean: you love it hehe😉

Goddess: omg😭

Me: talk later guys I gotta do some stuff

Goddess 2.0: ooh what?

Chlo Bean: LEONOR DONT LEAVE US HANGING

Goddess: and she's gone

     I kept myself busy for the majority of the afternoon until it was time to get ready for the dinner. Gavi was going to be here at 5 PM; it was 4. I still needed to get ready yet.

     I settled for something casual but comfy; a white sweater and a pair of high-waisted black jeans. I left my hair natural, put some new hoop earrings in and sprayed my Gucci perfume. I looked presentable.

     Sofia had come home a few hours ago. She was busy getting ready herself. As I closed my bathroom door and went to my room, I ran into her in the hallway. She looked beautiful. She was wearing a black top and jeans. Her hair was left straight, like normal.

     "You look nice," I commented as we walked down the stairs together.

     "Says you," she smiled at me sweetly.

     When we reached the dining room, the table was already set with five plates. Both of my parents were in their respective seats at the head of the table. The cooks were busy placing trays of food on the table, so me and Sofia backed out of the way. 

     It was nearly 5. He should be here any minute. As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Everyone froze. I straightened up a little and made my way to the door, opening it slowly.

     Gavi stood in front of me, his hands behind his back. He was wearing a white crewneck and jeans. He looked really good.

     "Hi," I said shyly. I could see him cracking a smile.

     "Hey," he replied. We just stared at each other awkwardly.

     "You look nice," I blurted quickly.

     "So do you," he whispered.

     "Please, come in," I gestured, breaking the awkward silence.

     We walked in together, side by side, until we reached the dining table.

     "Hello!" My father chimed in, getting up to shake his hand. Gavi smiled and shook his hand right back. They seemed to be getting along well.

     My mother and sister shook his hand as well, and then we all settled down.

     "I'm so glad I was able to come this evening," he said politely. I couldn't help but smile as I lowered my head. Sofia was smiling at me from across the table.

     "I'm so glad I asked," my mother smiled. "Now, let's eat, shall we?"

     We all took turns helping ourself to the steak. I loaded mine up with barbecue sauce.

     "Did you know I liked steak?" He asked me as we were filling our plates.

     "Just a guess," I said, trying to keep the blush from spreading to my cheeks.

     "Good guess," he laughed. I reached for the pepper, and at the same time, he did too. Our hands grazed each other and I immediately pulled away.

     "Go ahead," I said gently. He took the pepper, sprinkled it, and then passed it to me.

     When we were all situated at the table, the real discussion began.

     "Do you have any siblings?" My mother asked.

     "Yes, one older sister named Aurora," he replied.

     This discussion continued back and forth for the next hour. I felt bad for the guy. Really, I did.

     My parents liked him. I could tell. We sat at the table for hours, talking about anything and everything. He seemed like a part of our family. It felt so natural talking to him, like I had known him my entire life. That scared me.

     When it was beginning to get dark outside, we all stood to our feet and shook hands once again. My father gave him a pat on the back and told him to keep up the great work. I wasn't sure if he meant with me or with soccer. It didn't matter.

     I walked him back to the door quietly. When we were both outside, he turned to face me. I crossed my arms over my chest carefully, examining him. He really was good looking.

     "Thanks for inviting me," he said again. I smiled back and nodded.

     "You're welcome back anytime," I replied. I could feel myself blushing.

     He looked down at his feet before continuing.

     "I'm sorry for how I acted on our first date. I really think you're a great person, Leonor. I invited you because I wanted to see you. I was being such a dick," he muttered, looking up at me again. His eyes were big and worried. He looked cute.

     "I could say the same. I have trust issues. I was just being defensive. I shouldn't have acted like that. It was generous of you," I whispered in response.

     "I understand," he smiled gratefully.

     We stood there for another moment before he spoke again.

     "It's getting late; I should really go. It was great to see you Leonor," he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

     I waved him goodbye as he walked down the block to his car. I watched him get in and drive away.

     I sat down on the steps. I could feel myself smiling. The first real smile I had had in weeks. I didn't try to hide it this time. I sat there like a giddy schoolgirl, smiling until my cheeks hurt and the sky turned black.

The chapter you guys have been waiting for!! This took so long to write so please comment and interact and give me feedback it helps a ton xoxo