Chapter 7

During snack time, hindi ko inalis sa isip ko 'yong bilin sa akin ni Sir Macek. Ayokong ma-memo dahil sa kapabayaan ko. When I got into the pantry, niyaya pa ako ni Berk at Arden na tumambay with them, but I have other responsibilities kaya inuna ko na lang 'yon. Marami pa namang araw na pwede kaming magsabay kumain sa pantry at magchikahan all the time.

What weird thing happened was when I handed over the snacks to him at his office, he then asked me to stay inside the room and joined with him eating the snacks. I gladly joined him. We talked nothing, just random things. I'm still not sure why I would spend my snack time in his office when we're both have things to do.

"You're pretty getting close to each other, huh?" ngisi pa ni Berkeley habang hinihitay naming lumapag sa first floor ang elevator. "We might not know, you're already his girlfriend."

Sinapok ko naman siya sa balikat niya matapos niyang sabihin iyon. "That's not gonna, Berk. I'm not looking for a relationship and you know how people will react if they find out about that. And why would you think that way?"

He shrugged off his shoulder. "Nothing. It could still happen, you know? If a person has an interest to you, he would get close to you at any cost."

"I don't think Sir Macek does likes me. Napakaimposible."

"Im... po... sible? Like Impossible?" he asked, creasing his forehead.

I smirked, nodding at him. "Yup. You heard it right."

Nang bumukas ang elevator ay agad kong nakita si Amanda na naglakad palabas din ng elevator sa tapat namin. I held back and hold Berkeley out of the lift and let her pass by us. Hinabol ko naman ng tingin si Amanda hangga't sa makalayo-layo ito ng kaunti sa amin. Pansin ko naman ang lubos na pagtataka sa mukha ni Berkeley. He laughed when we finally stepped out of the lift.

"What was that, Kiersten?" he chuckled.

I sighed. "I just don't want to talk to her."

"Oh, so you're avoiding her now?" he chuckled, putting his hands on his stomach and leaned his back slightly. "What an odd."

"No, it's... normal," depensa ko. "I mean, if she's going to rant or make my mood go down, I wouldn't want to hear every word she's going to stay to me. She's so full of... I don't know. I just don't like to be around her."

"Does she make you uncomfortable?"

"Well, after a few interactions I had with her, she embarrassed me a little."

"You'll get used to her."

I grunted, rolling my eyes. "Oh, please don't bother."

He laughed when we finally heading out of the building. Still, I had to make sure if Amanda's around so she won't see me. What I told to Berkeley was me being honest about what I felt for Amanda. If she doesn't intimidate me, she annoyed me so I guess it's better to let it stay that way—like an acquaintance and that's enough for me."

"If it will make you comfortable and all, you should do that."

"Was she the kind of girl you like?"

He squinted his eyes, meeting his brow together. "Where did you get that question, KC?"

I shrugged off. "No, just curiosity, Berk. So, what's your answer then?"

"I like brunette girls," he said. "I'm not really into blonde, but maybe if she got my attention, she'll be an exception, but I don't think that'll ever happen in this time. I'm just not in the moment of looking for someone else."

"Oh, why?"

He let out a sneaky smile and shook his head. "It's nothing, KC. Really."

Napataas naman ako ng kilay sa sinabi niya. Nakuha pa nito magdahilan, halata namang may tinatago. "Really? Or you have someone in your mind but you're not just in the right time to tell about it?"

"Maybe that's it," he said, nodding. "It's just not my priority... like you do."

"Well, whatever you wanted to say," I said.

Nang makarating naman kami sa bus station, unfortunately, it started to get rain at mabuti na lamang ay nakasilong kami under the shed. The bus was delayed pa kaya kailangan namin maghintay ng ilang minuto bago dumating. It's chilly and a little windy. Malaking lifesave ang suot kong jacket ngayon over my dress kaya kahit papaano ay komportable ako. I should then not to wear something provoking—well, not really pero iiwasan ko nang mag-dress na halos lamigin ang buo kong katawan.

