Nora Storm left the dinner meeting immediately after her encounter with Leo
She called a designated driver and went off to Ivy's.....by the way she owed her one.
She stepped into Ivy's apartment, dropping her bag and coat onto the couch as she let out a tired sigh. The dinner meeting had drained her energy, and all she wanted was a warm bath and a good night's sleep.
Just as she was about to sleep,her phone rang, shrill in the silence. She picked it up, seeing her mother's name flash on the screen. "Hello, Mom?"
She was very surprised,her mum never called, except she go into trouble or she had to do something.
"Darling, how was your meeting?" her mother's voice was warm and cheerful, a stark contrast her real method of talking with her.
Nora could tell, she was either with her guest or was bragging about her perfect daughter to her friends. Nora thought the former was most likely.
"It was fine, Mom, did something happen?" she asked
" Does something have to happen before I call my daughter?".Nora confirmed that she was with guests, most likely important ones for her to put up this drama.
"Well, you'll have plenty of time to rest soon. I was calling to remind you about breakfast tomorrow.
"Your father and I are hosting a family gathering at the mansion, and we'd love for you to be there," her mother said, her tone flat now.
She must've excused herself since she had dropped the act.
She hesitated for a moment,like she was weighing options, though she was well aware that she had no options.
Family gatherings were overwhelming,her walking around on eggshells careful not to make a mistake,, careful not to even be seen so much .
"Maybe Alicia Storm, her elder sister was back home" Nora thought to herself
" Don't forget to wear something nice, darling. Your elder sister is bringing her new husband, and I want you to make a good impression," her mother added quickly like that was the most important part of everything she had said.
She rolled her eyes knowing that her mother's idea of "something nice" would likely involve a designer dress and perfectly styled hair. "I'll try my best, Mom.
" Don't try, just do it". she hung up
Talk about ruining a night , she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Family gatherings were always a whirlwind of duty, reports, discipline,scolds, and expectations. But for now, she just wanted to unwind and recharge after the long day and also prepare for tomorrow's meeting.
Nora put on her sleep mask only to remove it 30 seconds late,her mind racing with thoughts of the evening's encounter.
Leo had changed from 3 years ago, he looked more handsome and manly. She couldn't just stop thinking about him
Slowly she reached for her hand where he touched while returning her brooch.
His touch had been firm, yet gentle. As their palms touched, she felt a spark of electricity run through her body. It was as if time had stood still for a moment, and all that existed was the warmth of his hand wrapped around hers.
She tossed and turned, unable to shake off the memory of his touch. The sensation lingered on her skin, leaving her feeling restless, the touch was awakening
As she replayed the moment in her head, she felt a flutter in her chest. The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't sleep, her mind consumed by the memory of his touch.
"Get ahold of yourself,Nora Storm", she screamed to herself
" He's just Leo, besides you have things like tomorrow's breakfast to worry about"
She was about to sleep when she remembered that Ivy wasn't home yet
"Shoot, She could be looking for me"
She dialed Ivy's number and she pick up,
"Hello, I..... "
" I'll come back soon" Ivy said and hung up.
" Ouoo I guess she wasn't looking for me" Nora said before sleeping.
She was jolted awake by the buzzing of her phone. Groggily, she reached over to silence it, only to see Ivy's name flashing on the screen. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, wondering why she was calling so early.
"Hello?" she mumbled, her voice husky from sleep.
"Hey,I'm so sorry to wake you up, but I'm outside the door ," Ivy said, sounding exhausted. "I didn't realize how late it had gotten
She sighed, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Okay, okay.I'm coming".
As she hung up the phone, she couldn't help but feel a bit irritable, She tossed off the covers and began getting ready, still trying to wake herself up. After all, it was her house, she could go in and out how she wanted.
Ivy came into the room, a disappointed look plastered on her face. "Oh my gosh, girl! Where have you been and why do you look flushed" Nora said, really concerned, her initial irritation gone.
She settled into the couch with the most dissatisfed look.
"I met a guy"
" That's good so why the face"
" We maintained eye contact for a full minute"
"You didn't talk"
"Okay so you are sure it was not a 'what is she doing here look?"
"Yes, it was like a straight from the tv romantic look "
" What's his name?"
" I didn't get to know "
" So how does it affect your coming home late "
"I waited at the gate in my car all night hoping to see him drive "
" You're hopeless "
" He is breathtaking,I'm sure you saw him,he was on a back tailored tux..."
"One, you're hopeless,two;there were hundreds of men in black tux there how do you expect me to see him,three; I'm having breakfast at the Storm mansion today and have no time to babysit".
" Storm mansion?, Are you in trouble?"
"Let's hope not"
Nora's phone rang...,her mum
"Come down at once, I'm waiting at the parking lot ".