The Royal Contract

Days had been a bit hectic for the two love birds as work piled up. But they still managed to see each other four times the last week. But sad to say, dating was out of the question. They could only crash on her apartment or his at the end of the day.

It did not matter as long as they were together. Just like today, Alex was supposed to pick her up, but he just texted that he was running late. 

"I guessed I'll be waiting for him at home." She told Jacky, who was preparing to leave early. "I might as well go home too."

She suddenly did not feel like working overtime tonight. She felt like they were too engrossed with their work that they barely made time for each other. She decided that at least one of them should make the sacrifice to make this night special.

Besides, she could not think of any time she made an effort to surprise him with something special. Most of the time, it was he who took the time to create their moment together extraordinary.

"Well, I am going out today." Jacky hesitantly told her. It had been a while since she dated, and it felt weird to go out again after Marcus and Lance.

However, she was determined to find the right man for her. But this time, she was taking her time to get to know the man. She was changing her ways and was not settling for less.

Lance, in her opinion, was a good catch. He became the standard of what a man should be in her eyes. But she knew that a man liked him was one in a million. It would be hard to find another Lance in this sea of men. But she was willing to try.

"Wow, with whom?" She asked, surprised that she had not heard anything about it till now. Usually, Jacky would be jumping in her office to inform her about it as early as yesterday.

She also could not remember Jacky mentioning meeting someone new. Could it be an old fling? 

"I met him at the club the other night while you were dancing with Alex. He seems to be a nice guy, so I agreed to have dinner with him." Jacky informed her.

"And his name is?" Dani asked, still waiting for the identity of the mystery man. "I need a guarantee that he was not one of the people on the wanted list." She told her. But it was a joke between the two of them. 

"Sebastian Reece. I think he is a doctor but not sure of his specialty." Jacky informed her friend. "I still don't know much about him, hence the purpose of the date. It was not exactly a conducive place to talk to him, inside the noisy and crowded bar."

"Fine. I'm happy that you are trying to get back on your feet again." She could not argue with that. "Are you sure that the whole Marcus thing is over?" Dani could not help but ask. She had to be sure that her friend was not looking for a rebound thing.

"It will take time before I can say that I am completely over with that jerk. But I wish to try to get back on the dating game. My clock is ticking, and I wish to be happy with a man that will love me for me." Jacky explained to Dani what she had come up with in her mind these past few days of reflecting on her life.

"I am glad that you are trying, but don't rush things again. I don't want to see you get hurt." She patted her friend on the shoulder as they moved towards the elevators.

She did not want another repeat of what happened to Jacky and Marcus. She only wished for her happiness and love ever after.

Back home, as Jacky prepared for her date, she busied herself with planning for a great night. She knew she still had plenty of time. She texted Alex, and he said that he was still in a meeting.

Now, all she needed was to execute her plan. First, she decided to order food. She was not a gourmet chef, so she could not expect herself to whip up something delicious in a short time.

But she was a little artistic, so she knew she could decorate the place with flowers and candles, creating a romantic ambiance. Then, arrange the food later as if it came from the kitchen, creating the illusion of homemade food.

After setting the dining table and arranging all the food, she chilled a bottle of wine in the fridge. She looked once again at her masterpiece, and she believed she created a good job. A slight adjustment on the flower and the candle, and it was perfect. 

All she needed to do was light the candle later before he arrived. Now, off she went to the bathroom to pamper herself. She wanted to look fresh and smelling good when he saw her tonight. Not the usual haggard and sweaty girlfriend that met him the other nights they spent together.

"Dani, I am heading out. I'll see you tonight, or probably tomorrow." She shouted outside her bathroom.

She was not sure if she should even go home after seeing the setting outside. She could see that her friend had put in an effort, making this night special. She was not about to ruin it by walking in on them and disturbing their romantic night together.

"Be careful, Jacky." She hollered back then she heard her say goodbye. A few seconds later, the house was quiet again.

She returned to her bubble bath and let the aroma calm her nerves. She closed her eyes, allowing the warm water to soothe her muscles and prepare her for the rest of the night.

Now, she was alone in the house, waiting for her man to come home from his busy night. But she would make sure to relieve all his stress and gave him a night to remember.