Melinda is used to spending Friday evenings with either Nate or Desourire. But today, she had ditched both of them. She gave them an excuse about having some work to do so she could go on a date with Alexander.

Alex and Mel’s relationship have been going on well and Melinda has been enjoying every bit of it. They have managed to keep their relationship a secret but Mel knew at some point, she still had to tell people who are close to her. Most especially now that Desourire has started suspecting something. Till then she wants to enjoy things privately with Alex.

Melinda and Alexander have not gone farther than kissing and a little bit of smooching.

Seeing that Alex would be here any minute from now, Mel went for a quick shower and dressed up in something very simple and she looked so gorgeous as well as comfortable. It put on one of her favourite black dresses.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang and Mel quickly rushed to go open it. Standing right there was the most handsome man in the world. The man who succeeded in breaking the walls she had built around herself. The man who she was starting to fall in love with. Alexander Ducan. Standing right there with a banquet of red roses in his hands and a charming smile plastered to his face.

“You look so gorgeous, my love,” Alex said which made her blush.

“Don’t hide it from me. I love it when you blush. It makes you look sexier.” Alex said which made Mel blush even more and that earned a chuckle from him.

“Here, I brought this for you,” He handed her the red roses.

Mel collected it with a smile and inhaled it. “Thank you.” She muttered after which she went to place it in a flower vase.

“You ready?” Alex asked when she came back and Mel nodded. They both stepped out from Mel’s apartment and she locked the door behind them.

Alex intertwined his hands with hers, she shivered as goose pimples erupted through her body. Alex noticed and smiled at that. He was glad he had a great effect on her as she did to him.

Alexander guided Melinda to his car and helped her settle down in the front passenger’s seat.

Though Alex’s car was not as luxurious as all the cars Melinda was used too. The car was just average and motorable. It was what Alex could afford and Mel did not seem to have a problem with that.

At first, the ride was very quiet. Alex glanced to look at Mel and he saw her playing with her fingers as she was looking outside the window. Alex knew Mel too well. He knew she was nervous so he took his right hand into hers and gave it a light squeeze while his left hand still grabbed the steering wheel.

" I want you to feel free when you are with me. you don’t have to be nervous you know.” Alex said and Mel nodded with a smile on her face.

“So, where are we heading to?” Mel asked.

“Somewhere you will love,” Alex replied with a smile.

Soon enough, they both arrived at their destination. Alex got down first and hurried to open the door for Mel.

“You don’t have to do that you know.” Mel chuckled as she accepted Alex hands as he assisted her in getting out of the car.

“I just want to Mel. You are my Queen, the one I adore so you shouldn’t be treated any less.” Alex said after which he pulled Mel closer to him. He kept his hands on her lower back and they made their way into the restaurant.

Melinda was overwhelmed by Alex’s statement.” Being his Queen and he adores her.” His words melted her heart which made her fall more in love with him.

The restaurant was not that bad and it wasn’t too big either. It was mainly filled with couples and their family. Mel fell in love with the atmosphere. It looked peaceful and everyone there looked happy. Unlike the high-class restaurants she had been taken to by frank and her previous boyfriends, Mel felt more connected to this place.

Alexander led her to a private booth and they sat opposite each other. “So, this is my favourite restaurant. It’s owned by my mom’s close friend. I hope you like it.” Alex said as he sat down.

“Yeah, I love what I have seen so far,” Mel said with a smile. Alex was happy to hear her reply. He was kind of scared that Mel might not like the place since it wasn’t like high-class restaurant she was used to.

“Alexander, it’s so nice to see you again. I thought you had forgotten about me.” A strange voice said and both Mel and Alex looked at the direction where the voice came from and saw a woman who should be in her late 40′s walking towards them.

Alex smiled immediately he saw the woman and he stood up, then the woman pulled him in a hug.

“I could never forget you, Amanda. It’s just that I have been so busy lately.” Alex replied.

“That is not an excuse son. You should always find time to come check on me.” Amanda pouted which made Alex laugh.

“I promise, I will come to check up on you from time to time,” Alex said and Amanda smiled as she nodded to his response.

“Amanda, this is Meindal and Mel this is Amanda.” Alex introduced the two women to each other.

