Page 95 of Craving Paradise
“You’re right,” he says, agreeing with me.
“I know! Look, at least you’re getting back out there after a really shit time. How about I organize a double date for Friday night? You can enjoy the company of another woman and see if it’s the magic of the club clouding your judgment?”
I’ll take one for the team because this is about Ali, not me.
“Fine!” Ali states, looking annoyed.
We end up saying our goodbyes, and I pull out my phone.
Jasper:We need to keep an eye on our friends. I think something is going on between them after that first night at the club.
Lauren:Really?
Jasper:Yeah. He’s just got out of a crazy relationship and seems smitten.
Lauren:Elle is a good person. She isn’t like some of the girls at the club.
Jasper:They ran into each other in the park, and something happened as they disappeared for a while, and I don’t want either to get into trouble.
Lauren:Okay, I’ll talk to her.
* * *
Alistair is not happy about this date. I can see it clearly on his face, and the two girls I brough with me are up for no-strings-attached fun, which I think he needs.
And what do I need?
Seeing Alistair and how he’s reacting to the girl from the club feels like looking in a mirror with Lauren. All the things he’s saying she makes him feel, Lauren has done the same to me. Maybe I’m projecting or maybe I hate the fact he might be willing to take a chance with this girl after everything he’s been through, and I’m what? Plodding along thinking about Lauren but being too much of a pussy to do anything about it.
“Heads up, they’re here,” I say, elbowing him in the side. “Sweetheart, how are you?” I greet Vicky with a soft kiss.
“Hi, I’m Lila,” the brunette says, introducing herself to Ali.
“Ladies, the finest champagne for you both?” I say, trying to liven up this awkward start to the date.
The night is not turning out the way that I thought it would. It went downhill fast when Lila thought Ali worked at a nightclub but didn’t realize he owned the damn thing. She then decided to turn her attention to me, which Vicky was not happy about? I can see Ali doesn’t want to be here anymore, and if I’m honest, I don’t either.
“Your shout, man,” I slur after one too many whiskeys. “Ali here … he’s the richest amongst the group,” I joke.
And there you have it! Lila’s true intentions come to light as her ears prick up. Ali throws his card onto the table and pays.
“So, Ali, you ready to take this party somewhere private?” Lila asks, sliding up beside him. But my friend is not interested, and honestly, neither am I.
“Not really, I have somewhere else I would rather be,” Ali says, shooting her down. He then turns to me and says, “Jasper, never invite me on a blind dateeveragain.”
I’ve never seen my friend be so rude before.
“I’ve got to go. I’ve got anywhere else to be,” he says before leaving the restaurant and a shell-shocked table.
“I’m going, Vicky. I will not be disrespected like that,” Lila states angrily.
“Well, you did blank him all night until you found out he had money,” I point out to her.
“Are you serious? Vicky?” Lila screams at her friend.
“He’s kind of right, though,” Vicky tells her friend.
“Fine, I’m out of here. Enjoy your night.” She huffs and storms out of the restaurant.