Love's Got A Hold On My Heart

Author: moonflower

Rated: PG13

Rating :

Disclaimer: You all know that this writer does not own Sailor Moon! If I did, I'd have a claim on Darien already! ^.~

ANs: Ah, it seems like your little author is coming out with more and more chapters lately. That's what happens when you are on summer vacation! ^.^ Oh, sorry for not coming out with a chapter sooner, but this author went on a family vacation to France! I had such a nice time, too! Well, I'm back and now it's time to start this story! ^.~ ^.^

"Teach me how I should forget to think."

*~William Shakespeare*~

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Chapter 5

It was a beautiful Friday morning, and Serena had just turned in her review for The Rose Garden Cafe to her boss. Mr. Erickson was so impressed with it that he was convinced to make a reservation at the restaurant for him and his wife tonight.

With an air of confidence and a satisfied look and smile gracing her features, Serena eagerly strolled back to her office where she saw Raye leaning against her wooden door casually.

"Hey Serena!" she greeted the blonde happily, promptly pushing herself off the door and smoothing out her silk purple scarf that was tied around her neck.

"Hi Raye!" she greeted back, standing in front of her door and rummaging through her black leather purse for her office key.

"So, how was the restaurant?" Raye eagerly nudged her friend's arm.

Unlocking the door, she turned on the lights and walked over to the windows where she pulled the blinds up. Raye followed her in and instantly closed the door behind her so no eavesdropping person could intrude on their conversation like last time.

"It was very beautiful! Inside the restaurant, there were myriads of colorful roses--as many as you can think of! The music was so soothing, almost spellbinding. The service was fantastic! Waiters and waitresses who were always very helpful, courteous, and always liked checking up on you to see if everything was going well and to your liking. The food--pure heaven! The main course was delicious and their desserts was beautifully made! Too bad I couldn't eat everything. This is one restaurant that I find the best next to Lita's. Lastly, the gardens were gorgeous! Raye, walking through that garden felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Words can't even begin to describe it!"

Serena sighed dreamily while reminiscing about her walk though the gardens, putting her purse next to her laptop on her desk and sitting comfortably in her chair.

"Looks like you had a great time reviewing the place. I hope I can convince Chad to take me their on our next date. I want to experience what you did." Raye sat in the seat across from her, sitting up straight and resting her clasped hands

on her lap.

"Well, you're not the only one that wants to go there now. My review has got Mr. Erickson convinced as well." She examined her well manicured fingers carefully, deciding she needs to replace her light pink nail polish with a baby blue color when she got home.

"Who wouldn't want to go? I bet when this review is in tomorrow's paper, you'll get a thousand more people convinced into going to that cafe! It'll bring so much business to that place after New Yorkers read it! Your review on Lita's restaurant helped her earn a number one spot in the top restaurants to dine in New York in several well respected magazines and newspapers and you helped her business soar to the point that people all over want her to open up more restaurants!"

"I know. I didn't think my little review--my own opinion could have such a great affect on people!" Serena thoughtfully said.

"For that, Lita is still very grateful for your review," chirped a content Raye.

Leaning forward in her chair, Raye's violet eyes showing keen interest to know a certain piece of information that her friend failed to mention, she innocently inquired, "Say Serena, you never did tell me what the owner of the restaurant was like, whether he was handsome, rude, charming, etc. Care to throw in a few details for your gossip hungry friend?" She arched an eyebrow curiously, arms propped up on the desk with her head resting comfortably in them as she waited for the blonde to speak.

The way the raven haired woman's gaze was locked on Serena's told her that there was no way she could side step her piercing question that easily. Sighing inwardly and wishing she could find a way to escape the probing eyes of Raye, she had no choice but to answer her honestly yet coolly.

"He was cute, very nice, and charming."

"That's...it?! That's all you can say to describe him?" Raye's eyes widened in astonishment and incredulity.

"What is there to say, Raye? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but he's just your regular handsome male that you would meet on the street--nothing more. He's certainly not special either if that's what you thought him to be."

Her face softened with concern and worry over Serena's agitated and somewhat hesitant tone.

"What's wrong, girl? You sound so unwilling to talk about Mr. Darien Lane. Did something happen between you two?"

Unable to keep up her calm, indifferent facade, Serena nodded slowly, looking a bit pale and panic stricken.

"What did he do?" she prodded her to speak.

"Nothing, Raye, but...it happens to be what he said to me as I was about to go home." She was nervously fumbling with the clasp of her silver heart bracelet.

"And...?"

"Before I get into that, I sort of caught his eye when I first walked into the restaurant."

"No way! He gave you that I'm-into-you look?" Raye gripped the desk in anticipation for her answer.

"Big time!" She rolled her eyes as she replied.

"So, what did he say to you that has gotten you so freaked out? Normally, no matter what a guy says, you'd never get nervous or uncomfortable. It's actually the other way around when you think about it."

"He said, 'We will meet again! I can guarantee that!' And this was after he tried to ask me out on a date." Serena slumped down on the chair, feeling woozy at the moment.

Seeing how she looked a lot paler in the face and beads of sweat starting to form on her forehead, Raye instantly got up from her chair, ran over to where Serena sat, and tried to fan her with a magazine she grabbed off the desk.

"Okay, Sere, now breathe, breathe. Why would that upset you so much?"

"Because the way he said it--he seemed so sure of himself."

"Listen, Sere, all men always act like they are so sure of themselves in everything. Why do you think most of them are so stubborn to ask for directions when they are lost? Or even admit that they are?"

She chuckled slightly at her friend's point.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. There's no way in the world I'd see him again unless I go back to that restaurant which is the last thing I'd do."

"Exactly." Raye threw down the magazine unceremoniously back on the desk. "There are a million to one chances that you'd ever see him again. So don't worry about him. He probably said that just to scare you a bit."

"You're right, Raye. Thanks." She gave her a small smile of gratitude.

"No problem. That's what friends are for." She returned the smile graciously.

"Now that that's over, I have something else to tell you."

"Oh? What is it?" Raye's eyes perked up in interest while casually leaning on Serena's chair.

"Lita wants to throw a baby shower for Amy and needs us all to help out."

"Really? That's great! I'd love to help!"

"Good! Lita already told Mina about it and so I'm passing on the word to you. We'll be having the shower next Saturday at our place."

"That's good. I have nothing planned for that day anyway!" Raye gave her a wink. "What does Lita want us to do?"

"Uh...she wants us to help with the decorations, cooking, and writing invitations."

"Well, since we're busy with the cooking and decorations for next week, how about we write invitations and shop for Amy's presents this Sunday?"

"Perfect! I guess everything is all settled here!"

"Okay. I better get going! See ya this afternoon!" Raye waved to her friend before walking out the door.

"Bye!" Serena waved back and turned to her laptop to boot it up.

To be continued...

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That's all for this chapter! I know it's kind of short, but be happy that I got something out! Ja ne!

Written on August 13, 2001