Lorraine


    Life had returned to normal.


    Dexter and Arnold teamed up and ensured that Victoria was taken to a proper rehabilitation center. I was so happy with her decision and I hoped that she’de out clean.


    I resumed practice in earnest as I’d already taken several days off. I didn’t want to lookzy because I was with Dexter.


    Speaking of Dexter who had be extremely distant since he found out about my kidnapper, he was nowhere to be found presently and I had to go to work in Drake’s taxi.


    I didn’t mind though. At least, I could have interesting conversations with him before getting to work.


    Once I got to the training room, we would be bombarded with lectures after lectures, giving me no time to think too much about my rtionship with Dexter.


    Today I’d be practicing on my own as Ste said that I’d almost be perfect in my poses and steps and I didn’t need much supervision from anyone. It got me ted and motivated so I focused on my practice.


    Lunch break came faster than I expected which was quite a good thing because I didn’t have breakfast before leaving.


    I strolled to the cafeteria which was quite a stone throw from the agency to get two sandwiches and a bottle of coke. Sadly the sandwiches had finished and so was every other snack on their menu.


    “What am I going to do then?” Imented under my breath, my stomach making grumbling sounds.


    “You can go to another cafe. I’ll take you there if you like.” A manly voice suggested.


    I spun around quickly to find a man standing behind me. Judging by his slightly wrinkled face, he would be in his mid-sixties, but it didn’t show in his well built physique as he wore a beige colored suit that fitted him perfectly. His hair which had more gray strands were styled to be slicked backwards.


    The man was far older than me, but his age had no dent on how handsome and hot he was.


    I batted myshes when I got a grip of myself, embarrassed at how he waited patiently till I finished scrutinising him. “That won’t be a bad idea, sir, but I don’t want to be a burden to you.” I chuckled nervously, tucking my hair to the back of my ear.


    “You won’t be a burden. I offered to take you there, so just take my offer.” He said on a lighter note.


    Since there was no hope of getting something good here, I decided to take on his offer. “Let’s go then.” I agreed and we walked to his car.


    Like a gentleman he was, he opened the car door for me to get in before moving towards the driver’s seat.


    “I don’t see you around often, do you work here?” I asked, creating a small talk.


    “Oh no! I don’t work here. I just came for business purposes but I had my secretary check out for good cafes before stepping out of the office.” He said as I nodded.


    That exined the ease at which he offered to take me somewhere else to eat. “But have you been in California apart from today?” I couldn’t understand why I got this curious but he radiated good vibes and I didn’t want the conversation between us to end.


    “Sure, I have. Mypany has branches here so I came here for some supervision. I was hungry, that’s why I came out for a break.”


    My eyes bulged as I stared at him. “You should be retired, sir. Don’t you have children who can help with the supervision?” I sounded too worried for someone I just met.


    He shrugged and kept driving. “I don’t have kids.” He said bluntly.


    I palmed my mouth, silently scolding myself for saying something insensitive. “I’m so sorry.”


    “You don’t have to be.” He waved off my apology then gazed at me, his eyes roaming all over my face. “I don’t know why I keep remembering someone each time I look at your face. It’s like a deja vu.”


    “Who could possibly share a resemnce with me apart from myte parents?” I probed casually.


    “A friend of mine. She died several years back and you look just like her. You both share the same heart warming smile and chestnut hair.” The sadness in his tone couldn’t be disced and I wished I could do something to make him feel better.


    I didn’t like the fact that my face reminded someone of his pain, but there was nothing I could do about it.


    We got to the cafe he had talked about and made our orders. I ate my sandwich silently, watching him from the corner of my eyes as he ate like a dignitary.


    No doubt he was wealthy, but it was hard to find men like him who were reserved yet kind and caring. He could pass for a father figure and strangely, I wished he could be one to me.


    “How’s your sandwich? Do you like it?” He questioned while I nodded and gave him a thumbs up.


    I swallowed the rest of my sandwich and took a sip from my apple juice. “The pastry chef knows her onions and she just gained a customer. I wish I could see her so that I can tell her how good she is.”


    A small smile crossed his lips. “I’m happy that you like this ce. I almost thought that I didn’t make the right choice.” He grinned and we bothughed.


    Later on, our table was cleared and when I checked my phone I discovered that I’d spent more time than I was supposed to. I couldn’t leave without asking the question disturbing my peace so I propped myself for it.


    “What’s the name of yourte Friend, Mr…?”


    He slowly dropped the ss of whipped frozen lemonade on the table, his expression turning moody.


    I gulped and lowered myshes. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked again. This was the second time I made him ufortable. “I’m sorry for asking. My curiosity took over my reasoning.”


    “We don’t have to drop it. I haven’t just gotten over her death, that’s why I felt bad when you asked. My name is Williams Rogers and I can tell you all about her if you still have time to spare.”


    He looked like he needed somepany and the feeling was mutual. I didn’t have much to do at the training room so I could give him some minutes.


    “I’m listening.” I urged him on.


    “The name of my friend was…”


    My phone rang loudly immediately, attracting unwanted attention to our direction. I cursed as I reached for my phone, angry at the rude disruption.


    The caller made me feel worse. Why on earth was he calling?Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    “What’s the matter?” I snapped at him.


    “I need you at the office in less than ten minutes.” He rumbled and ended the call so I couldn’t argue.


    A loud hiss escaped my lips as Mr Rogers gave me a puzzled look. “Work issues?”


    “Yes. I have to be back at the office in ten minutes. I’m so sorry for breaking my promise.” I was tired of apologizing but there was nothing I could do.


    “You don’t have to be sorry. I’ll drive you there.” He offered and I thanked him.


    He paid for our bills and he drove me to the office. I stormed into Dexter’s office, wearing a scowl. I disliked the way he ordered me around, and I was more angry that I didn’t hesitate in doing his bidding.


    “Another man brought you here?”


    I snorted and rolled my eyes. “You can’t keep ordering me around, you know. I’m your wife.” I mmed the table, unable to constrain the anger that surged through me.


    “I’m happy you’re making use of your title. I thought you didn’t like to be called my wife.” He teased me. “We are going to a party tonight. You’ll have to leave right now with Drake so he can help you get ready. We’ll meet again by seven.” He ordered with a tone of finality.