Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Later that night, I prepared myself to go meet up with Cyrus. I still had no clue where he was taking me so late, but I was excited about it. There wasn't anything in my closet that would be appealing to wear. So, I settled for a blue and white button that was off the shoulder with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans to match. Wore little black booties with my hair pulled back in a messy bun. It wasn't much of an outfit, but it was all I had to work with. Melissa wasn't here to do my make-up as good as she does it and to be safe, I did a skin toned look to give my face a little life. This wasn't the most satisfying get up, but it was the most me. Hopefully, Cyrus loved it as well.

Carefully and quietly, I walked down the stairs to meet Jeremy like he said. It wasn't a surprise that he was going along with our shenanigans again, but this was Jeremy we were talking about. The guy was simply just cool as fuck, and I had big plans for him. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too much for him to manage. Who am I kidding, my mom is a lot to manage for anyone, but it was worth a shot.

Putting that on the back burner, I got in the car as Jeremy drove off. It only took about fifteen minutes before I realized he dropped me off in front of a jet. Now, the Hadid's were filthy rich, but this was something I wasn't expecting. This thing was huge, and I loved every minute of it. As soon as Jeremy stopped the car, I quickly got out completely mesmerized. He did say it would take more than a couple of hours to plan and this was on another level of planning. Now I feel underdressed.

The door to the jet opens and out comes Cyrus looking as sophisticated as ever. His pants looking freshly pressed with a lovely tight-fitting button up showing off his immaculate body. The smile on my face could not be held just by looking at him. Noticing this, Cyrus smiles back walking down the stairs to greet me.

"You finally made it and look rather gorgeous." He complimented his hand caressing my cheek. "Are you excited?"

"When you tell me where we're headed, I will be." I tried to get him to disclose information to me but to no avail.

He shook his head leading me up the stairs to the inside of the jet. "That, my dear, is something you'll have to wait and see."

Normally I'd argue with him to tell me, but I was too excited about sitting on someone's private jet. It had a tan leather interior, and the seats were so comfortable. Better than a regular airplane, that's for sure. There was a bucket with ice and champagne sitting on the side with two glasses waiting to be filled as well.

Everything was done up so nicely, making me feel happier about redoing our date. This time nothing will go wrong and even if it did it's not like I'll have far to go. I had hope though and I couldn't wait to see where we were going.

Before taking off, Cyrus filled the glasses with Champagne, handing me one of them. The bubbles made me feel all giddy inside. Everything about tonight made me feel giddy inside. Something told me this was going to be an amazing night. One we both would never forget, and truth be told, I didn't want too.

Coming closer to me, Cyrus wrapped his arms around my waist, our glasses in proximity. "Cheers to a wonderful night." He smiled at me.

I nodded clinging our glasses together before taking a sip. The champagne was delightful the after taste leaving a sweetness behind. Afterwards, the pilot prepared us for takeoff as we strapped in our wonderfully comfortable seats. My favorite part was looking out the window because I got to see the city lit up with beautiful lights below us. My eyes widened with glee at how gorgeous it looked. Flying was one of my guilty pleasures.

Cyrus looked at me smiling at the joy on my face. It stayed mostly silent between us on the ride but a comfortable silence. Like you could feel the warmth between us even though we weren't saying anything. I was just grateful to be here. Few girls like me get to experience the extravagant life of Cyrus Hadid. It was everything I could only dream of and more. Jenna would kill to be in my shoes right now.

"Do you have any guesses as to where we're going?" He broke the silence, finally speaking again.

I thought for a moment not really having a clue about what he had planned. "I'm guessing somewhere far." I state the obvious.

He chuckled. "Yes, it would have taken about eight hours to get there driving." He confirmed. Even with that I couldn't guess it.

Though I was shocked. "Eight hours! No wonder we needed a freaking jet!" I speak. There was no way we would've made it back before morning driving.

Cyrus nodded, sipping his champagne again. "But it was important that I take you here." He said, "I really want to make it up to you and show you that there's more to me than just money."

I laughed. "So, you take me to do the most expensive thing." I laughed some more.

Realizing how ironic it was, he laughed as well. The gesture was nice, and I totally got where he was coming from. He wanted to show me that he wasn't all about money like he came across the first time. However, it doesn't mean that he can't take me anywhere nice. And let me tell you, this place was gorgeous!

