Chapter 20

Felix felt a slight tug in his chest as he punched in the seven digits and pressed the call button. His throat suddenly dry, his head light, his hands shaking. The call was answered on the third ring.

"Hello?" her voice was smooth and recognizable.

"Zoey Blackwood?" his voice didn't sound like his. He cleared his throat instantly.

"Speaking," she responded.

"This is Felix." he hoped his voice was steadier than it felt.

"I am sorry; I don't recall knowing a Felix." She was straightforward, his heart did a nervous flip again. He worried that he would come off as desperate to her, a sight he knew women found scornful.

"We met through Ivory. You gave me permission to seek out your contact?" he felt weird just explaining the connection.

"Oh!" recognition had enlightened her. "I apologize. I am terrible with names. Felix was it?" She questioned.

"Yes. I am actually calling to take you up on your promise to join me for dinner." He was sure he would have an imprint of his cell against his ear by the time the conversation ended.

"Well, a promise is a promise. I always keep my word. Besides Ivory has assured me that you are stable minded." She responded unashamedly, then, " well, somewhat." she added in a lower tone.

Felix parted his lips to speak but decided not to broach that topic, he made a mental note to question Ivory later.

"I am glad I passed the screen test. I have actually made a reservation for tonight--" he began.

"A reservation?" she interjected causing him to feel some panic.

"Yes? Is something wrong?" He questioned.

"Actually, I have had my fill of elitist clubs and overpriced food. I am often going to these fancy restaurants for business, but it's not my ideal date spot though. I prefer something casual and comforting." She responded candidly and while Felix was surprised at her preference, he was still strung up on the word 'date'.

"Then, would you prefer I make you dinner instead?" He questioned.

"That sounds great. Text me your address, I'll be over tonight. Just so you know, I will also be forwarding your address to some of my friends and colleagues just so you don't think of murdering me." She replied. Felix couldn't stifle his amusement.

"I think you’re safe, serial killers are usually charming to an irresistible standard." He responded, fully aware that he was making himself the joke.

"It's true, you display more of a clumsy disposition," she replied unapologetically. "I'll see you tonight."

***
"Hey!" Felix signalled Ivory as she walked through the corridor.

"Is something wrong?" She immediately grew concerned. It was the first time she saw Felix with a serious expression on his face.

"What exactly did you say to Zoey about me?" He leaned forward on his desk and waited.

"I answered her questions as truthfully as I could." She replied cryptically. "Why?"

"She said you assured her that I am stable minded and then she muttered the words 'well somewhat'. Is there a reason for this?" He gazed at her as if she were a high profile suspect.

Ivory couldn't suppress the grin that surfaced. "I told her that you are a bit goofy at times, so I guess she applied her own interpretation."

"Why would you say that!" Felix threw his hands into the air as if begging the heavens.

"Because it's true." Ivory answered matter of factly. Felix let his head drop onto his desk dramatically, his hands covering his face.

"You know you are just solidifying my point." Ivory grinned.

"What if she hates this side of me?" the words muffled by his hands.
Ivory walked closer to his desk and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Zoey meets the same type of men day in and day out, professional and stiff and she has fallen for none. I deliberately told her of your personality because I knew it would spark her interest or at the very least her curiosity. You can be damned sure that she may have rejected you if she thought you were ordinary." Ivory revealed. "I did as much as I can do for you, now it's up to you."

"Really?" He had removed his hands from his face and stared at her with puppy eyes. she patted his shoulder in response and walked into Raiden's office.

***
Ivory made her way home. She looked forward to having a relaxing night, more so, she looked forward to spending the night with Raiden, again. Her attachment to him was growing, she was well aware of it, but she ignored it. She had agreed to live in the moment and that is what she was doing.

"Ivory, you're finally home!" Ivory's heart sank. "I have been waiting at this door for ages."

"What are you doing here, ma?" she questioned, not at all guilty for her lack of excitement. The last time she spoke to her mother or her family was four years ago when her father kicked her out.

"I came to see you. I can't believe you live in such a small apartment. It's a far cry from where you grew up." her mother wasted no time sharing her opinions.

