CASSANDRA

It had been a week since I started avoiding Calix. Yes, call me stupid or anything but since the realization hit me I did everything to protect myself.

When I realized that I was slowly falling in love with him I got scared that I was tumbling down the same path I have taken in the past. I have to remember that I have had my heart unintentionally broken by a man that I have been chasing for years. Now I was repeating that history with his cousin.

It made me wonder if it was just a pure coincidence or if it was written to my stars that I would fall for men who were related to one another.

Before things would go any deeper than already were, I decided to protect myself from getting hurt again because of another unrequited love from another Spiridakou.

I have to do this since Calix didn't make a commitment and I have to remind myself that this was all just a casual and carefree affair, we didn't agree on anything permanent. Sooner or later, he would disappear from my life and would go back to his old ways and I would be left alone with a permanent scar on my heart.

That was why as much as I missed him in these past few days I forced myself to endure this loneliness and avoid him at all costs.

Missing him was worse than seeing Loukas getting married to Sapphire and knowing they were already expecting their first child. I just hoped that I would recover soon enough from this miserable feeling that had been my company lately.

"...Cassie?" I was dragged out of my reverie when I realized that Kate was calling for my attention.

I smiled at her while she was peeking at the door of my office. "Yes?"

She bit her lower lips as she was looking with anxious eyes. "Uh...we have a slight problem."

My attention instantly became alert. I sat straight from my office chair. "What is it?"

Kate moved even further inside my office closing the door behind me. She sat on the chair across my table. "It's about Mr. Spiridakou. He is refusing to be interviewed unless you are the one who will conduct it. He gave an ultimatum either that or he would just cancel the exhibit altogether."

I cursed under my breath. Why he is being difficult? Here I was, trying to avoid him. Heck, I even told him to stop coming to my apartment for now since I was busy at the gallery. He was trying to call me several times at night when office hours ended he was still mindful that not disturbed during work hours.

I knew that I owed him an explanation on why I was avoiding him and I just didn't have the heart to tell him that it might be best if we just ended our liaison.

"What are you going to do with his request?"

I took a deep breath. I knew how stubborn he could be. "When this scheduled interview will be held?"

"Today, 11 a.m., at the Artemis Hotel lobby."

I swore once again under my breath. Of all the places why did it have to be at the hotel his family owns? But then again this may be unintentional since it was Kate that was supposed to do a small interview for the gallery website and the brochures on the exhibit. To get a glimpse of what was his inspiration for his photography.

Seeing that Kate was looking at me anxiously and probably waiting for my reply. I let out a deep sigh. "Fine. I'll go as he requested. Tell him that I will be at the hotel lobby."

"Great!" Kate beamed at me before leaving my office.

Once I was alone, I took this opportunity to mentally prepare myself to see him again after a long agonizing week.

You can do this, Cassie.

*****
No, I can't. I later found out that it might be just wishful thinking. I was nervous as hell, every nerve in my body was on alert as I made my way to the Artemis Hotel lobby.

I glanced at my wristwatch and it was only a quarter before the time for the interview. Maybe I went a little bit too early. It didn't matter, I would just use this time to review the questions and prepare for everything.

I glanced around the lobby to find a perfect spot when I heard a familiar voice draw my name behind me. "Cassie?"

I shut my eyes firmly as I would recognize this voice anywhere. My heart began to pound loudly in my chest as I slowly turned around to face him with a ready smile on my face. "Loukas!"

"How are you? What are you doing here?" The man I once loved with all of my heart was now standing in front of me with a gleeful smile on his handsome face.

"Work," I managed to say while my heart was still beating so loudly in my chest--not because of the thought of seeing him again or that my feelings for him return. It was because I was nervous that he was here and I was about to meet his cousin.

"Ah, I heard from your dad that you are now working here as a curator at an art gallery in Manhattan."

"Yes," I supplied with a smile still fixed on my face. "What about you? I didn't expect to see you here."

His eyes were twinkling with delight. Seeing him this close again I noticed that Calix's blue eyes were a shade lighter than his. "We will be staying here until Sapphire gives birth."

"I'm so happy for you guys," I said and I meant it.

"Oh, that reminds me," he touched my shoulder briefly with a grin. "Stay here. I will just get something in my office. It will not take long. Wait for me."

Before I could say another word he was already walking in the direction of the elevator and I was left staring at him.

