Chapter 2
At around ten the next morning, I woke up in Naomi's room. "Thank goodness, it was a dream."
I couldn't believe I'd had a wet dream. I smacked my forehead, swearing not to watch more porn.
I walked out of Naomi's room and found her at the dining table on the first floor, eating a sandwich.
"Amelia, you were sleeping so soundly that I couldn't bring myself to wake you," she said.
"Is Leland not home?" I asked cautiously.
"Oddly enough, Mallory said he left before dawn."
"Oh," I replied casually, and my nerves finally eased up.
"My brother's such a workaholic. He'll never get a girlfriend like this."
"Girls probably go crazy for that cold, distant vibe he's got," I blurted out.
Naomi stared at me.
"I was just saying," I quickly explained.
"Amelia, why didn't I think of this before? Once school starts, he can look after you for me."
"No, that's not necessary."
"Your school is full of gorgeous girls. Maybe you'll find me a sister-in-law. My whole family will be grateful to you," Naomi kept going, getting more and more excited.
Naomi and I were both freshmen. I went to college in the city, while she was in the next city over.
During the summer vacation, we were glued together, like two peas in a pod.
Our parents were both busy with work and had business dealings, so they were totally comfortable with me hanging out at Naomi's place.
For the rest of the summer, I'd catch glimpses of Leland now and then, but we barely exchanged more than a handful of words.
Every time I saw Leland, I couldn't help but picture those icy, celibate male leads straight out of a romance novel.
As the new semester was about to start, Leland suddenly said he wanted to take Naomi and me out for dinner.
"Naomi, if Leland's inviting you, I'll pass," I said.
"Amelia, when did you start acting like a stranger? Leland's my brother, and he might as well be like your own brother," Naomi replied.
"I've got something going on that day."
"Oh, really? Don't tell me you're scared of Leland?"
"No, not at all."
"Don't worry. He's only strict with me. He's a decent guy, I swear. This is a good chance for you two to get to know each other better."
After Naomi wore me down with her endless nagging, I finally gave in and went to dinner with Leland.
*****
On the day we were supposed to meet, Leland was busy with work. He told the driver to drop Naomi and me off at the restaurant first and said he'd join us later.
Leland had reserved a private room at an upscale restaurant.
As soon as we sat down, Naomi answered her phone and suddenly got all secretive. "Amelia, something urgent came up. Eat with Leland, and he'll take you home after."
"Naomi, I—" I started to protest.
But before I could finish, Naomi snatched her bag and dashed out, leaving me alone in the private room, feeling awkward and lost.
It was such a weird feeling. My palms were sweating from nerves, but there was also a little buzz of excitement inside me.
Maybe it was because I'd been watching too much porn lately, but my mind kept drifting to Leland. He was tall and solid, and his face carried a cold, unattainable aura.
I felt my cheeks flush.
Right then, the door to the private room swung open.
Leland strode in, dressed to the nines in his suit, seemingly fresh off work.
"L-Leland, Naomi had something urgent and had to leave," I stammered, standing up nervously.
"It's fine. You're the star tonight anyway," Leland said.
"Me?" I said, my heart pounding.
"We haven't seen each other for years, have we? The little girl who used to run around with Naomi in her frilly dresses is all grown up now."
"Am I prettier now?" As soon as the words left me, I cringed, dying to disappear into the ground.
"Yeah," Leland said, looking me up and down with a faint smile playing on his lips.
My face went bright red, all the way up to my ears.
Luckily, the waiter knocked on the door and saved me from the awkwardness. "Mr. Shannon, are you ready to order now?"
Leland, ever the gentleman, handed me the menu.
After we both ordered, Leland added a few desserts. "Amy, what do you want to drink?"
I flipped through the drinks section of the menu. "I'll have a Long Island Iced Tea."
I had never tried it before, but the name sounded like a cute little drink.
The waiter shot me a look and then turned to Leland.
"Two Long Island Iced Teas, then," Leland said, leaning back in his chair and giving me a knowing look.
"Leland, do I have something on my face?" I asked.
"So, Amy, you like Long Island Iced Tea?"
"Yeah." I nodded, feeling my heart race faster.
Leland smiled, saying nothing.