Leilani sipped her ice tea, scanning the restaurant as she waited for Mandy to arrive. She had anticipated fun days like this, hanging out with the usual goofy Mandy. But too bad her bestie was not a timekeeper, she has checked her time for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Just as she glanced at the doorway again, she spotted Mandy walking in radiating her usual infectious energy.
A bright smile spread across her lips as she spotted Leilani.
"Hey, girl." Mandy called, rushing towards her.
"I have really missed you" She pouted, and quickly placed a quick kiss on Leilani's cheek.
"Sorry, I am late babe", she said, dropping into the chair across from Leilani.
She sighed dramatically, dropping her purse on the table. "Traffic was terrible."
Leilani rolled her eyes playfully. "You are always late, Mandy. I have got to expect that."
"Wait...hold on", Mandy drew back, her brows furrowing in a fake frown. "Don't tell me you ordered without me."
"Sorry bestie" Leilani pouted her lips. "I was thirsty. I needed something to sip on."
Mandy rolled her eyes and huffed dramatically.
"Babe, what should we have? I am damn hungry and cannot wait any longer" Leilani said as she grabbed the menu and began flipping through it.
Mandy snorts playfully. "Such a foodie. Anyway, let's go for chicken. A lot of crispy chicken dipped in creamy soy sauce and mayonnaise sounds like the perfect lunch to me."
Leilani chuckled. "Why chicken? We could go for some Italian pasta instead."
Mandy gave her the 'you are so unbelievable' look.
"Sorry to disappoint you. No. We are not having your favorite today. I need to cut down on carbs."
Leilani raised a brow in curiosity. " Okayyy...that's new. Why?"
Mandy hesitated for a second before shrugging. "Well….um….because I want to eat more proteins."
Leilani chuckled. " And why do you suddenly want to eat more proteins?"
Mandy avoided her gaze, tucking a strand of her hair back in her ear. " Body goals, Lani. I need to grow my butt, yunno."
Leilani burst into laughter, almost choking on her drink. "And why the sudden obsession with your butt?"
Mandy rolled her eyes dramatically. "You ask too many questions. Well…..I want to look hotter in a bikini. Summer is around the corner, and Marcus and I would be going on dates. Beach dates inclusive. Babe, I need those curves. Gotta look sexy for my man."
Leilani shook her head in amusement. "You never cease to amaze me." Then as if remembering something she tilted her head. "Speaking of Marcus, How is he doing? And his mom?"
She then waved over a waiter and ordered two plates of crispy chicken.
"Marcus is fine but Mrs Anderson's condition is not getting any better."
Leilani's expression softened. "Oh….. that is really sad. He is going through so much."
" I know, right? But he is not alone. He's got me."
"Awwwn" Leilani drawled. " That's so sweet. He is so lucky to have you."
Mandy could feel her cheek heating up. "You can say that again.
Anyways, enough about Marcus. Let's talk about you. How is the whole dad's will situation going?"
Leilani exhaled, shoulders slumping slightly. "Have not made any progress yet. I do not even know where to start. If only..."
" Stop" Mandy cut in sharply, pointing a finger at her. " I know where you are headed. Do not bring that asshole's name into this conversation."
Leilani could not help but smile. "Okay, ma'am."
Just then, the waiter arrived, placing their food in front of them. They muttered their thanks before digging in. "This is nice", Mandy said after taking a bite. Leilani nodded in agreement as she chewed a mouthful.
They both ate silently until Mandy spoke up again.
"Or what if we set you up on a blind date?" she suggested, dipping a large chunk of chicken into the mayonnaise.
Leilani sighed. "Mandy, getting a man is not the problem. You know what the actual issue is."
Mandy's expression softened. "I get it, but do not tell me you are giving up.
Leilani did not answer as she resumed eating.
Mandy tilted her head as she thought.
"You know…..a contract marriage would not be a bad idea."
Leilani paused mid-chew and her gaze met Mandy's, her interest piqued. "How does that work?"
Mandy leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice. "It is simple. You find a man. Draw up a discreet contract stating he will pose as your husband for a year or two, which he will be compensated for. Both of you will agree to the terms, strictly business, no intimacy. After you meet all the conditions, file for a divorce and part ways. No string attached."
Leilani thought for a while. "Hmmmm...I think you have a point."
"Yeah, I do. It is gonna be beneficial for you both. You just have to make the whole thing believable.
