Chapter 2 Love me

Chapter 2

(Point of View : Angelica Smith)

When my phone beeps, I put down my paintbrush and unlock it.

When I realize the handsome guy has replied, my hands start trembling before I even open the message.

A video call ? That's completely out of character for me. There's no way I can do a video call with him-especially not with my face looking like this.

I'm about to tell him no when he suddenly starts the video call. I reject it repeatedly.

Heart pounding, I place the phone on the bed and start pacing around. Ever since I sent him the friend request and he accepted, I've been hoping so badly for a message from him-and now that he's finally written back, I can't even answer.

A few minutes go by. He ends the call and sends me a message.

-« Are you busy ? Or would an audio call work better ? » he asks.

Then, almost instantly, he adds :

-« Hey. »

The sound of his voice makes me close my eyes. It's so soft, like a melody. I try to imagine his face in my mind.

-« Hi, how are you ? » I ask.

-« Let's use 'tu', okay ? » he replies.

-« Yeah, that's fine, » I respond, trying to sound relaxed even though my heart is still racing.

-« So, I saw your friend request. I don't usually accept those, but I figured one more friend wouldn't hurt, » he says with a playful tone.

I smile softly through the phone. Wow, he's funny too.

-« Exactly. Well, I'm Angelica Smith. I'm originally from Canada, and I live in Toronto. And you ? »

-« Uh, I'm Miguel Hernandez, » he says.

-« I'm Mexican, but I live here in Toronto too. I'd really like to get to know you. By the way, you have a beautiful voice, » he compliments.

-« Oh, thanks ! I feel like we're going to be great friends, » I say with a little laugh.

And just like that, we start talking. We talk for a long time, way longer than I expected. He's easy to talk to, like we've known each other forever.

Just having that conversation with Miguel lifts my spirits completely. I go back to my painting with a smile on my face. That's my favorite pastime-I love painting. It's my passion, second only to my modeling job.

Later in the day, I walk into the kitchen.

-« Hi, Mom, » I say.

-« Oh my God, thank you, God, you're so good ! My baby, I'm so happy to see you out of your shell ! » she exclaims.

I smile and shake my head. This little woman is just hilarious.

-« It's nothing, Mom. I just felt like helping you today, » I reply.

She looks at me, clearly not convinced.

-« I don't believe you. And I have a feeling you're hiding something. But come help me in the kitchen-we'll talk about it after. »

(Point of View : Miguel Hernandez)

-« Hey man, you're not even listening anymore. What's got you glued to your phone ? » Luc says.

-« He's probably texting Jessica. You know how crazy he is about her, » Roland adds.

I hear their words but barely register them. If only they knew I'm not texting my girlfriend-I'm actually chatting with someone new. This woman is something else.

I can't stop texting her. She's way too funny.

-« Miguel ! » Luc calls out, trying to grab my phone.

I pull away before he can reach it. No way I'm letting him see my conversation with Angelica.

-« Why are you hiding your phone ? What are you hiding from us, man ? » Roland asks.

-« Nothing, guys. So, what were you saying again ? » I ask, trying to steer the conversation away.

They glance at each other before answering. I know they're suspicious, but I have zero intention of explaining.

-« Come on, guys, order whatever you want-it's on me, » I say.

They burst out laughing. And just like that, the party vibes return.

I enjoy parties, but only when the mood is right. Tonight feels okay-just enough to let loose for a bit.

Hours later...

-« So, what did my friend eat and do today ? » I ask Angelica in a teasing tone.

-« Hmm, I had some delicious rice. And as for what I did-I painted all day, » she replies.

I frown a little. She paints ? I've always wanted to learn, but time just doesn't allow it with everything I have going on.

-« Really ? So you like painting ? » I ask.

-« Like is an understatement. I love painting. It's my favorite thing to do, » she says with passion in her voice.

Her words make me smile. I don't know why, but I really enjoy hearing her talk. My curiosity about her is growing stronger.

I want to see her. I mean it.

-« Wow. Then one of these days, you'll teach me how to paint, right ? » I say.

-« No problem. So, how was your day ? » she asks in return.

Her voice is so calm and soothing.

-« By the way, when are we finally going to meet in person, Angelica ? I keep asking you, » I say playfully.

-« Very soon, my dear friend, » she answers with a laugh.

-« Okay, if you say so, » I reply.

There's a short pause before she asks :

-« So... do you have a girlfriend ? »

She says it quietly, almost hesitantly.

-« Yeah, I've been with someone for three years. And you ? »

-« Uh... uh... I have to go. I just remembered I have something to do. Bye, » she says quickly, ending the call before I can respond.

Shit. Why did she do that ?

It's like she wasn't expecting that answer. Maybe she thought I was single ?

I sit there, overthinking everything, when my girlfriend texts me, asking if I'm home.

I let out a long sigh and reply that I'm not.

Honestly, I didn't like what Angelica just did-it really put me in a bad mood.

Without a second thought, I tell my girlfriend I don't feel like seeing her tonight. I'm not in the mood.

After sending the message, I place the phone on the bed and head for the shower.

Tomorrow's going to be a long day. Between my career, my business, and my subsidiaries, I've got more than enough to deal with.

But one thing's for sure-Angelica Smith is now stuck in my head.

And I don't know how I feel about that yet.