I glanced once again from my watch. There was still time before the interview I just hoped that Calix would be late so that I wouldn't be put in an awkward situation. I didn't understand why I felt agitated while waiting for Loukas I just brushed it off because I thought I was being absurd.

"Cass. Sorry to keep you waiting," I groaned silently when I heard Calix's voice as he approached me. So much for my luck today. Now I was caught in hot water the last thing I wanted was for him to misunderstand me and his cousin, Loukas.

I looked at him with a nervous smile. "You can choose the spot for our interview. I will just wait for someone before we can start. I promise this will not take long."

"Then, I'll wait for you." He looked at me with a disapproving look but I paid him no mind. The last thing I wanted was for them to cross paths and I would be caught in the middle.

"No..."

Too late. Calix already saw Loukas approaching us less than five minutes after he left. He threw a dark glower in my direction but I just ignored him as I felt I was about to have a headache.

Loukas looked at his cousin with a questioning gaze. "Calix? What are you doing here, cousin? I didn't know you were in New York too."

"He's the one I'm supposed to meet here. You see, our gallery invited him to do an exhibit with us." I inserted it swiftly to avoid unnecessary questions.

"Is that so? I thought you were not interested in such a thing, Calix. I'm glad that you finally decided to showcase your art to the public."

"What about you? What are you doing here?" I glared at Calix for his rude tone.

"For work and Sapphire's delicate pregnancy. We will be staying here until she gives birth." Loukas answered with a smile. "That reminds me," he presented a small box in my direction. "For you. Advance happy birthday, Cassie."

"Oh..." I was somewhat speechless as I reluctantly accepted the birthday present. "T-Thank you."

From the corner of my eye, I saw the way Calix's eyes darkened watching the whole thing in silence.

"Open it," Loukas urged happily.

I did as he told me and opened the small box. I gasped when I saw a butterfly hair clamp studded with diamonds. I stared at him in surprise. "W-What..."

"I remember you told me in the past how devastated you were when you lost your favorite hair clamp and that the brand that was manufacturing that accessory no longer makes that design."

"You remember!" For some reason, I felt touched by his thoughtful gift.

"I ask the company who makes that to create one, especially for you," Loukas added.

"Thank you, Loukas." I was grateful for his gift and was excited to wear it. I took my hair in a half-ponytail and wore my favorite butterfly hair clamp.

"Are you done?" Calix snapped angrily at us. " Or are you both going to waste my time here?"

Loukas looked apologetically at his cousin while I threw a scowl in his direction. Once Loukas left, I was left alone with this furious-looking man.

While looking for a spot for our interview he remained silent but it was obvious that he was pissed.

I found a slightly secluded part of the lobby perfect for conducting the interview. I sat on the long sofa and Calix sat on the wing chair just probably two feet away from me.

Of course, this was an interview I shouldn't sit far from him but it didn't quite sit me well, it felt like he was crowding my space.

I took out a small recorder and placed it on the side table between us. Then, I took out my notebook and pen. "Ready?"

He didn't answer, he was looking at me intensely as if he was about to devour me. I shook my head. No, I was being ridiculous here. He wouldn't do that.

I pressed the 'rec' button and was about to start the interview. "Hmm...tell me about yourself."

He stopped the recording device while the corner of his mouth curved with a mocking smile. "Straight to business, huh?"

I scowled at him while trying to start the recorder again. "What do you think you're doing?"

He wouldn't allow me as he took hostage of the recording device. "Why are you avoiding me, Cass?"

"I am not avoiding you," I denied while trying to snatch the recorder back.

"Yes, you are, and you know it." He leaned forward and whispered it just inches away from my lips. "Also, why didn't you tell me about your birthday?"

My heart began to beat wildly in my chest. I wouldn't be surprised if he could hear it too since he was this close to me. I chose not to answer any of his questions. "The recorder, please."

"Is this about Love? If you will just allow me to explain."

I put some distance between us as the unwarranted jealousy kicked in once again. "I don't need any explanation. You do not owe me anything, Calix. You are free and single and you can do whatever you want since we are not in a relationship."

The sadness hurt, and disappointment surged in his eyes at once. I felt like kicking myself for being insensitive. I should have thrown such words so carelessly. I might unintentionally hurt his feelings. "Look..." I tried to explain.

"Is that how you see it, Cass?" His voice was filled with anguished anger that was probably directed at me.

