Erin McAfee

"Erin... Erin... Erin!" I heard a snap of a finger and that's when I focused on my sister, Tyra. Who's currently handing me a plate full of pancakes.

"Oh. I'm sorry." I apologised and took the plate and placed it on her kitchen counter.

Today, I visited her and her family to let my mind off of the things that's making me stress out. I came here early and unannounced to play with my niece and nephew but still, I find it hard to refocus because of a certain person.

"Seriously, Erin. What's with you? Tell me what's eating you alive and don't you dare tell me that everything's fine with you." Tyra put down the ladle on a saucer and stood in front of me.

Should I tell her? No. Deny anything.

But she knew very well that something's up with me. So, should I tell her or not?

"Tell me." She held my shoulders and levelled her height with me.

"Did I say it out loud?" I asked and she chuckled lightly.

"Nope, but I knew you're thinking it. Now, tell me who is it?" She asked and I had a brief internal panic when she asked the last part.

Was that really obvious?

I groaned and sat on the stool. Fine, here goes nothing.

"Just someone. But he's disrupting my peace of mind for months, now. Lately, he's giving me signals and messages that my brain's refusing to acknowledge. I mean, I didn't know when or how did we became close with each other. When he knew that I dated him, he became furious and went to my apartment telling me to stop seeing that guy. Then one thing led to another, we kissed. Made out! Since then up until now. Ty, I don't know what what to do anymore!" I paused and took a deep breath.

"He's been acting so strange lately. He's being touchy and sweet with me. His words kept me awake for weeks. And his eyes, Ty, that's what made me kept awake. It displays emotions that was so intense that when you try to read it, you'll melt. Plus, I was now having a hard time controlling myself. Last week, if I didn't realize what's going on, we would've done it in my apartment." I looked at my sister then I took a deep breath.

"That's what's eating me alive." There, I told her already. Please, please sister get the hint that I was not yet ready to tell her name.

She laughed.

Can you believe it? She's laughing and I didn't know how was my story funny?

"There's nothing funny to what I said." I furrowed my brows at her and she placed her arm around my shoulder.

"For you, none. But for me, the whole of it was funny. It's clear that you like each other. That he likes you. And you on the other hand, doesn't want to admit that he's into you." She told me cheerfully.

No fucking way. I shook my head to erase my sister's thought in my mind.
Tyra's wrong, Zac doesn't like me. I meant, I was not the kind of woman he'd been dating with. So, basically, I am not his type.

"Erin, stop refusing to believe what's in front of you. Clearly, that guy likes you too. You said it to yourself, he got mad when he knew that you're dating a guy that's not him. So, he went to your apartment to, I assume, discourage you to date that guy. Then, one thing led to another, you said, you two made out."

"Also, based on your story, you can feel that he's being sincere or true with his words and actions, that's why it kept you awake at night because you are busy telling yourself that whatever he's doing with you was not real." She explained and that's how I literally been feeling. Oh my God.

"Tyra, I don't know what to do about it or him anymore. The more I tell myself to stay away from him, the more I failed to do it. What more disturbing was that I could feel the jealousy again whenever I see him with any woman, and that was long buried in me." I sighed and leaned on the counter to rest my head on my arms.

I looked at her and she was smiling.

Was my situation really that funny to her?

"It's simple, Erin. You like him and if you want to be out of the dark, ask him yourself, about his actions towards you. Set things straight up between you two, that way, you will have your answers."

She's right, but I was scared to know his answer. What if he just sees me as one of his flings? Or worst was he doesn't see me as anything.

But he said it himself, that he's not just Olivia's brother to me. Which he really wasn't though, because he's more than that for me. I fantasized about me and him being in a relationship when I was young, but when he kissed me on the night of Olivia's 21st birthday and had a one night stand with a model in the same night, that's when I threw it all away.

However, it all came back at me again. And worse was that he's the one initiating everything. He's conveying emotions that my unconscious knew which I succumbed to it and act on an impulse.

Why has this gone so far now? I shouldn't have agreed to Olivia for setting his brother with me on our company's anniversary. It was the start where everything got complicated between us.

"You know, Erin, it would be helpful if you confront him. That's the only way for you to have your peace of mind back." Tyra said and nodded at someone to take the plates out to the dining area.

"I wish it would be that easy." I commented and took the carton of chocolate milk on the counter while we went towards their dining room.

"Nothing's easy when you're in love, Erin--"

"I am not in love." I immediately interrupted her.

"Okay. But just know that whatever's going on with you and that guy, it would be easy and better if you two talk everything out. It's always uncomfortable at first, but what's that uncomfortability compared to when you knew the answers, right." She patted my back.

