The day after Allaine and Altair hung out, Allaine threw herself back into work, while Altair maintained his usual laid-back rhythm. He avoided Cassy—things were still awkward—and Theresa was still giving him the cold shoulder. Starting his day, he ambled into the lounge, betting on Cassy being elsewhere, only to find Mikayla instead, decked out in a blush pink dress with white trims that screamed casual elegance.
“Heya, Alty!” she chirped, waving like they’d been besties for years.
Altair froze, blinking like she’d grown a second head.
“Mikay? What’s with the friendly vibe? Did I miss a memo?”
Mikayla smirked, unfazed. “I know, shocking, right? Anyway, how’s life treating you?”
Altair shrugged, still suspicious of her sudden sunshine-and-rainbows routine.
“Can’t complain. You? What’s got you all dolled up—special occasion?”
Without a word, Mikayla handed him a steaming cup of coffee, her nails painted to match her dress. Altair hesitated but took the coffee, figuring if this was a trap, at least he’d go down caffeinated.
She took a sip of her own cup, her lipstick leaving a neat mark on the rim.
“Just had a craving for a good steak,” she said, settling onto the couch. “But I want somewhere quiet, you know? No crowds, no noise.”
Altair sank into the opposite couch, nodding as if this were the most natural conversation they’d ever had.
“Gotcha. If you’re looking for recommendations, I know a spot. Ever heard of Piccadilly? It’s a members-only joint—real classy, real quiet.”
Mikayla’s eyes lit up, her excitement genuine.
“Sounds perfect! You’re a member, right?”
Altair raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, but—”
“Great!” she cut him off, setting her coffee down with a clink. “So, how about we grab lunch there? My treat.”
Now both eyebrows were up. “You sure you want to hang out with me? Like, voluntarily?”
Mikayla rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Don’t ruin it, Alty. I’m trying to be nice here.”
That earned her a laugh. “There it is! That’s the Mikay I know.”
She stood, brushing imaginary lint off her dress. “C’mon, dress sharp. I’m not dragging you to a place like Piccadilly if you’re gonna look like you just rolled out of bed.”
Altair scratched the back of his neck. “Uh, most of my clothes are at the cleaners, so ‘sharp’ might be a stretch.”
Mikayla was already halfway out the door. “No problem. We’ll hit the shops first. My treat for that too. You’re welcome.”
Altair chuckled, draining the last of his coffee before following her.
“Guess I’m just along for the ride, huh?”
She shot him a grin over her shoulder. “Always were, Alty. Always were.”
---
[Altair’s Room]
Within the quiet confines of his room, Altair was halfway through preparing for his lunch outing when his phone buzzed, its familiar tone cutting through the silence. Glancing at the screen, a smile tugged at his lips as Elise’s name flashed. Without hesitation, he answered, his voice warm and easy.
“Hey, babe. What’s up?”
On the other end, Elise’s playful, teasing tone came through like a shot of mischief. “Hey, babe! So… how did it go?”
Altair frowned in confusion. “How did what go?”
“Oh, don’t play dumb with me. Your date with Allaine! Spill it.”
A chuckle escaped him as the memory resurfaced, vivid and ridiculous. “It was… something. She got a little too much to drink, and before I knew it, she had me pinned against the wall with the strength of a linebacker.” He paused for effect, the grin evident in his voice. “I was legit shocked. I thought she was gonna kiss me right then and there.”
Elise’s squeal erupted through the line, so loud that Altair had to pull the phone away from his ear. “Kyaaaah! And? What happened next? Tell me everything!”
Altair exhaled, half amused, half exasperated. “Nothing happened. I stopped her. Just held her back with my hand. That’s it.”
A dramatic sigh of disappointment came from Elise. “Ugh, you’re breaking my heart, babe. A hot woman like her throws herself at you, and you do nothing? What a waste!”
“Jeez, I’m not that desperate!” Altair shot back, still grinning. “I wasn’t about to let her do something she’d regret later.”
Elise’s laughter rang out, bright and unapologetic. “Look at you, all noble and wise. I’m impressed! Didn’t know you had it in you. So, what’s on the agenda today, Mr. Chivalry?”
“Lunch with Mikayla,” he answered casually, leaning back against the headboard.
The reaction was instant—Elise gasped, followed by an exaggerated laugh of shock and delight. “You sly dog! Yesterday, it was Allaine, and today you’ve got Mikayla lined up? What’s next? Cassy swooning at your feet?”
Altair rolled his eyes, though a smirk played on his lips. “Babe, I’m not orchestrating any of this. I’m just… around when things happen. Pure coincidence.”
Elise’s giggles softened, replaced by a tone laced with mock seriousness. “Babe, listen. Mikayla isn’t like Allaine. She’s fierce, independent, and way wilder than she seems. Sure, she’s playing it cool now, but if you think you can handle her… let’s just say you’d better be ready for a ride.”
Altair groaned, a mix of irritation and affection coloring his response. “Thanks for the pep talk. Should I be concerned that you’re this invested in my social calendar? Or maybe I should start worrying about these women vying for my attention?”
Elise laughed again, a light and teasing sound. “Oh, please. I just enjoy watching the drama unfold. Anyway, don’t let Mikayla eat you alive, okay? And—”
“Wait,” Altair interrupted. “Was there a reason you called? Or is this just my daily dose of Elise wisdom?”
“It can wait,” she replied, her voice softening, almost tender.
Altair smiled despite himself. “Alright. Talk later?”
“Yeah. Later.”
As the call ended, Altair leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a moment.