Imperfect Desires

If Xiu had not brought up the topic of Dylan's relationship with Cali, Dylan would have never thought about it himself. But since she did, it made Dylan constantly think about the whys in his life. For instance, why he kept Cali's photos? Why did he always pay attention to her? Why did he know about her likes and dislikes? 

And at the moment, why was he so excited and nervous to meet her?

Right now, Dylan was standing outside the door of Cali's suite with sweaty hands which he kept rubbing on his pants. It was really unknown to him why he was feeling so weird. It wasn't the first time he was gonna see her. Then what was up with the anticipation bubbling in his heart? And what the hell was wrong with him?

He knocked at the door and waited calmly. Well, at least he looked calm from his face but the turmoil in his heart was another story.

The door opened after five minutes and since his eyes were stuck on the floor, what came to his view were bare feet, he slowly looked up. His eyes trailed upward at those bare legs and moving upward his eyes darkened a bit when he realized that the person at the other side of the door was only wearing a bathrobe.

"Dylan? What are you doing here?" asked Cali as she looked at Dylan looking so dapper and that too so early in the morning.

Dylan moved his eyes away from the drop of water that was dripping down her neck as it disappeared in the valley between her breasts. "I told you, I'll see you in the morning."

"Dylan, it's 7 am." Cali thought of telling him the time since she thought he was really here mistakenly.

"I know," said Dylan keeping his eyes on her face. 'I know what the time is, I just don't know why I chose to come at this time!' he was cursing himself inwardly but kept his face straight. 

"Forget it, come inside first," said Cali as she moved out of the way to allow him to come inside. Dylan followed her inside silently while looking around the suite room. Cali went to her room and soon brought out the painting packed really well. "Here..." she gave it to him.

Dylan eyed her for a moment before saying, "Are you telling me to get lost?"

"What?" Cali frowned at his words.

"If that's not your intention, then this can wait. You should..." he looked over at her before clearing his throat, "You should dress up first."

Cali didn't know why he was acting so weird. But she still nodded her head, "Okay, then you wait here. I'll be right back." She went back to the bedroom to get dressed. Ying was still passed out on her bed with no care in the world. Cali didn't think it was nice to wake her up so she let her sleep as if it was her own room.

After dressing up she came out to find Dylan still sitting where she left him earlier. As he noticed her presence, he looked over and got up saying, "You didn't have breakfast, right? Let's grab something to eat."

"What are you trying to do?" inquired Cali as she crossed her arms over her chest. 

"Nothing. I just want to thank you for bringing over my parcel," replied Dylan with a smile as he walked towards her.

"Oh, so you want to treat this delivery woman to a meal as your way of thank you?" retorted Cali. "When did you get so formal?"

"What formal? It's called being nice. And I have always been a nice person," Dylan reasoned stubbornly.

"Yes, yes... You're definitely a nice person," Cali played along with him with a playful smile.

Later, Dylan eventually took her down for breakfast. They were just getting out of the elevator when Dylan bumped into a familiar face who beamed at Dylan before frowning, "Dylan, what a pleasant surprise seeing you here."

'Pleasant surprise? More like my nightmare!' Dylan thought to himself before replying, "Hey, Nora! What are you doing here so early in the morning?"

Meeting Nora here was considered a nightmare because he was very familiar with Nora and Xiu's friendship. This chatter-box was definitely gonna gossip about him with her best friend and then he was gonna suffer at the hands of his dear sister-in-law.

"There is an important guest coming and I have to receive him. It's really annoying but work is work, right?" said Nora and finally her eyes caught sight of Cali standing beside Dylan trying to size her up.

Dylan noticed the look of amusement in Nora's eyes and tried to clear up, "This is not what it looks like."

"Ah-huh!" began Nora before adding, "Dylan Qiu with a gorgeous lady... Early morning..." Nora nodded to herself. "This really isn't what it looks like."

Dylan hit her head saying, "I'm telling you it's not. Stop assuming things." Nora scowled at him for hitting her head but stayed quiet as he went on, "This is Cali. Dazi's friend."

"And yours?" Nora insisted as she leaned closer to him intimidating him to answer her question.

"My... My friend as well," Dylan stuttered his way through it. "I just came over so that we can have some breakfast together. She doesn't know anyone here. I don't want her to feel lonely or out of place. After all, we are hospitable people." Nora nodded her head but the look in her eyes didn't change at all. Not even for a second, she was willing to believe Dylan's words. What friend? He wouldn't be here to accompany a friend over breakfast! At least, not just any friend!

If it was Darren, she would believe it but it was not Darren. It was a woman and a very gorgeous one at that too. She was willing to bet anything that Dylan wasn't here just for a friend.

"She's staying here?" asked Nora and Dylan nodded in response. Then she turned to Cali and introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Nora. If you have any problem, look for me. I'd be more than willing to help."

"This is her dad's hotel. Well, one of his hotels," cleared up Dylan for Cali while Nora just smiled looking at her. "If you really want to be of help, how about starting with a delicious breakfast?" Dylan again turned to Nora who scowled at his words.

"Fine. Since Cali is Darren's friend, I'm more than willing. Let me get the chefs to whip up an amazing breakfast for you," Nora was talking to Cali while Dylan pinched her shoulder.

"What about me? She's my... friend as well," She didn't mention him even once. He was the one here but Nora acted like she was only treating them because Cali was Darren's friend.

Nora placed her hand over his shoulder and pushed him down a bit so that her face was right next to his ear as she whispered, "Your words are not believable enough." Dylan frowned at her while she patted his chest softly.