I smiled graciously in his direction which belied all the emotion inside my heart at the moment. "I know where should I stand, Calix. We didn't agree to be exclusive when we entered this affair so if decide to see another woman I'll understand. No hard feelings."

From the look on his face, one would assume that I slapped him across the face. I just want him not to have any guilt in him for entertaining another woman if he wishes when the thought breaks my heart. I didn't know how long I could keep up with this pretending I was okay with sharing him with another woman.

When deep inside I want the complete opposite. I want him to be mine alone. Would I be selfish to hope for that?

"I see." His voice was cold and distant. Right now, he barely resembled the flirtatious and mischievous man I knew. He looked like something died inside him.

He placed back the recorder on the side table and began recording. Straightaway, he looked all businesslike. He answered my first question earlier with firm and precise words. I was busy taking down key notes for the write-up I would do for the website plus the recording would be a big help to recall our interview. Writing down notes also helped me avoid eye contact with him.

"When did you start discovering your love for photography?" I asked next.

"When my father gave me his old camera. From then on, I started taking pictures in my free time until I realized that hobby became my passion."

I nodded taking down some notes. Amazing, I thought we would have a hard time doing this interview since there was a current discord in our relationship but it turned out to be so good so far. "Did you ever have a muse for your photography?"

"Yes," he answered without a beat.

My eyes flew in his direction and I found myself getting lost in his magnetic eyes just like in the past countless times. I was about to ask who was that lucky person but I got scared of what his answer would be. No, I don't want to know.

I cleared my throat and looked away as I moved on to the next question. Even if, I was no longer staring at him I still could feel his eyes on me. "Have you already thought of the name for your first exhibit?"

"Yes, I already have it in mind."

I glanced briefly in his direction as I got curious about his answer. "What is it?"

He smirked in my direction. "Portraits of you."

I paused the recorder before speaking. "I am not playing games with you."

He sat back in his seat with a satisfied smile still fixed on his face. He ever crossed his leg over the other a gesture announcing that he was comfortable with the flow of the interview.

I threw a contentious look in his direction. "Please be serious."

"I am completely serious, Miss Curator. That's the title of my exhibit."

I shifted in my seat as I was starting to feel slightly uncomfortable about this interview. I was about to resume the recording when he placed his hand on the top of my hand that was on the side table. I gave him a warning glance but he was still refusing to let go of my hand.

"Why? Am I making you uncomfortable, Cass?"

"No," I lied, still trying to remove my hand from his.

His blue eyes lit with deviltry. "What a shame, then."

I threw a disapproving glance in his direction. "What do you think you're doing? We still need to finish this interview for your exhibit."

He sighed deeply and finally let go of my hand. "I always knew that having an exhibit would be a pain in the ass."

"Then why did you agree with this?" I frowned at him.

He looked me straight in the eyes. "Isn't the obvious? Because this would make you happy. Your happiness is always been my top priority."

I swore that I reminded myself not to feel affected by his words but my heart wasn't listening. There was such happiness that didn't want to be extinguished.

He abruptly stood from his seat. "I'm getting tired of this interview. Let's continue this some other day."

"What? We can't do that. I have other work--hey!" I protested angrily when he suddenly removed the hair clamp given by Loukas from my hair. "What do you think you're doing? Give it back."

"I am taking this," he announced hiding it behind his back. He gave me a once-over appreciatively. "This thing ruins your whole look. It doesn't suit you."

"Give it back! That's Loukas' birthday gift. You have no right to take it away." I demanded as I held out my hand to him.

"If you want something like this I'll buy you a new one far more pretty than this. Just don't accept a gift from Loukas ever again especially in my presence if you don't want me to do something violent to my cousin."

"You are not making any sense, " I shook my head in confusion. "It's just a harmless birthday gift."

"It doesn't matter." He winked at me while there was a playful smile playing on his lips. "If you want to continue this interview you know where to find me." He waved his hand at me before walking away. "I'll wait for you, my sweet Cass."

I was left dumbstruck looking at his retreating form. I was more confused than ever now. I tried my best to push him away from my life but the more I tried to force him out the more he was pulling me back to him.

It felt like I couldn't get rid of him even if I wanted to. He was giving me false hope that there was a chance that he might stay, then I would shamelessly hope for more.

Which was probably unlikely for a man like Calix. Hoping for that to happen was like hoping for another heartache. That was the risk I was not willing to take.