"Would you be fine under this weather?" he asked.

Tumango naman ako. "Yeah, no worries. I'm used to the rain. It always rain in the Philippines and its worst. Once our house was flooded by a super typhoon, but we eventually gotten out of our situation. There were people who helped us get through it. We appreciate their helps and all. Our life was hard back then, but we're living the best out of it."

He tapped my shoulder. I looked up at his face and he smiled. "That's why I think you're not just some normal girl."

I chuckled. "And what do you mean by that?"

"Just think of it that you're one of a kind," he said.

"Maybe... maybe not," I muttered and then we both fell in silence, watching the rain fall.

We just stood side by side, hearing the noise of the rainfall. It was quite relieving, but it kinda make me sad. Sa mga ganitong panahon na malamig at umuulan, ang daming pwedeng pumasok sa isipan ko. Bumabagabag din iyon sa emosyon ko kaya hindi ko rin maiwasang mag-isip ng ibang bagay.

When I glanced at Berkeley, he seemed nice and gentle at everything. Swerte siguro ng magiging jowa nito if ever.

A moment later, when we thought the bus had arrived, an expensive car stopped in front of us. Nagkatinginan pa kaming dalawa ni Berkeley because we thought it was a mistake. Naagaw din kasi nito ang pansin namin dahil sa expensive car na nasa harap namin. We were about to ignore it until the window slide down and there we saw Sir Macek looking at our direction.

Napaayos naman kami ni Berkeley nang pagkakatayo at nginitian ang aming boss.

"Miss Gillespie," pagtawag nito sa akin. Dahil hindi ako makapunta sa kanya dahil umuulan ay siya na ang nag-adjust na gawin 'yon. He stepped out of his car with an long umbrella on his hand. Nang iangat niya iyon para hindi siya maulanan ay naglakad na siya patungo sa akin. Tinupi niya ang payong nang makasilong sa ilalim na shed at makalapit sa kin. "Good, I found you here."

"Yes, sir," iyon na lamang ang nasabi ko sa kanya.

"Sir," pagbati naman ni Berkeley. Tinanguan lamang siya nito.

"I have a little favour, Kiersten," he asked, his tone was so serious. Kinakabahan ako.

My forehead creased. "What would it be, sir?"

"Would you come with me?"

Napatingin naman ako kay Berkeley saka ko binalik kaagad ang tingin ko kay Sir Macek. "Saan po tayo pupunta, sir?"

"In my flat," he directly said to me. Nakikinig naman si Berkeley sa usapan namin. "I think your help would be so helpful, if you just don't mind."

Tumango naman ako. "It's alright for me, sir, I would do it. Should we have Berk with us, sir?"

"That wasn't the plan," he said. "I'm sorry, Berkeley."

Umiling naman kaagad si Berkeley at ngumiti. Malugod niyang tinanggap ang sinabi nito. "No problem, sir. I understand. So, you'll be taking her in your car, sir?"

Tumango naman si Sir Macek. "Yes."

"Then shoot."

"Is that okay?" I asked Berk and he nodded. "Okay... I'll see you later or maybe tomorrow."

"Sure, I'll just wait for the bus here. I'll see you then."

"Thanks, Berk," aniko at binaling ko muli ang tingin ko kay Sir Macek. "Are we going to leave now, sir?"

"Yes, please," aniya. Muli akong nagpaalam kay Berkeley. Binuksan ni Sir Macek ang kanyang payong at isinilong ako nito saka kami tumungo papunta sa kanyang mamahaling sasakyan. If I'm not mistaken from its brand logo, it's a Lamborghini—and that's just him owning a million of pounds.

When we finally got into his car, pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto. As I settled inside, sinarado niya ang pinto at tumungo sa harap kung saan siya umupo para magmaneho. I was sitting behind the driver's seat and has an easy view from his rearview mirror.