"It's called taking a risk." She added and smiled then went to the dining room where her two children were busy bickering about something.

If there's only another way, I would gladly do it.

Anyway, enough of Zac-related matters. I came here to spend time with my niece and nephew.

All throughout the day, we played lots of games and when I tucked them in in Alessandra's room as it's time for their nap, my phone vibrated.

I looked at it and saw Olivia's calling me so I went to the balcony and answered the call.

"Hello?" I whispered.

"Why are you whispering?" I heard Jowee. Oh okay, it's a three way call.

"Alessandra and Dean are napping." I answered.

"Oh, you're in Tyra's house?" Olivia asked.

"Yup. So, what's up?" I asked and went inside the room to give them both kisses on the forehead then I exited the room.

"You're right, Livy. She forgot." Jowee said and scoffed.

I was confused as to what she's pertaining so I stayed silent.

"It's my dad's birthday today, remember? Dinner will be at the manor at 7pm." Olivia reminded me and geez, she's right. It's Tony's birthday today.

"I remember now. Oh my God. I'm so sorry, Liv." I looked at my wrist watch and it's 4pm already. Shucks, I only have three hours to get ready and I have to drive to my apartment from here for like 30 minutes. And the drive to the manor from my apartment was an hour and a half. Geez. Why did I forget?

Oh yeah. It's because of her brother.

"It's okay, Erin. You're spending some quality time with your niece and nephew. I totally understand." I smiled when Olivia said that.

"Thank you, Livy. I'm on my way now to my apartment." I said and went to Tyra and Asher's study to bid my goodbyes to them.

"No bitch, just come here to my apartment, it's nearer to the manor. Just get ready here and borrow some of my clothes." Jowee offered and Olivia seconded.

"Fine. But my gift to Tony..."

"I'm near your apartment, E. I'll get it for you." Jowee said and I thanked her.

"Ok. It sits atop my coffee table in the living room." I told Jowee and I heard her hummed.

"Okay. Let me get ready also. See you later, Erin and Jowee. Love ya!!" Olivia hung up before we even say good bye.

"Bye, E."

"Bye. See you later." I said to Jowee and knocked on the door then bid my good byes to my sister and her husband.

While driving, I thought of what Tyra said awhile ago. To ask Zac what really was going on between us.

Can I do it? I don't think I can.

I mean what if I was wrong? Or what if I read everything wrong? And what if I lose control and confess about my feelings towards him? I don't think I can handle that embarrassment.

But what if Zac also likes me? That Tyra was right?

No. He doesn't like me. He won't like me. If he does, he would bid on me, but no, he didn't.

Compared to Sam, I was just a plain jane for him. Who was I kidding to, righ? It's impossible that he likes who's basically a sister to him.

Let me just stay away from him for now on. That's the safest way for me.

***
"I heard from Olivia that someone bid a million dollars just to have a one-day date with you." Jowee teased when she halted the car once the light turned red.

I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"Yup. But I won't have a date with that person. I was planning to give back his money." I told her and remembered how nervous I was when I was in that stage.

"What?! Why not? Aren't you curious as to who that was?" She looked at me in disbelief.

"Of course I was curious. I actually wanna meet him but I will still return his money." Which was true though. I never wanted to participate in that sick auction and I feel like I was a woman being sold to a guy. Ugh. It just doesn't feel right for me.

"But do you have a hunch as to who that guy was?" She asked as she took a left turn.

I actually haven't thought about it.

"Uhmm. No?" I said truthfully.

"Don't you think it's the new guy from your office? What was his name again?" She furrowed her brows trying to remember his name.

"Jordan Smith. And no, I don't think he's the one who bid on me. Also, I don't think he has that sum of money, you know." I voiced out my opinion and leaned my head on the headrest of her car.

"Yah. Well, who could it be? If not that Jordan and not Alex, who do you think it was? It just doesn't make any sense, you know. Have you been dating someone recently?" She glanced at me narrowing her eyes as if assessing me.

I rolled my eyes at her.

"I was not dating anyone. Just like you, I am completely clueless about that bidder's identity." I shook my head and the familiar sadness came to me.

That night, I was hoping that Zac would bid on me but he didn't. Up until now, whenever I remembered that night, all I could see was his default poker face when I was on stage being auctioned.

Argh what the hell. Why was I thinking about him again? Geez Erin, get a grip!

"Anyway, if that someone reaches out to you, call me and Olivia. We'll accompany you, we can't let you have a date with someone we don't know. It's kinda creepy actually." She said and I just hummed because dread was filling me up as soon as we entered the subdivision where the North manor is.

