Alter Ego: His Sultry Lover

"They're here!" Lily shouted as she peered out of the window. Katherine realized that Jared had arrived in the car with his friend.

'Going out right now. Pray for me!' She texted Ray quickly before following Lily out of the apartment and down the stairs.

She saw a tall guy leaning against the car. Seeing Lily's excitement, she could guess that his guy was the boyfriend, Jared. He was a good looking guy in a suit. Katherine found herself impressed, knowing that her friend attracted a lot of women, but this guy was something else.

The evening would be eventful, in her opinion, but because she would be judging this guy harshly.

The other guy was nowhere to be found, but Katherine shrugged it off. While Jared opened the passenger's seat, she caught a glimpse of a man in the backseat. She stiffened upon realizing that Jared was trying his best to get his friend hooked up with his girlfriend's friend. Well, she couldn't fault him for being a good man. She sighed and looked at Lily, who was also looking at her from the corner of her eyes.

She seemed to be pleading Katherine with her eyes, hoping that she wouldn't protest.

Katherine was not the type of person who would cause trouble when she could avoid it. Unless she was completely scandalized, she didn't defend herself or be rude.

She walked over to the other side of the car and opened the door. Throwing a smile at the man who was looking at her, she slid in and made herself comfortable.

Lily and Jared had taken their seats as well.

"Here we go!" Jared said nervously before turning the engine on. The ride was silent until Katherine's phone buzzed twice.

'I am so sorry for this,' Lily had sent her. Katherine quickly typed on a message comforting her friend and looked out of the window. The scenery outside blurred by and soon they had reached the bougie art gallery-cum- restaurant.

From the corner of her eyes, she could see the guy rushing out of the car and sprinting to her side. She blinked when the door on her side opened and a hand appeared in front of her face.

"Thank you," she muttered politely, taking it even though she felt mildly uncomfortable. She felt bad for not appreciating the guy's efforts. But how could she when her heart was still lingering on the thoughts of Ray?

She let his hand go after she came out of the car and maintained distance.

They were quickly placed at a table, with Lily and Katherine on one side and the guys on the other.

"So, what are your intentions with my friend?" Katherine asked in a casual but teasing tone.

Jared took a sip of the champagne from the flute, a smile playing on his lips.

"I plan on wining and dining her until she accepts my hand in marriage and let's see if we can make some cute babies," he deadpanned. Lily spluttered and Katherine almost fell from her chair.

She didn't know if she wanted to be surprised or just laugh her head off. She knew that the guy was joking, but she couldn't help but wonder if he was… actually considering what he was saying out loud.

"Jared is an honorable man," the guy, who had been introduced as Barry after they had been seated, said. Katherine looked at him and chuckled.

"I can see that." She turned to look at Jared. "I am mildly horrified by that tone! Are you mocking my friend, sir?"

"Ah! You misunderstand me. You are the soul sister of my bride-to-be. I just want to impress you." The conversation flowed. Even Barry was more proactive in it, shrugging off his shyness. He was a really nice guy, Katherine realized.

"So, Katherine? What about you? These two are already talking about babies. Do you have anyone special in your life?" Katherine looked around the table, seeing the curious gazes on her. She contemplated what she should do. Clearly, Lily hadn't uttered a word about Ray, which Katherine was appreciative of.

But Barry was interested. She had to come clear to these people before she led him on. No, she hadn't done anything that could mean it, but she was on a sort of blind date with him and he could try to pursue her if he actually was interested.

She was taken. And she didn't really need any ambiguity in that sphere.

Her mind was made.

"Yes, I am taken," she spoke up. While the men looked surprised, Lily looked… proud.

It almost seemed like her friend was making her come out of the closet about her online relationship. She had not told anyone apart from Lily and it felt like she was not forthcoming about her life.

"Oh?" Barry said, trying to hide his disappointment. "How did you guys meet?" Katherine felt bad for hurting this guy and crushing his hopes.

"We met over an online game and well… it just turned into more," she sipped on her glass of water. "I haven't told anyone yet, but I thought it was okay to say it out loud."

"I'm so sorry dragging you here," Jared said apologetically. "I was really looking forward to your friendship with Barry." He patted his friend's back. "Boy, I am sorry. This fine creature is taken, it seems."

Barry laughed and shook his head. "It's no matter. If you find yourself in need of a conversation or want to go out on a date if you break up with him? I am all ears," he winked.

"I love him," she said suddenly, surprising herself.

"Well, that's nice to hear," Lily said blandly. "Congratulations on accepting your feelings."

Katherine gave her a look to make her shut up. Lily shrugged.

Though the conversation turned mildly awkward, it was a pleasant evening. Jared dropped them off to their apartment. When she went into her room, she removed all the makeup and put on her pajamas.

"Do you want to get on with the next question, now?" she texted. The reply came soon after. She smiled, plopping down on her bed and rolling around as the conversation started to flow.