He looked at me from that mirror, just making sure that I'm perfectly comfortable on my seat.

"Are you okay there?" he asked and I nodded. "I'm sorry I had to pull you at this time."

Umiling naman ako at ngumiti. "That's fine, sir."

"Thank you for coming with me."

I giggled. "You're welcome, sir. It's my pleasure to help you.

Tahimik lang ako buong biyahe habang tinutungo namin ang daan patungo sa kanyang tinutuluyan. Kahit nakahilig ang ulo ko sa tabi ng bintana ay pinapanood ang bawat building at parks na nadaraanan namin. It also didn't us take too long when we reached his place and I was in awe from how the architectural elegant looked it was.

When I looked at my phone map and found out that we're in the One Hyde Park and then I searched it online and my soul almost left my body out when it tells that this was one of the most expensive flats in London and I'm not even surprised he can afford to stay into this place.

Not that long when he finally parked his car on the designated parking area. Nauna naman siyang bumaba ng sasakyan saka niya ako pinagbuksan. He even offered his hand so I can stepped out his car.

"Such a gentleman, boss," hagikgik ko pa. Napangisi na lang din naman siya at sak ako binawi ang kamay ko nang makatayo na ako nang maayos.

"Follow me, Kiersten," he ordered and I immediately walked behind him.

"Ano po bang gagawin, sir?" I asked him, hoping he would give me an answer.

He slightly shifted his head on me and said, "You'll see."

Napatango na lang din naman ako sa kanyang hangga't sa tumungo kami sa elevator ng building going up to the penthouse of the building. Mga ilang segundo lang din nang makalapag na kami sa penthouse at saka bumukas ang elevator. Bumungad naman kaagad ang kanyang bahay. There's not even a door and the lift was already enough as an entrance. Ang sabi pa ni Sir Macek, only those who has the key card to that floor unit has the access to that floor. Kung walang access, hindi makakapasok so madaling ma-determine sa puntong iyon kung may mga magnanakaw o kung ano man.

Sinundan ko naman siya hangga't sa makarating kaming sa living area. He did something near the desk, but my attention was caught by the elegance of his room. It's minimalistic, simple yet so intimidating. Ceilings were white, furniture was gray, white, and some are brown. It is a tiled like wooden floor and the scent of his room has a strong presence of male dominance.

Namangha naman ako dahil ang bawat paligid ay open wall—it means, instead of walls ay glass windows ang mga ito and because we're at the top floor, nakita namin ang ilang buildings sa paligid namin namin. There were a few buildings like where we stayed at magkakatabi lamang itong mga nakatayo. We're on the left said so he's got a 180 or 240 degrees of view and it's quite amazing.

I sat on the couch and couldn't help myself to roam my eyes around the premises.

"This is gorgeous..." I muttered.

Napangisi naman si Sir Macek. "Do you like it?"

Mabilis naman akong tumango sa kanya. "Yes! And... were you the only one who live in this penthouse?"

He nodded his head. "Yeah, a bit sad, right? I've got all the money and fortune yet I'm alone." Ngisi oa nito. Hindi naman kaagad ako nakareact sa sinabi niya. But I felt saddened 'cause it's the truth.

"That's alright, sir..." I said, but at the back of my head was the girlfriend that Maurice told us about. I don't wanna be so nosey about it kaya hindi ko ino-open sa kanya. It's his private life and I have no right to invade it without his permission. Nakakabastos at nakaka-offend 'yon. "Pero nasa'n ang parents mo, sir? Don't you think they can also live here?"

"They lived in Manchester and that's four hours away from here. If I had a clear schedule, I've got to spend a few days there, but because I have a work to look after my father step down on his position almost a year now, I had to step up and took over the role. But I'm loving it. It's quite fulfilling though."

"And I guess that's what should matter the most," I said. "I mean, it doesn't look like you've been on your position for almost a year 'cause it's like you've been in your position for how many years."

