by Liwen Y. Ho
That’s when Aiden saw the remnants of green food—likely spinach—lodged between her two front teeth. He winced, knowing he needed to bring it to her attention. “Actually, you do have something in your teeth—”
Gail clamped her lips together and shot to her feet. “I’ll be right back,” she mumbled out of the corner of her mouth.
Aiden nodded as his date scrambled quickly to the ladies’ room. Hopefully this would be one situation they’d laugh about later. The thought filled his heart with joy. It was nice to finally have something to look forward to again.
Chapter Ten
Abby
Darn spinach! Abby stared at her open-mouthed reflection in the restroom mirror and almost cried. Of all days to have food stuck in her teeth, it had to be today. On her date with the most amazing man in the world. The teenager in her wanted to squeal for joy, while the grown-up in her furiously searched her purse for floss. Her hand bumped against a small white container, which she fished out with a cry of delight.
A woman stepped out of one of the stalls and gave her a curious look. “Are you okay?”
With several fingers in her mouth, Abby responded with an eager nod. She flossed her upper front teeth, then decided to do the rest of her mouth. She decided that if she needed to, she’d drink water for the rest of the meal to prevent any further moments of embarrassment.
Why had Danica not told her she’d be seeing the man of her dreams? Heartland had been her favorite boy band growing up, and the lead singer was everything she ever wanted in a boyfriend. Charming, considerate, and musical. Most importantly, he was a believer. He seemed like the perfect guy.
What was it about men? They aged so well, and Aiden was no exception. She’d had a hard time breathing and thinking when he was only a foot away. She’d almost given up on speaking, too; it was so difficult connecting her words from her head to her mouth. That’s why she’d let him do all the talking, which had been part of her plan to begin with anyway. If only Danica could see her. She’d be so impressed by how she’d kept her mouth shut. Oh, but she was ready to give a mouthful to her best friend for giving her the biggest shock of her life.
Abby threw away her used floss and washed her hands. She dug her phone out of her purse and swiped it open to call Danica. Her friend picked up on the second ring. “What in the world were you thinking when you set me up on this blind date?”
Danica responded with a chuckle. “Hey, Abs. I have two words for you. You’re welcome!”
She rolled her eyes. “How could you not have prepared me for this? I was freaking out when I saw it was—” She turned her back on the woman who was now using the sink beside hers. The last thing she needed to do was let the whole world know she was on a date with a celebrity. Lowering her voice, she continued, “Aiden Spark. You know how much I love him!”
“Which is why I couldn’t tell you ahead of time. I didn’t want you to worry more than you already were.” She paused. “Do you forgive me?”
“Forgive you? I love you, girl! This is the best night of my life. My inner teen is doing a happy dance right now.” The tapping of her heels echoed in the restroom as she shimmied in place. She held back her emotions until the other customer walked out. As soon as she was alone, she let out a wild yelp.
“Abby! Are you okay? I take it the date’s going well?”
“Oh my goodness. He’s so gorgeous, but not only that, he’s so sweet. And he called me beautiful. Can you believe it? Aiden Spark thinks I’m beautiful!”
“Wow, he sounds a lot more animated than he was on our date—I mean, the time we met.”
“You went on a date with him? You didn’t tell me that.”
“It was totally platonic. You know I like Brandon, so when he asked me to do this favor for him, to help his brother get back into the dating field, I said yes. We did not hit it off though. To be honest, he was pretty withdrawn on our date. He hardly made eye contact. I thought he needed someone like you to draw him out of his shell. Looks like you did the job.”
“Hm, I guess I did.” Abby placed a hand on her hip as she pondered Danica’s words. “But what you described doesn’t sound like the same man I’m with tonight. Well, other than the fact that he was a little moody at first. He seems really eager to get away from his past. He doesn’t care about his celebrity persona at all. He even introduced himself with a fake name.” Abby almost dropped her phone. “Oh nooo … You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“What’s wrong? What are you talking about?”
Abby gasped and held onto the wall to keep from falling over. “Dannie, you’re not going to believe this.”
“What is it? Tell me!”
“Why, oh why?” Abby moaned. Of all the people she had to go yell at on live radio this week …
“What’s going on? Did he freak out or something when you told him you’re a deejay?”
That was exactly the problem. All the pieces started falling into place in a strange, convoluted way. And she couldn’t wrap her mind around how crazy it all was. “You remember the professor I told you about? The one I got into a fight with on the air?”
“Yes? What does he have to do with this?”
“His name was Z. Spark. Aiden introduced himself as Zachary. Both Aiden and Zachary come from a family of five brothers. And they both like their privacy. This is way too much of a coincidence.” Abby sucked in a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. “I think Aiden Spark and the professor are one and the same.”
“What? No—”
“Freaking. Way?” She threw her hand up in the air. “Of course this would happen to me. I meet the man of my dreams and it turns out he hates me.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. He doesn’t hate you.”
“Oh, yes, he does. He likes Gail, but he hates Abby.” She shook her head so hard, her glasses shifted on her face. “What am I going to do?”
“Well, you should probably confirm his identity first. What if he’s not Professor Spark?”