After a couple of hours, we landed in one of the greatest, most expensive cities known to man. Cyrus ended up flying us all the way to Penshaw Heights. The epitome of class and elegance. Of all places, this was not one that would first come to mind. Which it should have because this was something Cyrus would do. I was so stunned but so excited to be here that I didn't even wait for him to get out of the jet.

Quickly rushing out, I looked all around so stoked seeing Penshaw in all its beauty. A place that I've only seen in pictures or movies. Cyrus came up behind me with his hands in his pockets smiling. He was thrilled by my excitement. Making him feel like he accomplished his goals. The planning he put into this date was outstanding. A bit much but outstanding, nonetheless.

I grabbed his hand unable to contain my happiness. "Cyrus, this is nuts! Penshaw? Really?" I questioned thrilled to be here.

"I told you, I wanted to make it up to you. Though that's not the best part." He says as a limo pulls up behind us.

We had a reservation that we needed to attend to and of course it was Penshaws most expensive restaurant. Everything completely contradicts his objective to show me he's more than just millions of dollars. Could I really be upset about it though? As much as I wished he would appreciate life itself, I couldn't deny that this was amazing. The only date I've ever been where I wasn't at some cheesy dinner or at the movies. Not that I don't like these things, this was different. A good difference.

It only took a few minutes to get there, and we got set at our table that was up on the roof top overlooking Penshaw. The city was spectacular and so lively, especially this late at night. Even with how lively it was, it still had this calm undertone to it. It reminded me so much of Greendale but bigger. It's somewhere I could picture myself living if I ever got the courage to move out of my small town. I'd fit in perfectly.

Interrupting my own thoughts, the server came over handing us menus. "It's been a while mister Hadid. It's nice to see you again." He then turned to me. "And it's my pleasure to serve you Miss..."

"You can call me Autumn." I gave him a heartwarming smile.

He nods, looking between the both of us. "Can I start you out with anything to drink? An appetizer?"

Cyrus thought for a minute pondering on what he should get. "I'll take a glass of red wine." He speaks. He's so interesting.

Being that this was my first time here, I get the same thing scanning over the menu trying to find anything appealing. I must say everything was expensive. Like hundreds of dollars expensive. A lot of the things being something I could get back at Greendale for way cheaper. What were they putting in these meals that they weren't at home? I wasn't going to complain too much since I wasn't paying for any of it. But this was a bit ridiculous and not how I'm used to living.

"A bit pricey don't ya think?" I question him still scanning the menu.

He scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I thought that might be a problem." He admitted. "We can always go somewhere else."

I shook my head appreciative of his gesture. "No silly, it's ok. Besides, I'm not paying." I joke causing him to laugh.

"Touche." He winked at me as the server came back over with our drinks.

We both finally decided on what to get. Cyrus ordering filet mignon with a side of asparagus and rice. While I got a classic bacon cheeseburger with steak fries. It was stupid on my part, but it was the only thing that caught my attention. Honestly, I haven't had a good cheeseburger in a long time and being that this shit was a hundred and fifty dollars, it better be good. Again, what are they putting in this food that they're not at home? An extra pinch of salt? The prices were outrageous.

After handing the server the menu, Cyrus looked at me chuckling to himself. "Out of all the options, you would choose a fucking cheeseburger." That made him laugh hysterically.

"Excuse you, it was a bacon cheeseburger thank you very much." I correct him. "And it's ridiculously priced so I want to figure out why that is so."

"You will never cease to amaze me." He said happily.

I smiled wanting to change the conversation. "So, what is your family's background exactly?" I asked, wanting to learn more about him.

He shrugged, not always particularly happy to talk about this family. "Well, my dad is Caucasian who you don't see much of, and I don't either. My mom is middle eastern."

That caught me by surprise as Farah never stood out to me to be middle eastern. Which is why you don't stereotype but I pegged her to be a normal white woman. Her looks did not give me middle eastern vibes. But again, I got to stop stereotyping. It's really a bad habit of mine that needs to be worked on and quickly. Nevertheless, I was intrigued to learn that and even more curious.

"Wow, it was not something I wasn't expecting hear. Do you speak Arabic?" The questions kept flowing.

He shook his head. "I mean, I can understand a few things, but my mom and sister are the ones who are fluent." He sipped his wine. "She hates that I can't speak it but that's one thing she never taught me or had someone teach me. Over the million other things she wanted me to learn."

So, he did have some control over his life a little bit. It sucks that he doesn't know how to speak Arabic. I would have loved to learn a few phrases but it's great to know a little more about him. It was nice being able to get a little more personal. In fact, it felt like the only time we ever talked about anything like this. This was different and it felt good to be connecting with him like this. Different than our predetermined date and better.

