I Swear, Let Me Love You Again

NATHANIEL’S POV:

6:30 PM:

I was seated in my home office throwing my entire mind into the work I had to do. The pleasing news of an open contract from the Millers offered to a company with a pretty nice amount made me happy business wise along with yet, about three other deals. But I was feeling uneasy, so I took a long, soothing shower after checking up on Rachel and shooting Lydia yet another text. The pictures of her and friends trending had me zooming into the picture so I could see only her clearly.

She was literally the most beautiful woman and I missed her. Her dry, short replies didn’t please me one bit.

I drank out my cup of coffee and leaned back in my seat when my phone started ringing loudly. I frowned and reverted my attention to it, a giddy feeling overcame me as I checked the caller ID.

“Hello? Good evening Nathaniel.” Her soft voice boomed through my ears. I cleared my throat and remained calm as I prepared to speak.

“How are you doing Lydia?” I asked and I could hear the sound of cars and horns in the background.

She must be back…I thought to myself.

“I’m doing great! I just arrived back in the city and wanted to know if you were free for dinner tonight.” I was taken aback by her question, I didn’t even have plans for dinner and getting the chance to see her…. tonight…excited me.

“Of course.  Just text me the details.” I responded with a smile leaning back in my seat.

“I will. See you in a while.” She said and we exchanged goodbyes before hanging up. I was so excited, I instantly hopped out of my seat and headed upstairs.

I was standing in my walking closet debating on what to wear. Anticipation grew in my heart as I kept picking an outfit but felt it didn’t seem right for the occasion, because something told me tonight was going to be great.

Lydia asking me to dinner meant an improvement right? What did she want to talk about?

I decided to video call Rachel so she could help with making an outfit choice.

“Hello Nathaniel for the 15th time. Why are you calling me now?” Rachel groaned in frustration as soon as she picked the call.

She looked like she had just woken up and I felt somewhat apologetic but she had disturbed me countless times, so this was just a payback for a good cause.

“Help me pick an outfit for a date tonight.” Her eyes went wide and she sat all the way up, her face turned into a grin and she switched on the lights in her room.

“You? Lydia? Tonight? OMG…” She squealed in excitement and I rolled my eyes at her excitement.

“Yes, so which of these two?” I showed her my two suggestions and placed my phone on the center table there. She smiled, analyzing each outfit intently.

Seeing Rachel happy and relaxed these past few days made me so happy as well, I was glad. She had simply given me a brief summary of her encounter with Jason but from what I had heard, I felt things weren’t exactly over but I hoped it was. Everyone was happy and living their lives, even Lydia who I expected to be worried. I felt at peace seeing everyone smiling and happy, but on another hand, I couldn’t believe how much I had mentally checked out from the relationship between my mother and I. It was appalling, but I had gained so much peace from that, as well as everyone around me, especially Rachel.

“Go with this.” I analyzed the outfit and it was the option I was leaning towards.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“That’s what I would wear. Turns out I didn’t need you.” I spoke playfully and she rolled her eyes in a full circle.

“Sureee.. Just let me know how the dinner goes. You’re a manageably good looking man so she’s going to fall in love the minute she sees you.” I simply hummed nonchalantly at her words because she just kept playing.

Lydia will fall in love with me? I felt I needed to try harder to make her fall in love with me.

“Whatever, Goodbye.” I spoke dismissively about hanging up.

“Byee…I love you. Don’t be nervous.” My heart smiled at those three words. From siblings who barely spoke and argued all the time to this bond we were slowly forming. I was happy.

“I love you too.” I hung up immediately and went ahead to get dressed. I had picked out gray slacks and a button down shirt matching with a nice pair of shoes. I accessories with a diamond watch, which I barely wore.

I hummed to a tune as I sprayed a new cologne, it had a woody and appealing scent. As I arranged to take my leave, staring at the location Lydia had sent, I realized I was about forty-five minutes prepared. It was better to be too early either way.

My phone began to ring as I exited out of the room. My face turned to a frown as I looked at the Caller ID, it was simply a private number. I simply ignored it as I assumed it was simply a spam call but it rang again a second after.

I turned off the lights and grabbed my keys, coat and wallet about to leave and when it rang the third time, I reluctantly answered.

“Hello? Who is this?” I questioned and all I could hear was someone breathing on the other line.

“Hello?” I sucked my teeth sharply about to hang up but was stopped by the next words.

“Nathaniel…. how have you been?” The sound of a familiar voice inquired and I stopped in my tracks.

“Jennifer, is that you?” I asked and she giggled. My heart sank when I realized it was her.

“O My…You know my voice…I have missed you so much, Nate.” She said softly and I let out a breath debating what to say or do.

They were right, the police, Jenny was alive and what’s worse is…. she seems to be back.

“I’m back in town, let’s meet up tonight like right now. Or do you have other plans with Lydia or someone?” I clenched my jaw and the fact that her question was so right was suspicious.

“Jennifer…”