Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Kin

Graham was not an easy gentleman to convince. He’s a very conventional employer, adhering to accepted standards and not easy to accept changes. After almost the entire morning of persuasion, he finally settled with not just the amount that I’ve promised but to hold me responsible for all his staff. He was a man of his word, demanding assurance from me that everyone would be well taken care of.

It was almost well into noon when all papers were signed and sealed. Graham was happy to be able to retire restfully and not have to shoulder any more burden. I was more than satisfied with how things went, and I was all smiles when I walked out of his office. After a few steps towards my car, I caught sight of a figure of a woman coming out of her car in the parking lot right across Graham’s office. I just caught a glimpse of her face from the right side, but yet, my heart started racing.

Her car registration number was not from New York. She must be a tourist or perhaps visiting a relative in Aurora.

I abandoned my car and crossed the road in a jiff. I hurriedly stepped into the cinema, worried that I might miss her. She could be in any of the rooms watching a movie, and if she were, I would have to wait for two hours for her to come out of there. My eyes skimmed the whole floor and finally rested on her back. She was facing the board, nibbling on her index finger, pondering whether she should or shouldn’t watch a movie. Which movie? I couldn’t care less. As long as I get to talk to her and get to know her, it’ll be enough for me.

“Should I or shouldn’t I?” she mused.

“Whatever it is, I think you should,” I answered from right behind her. Then she slowly turned around to face me.

Her long and wavy brunette locks swayed as she pivoted. For that moment, my breath caught in my throat as my blue eyes locked with her hazel ones; sparks erupted in me.

“You think I should?” she asked, looking straight into my eyes.

“Wholeheartedly,” I replied softly.

“Which would you prefer?” she continued.

“Whichever your heart desires,” I bantered, eyes glinting.

“Hmm… Have you watched The Martian before?” she spoke again in her husky tone.

“Nope,” I smirked.

“Do you want a gist of it? I won’t tell if you hate spoilers,” she smiled.

For a moment, I was rooted to the spot by her carefree and beguiling smile. Man, I am hooked. Totally and unconditionally hooked.

“Please, tell me,” I persuaded.

“Well, the movie was based on a novel of the same title by Andy Weir. Just like many other sci-fi films, it was about a man travelling in space. However, the main character was stuck on Mars due to a dust storm that nearly killed him. All of the crewmates thought he was dead, so they went back to Earth without him. Fortunately, he was still alive; thus, this movie tells the story of how he fought for his life in the brutal environment of Mars until NASA devised a plan to rescue him,” she explained in full and animatedly.

“So you’ve read the novel?” I queried with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course. How else would I know what’s the story all about,” she uttered delicately.

I chuckled softly. This woman is something else. Her brilliant mind matches her exquisite looks, and I have fallen hook, line and sinker for her. Wait, did I just say I have fallen for her? Hook. Line. Sinker. Gosh, what’s happening here? There is no such thing as ‘love at first sight’ to me. It’s a tale as old as time, seducing humans into the realm of fantasy. Love needs to be nurtured. It just doesn’t hit you out of anywhere. Yet there I was, tingly feeling in my abdominal area, feeling high like there were joy-inducing chemicals in my body, and my heart raced to be closer to her. I haven’t even touched her; else, there might be sparks jumped out of my fingers.

“Hey, did you hear what I said?” she raised her eyes questioningly.

“I’m sorry. You were saying?” I asked guiltily. The last thing I needed was for her to think that I was uninterested in what she was telling me.

“What do you plan to watch?” she asked as she gazed into my eyes. Yup. Definitely hook, line and sinker.

“I’ll watch The Martian. With you, if you like,” I gave her my infamous lopsided grin.

“I’m afraid I don’t make a habit of watching movies with strangers,” she said vehemently.

“Please forgive me. Where are my manners?” I murmured softly. “I’m Kin, with an ‘i’.” I offered my hand to shake.

She suddenly burst into laughter. Not the shrilly kind but the seductive kind. Is that the way she laughs all the time? Heavens, I won’t be able to take this much longer.

Once she had her fill, she giggled and said, “I’m truly sorry for being so rude. By the way, my name is Ami… With an ‘i’.” She continued chuckling, grasping my hand with her smaller one.