The Last Laugh novel Chapter 51

***

Ace's POV:

I went to Christina's office. I knew why she was calling me.

"Yes, Christina?" I said, entering her office and taking a seat.

She stared at me.

"You owe me something."

"I know."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

"This weekend. At my place."

Guess mother witch had to go through the same process as her daughter. But this time, I would contact Jake. I didn't give a fuck about her dignity. She didn't even have one, did she?

She smiled.

"Okay, Ace. This weekend."

I stared at her.

"Can I leave now?"

I hate your face.

"Yes, you can, Ace."

I gave her a fake smile and left her office.

***

The next day, I went to Heather's office. She blushed immediately I walked in. I decided to act normal, to show her that I just wanted to be her friend.

"Hey Heather, what's up?" I said casually with a smile.

She was surprised for some seconds but then smiled back.

"I'm fine, Ace," she replied in a more comfortable manner.

I sat down.

"If I've done anything to annoy you, please forgive me. Friends aren't supposed to avoid each other, are they?" I asked playfully. She smiled again.

"You're right. Sorry if I've been acting strange recently. I thought you were angry with me."

"Me?? No. Ever since I got the post, I've been quite busy. Don't think we got a problem. Okay?" I smiled and she giggled.

"Okay, sir," she replied playfully.

There, we were back to normal. I hated awkwardness between us.

"Now that things are clear, I wanna ask you something."

"Yeah?"

"There's this girl I like and I asked her out on a first date. But I'm confused on where to take her. As my friend and a girl, what would be perfect for a first date?" I was lying of course, about a new girl and the date. I just wanted Heather to be more free with me by making her think that I liked someone else.

"Really?" she asked with a smile. I'd just destroyed that awkwardness between us.

"Yeah."

"Hm, someone's in love," she teased with a laugh.

With you.

"I wouldn't say love. That's too fast. For the moment I only appreciate her," I lied.

"Well, I wish you the best."

"Thank you. So where can I take her?"

"To a chic restaurant with a romantic atmosphere. That'll be nice."

"Okay, beautiful. Thank you," I smiled and she smiled back. Her cheeks reddening.

***

The weekend did arrive and you can guess what happened.

Christina had been fooled as easily as Sawyer. Jake had had a good time. At least now I was free from all their perverse nonsense– for a while.

Sunday morning, after Christina left my house, Keith came to me.

"We need to talk, Ace," he said seriously, sitting next to me.

I looked at him.

"What's wrong, buddy?"

He stared at me with such seriousness that I flinched.

"I have a feeling that I don't know you," he suddenly said.

"What??"