Chapter ３

When the end of the work day arrives...

Typically … in these kinds of scenarios … Anni would be my 'go to girl'; being how she's my best friend, and all. Today, however; she happens to be out with her mother and brother … so; I have no other choice but to ask Andie to join Warren and me for dinner.

Don't get me wrong … right after Anni; Andie's my next best friend … my workplace 'comrade in arms', 'compadre', and 'numero uno amiga', in the company. That said … I have to admit that I am feeling a little hesitantly leery about asking Andie along. She is the 'Queen of Gossip' at work, after all; and, if this afternoon's 'hairpin scandal' hasn't incited her enough already … I can only imagine what's going to happen when she finds out that we'll be dining with the new CEO's personal assistant. … Still … just like with Anni ... I love Andie to death.

It had started snowing about fifteen minutes before we were about ready to get off from work … and; Warren had called me on my work phone, and told me to wait inside in the lobby while he pulls his car out front to pick us up. So; Andie and I are now waiting in the lobby foyer...

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Come on; Alexia … are you going to tell me who we're going out to eat with; or, not? I don't get it … he's about to pick us up; so, why can't you tell me who it is, now?”

Andie's been 'pestering' me ever since I asked her to go with me; feverishly inquiring what his name was. Thankfully there was only less than hour left to go; otherwise for sure I would have cracked under the pressure of her 'inquisition-like persistence'.

Again … Andie's always wants to be 'in the know'; and, makes sure to keep herself 'in the loop' at work. I knew that once she heard the name 'Warren Wilson'; she would immediately know that we would be having dinner with Calvin Smith's personal assistant … and; I wanted to keep that bit of information away from her as long as I could. No point in 'stirring the hornets' nest' if I don't have to; right?

“Calmate'; chica … he'll be here any minute, now; so...”

Andie brusquely cuts me off...

“Exactly … so; why can't you just tell me who it is, already? Come on, girl; spill!”

Yeah … looks like I can't keep it from her any longer. If I don't tell her now; one of us is bound to suffer a nervous breakdown.

“Fine … his name is Warren Wilson; and, he's...”

Andie excitedly cuts me of...

“Warren Wilson?! Don't tell me you mean the personal assistant to 'hottie CEO'; do you … that Warren Wilson?!”

I sheepishly utter, “Uh … yeah.”

A super-huge impish grin instantly stretches across Andie's face; as she intensely stares at me with a devilish gleam in her eyes that almost makes me want to cringe...

“What … what's that look for?”

She playfully taunts me...

“First 'hottie CEO'; and, now his personal assistant … girl; I didn't know you were such a 'player'. You really are gonna wind up being the envy of all these 'desperate, man-hungry, gone under the knife of a plastic surgeon, gold-digging' company bimbos.”

Instantly embarrassed and perturbed; I snap out...

“Cut the shit; Andie! … See; this is why I was I didn't want to tell you who it was, until I had to.”

Andie tenderly drapes her arm over my shoulder, and draws me close in to her; then, delivers a quick, soft peck on my cheek. She lovingly smiles at me...

“Relax, girl; I was just kidding. … Sorry if I upset you. My bad. Can you forgive me?”

Again … I can't stay mad at Andie. I deliver an 'eye roll'; and, shake my head...

“Pfft … fine; I forgive you.”

Another little impish grin appears on her mouth; along with a mischievously playful twinkle in her eye...

“Thanks. … And, besides; I was just only giving you 'props', girl … what's wrong with that?”

I deliver another quick 'eye roll'; and, shake my head...

“Whatever.”

"Alexia you sit in the back.” It is Warren's car, so I should do what he wants.

"By the way, do you mind if I bring a friend with me?" Warren blurted out.

"Ah, it's fine. I’ll bring one too." I laughed awkwardly, but I am glad that this wouldn't be as awkward as my latest blind date.

The next moment, I realized I was wrong.

I sat awkwardly at the back of the car with Calvin Smith. Knowing his identity this time, I really was in a mess.

How could I explain this to Andie?

Sure, enough Andie was looking at me with a stunned look and a gossiping face again. Shit!

I am screwed up that is for sure!

"Alexia, I thought you are going on a blind date!" Andie whispered in my ear, but It was still so loud where Calvin certainly have heard every word.

"Blind date?" Calvin had a weird grin on his face, and I felt so embarrassed.

Warren was also freaking out. He thought, ‘Oh my god, Calvin Smith heard I was on a dinner date with Alexia. I just hope he doesn't mistake this for the blind date. This is a huge misunderstanding.’

All the people in the car were falling into silence due to extreme awkwardness.

The car stopped at a grand steakhouse.