“And what if he is? I’m ninety-nine percent sure he is.” She released a heavy sigh. “Can I not tell him who I am?”
“Um, he’s going to find out sooner or later.”
“I know, I was only kidding. Argh. This whole date is ruined now. Why couldn’t I have one nice evening out?”
“The night’s not over yet, Abby. You could still have a great time.”
“Like that’s going to happen. Not after he finds out I’m the deejay who dissed him.” Abby slumped against the wall, her knees buckled together. “I feel so bad. Now I completely understand why he was so upset that day about the media and why he hates celebrity gossip. I would, too, if I were him. I shouldn’t have been so hot-tempered. I should’ve kept my big mouth shut.”
“It’s okay. You can’t change what happened, but you can make up for it. Hey, look at it this way. This is God’s way of giving you a chance to make amends. I’m sure Zachary or Aiden—whatever name he goes by—will understand.”
“I don’t know.” Abby straightened and took a deep breath. “Please keep praying for me, Dannie. I really, really need all the help I can get.”
“Of course. Remember the verse we talked about earlier? Don’t worry about anything, but in everything—you know what, let me text it to you. As soon as we hang up, I’ll send it over.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Sure enough, thirty seconds later a new message popped up on her phone screen. Abby read it over and over, committing the words to memory. She said a prayer herself, presenting her requests to God and thanking Him as well. As she was about to thank Danica, another text came in.
She swiped it open and saw a photo of a pretty red-haired woman’s smiling face next to a handsome young man’s. Talk about six—or in her case, two—degrees of separation. What were the chances both she and her sister had met a Spark brother in the same week? Boy, did she have a story to tell Emma later. Fingers crossed, it would be one with a happy ending, one they would all laugh about one da
y. Anything was possible for God, right? He’d created the whole universe from scratch, after all. He could help Aiden forgive her, right?
Swiping one text thread closed, she opened another to reply to Danica. Here I go. Please pray Aiden or Zachary doesn’t hate me after I tell him who I am. Thanks.
Abby tucked her phone back into her purse and smoothed the front of her dress. After taking one last look at herself in the mirror, she stepped out of the restroom. She dragged her feet as she walked as slowly as possible back into the dining area, her eyes trained on the plush carpet beneath her heels. As she neared the corner of the room, she glanced up, then gasped. The seat where Aiden had been sitting was now empty, and he was nowhere to be seen.
Chapter Eleven
Aiden
Aiden rolled over in his bed, willing sleep to come. In his rush last night, he’d forgotten to close his curtains. Sunlight now streamed in through the window, ushering in the day far too early. Outside, a neighbor’s dog was barking, taking on the roles of honorary guard dog and alarm clock. His townhome complex in the heart of Silicon Valley had been advertised as quaint and welcoming, but this morning it was anything but. He threw off his covers and groaned. What a way to start the week. He had a long Monday ahead of him and no energy or motivation to get through it.
He sat up, his eyes sweeping over the master bedroom. He had to admit that even though he wasn’t a celebrity anymore, he still lived like one. When he bought the unit five years ago, he’d splurged on plush carpeting and matching, high-end furniture. His closet was full of brand name clothing, all of which were regularly cleaned and pressed by a laundry service. He even employed his own housekeeper who shopped for him and took care of the home.
The only service he no longer used was a driver and that was because he’d bought his dream car, an Aston Martin, and wanted to drive himself around. He also had enough electronic gadgets to fill up his bachelor pad, everything from drones to multiple video game consoles to a state-of-the-art sound system. That’s what a single guy did with the royalties from four hit songs he’d written. There was pretty much nothing he kept himself from buying, partly because he could and partly because he had nothing else to spend his money on. If he had a wife though, it’d be a different matter.
His gaze landed on an 8x10 framed photo displayed on his nightstand. The picture was taken on the same day as the one of Mandy that was stored in his phone. He had his arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace as the two of them stared into each other’s eyes. Everything about the day had been perfect, from the warm weather to their conversation after the photo shoot.
Even though they were only eighteen, they’d talked about marriage. He’d had it all planned. Mandy would go to college and become a teacher; he would continue writing songs and performing with the band. They’d spend the summers together. After a couple of years, she’d graduate, they’d marry, and she would go on tour with him. In their young, idealistic minds, they had been determined to live out of suitcases, because who cared about luxury if they had each other? That had been the plan. Now he had all the material things, but no one to share his life with.
Why had God’s wrath fallen on him? Why did Mandy have to die and his plans get derailed? Had he been too self-centered when he was younger? Maybe he had flirted with too many fans. But what teenage boy, especially a pop star, wouldn’t crave the attention of millions of girls? If only he understood what he’d done wrong. The guilt he felt over Mandy’s death still ate away at him all these years later. He’d never told anyone how he felt, and he couldn’t believe he’d finally verbalized his doubts last night. But of all the people to open up to, it had to be her.
The woman he’d been so thankful to meet yesterday had turned out to be the one woman he couldn’t stand. Funny how everything had changed in a matter of minutes. All because of a single text message.
