Chapter CHAPTER 65
Transcend running into each other.
(ARELLES POV)
The young man chuckled and took off his shades, revealing piercing eyes that sparkled with amusement. “Alright, there was a catch. How’re you, Madam?”
I was stunned, my eyes widening in surprise Dwayne? Of all people? Before I knew it, laughter bubbled up from my chest, and I burst into tears–streaked giggles.
He was the last person I expected to see, and I couldn’t believe I sang alongside him without even recognizing him.
“You’re so-“I started, still chuckling.
“A jerk?” He finished, grinning. “I know, guilty as charged. I’m sorry if I startled you. I didn’t want to reveal my identity and startle you. I wanted to hear you sing, and I’m glad you did. You sing so well. Are you sure you’ve never had a music career?
y cheeks turned warm at his flattery. I shook my head, still trying to process unning into him again. Is this a coincidence, or some planned act?
ere he cut into my thoughts, handing me a tissue. “You need it.”
I nodded and accepted it, dabbing at my cheeks and eyes. Just then, Ashley and Juliet approached us
Bestle, that was a stunning performance, Ashley said, and then she turned to Dwayne, you too, gentleman. You were She paused as recognition dawned on her face. “You again? Dwayne, isn’t?
Dwayne nodded, grinning
“How come we didn’t recognize you?” Ashley turned to me. “Did you know it was him?
I let my hand up. I didn’t”
Surprisingly, Ashley didn’t seem weary of Dwayne like she used to be, in our previous encounters. She flashed him a smile. “It’s nice to see you again. Thank you for singing along with her.”
restrained a chuckle. Typical Ashley, always nice to anyone nice to me.
“It’s a pleasure.” Dwayne responded.
Didn’t you say you don’t know how to sing? Juliet chipped in, staring at me
cunoully
“I don’t, for real Chaven’t even been to a karaoke bar until today” I replied
That drew surprised stares from Dwayne and Juliet. “You’re kidding, aren’t you? You’re in your twenties, if I guessed correctly, and never been to a karaoke bar is that what you’re trying to say? Juliet inquired
“She’s right,” Ashley concurred. “She’s been so uptight in college, always buried in her books. And when we graduated, she went off to culinary school”
Dwayne’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Culinary school, huh? I wouldn’t have pegged you as a chef ”
“So you’re insisting you’ve never been to a karaoke har? Not even once, and probably you forgot?” Juliet pressed on, amazement is her eyes. She seemed bent on not letting the topic slide until her curiosity was satisfied.
“It’s true. She’s been my friend for years and can attest to that,” Ashley said.
“Ashley, you can’t be so sure. She might have visited without your knowledge. With at boyfriend or someone.”
“That’s not true,” Ashley shook her head. “Adelle is not like that.”
Juliet looked even more intrigued now. “Are you saying she doesn’t have a boyfriend, fiance, or a man in her life?”
At this point, Ashley’s eyes lost some of the cool, ‘Let’s not talk about that anymore.
But Juliet was not ready to back off. “No, I want to know.”
“I said the conversation is over,” Ashley hissed. I could tell she was growing annoyed.
“It’s fine,” I raised my voice in a placating tone. And then I tumed to Juliet. “I’ve never been to a Karaoke bar until today, and it’s true. And about my relationship status, I’d rather not talk about it. I hope you respect that.”
Juliet must have realized how prying she was because her face fell. “I’m so sorry if I was being too pushy.”
“Oh no, it’s fine,” I said, flashing her a kind smile.
She nodded. “I just can’t get over how well you sang, hence the reason I was surprised you’ve never been to a karaoke hat You’re really talented.”
Towave modeedmanseensen Stes herram
Evercore busstinto degree. Suddent Dwaine de
toon. It was gres and no en es
great comracing with you
sade
Julie and Sher
“Wear” I called out
e tumed tack, THE DIOVÉ TESEC
Thanic for the sing–along set with a smie
He nodded and with his hands in holes store away she turned to the the
msam Item Te was out of stones
Transcend Tumming it each other
I rolled my eyes. Dorsten Stev
on a
meras
‘stus me a dess the
meat, the tubes
even turn OL MÜSSTE
But seriously, Arielle, he seems cool and nuts, Julet opined
I strook my head and began walking off mooing to get me drink you dire Coming?