“Oh my God. She’s so beautiful and even more perfect than I imagined her to be.” Amanda exclaimed which caused both Mel and Alex to chuckle.

As Mel took up to shake Amanda, she was suddenly pulled into a tight hug by the old woman who looked very happy to see her.

“I’m so happy that I finally get to see you. Alex had told me so much about you and I’m happy both of you are together.” Amanda said, happiness evident in her voice. Which cause Mel to blush.

“It’s so nice to meet you too ma’am.” Mel replied.

“No formalities my dear. Just call me Mom or Amanda.” She said and Mel nodded.

Alright. I have got to go now. I still have to make dinner for my husband. I will send a waiter to attend to you. You guys should enjoy yourselves. And Alex, take very good care of Mel. I will love to see you guys more often.” Amanda said as she hugged Alex once more and said her goodbye then left the restaurant.

“She’s one hell of a feisty woman. I love her already.” Mel said.

“I know. Amanda is lovable. She’s just like my mom. she has always been there for me and her husband helped me get this job at the mansion.”

“Oh. Then I guess I have to thank him when I see him.” Mel said as Alex raised his eyebrow.

“He got the job for you and that’s how I met you,” Mel said as a matter of fact which made Alexander smile.

****************

“You were one hell of a troublesome kid,” Mel said as she and Alex burst into another round of laughter. They had just come back from their date and now they are both cuddling in their usual spot in the living room. Alex was telling her about his childhood.

“Thank you Alex. I had fun today. I will forever remember this date.” Mel said after which she gave him a quick kiss on his lips.

Mel really enjoyed her date with Alex. It was perfect. Even the food from Amanda’s restaurant was so damn delicious. Mel tried a traditional Mexican dish and she did not regret her decision. Alex saw that she really liked it so he ordered an extra take away for her.

Melinda was kind of uncomfortable when Alex paid for everything. She knew Alex was not earning much so she didn’t want him to spend all his coin on her. She volunteered to pay but Alex beat her to it. After they left the restaurant, they strolled to a nearby park and got some ice cream as they kept on talking about random stuff before the finally headed to her apartment.

“You’re welcome, my Queen. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Alex said which made Mel blush.

“I love it when you call me that, my handsome man,” Mel said as she kissed him again.

“I was thinking if we should tell Nate and Dee about Us. You know they are my best friends and I don’t want to keep them in the dark.” Mel said after she pulled away from the kiss.

“I’m ready to defend our relationship to the whole world, my love,” Alex said sincerely while looking into Mel’s eyes. “We can tell them anytime you are ready.” He said.

“Thanks for being an understanding man,” Mel said.

“Anything for you babe” Alex kissed her forehead.

*************************

One week later.

Mel came out of the bathroom already dressed in her comfy pyjamas and her hair tied in a messy bun. Then she joined Alex on the bed for a cuddle.

“I’m so happy everything went well and I’m glad that Nate and Dee are not only happy but also approve us of being together,” Mel said as she hid her face in the crook of Alexander’s neck, inhaling his scent.

“Yeah. me too.” Alex said as he continued caressing Mel’s hair.

Mel had already introduced Alex to Nate and Dee as her boyfriend earlier today and she was happy her best friends supported her decision and most importantly they now considered him as one of them. Making them four best friends.

Mel chuckled as she remembered Dee’s reaction after she spilt the beans. Her best friend cried. It was tears of joy. She was so happy Mel had finally found love and was moving on.

Mel was so embarrassed when Alex kissed her in front of Nate and Dee. Mel wished the ground could just open and carry her away. Alex told her it was no big deal and that she should get used to it. Nate and Dee just awed as they began teasing Mel.

“So what did Nate say to you?” Mel asked as she remembered Nate saying he wanted to see Alex in private.

“Nothing to worry about Mel. He was just doing what a true friend would do. But I told him I love you and I will never do anything to hurt you.” Alex said and Mel sighed a sigh of relief.

“I’m happy you are in my life,” Mel yawned.

“I’m happier you gave us a chance. Go sleep, my love.” Alex said as he cuddled her more.

“Goodnight sweetheart. I love you.” Alex said as they both drifted to sleep.