Chapter 5: The Suitor
Avery turned to see the guy beside her was the one from the restaurant. He smiled at her.
“It’s not good to walk in the rain without an umbrella.”
She cannot explain what she felt but it was different as compared when other people helped her. His smile was contagious that can make anyone smile as well, even Avery. But her warm feeling towards this stranger disappeared when she realized something.
“I know you!”
He looked away. “A lot of people say that ever since my dad asked us to that commercial. I regret it though.”
“No! I know you! You’re the pervert from the other day!”
The statement made him turn to her. “The sexy lady from B211?”
She instantly moved away, but he pulled her next to him to keep them under the umbrella.
“Let me go!”
“You’ll get wet!”
“You pervert!!” she kicked him on the leg and moved away.
He sighed. “It was an accident, okay? They told me my room is the only one unlocked and I mistook it for your room. I’m staying at B212. I was using my phone and didn’t read the sign. The room was not locked so I thought I got it right. I’m sorry.”
She frowned. She hated to admit it but he sounded sincere with his apology.
“I.. I saw you the other day at GigaPhones. I called you but you didn’t recognize me.”
“Well, you look different there and now. You have thick make-up then and well, you were wearing decent clothing at GigaPhones.”
She glared at him, but he surely got her attention, “So what are you trying to say?”
He suddenly panicked, “Don’t get me wrong! You are beautiful but you look better with less make-up. It showcases your beauty.”
She smirked and walked up to him. She stopped when she was inches from his face, “You sound like you remembered how my body looked like that day. So you are interested in me. You liked what you saw in the condominium.”
He smiled and slowly moved his body away. He kept the umbrella on her, “Yes, you are pretty but I don’t think I am that interested. I’m sorry.”
For the first time in her life, Avery was rejected. She nodded and smiled as she tried to hide her feelings of disappointment, “Good. I prefer older men anyway.”
Before he can say anything, a cab arrived. He gave her the umbrella, “Take this.”
She was about to decline but he left right away. She folded the umbrella and got inside the cab. She didn’t know why her heart was beating like that. Maybe it was because she was used to having all the guys she wanted. But this guy was not special.
He did mention something about a commercial and she saw him in GigaPhones building. Maybe he was a supervisor or something but he didn’t qualify in her standards so she decided to shrug it off.
“Thank you for coming, Avery. We are very excited to have you.” One of the caretakers commented as she led the way inside the orphanage.
“Of course. I won’t forget these kids.”
When the caretaker opened the door, the kids all turned to them. Some of the kids ran to her while some smiled. “Hey there. What are you guys eating?” Avery asked as she bent down to reach their level.
One of the kids showed the snack on her hand. “It was given by our new friend, Carson!”
Avery turned to the caretaker. “Ah, one company decided to donate to us. But I don’t think they’ll stay long since we just think they are doing it for publicity.”
Avery nodded and turned back to the little girl. “That’s great. I also have gifts for you.”
While Avery and the caretakers were busy distributing clothes and toys, one of the little boys looked at her, “Miss Avery, don’t you have a husband?”
Avery laughed. She bent down to his level, “Do you think I should have one already? I’m too young.”
“Yes, you do! You are pretty.”
“She and Carson will look great together!” Another kid commented on the back.
Avery laughed. The caretaker stopped the kids from saying more. “There, there. Let us not pressure Miss Avery. Maybe she has someone she likes too.”
The kids all looked at Avery with curiosity.
“Well, right now, I am not into dating. I want to focus on you guys.”
But she knew that’s not true. She would never commit herself to anybody. She won’t make the same mistake as those girls who were heartbroken just because they thought the guy they are with would stay by their side forever.
Avery would never give anyone the power to hurt her. She was strong on her own. She didn’t need a partner to complete herself because she was already complete. She just needed an old silly man who was willing to invest in her.
She was on her way home when her phone rang. She smiled, it was one of her old suitors.
“Hey, Avery. I heard you’re free again.” His voice was husky and deep that sent chills on her spine.
“You still keep your tabs on me, huh?”
“I am still hoping to have a chance with you.”
“What can you offer?”
“Something better than John of course. The man’s basically bankrupt by now. Is that why you left him?”
Avery laughed. “Oh no. But you sure know a lot.”
“Well, I won’t give you up. Maybe you are free for dinner?”
Avery thought about it. This man was indeed richer than John but there was something about him that ticked her off. But a single date won’t hurt, right?
“We can meet at the usual. We don’t want the press to see you.”
He laughed on the other line, “Of course. I can get my driver to pick you up.”
“Do you want me to wear your favorite dress?”
She heard his breathing change as if he was already excited. “Of course. This time, I will make you mine, Avery.”