Copyright © 2024 Maria McDonald
“Anything exciting coming up in the Bradford’s social engagement calendar?” Lizzy asked once they had sipped half of their beverages, thus breaking the silence that had hung between them.
“The Cancer Research Benefit Ball is in three weeks,” Michael replied matter-of-factly.
“Black tie?” Lizzy guessed.
“What else?” Michael challenged her. He rolled his eyes upwards, though the slight tick on one corner of his lips betrayed the severity of his exasperation. Born into the most prestigious family, where attending a black-tie function was equivalent to devout Catholics putting on their Sunday’s best to attend mass, Michael had, over the years, grown tolerance to fulfilling said expectation.
Michael rested his own coffee cup to the empty spot beside him. He studied Lizzy’s features as she took small sips of her own white chocolate mocha; from her long, thin, curled up eyelashes to her almond-shaped, piercing pair of Oriental hazel eyes; from her light beige complexion to the dark brown hair spilling out to about five inches below her shoulders.
He retracted the arm he had stretched along the top of the wooden bench, aware that he could trace his fingertips along her back. Michael interlinked both his hands, the thumb of his right hand massaging the spot between his left thumb and index finger.
“Will you come with me?” Michael blurted out before he had a chance to change his mind.
“Michael James Bradford, are you asking me out on a date?” Lizzy asked in a slightly tremulous voice, raising her coffee cup to her lips.
“I’m asking my best friend to be my plus one for the most prestigious social function of the Bradford Empire,” Michael clarified, never taking his eyes off Lizzy’s slightly flushed cheek. “If by the end of the night, we end up kissing…” Michael trailed off as Lizzy met his gaze squarely, one eyebrow raised.
“It wouldn’t be the worst thing that could ever happen.”
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