Leilani sat back into her chair as she thought further. Mandy's suggestion is on point but who? She wondered.
Right then, her mind drifted to Lucia and Mrs Victoria's conversation she had eavesdropped that same morning.
"Perhaps Alexander Mason?" Her subconscious self suggested.
**************
Flashback
Leilani headed downstairs, anticipating a quiet breakfast before the start of her day. As she made her way through the bedroom hallway, her mind was filled with a warm cup of coffee. But then, her steps slowed as she heard voices from behind her mother's room.
"Do you like Alexander Mason that much?"
It was Mrs Victoria's voice, sharp and curious.
Leilani stopped in her tracks, her brows furrowed.
"Who is Alexander Mason?"
The name stirred no recognition but the tone of her mother's voice pulled her in.
Feeling the need to know, she tip-toed to the door and leaned against the frame, careful to stay quiet. If Mrs Victoria was discussing something, it has to be important or at least dramatic.
"Yes, mom. I have never wanted something this bad before." Lucia said.
Leilani was awed by her tone as she sounded more vulnerable than usual.
"He is perfect," She continued, in a dreamy tone. " The first time I saw him in person. I just knew it. He is everything I have ever wanted in a man. He is handsome, rich, influential - just the kind of husband I want."
Leilani giggled quietly, trying not to laugh.
Handsome, rich and influential? She did not expect less from someone like her.
Lucia's voice grew more desperate back in the room. "Please, mom. You have got to help me. Set something up. A blind date or anything. Just give me the chance to meet him properly. I know he will fall for me once we do. No one can resist my charms."
Leilani's amusement dimmed as her inner self replied. "Yeah..same way Atlas fell for your charms."
Mrs Victoria's voice softened as she spoke. "Hmmmm, I will admit he is an impressive man. A marriage to him would be beneficial, not just to you but the entire family."
But he is not just any man, Lucia. He is one of the wealthiest out there with a lot of ladies trooping after him." She stated with concern.
"Do you think you can win him over?"
" You do not have to worry about that, mom. I have got this. Just set up the date, but it will have to be before the anniversary gala though. I want to be the only one to dance with him."
"That is if at all he would attend but anyways, I would make some calls. I will try and set something up." Mrs Victoria reassured her.
"Oh…myyy gosh" Lucia beamed excitedly. "Thank you so much mom."
Her voice grated in Leilani's ears.
Leilani exhaled sharply and stepped back from the door, her curiosity piqued. "Who is this Alex guy by the way?"
And even as she enjoyed her breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes and a steaming cup of coffee, she could not get the stranger off her mind.
She had asked Maria, one of the kitchen staff, halfway into her meal who the mysterious Alex was.
And Maria's dreamy tone as she talked about him only deepened her curiosity.
*End of flashback.
Leilani shook her head, pushing away the thoughts of the stranger. She wanted to ask Mandy who he was, but she dismissed the idea. She did not want to give the wrong impression, as Mandy would probably think he was a new crush.
And besides, all she needed at the moment was to finish her meal and enjoy the rest of the afternoon with her bestie.
They spent the next minutes catching up, laughing over old memories and gossiping about latest happenings. By the time they were done, their plates were empty and their stomachs full.
Leilani leaned back in her chair, a satisfied sigh escaped her lips. "That was so good. The chicken was definitely the right choice.
Mandy grinned. "Told ya"
They later stepped out of the restaurant after settling the bills.
**************
Back in Leilani's room.
Leilani kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto her bed with a deep sigh. Her gaze suddenly moved to her laptop on her small desk, as the thoughts of Alexander Mason came back into her head.
Before she knew it, she was in front of the screen. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she hesitated for a moment.
"This is stupid." She muttered to herself but her curiosity got the better out of her, and she typed his name into the search bar.
The screen flooded with articles, photos and headlines. She clicked on a few, skimming through details about his business ventures and public appearances.
A particular photo caught her attention. A nice shot of him stepping out of a sleek black car, dressed in an expensive suit.
"Okay" she admitted out loud. "He does look good."
But as she read more, she found herself quickly losing interest, the articles were dry, filled with the same repetitive information about his wealth and success. Nothing particularly exciting.
After a few minutes, she closed the laptop with a sigh and leaned back into her chair.
She shut her eyes, trying to clear her head.
But then, an idea began to form, creeping into her thoughts.
Her eyes flew open, and a mischievous smile curved her lips. "Now that I think about it," she murmured her voice low, "I want him too."