"It surely isn't what you're accustomed to, so in the spirit of keeping you comfortable, how about you go back home and give me a call if there is something particular you wish to discuss?" Ivory offered as she pushed the key into the keyhole and unlocked the door.

"I am sure I can last one night in your apartment." her mother responded, pushing past Ivory and entering her apartment uninvited. Ivory stood at the door, stunned. Did she say night?
Ivory closed the door and inhaled deeply. She couldn't be bothered by the way her mother eyed her quaint apartment. It was her home and she was more than comfortable.

"Is there something you wanted?" Ivory questioned again, drawing her mother's attention to her.

"When are you coming back home?" she questioned.

"Home?" Ivory repeated incredulously. "You mean the place I was thrown out from?" she questioned evenly.

"You know your father has a temper, you should have just admitted your wrongs and apologize. He would have forgiven you." Her mother advised.
Ivory scoffed. "My wrongs? I-"

They were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell sounding. Ivory's heart skipped a beat. She knew who it was, there was no question about it, but she didn't want the two parts of her life to clash. She hastily returned to the door, pulled it open slightly, just enough for her to exit, and pulled it shut behind her. Raiden had to take a step back to accommodate her into the corridor. He immediately grew suspicious.

"Now is not really a good time." Ivory whispered.

"Do you want me to come back later?" he questioned, trying to ignore that part of his brain that nagged at him to question her, but he couldn't. They were casual acquaintances, she was allowed her secrets.

"Actually we may have to cancel tonight, altogether. she responded, waiting for a reaction but there was none, his expression was blank.

"And who is this handsome man?"
Ivory turned to realize the source of Raiden's bewilderment. Her mother had revived her spying ways.

"My name is Raiden De Ville." Raiden was courteous as always, extending his arm.

"I'm Ivory's mother, Lila Remington." She took his hand.
Ivory hung her head in irritation. "Come in, come in. I would love to get to know you." Lila waited for no response from either party and pulled Raiden into the apartment.

Ivory couldn't help but think that this night would end in disaster. There were things about her life she didn't want people to know, much less Raiden. His knowing would make her vulnerable in his eyes and that was the last thing a causal relationship needed, emotional baggage.

***
Ivory couldn't bring herself to sit. She stood awkwardly amidst her mother and Raiden. Her mind wondering how to break this situation apart.
"Oh for heaven's sake, sit down Ivory. It's very rude to be standing about in that manner while you have company." Her mother chastised.
Ivory gazed at Raiden who gave her a small smile and patted the seat next to him. She hesitated, surrendering as the weight of their stares forced her to sink down.

"So who exactly are you?" her mother directed the question at Raiden. He parted his lips to respond but Ivory beat him to it.

"He just told you, mother," she responded defensively. Her heart rate increasing.
Her mother rolled her eyes at Ivory. "Let me rephrase, how do you know my daughter?"

Ivory was ready to respond, but Raiden placed a hand on hers and squeezed gently, reminding her that she didn't have to worry with him around. She knew, however, that her mother noticed the contact.

"I work with Ivory," he responded casually.

"Oh." Her mother seemed deflated. "Don't tell me you are also an assistant."

"Ma!" Ivory exclaimed, immediately embarrassed. Raiden grinned.

"Not exactly," he responded vaguely. Knowing her mother wouldn't give up until she found out the particulars Ivory responded.

"He owns the company I work at, he's my employer." Ivory responded. Her mother's eyes immediately brightened.

"So you are successful." her mother praised. "That's more than I could say about my daughter." her tone immediately took a nosedive. Ivory sighed.

"Your daughter is extremely intelligent and hardworking. I have no doubt that she will achieve great things." Raiden responded honestly.

"As a perpetual assistant?" her mother scoffed. "You know her brother is one of the youngest surgeons in the country?"

"I did not know that, you must be very proud," Raiden responded, gazing briefly at Ivory. How could he know? He didn't even know she had a brother. They hadn't exactly been open about the nuances of life. "However, I have been notified of Ivory's promotion. She will be climbing social ladders soon enough."