Vera Anderson's POV

A continuous ding sound of messenger notifications had awakened me from a good sleep. Next to me is Alexa who is still sleeping, both her hands were cuddling a pillow. I'm glad she agreed to stay in the house for one night before she would go back to Westwood.

As usual, before we sleep, Alexa shared to me the experiences she had when she began working at her father's company. Then the intimate moments she had with Vince the other night. I kept on laughing when she shared the  'dirty talks' with matching facial expressions. Oh my gosh! Alexa is really very vocal in expressing her feelings and emotions. Of course, I could not relate because I haven't yet experienced such things. In other words, I'm still innocent. Oh, God!

All I did was just laughed out loud when Alexa giggled to the bone. It's not her first time anyway because she is liberated. Yet, I respect her because that's her life and she is entitled to do whatever will make her happy. We may be the best of friends but we have a different point of view and we respect that, no matter what.

I stood up and grabbed my phone that was placed above the drawer. I clicked the messenger app to find out who was sending me messages. I found out it's all coming from Royce, asking me if I'm alright and telling me about his plan of staying in Beverly Hills in the meantime due to family matters.

"And why, he is telling me all of this, as if I care wherever he goes?", I murmured. 

All I replied was just 'okay'. Then, I closed the app and put back my phone above the drawer. I  stretched my arms in order to loosen and realign my muscles and to keep my mind awake to get going for another day. I paused a little while when I remembered what Royce told me about staying in Beverly Hills and to be honest I feel a little upset, upon thinking that we won't be seeing each other. 

"Gurl, good morning. What's that sad face?", Alexa is already awake showing her puffy face.

I told her about Royce's messages. She gave me a naughty smile while intently looking at me.

"What now?", I asked, because I feel like Alexa is ready to tease me again.

"Royce is in love with you gurl, I'm sure of it", Alexa exclaimed softly giggling and snuggling the pillow.

"Shut up Alexa, okay?", I blurted out, showing a hostile glare, then I picked one pillow and threw at her. 

"Okay fine, fine!", she chuckled. 

"You're so serious, gurl. You'll get old soon!", Alexa jested.

I just smirked at her showing that I am already pissed off. Alexa stood up and hugged me. She even tickled the lower part of my torso, just to make me laugh. Well, she knows already what to do, when I am annoyed, thinking that being tickled is my weakness. Then we both chortled.

I was about to take my shower when my phone rang. I'm thinking maybe it was Royce and I don't want to take it. But Alexa reached for my phone, telling me that it was Simon. I gestured her to give it to me but she only glared. I know Alexa doesn't like Simon and I couldn't figure out what was the reason because one time when I asked her, she just shrugged her shoulder and told me she did not even know. I approached her, trying to snatch the phone from her grip and as soon as I get hold of it, Alexa pouted her lips, giving me a scornful look.

Again Simon invited me to go out with him. He's always been inviting me but I always refused because, in the first place, I don't like him. But now, I realized maybe there's no harm in trying to get to know him. He is not that bad anyway. Besides, he is a good-looking man and already has a stable job. He is not as rich as Royce Miller, but I think social and economic status is not the sole basis for people to have a romantic relationship. 

Simon and I were schoolmates before in College. He was in his fourth year and I was in my second year at that time when he courted me. But I was so serious in my studies back then, that is why I did not entertain suitors. When I came back to LA after my master's, Simon and I unexpectedly met at the mall and asked for my cellphone number. And now this man is inviting me again to go out with him.

Without giving a second thought, I agreed to meet with Simon later at Perch. But I just told him not to pick me up because I'll be bringing with me my car. I haven't gone to Perch ever since, but this is also one of the best bars in LA. It is widely known for its good ambiance and delicious foods plus very entertaining crew and staff.

When I ended the call, Alexa was still glaring at me with her brows furrowed. I know she doesn't like the idea of going out with Simon, yet, we remain to respect each other's personal life. 

"Thank you gurl", I uttered as I pulled her a hug.

"Just take good care later at Perch gurl, okay? And wishing you the best", Alexa responded and smiled at me. This time, she is showing her genuine smile just to let me know that she is always willing to support me and whatever happens our friendship is what matters the most.

After we're done taking a bath, Alexa and I went out of the room to take our breakfast. As usual, we just brewed a cup of coffee and took some slices of bread. Suddenly Alexa got a call from Vince trying to check if she's okay. I can say, Vince really loved her for what she really is. And even Alexa is liberated, still she has a strong personality and she deserves to be loved for real. 

Thinking that a few moments from now this friend of mine would say goodbye to me makes me a little bit lonely. Though Westwood is not too far from LA, since she is already busy working in his father's company, it takes quite some time for us to see each other again.

******

It's 6:00 in the evening and it's time for me to fix myself. But I remembered I haven't yet called my brother to let him know that I'll be going out to meet Simon at Perch. Although I am already of legal age, still I wanted to ask permission from him. 

I decided to wear an off-white V-neck crop top and fitted blue jeans. For my footwear, I chose the black ankle strap heels because I am comfortable with it. I put light makeup on my face and lip tint, then put on a blue cardigan with three buttons to cover up my exposed navel. I really can't show off my skin, it only makes me uneasy. Alexa is always right when she said I am a conservative woman. 

After done fixing myself, I grabbed my purse bag and stepped outside. 

"I'm going out for a while, Nanny", I said to the woman whom I considered my second mom and kissed her cheek.

"Take good care, darling", she responded and smiled at me.

Riding in my black Honda Civic, I pulled off the road going to Perch. When I reached there I noticed it was already crowded with people. My eyes roamed around looking for Simon and when I saw him waving his hand, I smiled and approached him.

"Hi Vera", Simon stood and pulled a chair for me.

"Hi Simon', I responded and took my seat.

Simon was intently staring at me, and I feel nervous. Yes, I've known him during my college days but I don't know him so well. After he graduated from Claremont, I did not see him in person anymore, only now in Perch. He was handsome back then, but I think he is more handsome tonight in his striped black and white polo shirt, paired with a light brown khaki pants. 

"Are you okay Vera?", he asked and handed me the menu. I feel a little awkward the way Simon stares at me. It seems he was enthralled by my looks and fantasized about something.  Oh my gosh! I wanted to set aside these dirty thoughts, maybe I was just overthinking.

I averted my gaze and kept my eyes busy looking over the menu that was placed on the table. I ordered my favorite chicken supreme, creamy truffle polenta, and pumpkin pound cake with bourbon caramel glaze for the dessert, then a bottle of sparkling wine.

"Uhm by the way, thank you for accepting my invitation, Vera. You know how much it means to me", Simon said in a more direct way. 

There was a silence. I don't know but suddenly I had this creeping sense of regrets. I feel uncomfortable that I am now with Simon. If it's not too rude to tell him that I wanted to go home, I would perhaps do it. 

Suddenly, Royce's visage flashed back in my mind. How I wished he is the one who is with me right now. Sadness enveloped my heart when I remembered what he told me this morning that he would be staying in Beverly Hills for quite some time.

"Royce", I whispered.