When I went out of the car, I leaned over to Warren and whispered, "The jacket that Calvin Smith lent me. I'll give them to you tomorrow. Please help to return it to him."

Warren looked at me in surprise, after all. His brother had never been so gentle.

Not to mention lending the jacket to a girl.

"Okay, no problem." Warren smiled and looked over at Smith who was showing a very unpleasant expression.

After asking about our favorite dishes, Warren ordered several classic dishes and then they had nothing else to say. The atmosphere fell into an awkward silence again.

"Do you mind if I smoke?" Calvin Smith finally uttered his first sentence, and I quickly waved my hand.

"Please, I don't mind!”

Andie whispered to me again. “Wow, he's so handsome when he smokes! I'm drooling!”

I got a thirsty message from Andie.

“He is so handsome! I can't take my eyes off him!”

"Hahaha." Warren laughed at us.

Hearing Warren's laughter, I realize how obvious I was acting. I hurried up and lowered my head to take some sip of the soup.

My phone suddenly rang. It was my mom.

"Excuse me, I need to take the call." I quickly picked up my phone and went towards the toilet.

"Mom, what are you doing?" I knew that Mom must be calling to introduce me to a blind date again. It seemed calluses had grown in my ears.

"Mom, I'm not going on a blind date. I'll find one on my own and bring a boyfriend home!" I was so angry at Mom's words because she was getting more and more outrageous. I couldn’t control my tone. I finally exploded with anger, and hung up the phone.

When I turned around, I crashed into someone's arms.

"I'm sorry." When I looked up, it was Calvin Smith again. Another embarrassing sight for him. Was I having a bone to pick with him?

"It's okay. Let's go. I will bring you guys home." Not allowing me to say no. He took Andie and me to the last intersection where he sent me last time.

When I got out of the car, my mom called me again.

"You sure will find a good boyfriend and then you can live with your head high." I've had enough and answered her in a perfunctory manner.

Andie, knowing my situation, stroked my back and told me she would accompany me tonight, which really warmed me up.

I was so exhausted when we got home, but it seemed that Andie had gone crazy. She was crazily bragging to me about how handsome Calvin Smith was and how perfect his body shape was, and even though I was exhausted, I gossiped with her because I know that that is her only happiness.

This man, truly, was God's pick.

"But, Alexia. I really think that Smith is really into you." Andie started to gossip again, I really felt helpless.

"I told you this is the first time we met. Why are you still talking about this?"

"I really think he likes you, believe me. Can’t you trust a woman's intuitions?" Andie patted her chest and promised.

"Trust you? No way! Go to sleep!" I needed to leave myself alone for a moment.

In the middle of the night there was a knock on the door of my room. I opened the door and it was Anni. She acted a bit strangely, and she asked me to give her some money. I didn't hesitate to lend her some money, but she should be staying with her mother's brother today. Then why did she stand here asking me to lend her some money? Out of trust, I wasn’t asking her anything. After all, everyone had their own stories to tell.

The next day.

"Guys, I'd like to introduce a new colleague to you, Angel Johnson, she will take over my position" Tom Jackson introduced warmly, in my mind, I just prayed that I would get along well with this new superior and I wouldn't expect more.

"Hey, look at her bag. Chanel limited version, I wish to have one like that.” Andie murmured excitedly.

"Are you welcoming me on my first day in this way?" Andie was overreacting and obviously Angel didn’t like that.

"I… I…" Andie stammered.

"You just said that you are so happy and now you can't say a word?” Angel raised her chin up and crossed her arms.

"Well, I'm sorry if that means so much to you, but you're being rude!" Andie couldn't hold back her anger any longer, so I elbowed her immediately, signaling her to stop. Well, this person's name is Angel, but her personality was nothing like an angel. We were going to have tough days for sure.

Andie talked to me. “Have you heard that that bitch used to work with Calvin Smith too? I guess that's why she came to this company.”

“Wow, that is such valuable news! You're awesome.” I was surprised with Andie’s gossiping skill, she learns everything easily.

“It is, and I think this bitch definitely likes smith. Alexia, go ahead and hook Calvin Smith up! Don’t leave her a space to win over you!” she is so persuasive. She didn’t really like Miss Angel.

“No place for kidding!” I scolded her.

My heart thumped faster after seeing Andie's message, I had a hunch that my future in the company wouldn’t be good. I really hoped Angel wouldn't have heard about what happened yesterday as well.

At the Pantry.

"Your name is Alexia?"

Sure enough, no matter how many times I prayed, I was still lucky enough to meet with this Angel.

"Yes, hello, Angel," I prayed the lady was gracious enough to let me go but the fact proved the opposite.