This time, Cyrus smiled asking me about my family. "What about you? What's your background?"

"My mom is black, while my dad is European. He's from France." I am proud of my heritage.

Just as I was, he was just as surprised as I was when I found out about him. Everyone was always shocked when they found out my background. Especially when looking at my sister. She took after my dad in a lot of her features, so people assume we're not related because I look like my mom. Just a lighter version if that makes sense. Although I wish I had her skin tone as well. But she married my dad so there's that. Either way I loved the skin I was in as well as my genetic makeup because why would you not love yourself? Everyone is unique in their own way.

He nodded his head pleased by this. "Do you speak French?" He inquired.

I shake my head. "Nope, but one day I'll learn." I say committed to the idea of learning.

We continued to talk as our food came and I must say, the burger was damn good. The cheese, ooey gooey, the bacon, perfect crisp, and the burger itself, splendid! It wasn't a hundred and fifty dollars splendid, but it was close enough. Honestly, I almost felt bad that he had to pay for this, but he wanted to come here after all. It was an excellent choice, and we had an enjoyable time chowing down. I even got to try a piece of his steak and it was delicious. I should have gotten that instead.

After we ate, Cyrus paid for everything even leaving a more than generous tip as we head back to where the jet is waiting for us to head back to Sunbury. In the limo, we sat closely together as he grabbed my hand gently squeezing it sending small tingles throughout my body. I smiled to myself not looking at him squeezing lightly back. I guess I didn't want him to see me blushing at his tiny gestures. It was hard to hide it though.

"I really had a wonderful time tonight, A." He said not letting go of my hand.

I agree happy it didn't end in turmoil. "So, did I. I still can't believe you took me to Penshaw." I gawked. "Everything was amazing. Even my overly expensive cheeseburger." I nudged him laughing.

He chuckled as well, still appalled by me. "God, you really got a fucking cheeseburger. At least I know it won't be hard to please you overall." His smile captivated me as I glanced over at him. "Speaking of which, I got you something."

Digging in his pocket, he pulled out a little gift box handing it to me. I was a little confused about why he bought me a gift. I was not informed we would be exchanging gifts. Otherwise, I would have gotten him one as well. Nevertheless, I opened the box, my jaw dropping looking at what was before me. It was the bracelet with the beautiful tear drop diamond I wanted a few weeks ago at that jewelry store. I couldn't believe he got it for me. More importantly I couldn't believe he remembered the one I was drawn to. I was star struck.

Not knowing what to say, I handed him back the box not able to not accept the gift. It was crazy but I just couldn't take it. I'm not sure what it was. I guess after this whole night and all these expensive things, this was like too much. I enjoyed it and I appreciate the thought. But he didn't need to do all this. Especially buying the incredibly beautiful bracelet. I wanted to know him not his money. It felt like I was still just getting his money and not him.

I shook my head not wanting to accept the gift. "I can't take this, Cyrus." I say feeling slightly overwhelmed.

"Why not? I want you to have it." He pushes the box back towards me.

I push it back again. "We're supposed to be moving away from money not you throwing it in my face." I remind him. "Tonight, was great, but I don't need extra gifts."

Cyrus understood but still insisted on giving me the bracelet. "And we will but after you take the bracelet." He said giving it back to me one last time. "I got it before the incident and wanted to give it to you last Saturday, but shit hit the fan."

"So, you kept it?"

"Precisely."

He takes the bracelet placing it around my wrist as I look at it in awe. It really was stunning as it was when I saw it in the store. It looked even better around my wrist although heavy, I loved it. The diamond gleaming ever so brightly. This was one of the best gifts I ever received. Something I would cherish for a long time. It was so thoughtful that I couldn't help but smile.

"We can forget about everything money after tonight. I just really wanted to get it for you from the moment I saw you looking at it." He said kissing my knuckles. "To show you how attentive I could be. How much I care about you and the things you like big or small because that's what you deserve."

I smiled at his words, appreciating the gift even more. It was very thoughtful and the perfect way to start our rebuilding journey. His hand found its way on my cheek with his thumb caressing my face. Looking in his eyes, I was still confused on what to expect out of this. But none of that matters right now. Our affection for each other was all that I cared about and before we knew it, our lips locked sending me to a world I never knew existed. The passion was there. The lust was there, and this was not the end of our night. Not by a mile.