BRIKS' POV
"One for Iced Americano and one for latte," I ordered and quickly looked away when I noticed that the cashier's face became as red as the tomatoes. I thanked her without looking at her and took my order.
I immediately drove my car back to our office because I know how Greg would react if he found out that I bought our coffee from the second Starbucks where I usually buy than the first one which is just a few meters away from our office unlike the second which was five kilometers away. But I just like the second one for some reason—I like wasting my time and gas.
Greg's pouting face was the first thing I saw the moment I opened the door of our office and it was never a good view—it's the most disgusting view I've ever seen. "Stop it. It doesn't suit you. You look like a dehydrated fish," I insulted him and laughed before giving him his coffee.
But instead of feeling hurt, he grinned. "Yes, that's it. Laugh all you want now 'cause after a few seconds—" He didn't have a chance to finish his sentence when his phone suddenly rang. "Franzine will call. Here." He passed his phone to me and I raised my eyebrow, asking why I should take it but he threw his phone instead. I panicked and quickly catched it with my left hand.
I sighed. I have no choice. I just wish this will end sooner. "Hello?"
And her high pitch scream was her response. I was lucky that I already predicted it and quickly put the phone away from my ear the moment I answered the call.
I glared at Greg but he looked away and made himself busy as he just did nothing. So, do you want to play, huh? Sure. I'll make you very busy just like what you want...
["I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Sorry for the scream, by the way. It's just that, I'm so happy that you finally talked to me! It's been a few months! Why aren't you answering my calls, anyway? Is Greg giving you a headache, that's why? Do you want me to—"]
"No, uh..." I sighed. "It's okay. I'm just busy with work, that's all."
["Oh... Wait. Are you busy right now? Sorry, am I bothering you? I can talk to you later if you want."]
Yes, you are...
"No, it's okay. Just..." I gritted my teeth and glared at Greg again. "Just a few things and I'll be done."
["That's a relief! So, how are you? I've been receiving news about you, opening a business. Is that true?"]
My eyebrows frowned and checked some papers on my desk. I massaged the bridge of my nose when I didn't see what I'm finding and looked at Greg. I gestured him the paper that needs to be sign by me but he just shrugged his shoulder. I rolled my eyes in irritation and clenched my fists while taking a deep breath.
["Hello? Hello, Briks?"]
"Yes? Yeah, uh, it's true. Why? Would you like to invest?"
She laughed. ["I would love to! But my Dad don't like investing in a new company so..."] She paused in a while and I heard some noises from the line. ["Ouch, shit. My feet got a scratch from the nail on my desk."]
"Hmm? Why? Do you have a first aid kit or a band aid with you? Put some on your wound so that it won't be infected," I said while spinning on my swivel chair, feeling frustrated. For the heck's sake! Its deadline is already tomorrow! I need to finish it tonight! Where the heck are you all, papers?!
["Yes, sir. I'm finding some now."] I heard her footsteps.
"Be careful. You might get some scratches again."
["Yes, sir..."]
We continued talking for hours and my jaw is already aching. I don't know how could she manage to talk to me for that long period of time but I didn't even hear her losing her energy.
["—I'm free later after the meeting at... 7 pm. Can we have, uh, a dinner tonight? Oh, wait. Are you free by then? Sorry I forgot to ask you."] She laughed and it was cute that it made me smile.
"Yeah, sure."
["Oh my, really? That's great!"]
I laughed. "Yeah."
["So... See you later, then?"]
"See you later."
I waited for her to hang up the call and she did. Finally... I grinned at Greg and the ghost of a smile was visible on his lips. "So... You have a date with her later, huh?" he teased, narrowing his eyes at me.
"Yeah. So... You'll do all the work I will leave to you," I announced and winked at him. His jaw automatically dropped when he heard that.
I chuckled and took my coat. I genuinely smiled at him and waved my hands. "Bye, my Secretary Gregorio! I still have to prepare myself for this lovely date!" I sarcastically exclaimed and rolled my eyes.
I opened the door and stepped outside the office. "H-Hey, b-bro... C-Can't we talk it out, c-can we? B-bro... Bro! I also have a date with my wife later!" he pleaded but I didn't listen to one of them.
Serves you right.
I was walking into the parking lot and when I saw my car, flashbacks of what happened the other day replayed on my mind.
I wonder how is she now? From the last time I saw, she seems scared and not okay, and that night... it stayed me up all night, wishing she'd be okay. I wanted to watch her outside of her house but that would be a waste since I still can't see her. I wouldn't know what she really feels. And it would be creepy if she saw me outside of her house, watching her like a scary hulk.
I was suddenly tempted to go to her house. But then again, I was already lucky when she said her address. I don't want to take an advantage of it. She might avoid me and I don't want it to happen.
I sighed and lazily get in my car. I manoeuvred it to my condo and rested for a while. I set an alarm before 7 pm since it was still 5 pm.
I put my right arm above my forehead and looked at the ceiling while lying down on the bed.
This is the first time I didn't take an advantage of one's weakness. This is the first time I could stop myself from temptations even if it's so hard. This is the first time I felt this and I think I might go crazy in any time soon if it gets deeper.
And I don't want that to happen.
I don't want to get attached to people or things... I'll lose it someday, anyway. Why would I bother holding it so tight?