Chapter 37

Ashley.

As we embark on our way to Mrs. Grace's restaurant. Many thought kept going through my head most especially what Neil wants to tell me. I might not admit it but I know I'm getting impatient. I was busy with my thought, when I felt Neil's hands reached mine intertwining them.  "Are you okay?" Came his voice.

I let out a small smile.  "Yeah, I'm okay" We stopped working and he turned me around.  "If you're not feeling okay with something tell me, I'm a good listener you know" He emphasized. Only if he knew.

Tightening our intertwined hand more, I raised one of my brows.  "Like I said, I'm fine. Let's get going" Before he could open his mouth to talk again, I dragged him along. And we walk hand in hand to the restaurant.

As soon as we entered the restaurant, I was attacked with an aroma. Mrs. Grace must be cooking one of her signature dishes. There are consciously few people inside which made it a little bit quite.

"Ava" I heard someone call my name. Turning to my left, I was met with a familiar handsome young man.  What was his name again?

"Don't you recognize me? It's Daniel. We met three or four days ago"

A burst into a surprised smile. "Oh. It's you Daniel. Fancy seeing you here"

"Me too. I was actually expecting your call since that day. By the way, isn't he that guy. The stalker?" I things are going to turn bad very soon.

"Um.." I began getting cut off by Neil who now stood beside me. "Sorry for not introducing myself. I'm lucas,  Ava's husband"

What? My mouth was left open as I stared at him. Did he just...

Daniel's eyes went to him back to me. The surprised on his face was dimmed visible. "You-"

"I think that should be enough for now. We're actually here to eat and we can't afford to waste anymore time. Will we?" Neil lead us to the table that has two chairs.

"What was that?" I commenced immediately staring him down with my eyes.

"What does it look like to you?" He threw back. His tone dripping with sarcasm.

A small smile grace through my face. I didn't know Neil has a grumpy side to him. Seeing him getting jealous excites me. So to provoke him more, I stood up from the seat making my way towards daniel's seat, sitting across him. "Hey" I commenced leaning my elbows on the table. I could see the confused expression on his face but that didn't make me stop.

"Hey?" He answered back more like he question back. A small smile resonate out of my lips when I glance at Neil who was consciously looking at me directly.

"I see that you've not yet ordered anything. Is there anything I can help you with? You know, I work here. I can recommend you with a killer dish" From nowhere, a laughter erupt through the whole room.

My brows knit in question as I stared at the man in front of me. Last time I checked I didn't say any joke. I don't know from where the laughter came from. "What is funny?" and just like that, his laughter died down.

"Him" My eyes followed his gaze landing on Neil. "I can't help but laugh at his expression" I almost roll my eyes. If not because of how calm he was from the beginning, I would've said he's not normal.

"The way he's throwing us a murderous gaze. Are you sure he's a stalker?"

I think I should just reveal the truth. Dragging it will only worsen the situation. Leaning more closer, a smile made it way out of my mouth. I glanced at Neil for a millisecond before turning back to Daniel. "You see, he's my husband. I might introduce you to him but-"

"Nice meeting you Mr..." my mouth abruptly came to a halt seeing Neil standing beside me. "Let's drop the formalities. The lady here is taken already. I'm her husband and she's my wife. So if you have any interest in hitting on him, I suggest you back off. Excuse me, we'll take our leave" before his words could finish processing in my head, my body was being dragged out of the restaurant. I didn't miss the dumbfounded look on Daniel's face.

Even when we're out of the restaurant he didn't stop walking or let my hand and I didn't stop him. I let him lead me to wherever he's headed to. I didn't know for how long we walked but if to say, we walked for a while. Surprise graced through my head as I watched the surrounding before me.

"How did you know about this place?" the question came out before I could have a control of my mouth. He let go of my hand and turn to me. "I have my way"

For some reason, I found his words fishy. "Are you sure you didn't follow me that day?"

"That day? Which day?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. The day we fought. You followed me here right?" The corner of his lips twitched up. Which means I'm right.

"What an intelligent man you are"

"It took you so long to notice. I'm hurt" he places his palms on his chest faking hurt.

"Whatever" I ushered back making my way towards the pond crouching down on the spot I sat last time. Neil squated beside me, taking my hand in his. And his warmth immediately occupied me. "I couldn't let you go alone that night. I had to follow you to make sure you're okay"

My inside turn in excitement at his words while in face I showed no interest. "I know you're upset about what is happening. But, like I said, trust your father. He knows what he's doing. Very soon you'll come to know why he's not telling you anything. Before then, I want to tell you something important"