“No problem. Oh, and here’s my number.” Natasha and Tanya exchanged their numbers. “We should catch up. Er...and I don’t mean to intrude, since you’re anyway going for a makeover, would you like to accompany me to my hairstylist? I have an appointment tomorrow and I could squeeze you in.” Natasha gently asked, not wanting to overwhelm the shorter girl.
“That would be great. Can we?” Tanya’s eyes sparkled with excitement. For the first time in her life, the nerdy Tanya understood why many women craved for some time with their girlfriends. It did sound like a lot of fun after all.
“It’s a done deal. I will call you later to discuss the logistics.” Natasha gave her a hug and waved goodbye. She also waved to Neil, who was standing by the automatic doors.
‘What was all that about?” Neil was surprised and curious about their conversation.
“Nothing! We just made some plans.” Tanya deliberately didn’t give him more information.
“With Nat?” Neil was even more curious. Natasha was his best friend’s younger sister. Being a wealthy heiress with political background, she was usually cautious and took time to make friends. He was surprised at the instant bonding between the two women.
“Yes. Why do you sound so surprised?” Tanya frowned at Neil as they got into his car.
“I have known Natasha for a long time. Let’s say she doesn’t mingle that quickly with unknown people.” Tanya looked surprised at his comment and felt elated to know that they’d instantly clicked.
“Dinner?” Neil abruptly changed the topic. “I don’t know about you but am starving.”
“Okay, I suppose,” Tanya mumbled.
“You could try to be a little more enthusiastic,” Neil teased her.
Tanya simply rolled her eyes in response. They went to a new, hip place in the same area that boasted of amazing food and drinks. There was even a dance floor, where several people were already swaying to some funky music. Tanya stepped in, glad she was dressed just right for the swanky place.
“Want a drink?” Neil got them a beautiful table by a corner.
Tanya shook her head. “No, thank you. Just water.” She wanted to have a clear head.
They both ordered some appetizers and Neil some wine before they settled back in their chairs. “So, now that you have your clothes sorted, aren’t you wondering what next?”
“Huh? I don’t know. I suppose I should wear fancy clothes after Ritwik gets back and keep my fingers crossed?” Tanya replied, her eyes turning doubtful behind her glasses.
Neil threw back his head and laughed. “You’re not real, are you?”
“If that’s an insult…” Tanya began in a menacing tone.
Neil put up his hand. “Not at all. I am simply stunned there could be a woman like you, totally guileless.”
“Yeah right, some good it has done to me. I haven’t even been in a proper relationship in my life.” Tanya looked down in mortification at what came out of her mouth. To her surprise and shock, Neil ran a finger along her cheek.
Tanya looked up, her cheeks turning crimson at the unexpectedly intimate gesture. “Neil…” She was stopped by themaître d', who placed their food and drinks on the table.
“The clothes are only part of the deal. You need to make him sit up and take notice ofyou.” Neil’s voice had softened, his gaze boring into hers.
“How do I do that?” Tanya tilted her head slightly, to look at him with her huge eyes.
“By flirting. With your eyes, your body, and most importantly, your mind.” Neil’s husky voice created a cocoon around them. Suddenly, Tanya felt too warm. She cleared her throat and looked down. She was terrible at flirting, never having flirted or having had the inclination to. Yet, sitting across the handsome stranger, she wanted to know how he’d react if she used her feminine charm on him. Abruptly, Tanya came out of her thoughts.What am I thinking? This is for Ritwik’s benefit.
“I don’t know how to do that.” Tanya refused to look up. She was afraid of meeting his mocking gaze.
Neil continued to stare at the beautiful, innocent woman in front of him. Her silky waves covered a part of her face. For the first time in his life, he felt tenderness and protectiveness towards a woman. “Look up.”
Tanya looked up at his command. “Huh?” She was more than relieved to see his expression serious.
“When you talk to a man you’re potentially interested in, you should hold his gaze. Never hide your face; or, your eyes.” When Tanya nodded, he continued, “You need to stop undermining yourself if you want others to notice who you are.”
“That’s what you said the other day too.” Tanya looked as adorably confused as before. She could solve the most complex issues at work within hours, but talk about relationships, her mind turned fuzzy!
“That’s correct! I will say it a thousand times more; until you get it. You are a smart, beautiful, independent woman, who should make men like Ritwik look at you. When are you going to get that?”
