"No."
It's my turn to walk away, and I don't let myself look back. When it's over, it's really over, and I learned that from Mr. Mine himself.
When I return to my date, I see right away that the table behind Brian is empty, and my heart sinks at the sight.
Stupid, stupid heart.
Didn't we just have a talk about this?
We're better off without him.
Truly.
"They left a while ago."
Brian's words startle me into looking at him again, and the wry expression on his good-looking face makes me cringe.
"I'm so sorry." What else is there to say?
"If you really like him—-"
I quickly shake my head. "I don't—-"
"You can always make him jealous by spending more time with me."
I forget what I have to say when his motive becomes clear, and I end up laughing despite everything.
Bryan winces. "Ouch. Am I that inferior to him?"
"You know I don't mean it that way—-"
"Then it's a date," he says with a grin.
Did I just get guilt-tripped into a date?
"Brian..."
"It's just one date," he cajoles. "And it's for a good cause, too."
It's my first time to hear making another man jealous described in such a way, and I find myself smiling helplessly despite everything.
"If you go out with me again, your grandfather will lie low on the matchmaking."
He makes a pretty good point, but is it really alright for us to go on another date when we both know I like someone else?
"We'll have fun, I swear."
I take a deep breath and finally relent. "Just one date then."
Brian grins and clenches his fist in a gesture of victory. "Yes!"
His reaction is flattering, but just when I'm starting to think there's a chance for me to like him a little more, Brian's phone starts ringing and I see the name 'Jennifer' flash on his screen just before my date quickly shoves his phone deep into his pocket.
Brian clears his throat. "I wish I can spend more time with you, but I have to meet up with my study group..."
"Oh, sure." I smile at him reassuringly. "Please don't let me keep you."
Relief flashes over his face, and I feel more amused than offended as I cheerfully wave him off. With #6 being another epic fail, I think it's time to tell Grandpa Paco that these boys from Paradijs just aren't for me.