Aiden reached for his cell phone sitting beside the photo. One swipe of his screen revealed the source of his restless night. He still couldn’t believe it. Gail was the deejay. What kind of game was she playing? Had she told Danica to arrange the date as some secret ploy to get an interview with him?
Even worse, why was God messing with his heart? Getting his hopes up by bringing Gail—or rather, Abby—into his life, only to crush them to the ground? He ran his hands through his hair, pulling at the ends in frustration. So many questions and no plausible answers. Nothing made more sense today than it had yesterday. In fact, he felt more conflicted than ever.
He replayed the memory of the moment he’d gotten Abby’s message. He’d been confused at first why the deejay was texting him again, then it took but a few seconds for the pieces to fall into place. That’s when he’d gotten up as quickly as possible, but not before he spotted Abby walking back to their table, head down with one hand clutching her necklace. He ducked out of the restaurant soon after, but the image of her slumped shoulders stuck with him, piercing his conscience. Why exactly, he didn’t know. Or rather, he didn’t want to admit the reason. He hated the fact he had stood her up, that he’d been a coward. What kind of man left his date without warning and to foot the bill, no less?
He was a coward and a jerk.
What was he supposed to do now? Move on and forget the date ever happened? Demand an explanation? It all seemed useless. He was done with this nonsense and done with this deejay.
But it seemed she wasn’t done with him. He noticed three flashing dots pop up in the message thread. Was Abby texting him again? What could she possibly have to say to him? He soon found out when a new text came in.
Aiden, while I didn’t appreciate you leaving me at the restaurant last night, I understand why you did.
I promise you I had no idea who you were before we met. It was not some secret ploy to meet you or interview you. I may be a fan, but I’m not crazy or desperate.
It was a weird coincidence or maybe divine intervention. Anyway, I wanted to apologize about the things I said on the air. It wasn’t nice or fair of me.
I’m sorry.
The messages ended, but Aiden kept rereading them. Divine intervention? Yeah, right. He didn’t know about that part, but the other things Abby said seemed true. She’d apologized, too. It was more than he’d be willing to do under the circumstances. He sighed. The least he could do was acknowledge her effort. He typed, I accept your apology, and hit send.
He threw the phone on his bed and went about his morning routine. He showered and changed into slacks and a dress shirt in preparation for his lecture later that day. Deciding to grab coffee and breakfast on his way to work, he gathered his belongings together, including his phone. That’s when a new text from Abby appeared.
Okay, it’s your turn now.
His turn? He sent back a simple two-word answer: For what?
To apologize!
Aiden dropped his laptop bag onto the carpet. Apologize? The nerve of this woman. Who did she think she was, demanding his apology?
His thumbs flew over the screen as he typed out a response. Why do I need to apologize? You’re the one who lied to me. You called yourself Gail. How was I to know you were the deejay?
Those three dots appeared again, making his jaw tighten. So, she wanted to play, did she? He stared at the screen in anticipation.
You’re one to talk! You called yourself Zachary! You’re just as guilty of lying.
Aiden’s neck heated under his collar. He undid the top few buttons of his shirt and sat down on his bed. He had a feeling Abby was only getting started. He was right. Another message immediately popped up.
And to think I was feeling bad for the way I treated you. At least I had the courtesy to admit when I was wrong. You think you’re above everyone else because you’re a celebrity.
I told you I’m not a celebrity anymore, he typed. I just don’t appreciate being lied to.
I didn’t lie! Gail’s a name I use so people don’t know I’m Abby the deejay! I hate it when people start asking me for favors when they find out I work for
a radio station.
Aiden scoffed. You do admit you were hiding your identity from me.
A minute passed with no response. He wondered if Abby had given up. Before he could celebrate his victory, his phone rang with an incoming video call. The word Deejay flashed across the screen, identifying the caller. No way. What was she up to now? He swiped the phone to answer the call.
A familiar face showed up on his screen. Her cheeks were rosier than they were last night, but there was the woman who looked so much like his Mandy. But she was nothing like her. Even still, Aiden’s chest constricted to see her face again. He brushed his fingers across the screen and swallowed hard.
Abby’s expression softened for a moment as she stared at him from the screen. Concern flickered in her eyes when she spoke. “Aiden?”
Flipping the screen around, he wiped his eyes. When he turned the phone back towards himself, he set his jaw and gave a curt nod.
“Are you okay?”
The tenderness in her tone caught him off guard. He shook his head to clear his wayward thoughts. No matter how much Abby reminded him of Mandy, she wasn’t the woman he once loved. He focused on the rounded corner of the phone to avoid meeting her gaze. “I don’t have time for this. Let’s call it even and be on our way. I don’t want to see or hear from you again.”
“What gives you the right to tell me when it’s over? It’s so not over. You left me with a huge bill. You could’ve offered to pay half of it. I wasn’t the one who ordered a $48 ribeye.”
“What happened to it?”
“The bill? I charged it to my credit card. I didn’t have that much cash on me.”
“Not the bill,” he snapped, “the ribeye.”
“I took it home of course. There was no way I was going to leave it sitting untouched on your plate. After everything the cow went through for your meal, the least I could do was enjoy it.”