Chapter43 Tension

"But Zuriel. I like... salad. And I'm not hungry." Just then, my stomach decided to growl. It was embarrassing, but I hadn't eaten anything since morning. He gave me a sceptical look, challenging me to say something. I was sure my face was brighter than the tablecloth.
"Are you going to tell me what's the matter with you? You are acting weird."
"It's nothing." I tightened my grip on the glass, trying to hide my frustration.
"Brielle" "His tone was more insistent, demanding an answer.
"It's embarrassing." I replied, the words as stiff as my body was.
"It won't be that bad." He persisted.
Oh to hell with it!
"Uhm... I couldn't fit in the dress you sent me." "I spoke softly forcing myself to stay strong. I couldn't believe this was actually happening, that this was real life and not a nightmare. I closed my eyes wishing I could vanish.
"What?" I heard him say, scoffing.
"I couldn't fit in the dress you sent. It was a size small." I repeated clearer this time.
Or two!
"Oh, I heard you the first time." I opened my eyes to find him grinning.
"Then why did you make me say it again? And stop smiling, it's embarrassing." My eyes widened and so did his smile.
"Not funny, Zuriel. Not funny." I shook my head, not wanting to laugh with him. No matter how embarrassing telling him was, it was funny just thinking about it.
"My bad Brielle. I am really sorry. I thought... anyway, I'm sorry for not treating you the right way. You look beautiful in every dress. Honestly, I am just relieved." An odd combination of emotions swirled in those eyes.
"Why?" I questioned him. I expected him to be shocked, angry, confused but he was at ease.
"I thought maybe you didn't like the dress. Normally, I let my assistants handle this matter but this time, I took the matter in my own hands. I... chose a dress for you by myself. I wanted this to be special for you... for us. As I said before, you look beautiful in any dress." He spoke sincerely. "Even in those that don't fit you."
"You are such an idiot, you know that? Tip for next time, don't assume. I died a million deaths this morning because of that dress." I laughed slightly. It was nerve-wracking.
One corner of his lips curled up. If grins could kill, he would slay me with that smile. He never brought up the topic again and instantly it made me feel comfortable. After that, we talked, as if we were two friends spending time together. We got to know more about each other. Music. Movies. Books. Hobbies. Friends. We were enjoying making each other laugh. He ordered cheesecake and it was the best one I ever had.
"Is that you Zuriel?" We were just finishing up dessert when a sultry voice with a strong accent interrupted us.
I lifted my eyes to the beautiful woman who was standing next to Zuriel at our table. She bend down to kiss Zuriel's cheek and gestured to the waiter to bring a chair for her.
Okayyy, please make yourself comfortable.
She was wearing a royal blue dress that showed her cleavage more than necessary. When her eyes roamed over me, she gave me a small smile.
"Natalia. How are you?" Zuriel seemed delighted to see her.
"Much better, after seeing you." She curved her red lips in a smile and I tried my best not to shift in my seat. I continued eating the cheesecake silently.
"You look stunning." He complimented her and she grinned, stroking his cheek affectionately.
Yeah thanks, jerk! You can compliment her after meeting her for what five seconds and yet it takes eons to compliment me! Your freaking date of the night.
The fork in my hand clinked loudly against the plate, catching their attention. I mustered an innocent smile and apologised silently.
"Natalia, this is Brielle and Brielle, this is a good friend of mine."
Oh look, he realizes I'm still here. I smiled tightly at her. Why am I jealous of someone I just met? Dear god, I was turning into a green-eyed monster. First the waitress, now his friend!
"How's Samuel?" She asked him, completely ignoring my presence.
Why don't you call him and ask him yourself?
"As usual, how's Savos?" He asked her, rather uncomfortably. Maybe, it was the way I was looking at her.
Good. At least he noticed!
"Oh, he is here. I am on a date with him." She waved the question off with a sneer.
"That makes both of us." I folded the napkin and feigned a smile. For a second, she looked completely stunned and then her smile broadened.
Someone had a little too much to drink!
"I see you are finally getting over Carly. I am finally meeting someone who isn't a replica of her." Her eyes assessed me.
The tension between us was palpable. Zuriel clenched his jaw and kept his mouth shut. This was totally awkward and Zuriel had a type? I thought for sure anything with two legs and a 'v' use to work for him.