Anastasia
I'd had enough of everyone's chit-chatting; I had work to do. The work I needed to complete before the party was finally done, leaving me with time to visit my family.
On the way home, I stopped at a small restaurant, one we used to visit often, back when it was just Talia, Luke, and me. Nostalgia tugged at me as I stepped inside.
And then, unexpectedly, I saw Kyle.
"Hi, beautiful," he said with that small smile, the dimples at his cheeks making my heart skip. Gosh, why are men like him allowed to be this gorgeous? And dangerously roaming free. There should be a curfew on them.
Grip yourself, Ana, I scolded internally.
"Hi," I finally replied, keeping my voice steady.
"What are you doing here? Blind date?" he asked
I chuckled. "I'm here for the delicious food."
Before I could tease him further, a shadow fell across our table. A stunning brunette stood there, smiling widely at Kyle, though her eyes rolled the second they landed on me. My annoyance flared instantly.
Kyle's jaw tightened, his expression slipping into irritation. Then, with sudden seriousness, he leaned closer and whispered, "Play along."
I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off.
"Tanasha, meet my girlfriend Anastasia," Kyle said smoothly. "Anastasia, this is Tanasha."
I nearly choked. Girlfriend?
Tanasha's smile faltered, her eyes darting between us. Kyle reached for my hand, squeezing it gently.
"Darling," he added, his voice laced with fake exasperation, "Don't be upset. My mother doesn't even know about us yet, okay?"
I froze, mortified and speechless. But years of practicing calm under pressure kicked in, and I slipped into the role as if I'd rehearsed it a hundred times.
Tanasha's expression crumbled. She muttered something about being late, then turned sharply, leaving with tears glistening in her eyes.
As soon as she was gone, Kyle and I burst out laughing, the sound echoing across the restaurant.
"That was…oh, God…that was hilarious," I said between laughs, wiping my eyes.
He didn't laugh as hard as me. Instead, he watched me with that unnerving intensity. "I've never met someone like you," he said softly. "You're mysterious… and yet so open."
My laughter died in my throat. His words left me oddly breathless.
"Eat with me," Kyle urged suddenly. "After that scene, everyone's watching. Might as well commit to the act."
I glanced around. He was right. Dozens of eyes were locked on us, curiosity buzzing in the air. Sighing, I slid into the chair across from him.
Dinner was unexpected… easy. Kyle asked endless questions, some I answered, others I avoided.
"Do you have a boyfriend?" he asked.
"No."
"How can a gorgeous woman like you be single?"
I shrugged. "I guess no one's brave enough."
"Where does your family live?"
I smiled faintly and changed the subject.
Eventually, we finished, and before I could reach for my purse, Kyle already had the bill paid.
At the door, we hesitated. That strange pull between us lingered, heavy and unspoken.
"Goodbye, Anastasia," he said at last, voice low.
"Goodbye, Kyle."
And with that, we parted ways, the echo of our laughter still clinging to me long after I left the restaurant.