Chapter 41: Chapter 41

KELLY was right about Martin. The man was handsome, in a rugged way. He was wearing a plain white v-neck shirt, faded jeans, and black boots. There was a thin gold chain hanging on his neck. His hair was wavy and slightly long. I also noticed the tattoo on his left biceps.

Yeah. He was ruggedly handsome.

"Congrats on your first month," Martin said as he handed me my drink.

We just had a light dinner before Kelly ordered some drinks. We occupied one of the VIP couches of the bar.

I looked at him and smiled. "Thanks, Martin."

"How's work so far?" he smiled.

I found out that Martin was funny and a nice person. He was easy to talk to.

"I enjoyed it, Kelly and Jeff are great." I glanced at the two who were bickering in front of us.

Martin chuckled. "Well, I hope you're not annoyed with their everyday bickering."

I chuckled. "No. I enjoyed watching them bicker over simple things, in fact. They were obviously into each other." I sipped on my drink. "How about you? How's school?" Kelly mentioned that Martin was taking up his master.

"Ugh. Stressful." He chuckled. "That's the reason why I work part-time at Aunt Rory's shop. Being surrounded by books and comics relaxes me."

I curiously raised my brow. "What's your favorite?"

"Mystery books. John Grisham, Agatha Christie, and the likes." He smiled. "But I'm more into comics. I have a collection of Marvel comics in my apartment."

My eyes widened in surprise. "You're a Marvel fan?"

He raised his brow. "Well, guessing from your reaction, you're also a fan?"

"Yes!" I said enthusiastically. I grinned. "Damn. I couldn't believe you read Marvel comics."

He cocked his brow in amusement. "What? Because I look like this? Wow. You're quite judgemental, Bianca."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm sorry."

We'd spent the next hour discussing Marvel comics.

"Bianca, let's dance?"

I turned to Kelly who was already standing from the couch. I just noticed that Jeff was nowhere to be found.

"Where's Jeff, Kelly?" I asked, looking around.

"Restroom." Kelly turned to me again. "Let's go?"

I pursed my lips and glanced at the dance room packed with people. "I'll just stay here, Kelly."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Okay. I'll be back later."

"You sure don't want to dance?" Martin asked beside me.

I shook my head. "I really don't dance. In fact, I don't usually go to this kind of place." The last time I went to a bar was almost two years ago. With my workmates in NYPL.

"I prefer quiet places." I smiled at him and sipped my drink. I was only having mojito. "You can dance and leave me here," I said to Martín.

He just shook his head. "It's okay, I'll stay here with you."

"No. It's okay, Martin. I don't mind if you joined Kelly."

He smiled at me. "Nah. I prefer to stay here. I enjoyed talking to you."

"Oh." I chuckled. "Well, I'm glad I'm in good company."

He put some ice on his empty bottle before pouring alcohol into it. He and Jeff ordered brandy.

"So, what can you say about the new Marvel movie?"

My smile widened. "Of course, it's great. One of the best Marvel movies for me."

"It's still showing in the cinema? You want to watch the movie again with me?"

I blinked. "You're inviting me to watch a movie?"

"Yeah." He looked at me as he rested his other arm on the backrest of the couch. "Like a date? Wait, I forgot to ask if you have a boyfriend."

My lips parted. "Uh… I'm already married, Martin."

I noticed how his eyes widened. "Oh… you're married?"

I pursed my lips and nodded. "Yeah."

"I'm sorry, Bianca," he apologized. "I honestly didn't know. Kelly and Jeff didn't mention that to me." He glanced at my hand. "Besides, you're not wearing any ring."

I gave him a small smile. "Oh. I… lost my ring. But it's okay, Martin. You don't have to apologize."

"I couldn't believe you're married. I mean, you looked like you're just in your early twenties."

I chucked at his compliment. "Thanks, Martin. I'll take that as a compliment."

"It is. How long have you been married?"

"Almost a year."

He smiled. "Your husband for sure is one lucky man. Is that the reason you're here in LA? Kelly mentioned that you're from New York."

"Hmm, yeah. I graduated from NYU and worked at NYPL."

He raised his eyebrow. "You must really love your husband, then. Like I said, what a lucky bastard."

I just smiled and sipped on my drink. "How about you? You're originally here from LA?"

"Nah. My parents lived in Seattle. Aunt Rora and my father were siblings. They're originally from Nevada." He pointed at my bag beside me. "I think your phone's ringing."

I just noticed that my bag was vibrating a bit. It was my phone from inside.

"Yeah. Excuse." I said as I fished for my phone. I turned my back to Martin before answering the call.

"Gideon?" It was him on the other line. I already texted him earlier about my location.

"I just wanted to ask what time you are going home?"

I tried to look at my wristwatch. It was still nine. "I'll be home before twelve, I think." That's what Kelly said to me earlier.

"Are you drinking?"

I chuckled. "Of course, Gideon. We're here in a bar."

"Just don't drink too much, okay?"

I pursed my lips and slightly raised my brow. "Don't worry, I can take care of myself, Gideon."

"Do you want me to fetch you later?"

I tried to cover my other ear to better hear Gideon. The music suddenly went louder. "No need, Gideon. I'll just call a taxi."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Also, don't wait for me anymore."

"Hmm, it's okay. I'm still watching a movie."

I pursed my lips. "What movie?"

"Ant-man."

I couldn't help but smile. "Oh. That's a good man. Underrated but very good."

"Bianca, I'll just go to the restroom." I heard Martin behind me.

"Who's that, Bianca?" Gideon asked in a deep tone.