In less than an hour, I will be seeing him again. Geez, I hope nothing will happen tonight.

And I don't think I can act properly when he's in the same room with me. Especially when Tyra told me that he's, impossibly yet probably, into me too.

Ugh. What do I do?

Act normal. Yeah. Act as if nothing happened. Don't look at him, ignore him, and most importantly, stay away from him.

That's the only way you can survive tonight.

"Erin, oh my God! I've been calling you for a while now!" I heard Jowee's agitated voice.

I looked at her and disbelief was etched on her face.

"Huh? I-I'm sorry. I was just preoccupied." I vaguely explained to her.

She just rolled her eyes and smiled at me widely.

"I know, if that happens to me, I would literally whacking my brain as to who that mystery man is. But get it together, girl. Stop thinking about him tonight. Let's just enjoy Tony's birthday tonight. Now, hop off." She said and opened her door.

Oh God, Jowee. If you only knew who was making me preoccupied, I am sure as hell you wouldn't suggest to enjoy the night.

Just remember Erin, you have to stay away from him.

As we walked towards the big oakwood doors, Jowee informed me that Olivia, Niccolo, and Dylan, his son, were already on their way here.

As always, we were welcomed by Lorna, the head housekeeper of the manor, and led us to Tony's study where he was at.

We greeted him happy birthday and gave him our gifts.

"It's been a long time since you two are here." Tony said after he hugged us.

"Yup. We were still in highschool back then." Jowee commented and I smiled.

I roamed my eyes inside the study and it rested on to the black and white photo of Zac who's sitting on a bench in New York City.

That's the infamous photo that made me drawn to him.

"Right, Erin?" I heard Jowee and I felt her nudged me.

"Oh yeah, right." I answered unknowingly hoping that my answer was right.

"I'm glad you two still remember the bed of red roses Emilia planted. Anyway, feel free to roam around the manor just like you two did back then." He said and we stood up.

"See you later, Tony." We both said in unison and he chuckled then dismissed us.

Jowee and I went to the garden immediately and saw the very spot this house boasted, Emilia's bed of roses. This was the pride of this place and family. These roses was planted by Zachary and Olivia's mom before she was diagnosed with cancer.

I remembered how we always take our pictures whenever we're here. How we always hung out and take a nap in this part of the house. Per Olivia, this was the most treasured part of their home.

"E, let's go inside, it's starting to get cold." Jowee suggested, I agreed though, it's extra chilly tonight.

As we got inside the house, we came face to face with the devil himself. No, just kidding.

We came face to face with Zac, who's smiling widely at us.

"Hey." He greeted us then Jowee went to hug him. Oh no...

Why did you have to do that, Jowee? Now I have to do that also!!

No. No. No.

I am a matured and independent woman. I can do whatever I want.

So, instead of giving Zac a brief hug, I just smiled at him and greeted him briefly without looking directly at his eyes.

"Good evening." I said.

"Good evening, Erin." He returned the pleasantry but I could hear the underlying tone of irritation in it.

I could feel his eyes boring into my face but I don't care. I am adamant on staying away from him.

"So, I heard Livy and Nick's already arrived. Have you seen them already?" He asked no one.

"Nope. We haven't we were in the garden admiring the bed of roses." Jowee replied cheerfully.

Oh thank God she didn't notice my awkward stance with him.

"It's the most comforting part of the manor. So pure and beautiful with a hint of boldness, right?" He pronounced and I still didn't look at him nor acknowledge whatever he had said.

Why the hell did he choose to engage in a conversation with us? Just go to your dad and greet him happy birthday.

For God's sake, Zachary, don't make this harder for me as it already was.

Thankfully, his phone rang interrupting whatever awkward conversation we're having. Well, at least for me, it was awkward.

After he excused himself, that's when I exhaled the breath I unknowingly holding.

We went to the living room and sat on the couch to wait for the ON couple and Dylan.

I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it's only 30 mins til we arrived here and here I was not knowing what to do.

Please Zac, stop whatever you're doing.

When Neil and Skylar arrived, Jowee joined them to play in the recreational room leaving me in the couch for I refused to join them.

I was not in the mood tonight to let loose especially now that I was so preoccupied with what Tyra told me.

I sighed.

I stood up and went towards the powder room to just breath, I guess.

But before I shut the door behind me, someone placed its hand over my mouth and squeezed itself in and locked the door behind us.

Hello loves,

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please vote.

Next update will be on Saturday.

xo
kimmypatata