"Hey, you listen carefully. I'm telling you—Calvin Smith is mine! Don't even think about winning him! I've seen a lot of women like you! Trying to hook their boss thinking they are young and beautiful, but I’m warning you."

I feel sickened by her nasty words.

"Miss Angel, it seems that you are too worried about something you could not get. But don't worry, you will never get what isn’t belong to you." I directly slammed the door, not even looking at her disgusting face.

Alexia. Well done! I reminded myself. Those are the nasty things I never let pass all my life, no one deserves to belittle or order me that way, hello no!

After work, I turned around and left the office immediately. Neither wanting to talk to Angel one more word, nor did I not expect that in the elevator Mr. Calvin Smith was standing.

"Hello, Sir." I greeted awkwardly, hoping that the elevator would soon reach the first floor.

Pop! The elevator light suddenly went black. I was always afraid of the darkness and screamed in shock, unconsciously hugging him.

"Don't be afraid. Give your cellphone to me."

I clung to him, feeling awkward and passed my own phone to him. While doing this, I unintentionally touched his hand. But I told myself that I shouldn’t think about gender and relax.

I was so scared of the darkness.

Smith made a call and then touched my back, instead of pushing me away.

"Here's my phone number.” Smith saved his number in my phone, and I nodded, right now. I just want to see the light.

I didn't realize how ambiguous it was when the elevator suddenly descended. Out of extreme fear, I jumped on him.

He seems to have smiled, while cradling me in his arms.

A gasp escaped out of my mouth.

In the darkness I was feeling an unfamiliar breath coming closer and closer until it was directly on my cheek. I tried to calm myself down, but only to find that Smith is coming closer. A moment later, his face was so close to me that would only take another gentle pull and he would kiss me!

What does he want?

I tried my best to open my eyes wide so that he could see clearly who is standing in front of him, but it didn’t work.

I assumed he wanted to kiss me! I could feel his hands sliding around my waist. His fingers touched the fabric of my clothes, suddenly circling the area around my waist. For a moment, I froze, but this was just the beginning. Then his fingers gently lifted my top, and traced my fair and soft skin with his fingertips, sending a series of shivers down my spine.

I was afraid, struggling to stay away from him, but he held me so tightly that I couldn’t escape.

Jesus, how could this happen to me?!

The following scene shocked me even more.

He stretched his arms and pressed unto my neck, not allowing me to move at all, he then cornered me against the wall. Without wasting a minute, he pressed his lips against mine. His breath becomes incredibly heavy.

His lips began to trace my lips and sucked my tongue. Every now and then, I could feel his breath becoming heavier as he would separate only to forcefully press his lips on my mouth, sucking my lips even hungrily.

The hand that was tracing my waist suddenly left that place and groped my chest, gently pressing my breasts. A gasp escaped my lips at that as I arched my back. My eyes widened as I continued to struggle, only to be pressed against him even more tightly. By now, there is no gap between us.

What is he doing? I am completely frozen on the spot!

The elevator suddenly stopped and voices burst from outside the door. The working staff were busy taking measures to rescue us.

With a ding sound, the elevator door was pried open with a crack, and someone yells from outside, "Are you guys, okay?"

I was so nervous that my heart started beating like a rabbit jumping within my chest. I stopped struggling and just prayed that Smith would let go of me quickly. But his lips neve left mine until we both heard the door being pried open.

I hated to be seen with him again, and in such a case, I would never be able to stay in this company.

It was always me who ended up getting hurt. I don’t deserve this! But for sure people will misunderstand me again.

"We're fine," Calvin Smith let go of me and walked out of the elevator with ease as if nothing happened. Warren hurried towards me, and I was so grateful looking at his face.

Many people were staring at me with an astonished look.

"It is off time? Hurry up and go." Calvin Smith yelled at them.

The crowd quickly scattered.

Warren supported me and pulled me to the lobby. "You're okay. You guys, you may not..."

"No, stop joking," I interrupted him. I would certainly never tell him what happened in the elevator.

"But I have a question for you." Warren looked at me curiously.

"What?" Even though I knew he wouldn't say anything meaningful, I would let him ask so he could just leave me alone.

"Imagine if Smith comes after you, what would you do?"

"Are you crazy?" I cried out. What kind of bullshit question is this?!

"I told you it was hypothetical. Now, tell me!" Warren wouldn't stop.

"No!" I was quite sure I would not agree.

"Why, he's handsome and rich, how could anyone refuse him!" Warren looked at me with a surprised gaze.

"Well, yes, he's handsome and rich, but what is it that he would like about me? He’s too much of an idol. Thank you for today. I have to go!"

I was sure such a good thing would never happen to me, unless he was blind.

I had been to so many blind dates that made me so frustrated.

