SORRY, NOT SORRY
“Are you sure you can eat all these?” I asked Hunter who led me to an Italian restaurant near the forbidden park and ordered foods good for eight people.
I looked at him in disbelief and shock. How could he order a lot of same dishes? I mean, they are all pasta and pizza. How could he eat all these?
He just gave me a grin and started attacking the food.
I sat there, watched him, stunned. Oh yes, he is eating well, eating really, really, well. What can I say?
“Are celebrities supposed to eat a lot? Aren’t you conscious of your image and appearance?” I asked him, still not starting to eat.
He looked at me while he was plopping the spaghetti in his mouth. He tried to respond but I didn’t understand because his mouth is full.
I handed him the iced tea. It was bottomless as well. What will my bill be? How much will it be? It seems like I have to work harder on the next few days.
Geez, this guy is really thick-skinned.
He gulped the water and swallowed all the food in his mouth. “Well, I am on a diet. But since this is your treat, I am forgetting everything about that D word,” he replied as he looked at his food again then smiled at me. “I love treats you know! Everything seems a hundred times more awesome when someone treats you,” he added as he continued eating like a wolf.
I looked at him in disbelief and shook my head.
How did he become a celebrity?
“So,” he said as I was about to have my first taste of my food. I paused and looked at him. “You and Kristoff are getting along just fine. I honestly didn’t think you two would take your relationship to the next level because people were speculating and doubting about your relationship before,” he said as he took a bite onto the pizza. “Guess, they are all stunned, too, huh?” He finished as he smiled and ate happily.
I gave him a look and sighed. “Well, I guess, no one expected us to get married, huh?” I asked him bitterly.
He gave me a look.
I smiled bitterly. Well, what is there to be happy about? Everyone was against me and Kristoff ever since and, for me, that is saddening. Hey, anyone would be sad when everyone is against his love.
I sighed.
“Well, they have to take that because you and Kristoff are going strong.” He suddenly spoke making me look at him.
It was my first time hearing him say something about those haters and it made me feel good. Actually, it felt great because I can feel that at least someone is siding with me.
And I can’t believe it is Hunter, the guy I used to despise the most. Used to.
Because today, I think I am going to like him a bit.
I smiled and nodded. “Can I tell you a secret?” I asked.
He looked at me and raised his brow. “You are going to tell me a secret?” he asked almost in disbelief. “Well, that’s new,” he added. “But, sure, yeah. Spill, Tara Connor,” he told me as he ate the pizza.
I breathed deeply. “Do you know Bianca Lee?” I asked him.
He nodded. “Yeah. The gorgeous model and your Dad’s co-owner of Jewel Shoppe?” he asked.
My eyes widened. “What did you say?” I asked in disbelief. “My Dad’s co-owner? My Dad’s the owner of Jewel Shoppe?” I asked again.
He gave me a look. “What? You don’t know that?” he asked me. I shook my head and he muttered a string of curses under his breath.
Wow! How many shocking news do I have to receive today? And why did Hunter know it? I didn’t even know!
Is that why Kristoff’s agency is automatically invited?
“Sorry, Ashanti, I thought you know.” Hunter looked at me concerned.
I took three deep breaths. “So now it all makes sense to me,” I said.
He looked at me, confused.
I smiled weakly. “Dad’s the co-owner of the Jewel Shoppe, Kristoff’s agency was invited in that darned launch and Bianca Lee is my sister,” I spoke, almost breaking apart. “Wow! Great! Just great,” I said as I looked up to prevent my tears from falling.
Hunter looked at me with a shock expression. He didn’t dare say something. I bet there is nothing that he could say. My life’s totally fucked up. I’m a loser.
“And oh, Bianca Lee and Kristoff have a history.” I added wiping the tears that are about to fall. “Why is destiny playing with me?”
Hunter looked at me with pity in his eyes. I guess that is pity. Of course, that is all he could give me. Pity.
“Ashanti, maybe you should talk to them about this. You should know why they hid this from you. I am sure they have a reason.” He tried to comfort me.
I smiled bitterly. “You know that I don’t really want to talk to any of them right now. Because if I did, then you wouldn’t be looking at me weeping like a girl you stole her precious lollipop,” I replied.
He chuckled, probably because of my absurd connections. “So, they know that you don’t want to talk to them?” he asked.
“I think so. I ran away a while ago,” I replied.
Heck, this day is the day that Kristoff told he loves me and I told him I love him, too. And fuck, this is what happens.
And now I am sitting in an Italian Restaurant with Hunter Looney.
Wow. Just wow.
He looked at me with a serious face. “So, what do you want to do now?” he asked me.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I just want to be alone,” I replied, then, I gave him a look. “Then you came along,” I told him.
He raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. What does that have to do with me? And besides, I am the one who tried to comfort you in any way I can.” He defended.
I laughed. “Okay?” I replied. “I didn’t even think you would make me feel a bit better.” I admitted.
He smirked. “Of course, someone gets better when he or she spends time with me. That is how awesome I am.” He beamed conceitedly.
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever,” I replied as I continued eating.
He smiled and ate again.
I swear, his stomach is a bottomless pit.
***
Hunter insisted to drive me home so I can attend the dinner party for the persons who took part in the fashion show and because I don’t have my car. Thanks to Kristoff’s bright idea to go out today.
I don’t really want to go home but I don’t want to go to the party without taking a bath.
“Thanks, jerk,” I told him as I unbuckled my seatbelt.
He smirked. “Yeah. See you later, tigress,” he replied as he winked at me and flashed his grin.
I rolled my eyes and stepped out.
He waved at me before revving his car and driving away.
I sighed as I watched Hunter drive away. At least he is here today. I don’t even know what I would be now if this day went by and I am alone.
“Who are you with?”
I breathed in before facing the person who talked. “I don’t want to talk now, Kristoff,” I told him as I passed by him.
I seriously don’t want to talk.
“Ashanti!” He called me but I ignored him. I just continued to walk to my room.
I heard him run after me. “Hey, Ashanti Marx, I am talking to you!” he called. Yes, shout all you want for all I care.
“Ashanti! Who are you with? I have been looking for you the whole day! Don’t you think I was so worried about you?” he asked me.
I looked at him. “Yeah? You looked for me? Worried about me?” I scoffed. “Funny,” I replied as I turned my back on him again. “Hunter Looney.” I paused. “I was with him the whole day. He drove me here. And I will see him later,” I said before banging the door of my room in front of his face.
I know I was harsh on him.
But for the first time, I am not sorry.