VOICEMAIL || Noah Centineo AU (2nd Book)

N I N E

Valerie:

I was on my apartment right above the gallery. I had a bottle of red wine with a glass and I was just finishing a plate of pasta leftover I had from yesterday. I had been here for a couple of weeks and even though i love my gallery, i can't find anything else to do besides work and being home.

Friday nights are so lonely when your only two friends are spending the night with each other and you're alone in your apartment dreading your existence.

My phone started ringing and I looked down at the random number on the screen. I had no idea who could it be. Some painters have been contacting me for the gallery but I doubt they'd call on a Friday night.

I decide to pick up anyways

"Hello?" I answered waiting to hear who was on the other side.

"Valerie?" A male voice spoke, and I'm pretty sure I have heard it before.

"uumm.. Who is it?" I asked frowning, trying to figure out who was on the line, but i couldn't really put my finger on it.

"Hey, It's chad"A little chuckle came from the phone, and i sighed quietly when i finally realized who it was. Was it true what Tara said? he did wanted to go out with me? i thought it was just her playing matchmaker and the subject was finally forgotten.

"oh... Hey, what's up?" i ask casually, trying to not lead on , or act like a literally have no idea what he is calling for maybe i should start thinking on my excuse to not go out with him, whatever day he asks me to go.

"Nothing much,i just got out of work" He casually comments and i pursue my lips in thought as we both stay silent on the phone. This is really awkward i don't even know why he made the decision to call me.

He cleared his throat, feeling the obviously awkward silence and sighed " Listen, Valerie..." He started, and i frowned

"It's just V" I quickly corrected him and he chuckled a little

"Yeah, sorry, Anyways, V." He continued "I know the last time we saw each other wasn't really pleasant for you... I was a total jerk back then, and i'm really sorry for what i did" he sighed and i bit my lip thinking for awhile, i wasn't sure how to respond, and i did what i thought was the right thing

"It's okay Chad, no heart feelings, it was a long time ago, We were young and stupid" I managed to say and he chuckled, i smiled at how the awkward moment was fading for awhile

"Anyways, i was wondering if you had plans tonight" he boldly asked without any more hesitation, i really thought if he'd ask me out it would be in a more planned, fancy, traditional date.

"T-to-today?" I stuttered, he took me off guard and i really wasn't gonna lie now, I was dying to get out of my apartment, i only had been to the coffee shop with Tara, and her apartment, other than that, i don't know much from new york.

He chuckled again and replied "Yes, Today. I was hoping you'd accept to just hang out with me" He casually said and i'm left wondering what should i answer

"Umm... I'm not sure, Chad, isn't it like... kind of a short notice?" I try to come up with an excuse and he sighed

"I know, I'm just deadly bored and i'm dreading the thought of going home. and all of my friends are either married, with a really serious girlfriend or engaged, and they never go out with me anymore" he groans a little bit and i giggle, totally understanding his feeling "I hate being single, I never have friday plans" I laughed at his comments and i chuckled shaking my head

"So i was like your last option?" I tease and he chuckles

"Well, Actually you're the first person i called, because i didn't want to call my friends and get rejected for the billionth time" I could almost see him shrugging on the other side

"You're a smart girl, you're nice to talk to, and you're new in town so i figured you didn't have many friends either" should i get offended by this? i wasn't sure, he was being honest, and kind of charming

"I don't know if i feel like going out on a date today, beside, i already ate" I mumbled and he chuckled yet again

"It doesn't have to be a date" He states and i'm left frowning confused. "How about this... I'm gonna go to my favorite bar, have a small meal there and you can join me there in an hour or two? I'll buy you a drink and we'll get to know each other again" He simply asks and i'm left wondering again

"You sure is not a date?" I ask again confused, but i'm honestly thinking about it, it seems harmless and again, i really don't have anything better to do.

"Yeah, I'm just looking for company, Not to be rude or anything, but you don't even need to dress up, the bar is super casual" his proposal seemed okay, i really wasn't in the mood to dress up or do a lot of makeup

"hmm... Okay Chad, fine. You win, I'll come" I give in and he chuckled on the other side of the line, i roll my eyes playfully even if he can't see me.

"See you soon, I'll text you the address , I knew you wouldn't resist me" He teases and i groan playfully before i'm hanging up and checking my messages for the address he promised, I look up on the map and i'm relieved it's relatively close to my apartment.

I decided to save the cab money and take a walk. I'm only 20 to 25 minutes away, and i thought i'd be nice to get to know the surroundings and everything, hopefully i don't get drunk and i can come back home walking again.

I just hope i don't regret accepting this offer.

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A/N: Hellooooo, How is this new year going? i haven't been inspired to write much :( but i'm trying my best, i know the general plot line with this book, i just don't know what "little" dramas i can add in between, do you wanna help me?