Amara's POV
I could tell Chloe was surprised to see me from her facial expression. I smiled politely at the woman who greeted us warmly. Daniella ignored her when she said hi and made her way to the dining table. Beatrice asked us to get seated , showing each and everyone our seat . I sat next to my mom and beside me was Daniella. Opposite us were Chloe and I think her mom and beside Chloe was Ivan who was actually the person directly opposite me . Beatrice sat at where daddy's usually sit and opposite her was Lilith.
"Can you share the grace for us sweetheart?" Beatrice said to Chloe and she nodded politely. She said a short prayer and Beatrice started to serve.
"I didn't introduce you to my other guests Cindy… this is actually Chloe's mom Rose, and this is Chloe, my son's girlfriend " she said proudly and mom's facial expression changed for no reason. It looks like she was disappointed and that caused me to chuckle.
"Nice meeting you Rose and Chloe… I'm Cindy and this is my daughter Amara … we are Beatrice's neighbors " mom replied
"Nice meeting you two but since when did you move in cause the last time I checked there was nobody living in that house " she replied
"It's been almost a month now" mom faked a smile.
"Okay hope you have a nice stay here in LA" she replied proudly.
"Thanks " I smiled at Beatrice when she was done serving my tray and picked up my fork to eat. I dug into my phone and occasionally raised my head to answer some questions Beatrice asked .
"Can you pass me the water please?" I said to Ivan and that was the first words I had spoken to him tonight. He was unusually silent today and I wondered what was wrong with him. Chloe rolled her eyes at me as Ivan poured me a glass of water instead of handing me the bottle.
"Is it okay?" He asked and I nodded. He smiled and excused himself right after, saying he didn't feel like eating. Beatrice's eyes followed him worriedly but the ladies drew her attention back to their conversation.
"Is everything okay between you two?" Beatrice asked Chloe
"Yeah , he is just tired auntie no need to worry about him" she replied and she smiled. I could tell Beatrice adored Chloe and Lilith was a little bit jealous of her . Daniella on the other hand hates her and only talked to me throughout the dinner. We finished eating and I helped Lilith to clear the table . Chloe pretended to help us but only went to the kitchen to take pictures. We joined our parents in the living room but Daniella grabbed my hand a few minutes later and led me to her room.
"Wow ! You live like a Disney princess " I said taking in the view of her room . It was all pink and she had so much teddy bears.
"I'm gonna change my room as soon as I attend high school " she said
"Really but this is beautiful " I replied
"I know but I will be too old for all pink"
"Which grade are you now ?" I asked
"Grade 6 " she replied and there was soon a knock on her door .
"Who is it ?" She asked
"It's me … Ivan"
"Come in " she smiled and I wondered what he was doing here in his sister's room.
"Have you seen my charger?" He asked and even though I wasn't looking directly at him I could tell he was staring at me.
"Your charger? Why would I know where your charger is ?" Daniella replied surprised
"Yeah you are right… sorry for interrupting… hope you are good Amara" he said, rubbing his hands through his hair.
"I'm fine …thanks " I smiled
"That's good " he said still standing in the room.
"Is there something else you are looking for?" Daniella teased
"No I'm sorry…" he said and closed the door
"Wait !" I called out to him and walked out of the room.
"Yes?" He said staring directly into my eyes . I felt nervous and lowered my head shyly.
"I wanted to thank you again for yesterday " I said
"I already told you I happened to save you by chance no need to thank me " he replied rudely
"Seriously!" I glared at him
"Wait … what were you thinking?" He laughed
"I wasn't thinking Ivan! I actually thought you were once becoming a gentleman because you carried me to bed and even helped me changed into my pajamas " I replied, my ego hurt
"I remember carrying you to bed but when did I help you change… come on Amara this is getting wild!" He said and I felt more embarrassed.
"That wasn't you ?" I asked
"No please…Alice did … did she not tell you ?" He chuckled
"Whatever… I take my thank you back !" I rolled my eyes and went back inside Daniella's room , banging the door loudly
"Are you okay?" Daniella asked
"I'm not … your brother is so annoying!" I cried out
"He sometimes gets on my nerves too but it wouldn't be bad if you two date " she said
"Never!" I exclaimed.
Ivan's POV
The week went by quickly and it was soon Friday , my birthday. Mom wanted me to throw a party but as usual I wanted to spend time with my boys. Eric called me to meet him up at the barbering shop and claimed he was proposing to Amara today . I only saw her on Wednesday when she was on her way to school but Eric claims he has been talking to her and asked her to meet him up at 5 at a coffee shop downtown. I went to the barbershop and was surprised to find our whole group there .
"Hey man!" I greeted them and sat down to get a nice haircut.
"Why didn't you tell us about the bet Ivan?" James asked.
"Well I thought he wasn't going to win" I replied
" Do you think I will win now ?" Eric laughed.
"I still believe you won't… Amara is a smart girl I bet she can tell you are a player " I replied
"I doubt… I was with them , the last time they met … that girl is actually falling for Eric!" Bernard said and my heart skipped a beat .
"When was that ?" I asked , hoping what he said wasn't true.
"Yesterday! We went out to grab some lunch "Eric said
"I see "I replied
"What about her friend ain't you seeing her?" I said
"I can handle Madison okay no need to worry about her" he replied
"I'm not worried about Madison I'm actually worried about Amara that's her friend and she is definitely going to get hurt if she finds out" I exclaimed .
"When did you start caring about her?" Eric looked at me surprised
"I don't know but I think this stupid bet has to end "
"It was your idea in the first place man!"
"I know and I'm telling you it has to end now!"
"That's not how it's done " he laughed
"Fine I accept, I've lost how much do I have to pay you so you leave her alone " I replied angrily.
"Relax man this is no longer a bet to me … I actually want to get that girl laid … you don't have to pay me or anything " he said tapping my shoulder.
"I won't allow that Eric… I won't allow you to hurt her never!" I said between gritted teeth.
"Someone is catching feelings here !" He teased and the others laugh.
"This isn't part of the game bro !" James said.
"This is no longer a game … Amara is my girl!" I replied and they all looked at me surprised.
"It's getting serious here ! Two buddies all wanting one chick… I think there should be another bet ! " Bernard exclaimed.
"I don't wanna bet !" I replied
"And I'm not backing off until I make her mine! Besides you have Chloe so why are being selfish !" Eric replied seriously
"What I feel for Amara is different and has nothing to do with Chloe. I won't stop you but I won't let you have your way with her with those intentions of yours" I replied
"That's enough guys!" James interrupted.
"Amara gets to decide in the end right " he smirked.