I would always scold my mom because the more people I would have appointments with, the higher would be my failure level, and the more I would feel down.

"Okay. Hurry up and go home. I'll see you tomorrow." Seeing that my face turned so gray, Warren finally stopped asking.

"I want to sit alone here for a while. Go and see your Smith,"

"Okay, okay. Don't worry. I won't tell anyone about our discussions today."

But how could Warren miss any chance of gossiping?

When he returned to the office, he saw a blaring red lipstick mark on Smith's lip.

"hey, your mouth!"

Warren obviously knew what happened.

"Buzz off!" Smith was really in a bad mood, unwilling to talk to him.

"Bro, you will regret being so rude to me. I just asked Alexia a question of your concern, do you want to know—"

Warren left his words halfway in the air, making Smith so angry that he wanted to beat the guy even more!

"I asked her if she would say yes if you chased her. Guess what she said?”

"Say what!" Smith was obviously anxious to get the answer.

"She said no!" Warren smirked.

"Why?" Smith was surprised.

"Because she said you were too perfect, like an idol. You're so done, brother. You're really into her, don't you?" Warren teased, leaving the office.

On the other side.

"You bitch!" Angel heard about the elevator thing, and ran up to me very angrily.

She was taunting me with her snarky tone. I laughed contemptuously.

"Manager, why can't I understand what you're saying? Are you speaking human words?"

Suddenly Angel inexplicably rubbed her fingers against my lips with and suddenly ran away like a maniac.

I was quite good-tempered, so, I decided to leave her alone.

"Alexia, are you okay?" Andie also saw the nutcase's actions and hurriedly checked on me.

"She didn't do anything to you, eh?" She stared at my mouth too. "Your mouth…did Smith kiss you?!" Andie started gossiping again.

"Okay, stop it. I have to get back." Andie was a little disappointed, but knowing I must be freaking out too, she left me alone.

Andie: Are you asleep? Big news, that bitch is causing trouble in Smith's office! When Smith met her, she was taking off her clothes crying. Smith was so angry that he called security to pull her out.

Just after my shower I got this message from Andie, which made me realize that things will begin to be worst. Angel must have seen my lips too. So, she quickly hurried after Smith. God, I was going to have a terrible time than I expected from now on.

My phone rang. God, it is Smith's number I remember he added his in the elevator. Shall I answer or not?

"Hello," I answered anyway. What was up with this Smith. Did he really want to court me?

"Call me anytime, okay?" Smith replied and hung up.

I was baffled with my mouth wide open.

"I've had enough of you guys!" Outside the door, Anni's cry was even louder, and I guess it must be her parents who were causing trouble again.

"Anni, are you okay?" I couldn't resist. I still wanted to comfort her.

"Alexia, you're home." Anni hurriedly wiped away her tears and looked at me sadly.

"Um, is it a thing again about your money requests?"

Anni couldn't hold back her tears.

"I'm fed up with them. I've given them all the money I've saved since childhood—my scholarship and my current salary, but they are still not satisfied. They’re even saying that I earn less money. Am I not their daughter? Why don't they feel sorry for me?" Anni let out a cry.

Maybe that's what family affection was! No matter how much it hurt, it couldn’t be broken.

I took her out to have supper. Although Anni stopped crying, she didn't say anything, and her silence was heartbreaking.

After finishing the meal, Anni apologized to me.

"Alexia, about the money I borrowed from you. Can I pay you back next month?"

"Yes, it's okay." I wasn’t in need of money at the moment.

"There's something else I want to say." Anni's expression looked very difficult.

"What is it?" I was a little anxious.

"It's just that Johnny Evans found me, and he wanted to see you. Don't worry, I didn't say anything."

Hearing that name, I felt even worse. "Why me!?"

"Alexia, what if now he realized he was wrong and wanted to have you back in his life again, would you say yes?"

Again, with this ‘what if' kind of question. But this time, the query was even worse than before! "No, let him go to hell!"

It is late in the evening, but the Facebook group of my college classmates were incredibly active.

I looked through the chat logs and saw a picture of Johnny Evans and Abby Williams.

They looked so sweet, and I was feeling a twist in my stomach. Disgusting.

Calvin: Sleepy?

A new message showed on WhatsApp, and to my astonishment, it was Calvin Smith!

Alexia: Yes, good night.

Why was he being so gentle with me?

I fell asleep with questions in mind.

On the other hand, Calvin, still at the cocktail party, stared at his phone. He was silently coaxed by his friends about whether he's got a girl he liked, and he didn’t refute.

He looked so happy that he even generously said that all the drinks today were on him, which made his friends even more excited. Wanting to know why he has the gut taking the table on him.

“Is there really a girl?!” They almost said in unison.