My Bad Boy’s Ego — Chapter 16

The car ride was uncomfortably quiet, even with the radio softly playing in the background. I sat there playing with my fingers, looking out of the window pretending to forget that there's another person in the car. The neon lights from the buildings blended in with the navy-blue sky. All kinds of different people were walking along the sidewalks of the city: people in business suits, people with shopping bags, cameras, there were even people painting a beautiful mural on walls.

A smile appeared on my face as the view of the city suddenly turned into views of the ocean. The bright, full moon reflected off of the dark water, sending chill and relaxing vibes each time the waves moves against the sea.

"Do you like the ocean?" Landon spoke up from the silence.

I turned my attention towards him and nodded, answering with a soft yet cold "Yes."

He cleared his throat with his focus adjusting from the road and onto me, "I do too," he simply states. The silence starts to take over again, as I soon found myself guilty for staring at his face.

His soft brown hair was elegantly swept upwards, and a little to the side. Piercing blue eyes that kept his attention on the road in front of him; a defined jawline that effortlessly tenses each time he swallows; and a perfect side profile. His dress shirt was rolled up a little bit passed his elbow as he shows off his gold and silver Rolex watch.

He turns his head fully as he stops the car, catching me by surprise. I blinked multiple times before awkwardly turning my head back to the front, staring off into the night sky. My cheeks warmed up from embarrassment as I press my lips together.

I heard Landon release a soft chuckle before he unhooks his seatbelt, "We're here."

Almost immediately, I took off my seatbelt and opened the door; attempting to leave the awkward vibes in the car. I stood up and brushed down my dress, quickly closing the door behind me.

Landon's car clearly spoke out for his financial stableness. It was a black Dodge Charger, the newest 2017 edition. The car was kept squeaky clean, and the seats inside were replaced with red leather with a gold-plated license plate, front and back that reads out 'CARTHY' in bold black letters.

Feeling the cool air brush against my skin, I felt the goosebumps forming on my arms.

"Cold?" Landon asks me as he approaches towards my side of the car. I shook my head and played it cool.

"Have you been to La Folie before?" he asks as he rubs his right hand against the back of his neck. I sensed the uncomfortably small talk from him and couldn't help but to smile at his question.

"No," I responded. I looked towards the direction we were walking in. My eyes widened just by the look of the front entrance of the restaurant.

The building was modernly build, with big bold letters drilled onto the side of the building stating 'La Folie'. The restaurant was four stories tall, windows from ceiling to floor. I can already see the fancy dining tables through the tinted windows, as well as lights handing from the ceilings.

I hesitated to walk towards the building, turning towards Landon and grabbed his arm.

"Are you sure about this place?" I asked him, concerned about the over-the-top fanciness.

The edge of his lips curved upwards as he removes his arm from my grip, and softly putting his hand on my lower back, motioning me towards the building. A little spark flashed in my body when his warm hand brushes against my skin.

"I'm treating," he reassured as he opens the door for me.

I entered the restaurant feeling like I entered into another dimension. Couldn't help it, a smile crept upon my lips as Landon looked at me from the side. In the corner of my eyes I saw him smile along, as I was observing the beautiful laid out design of the place.

The tables had think white cloths, with red drapes. Two roses in small white vases, individually centered each dining table.

"Right this way, Mr. Carthy," the waiter immediately guides us.

It didn't surprise me that the waiter knew who this guy was. He was rich for gods sakes, the cars, the discipline, his clothes already speaks so much about his financial stances.

We both followed the waiter silently, as he leads us into the elevator. I was slightly confused as to why we didn't just get the tables that were on the first floor, but I didn't bother asking Landon anything. Instead, I just appreciated the elegancy of the elevator.

FLOOR 3.

FLOOR 4.

ROOFTOP.

The elevator door opened as to all was in my view was the ocean, and a few dining tables followed by various strings of lights, decorating zig zag across light posts. Candles were lit along with the roses in the center of the table.

This place has a rooftop? Who am I kidding, it's a five-star restaurant.

I laughed and rolled my eyes at my own thought before catching Landon's attention. He releases a small chuckle before looking at me with his light blue eyes.

"What?" he questions innocently as we exited the elevator with our designated waiter.

"Nothing," I answered quietly.

The waiter handed us menus, while two men dressed in burgundy suits pulled our chairs out for us. Landon smiled at the man in response and sat down as I did the same on the opposite side. We flipped through the menu quickly before ordering our meals. The waiter smiled at me as he took our menus, "You look beautiful," he speaks quietly. I smiled in response as he winks at me, quickly getting back to his job.

"You're not quite a talker, are you?" Landon asks, giving me his full attention.

It was different seeing him like this. His eyes were in contact with mine, he was actually pleading for an answer, actually interested. Although his outfit from school speaks out for his money; Landon's formal attire today made him look even more attractive. He looked a little bit more likable.

I shrugged in response.

A little afterwards, I realized I answered his question without even talking. A smile formed on our lips as we both laughed at the same time.

"I guess not," Landon smiles as he leans back against his chair.

I tapped my foot against the wooden floor and looked at the view of the ocean. This is my chance to get all the answers to my questions.

"Landon," I called his name softly. He lifts up his head from the utensils on the table and looks about me.

"About the painting," I slightly trailed off, figuring out words to piece together before leaning a little forward, "h-how?"

Landon released a shy smile as he puts his hands under the table.

"The day that I've hurt you physically, I really knew I was in the wrong; not like I was in the right in the first place," he paused, "I went back to our art teacher and begged her for the painting. She refused to give it to me until I begged her for hours. Afterwards, I asked her to help me figure out how to fix the painting and we both fixed it, together."

My body softened at his explanation, then I pressed my lips together.

"How'd you get it in my locker?"

"I paid the janitor," Landon answers easily.

I nodded in response as the waiter comes out with our fresh dishes: two plates of Pan-seared Foie Gras.

My mouth slightly watered at the dishes as he sets them properly on our table. I grabbed a fork and gently stabbed my food.

I looked up at Landon again, "After that day, where'd you go?" I asked curiously.

His hand stopped moving once I asked the question. He stares at his food and stays quiet for a few seconds before hesitating to answer, "I just have some things I had to deal with."

As he answered, I snuck a little piece of meat and bread into my mouth.

A moment of silence swept pass our table as we both eat corresponding to the sound of the waves hitting against the shore. I peered my eye out at the view, placing my chin on my hand as I rested my elbow on the table.

"Do you like the ocean?" he asks, breaking the silence as he also peered out at the ocean.

I nodded slightly, without knowing if he saw me answer or not. We both returned to finish our food before I wiped my lips with the napkin.

"That one night, when we were hiding behind the bush. Who were we hiding from?" All of a sudden, millions of questions came across my mind. I didn't know this guy; all I know is that he was possibly one of the biggest jerk at our school.

Landon pressed his lips together as he stares at the candle and roses in the center of the table.

"From my enemies."

I furrowed my brows together, as a gasp escaped my lips, "Like gang related?"

Landon's eyes widened as he straightened up from his seat, "Of course not!" he laughs for a second, before covering his mouth with the back of his hand, "Just because I have that reputation at school doesn't just mean I'm part of a gang."

I smiled in embarrassment as I soon joined him, laughing at my innocence.