He chuckled. "I don't know if I'm okay with that or not, but yeah, it's all hard work."

Muli ko namang inikot ko ang paningin sa paligid at hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nandito ako sa loob ng flat niya. He didn't tell me how much this place cost, but based on my research, this flat only cost up to 50 up to 75 million dollars. Nakakabutas ng bulsa 'yon, but it seemed lang hindi naman siya nababahala ro'n.

"Ano po bang gagawin ko, sir?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Oh, wait, let me get it in my room," he pointed out and then turned his back from to go to his room. It took him a little while to get it and so as soon as he got out of his room, my eyes widened when I saw him skinned-out and I don't know if behind those box he got, he could be wearing nothing.

When he got closer to me and put down the box on the floor, as he leaned down ay doon ko lang nakita na nakasuot na siya ng white fitted tank top at boxer stripe shorts na halos kita ko na ang kaluluwa niya. Mabuti na lang din ay hapit na 'yon.

Naka-boxer na lang si Connagh. He has huge scruffy legs and has a broad shoulders and defined specular muscle. He's like a god that came down from heaven in his glory. He's just too good to be true. Iyong tipong kahit hindi mo amuyin, but from afar ay alam mo nang mabango siya. His skin looked so alaga rather than mine.

Binuksan naman niya ang box at may mga ilang gamit doon at damit. Napakunot naman ako kung para saan ang mga iyon.

"For donation po ba 'to, sir?" I asked him.

"Probably," he said. Pero napansin ko naman sa laman ng box ay halos pangbabaeng kagamitan. "But I thought of disposing them out or if you thought you could grabbed some of those things that would be lovely. What do you think?"

"Is this all that I was here for, sir?"

"No, there's something more," he said the turned his back on me once again. This time I had a view of his back and he's very... sexy and I can't shift my eyes away. Does he really have a girlfriend or not? If ever he had, sobrang swerte niya.

Mula sa storage room ay bumalik siya sa direksyon ko at inilapag niya ulit. He grunted putting it down and it gave me... somehow a breathless moment. Malamig ang paligid dahil airconditioned ito. Nanginginig na tuloy ako... para akong naiihi na ewan.

"This is something that I needed help," he said then I was the one that opened the box.

"Is this a clock, sir?"

He shrugged off. "I really don't have an idea. It was just a gift from a colleague and I thought it would be nice to place it somewhere in my room... I just don't know how. So, basically, you're here to help me. And sure, you'll get paid for this."

"Hindi, sir, okay lang naman sa akin.

"I insist," he said at wala ulit akong palag doon. Sayang din naman, pandagdag na rin sa allowance ko. "Would you be able to help me?"

"Hm..." I hummed. "if I could get a dinner here, why not?" ngisi ko.

"Sure, I can make that happen. So, can you stay for a few hours in here?"

Tumango na naman ako. "It's fine with me, sir. Unless... you'll drive me home?"

He laughed then nodded. "Sure, I'll do that. Anything else?"

Umiling na rin naman ako. "Wala na naman po, sir... I think."

"You should drop the title," he said, napakunot na lamang ang noo ko. "Just call me Connagh or whatever you would like to call me. Just to be less formal."

"I'm not comfortable to call you by your name. I respect you, sir," I told him.

"Then disrespect me, Kiersten!" he exclaimed. I was shocked for a moment until he laughed it off. "No, yeah, I'm just kidding. But please, when we're not in the office, you can call me Connagh and drop the sir. It's fine. Not a big deal for me."

"Okay, sir... see? I'm sorry!"

He laughed. "You'll get used to it."

I tried to laugh it off and get comfortable with it, but I'm sure this means nothing at all. Nandito lang ako to help him and that's all. But I guess, this is gonna be a long night for me. I hope, it will end just fine.

***

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know your thoughts! I would appreciate it so much!

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