E R I C

"Mr. Ashton! We will love if Mr. Wellington does some changes to the architecture...you see it was a years old legacy and we love the Brazilian culture it incorporated. Your plan can definitely make it more modern but we would rather not lose the vibe of South America.", The old man tried to reason.

I sighed to myself and nodded, "Let me see what David can do. By then please take a break, we shall continue after ten minutes."

As I left the conference hall, and went straight to the room, I couldn't help but hold my head.

I called David immediately because I wanted to finalize this today itself.

"Already missing your first love!?", I hear his voice and roll my eyes.

"Missing my ass. This Mr. Russell has some problem with the ground plan your prepared, they want some little changes to it."

He contemplated for a while, "Well I have two more prototypes... should I send them..?"

"No! They have strange demands...join me with a video call."

"But..Eric..!", I hear him so to me, but then I hear him a little distant, "Hey girls! Wait for me. I need to attend this. Ya...Eric...let's finish it fast."

*

"So I hope Mr. Russell, that my prototype and Eric's construction strategy is fine with you...is it!?"

The man nodded smiling at both of us..while David was beside me in the laptop, "You both make a great team...it will be a pleasure working with you both."

"Thank you very much sir!", he said, "Me and Eric shall soon visit Brazil to supervise the work on ground."

After three long hours, we finally made something that would satisfy the demanding old man. I escorted him out of the conference room and came back to see David yawning.

"Long day huh!?", I asked sarcastically. He's staying at home chilling while I am working my ass off.

He rolled his eyes, taking a sip from a cup.
I crave for a coffee now.

"Not a long day, but this was the worst way of ending it..."

"Huh!? Tell me about it? I am dying here..."

"Oh C'mon Eric! No CEO whines like you do..."

"Look who's saying!!", I chuckled with a dramatic effect, "Now call Erica and leave your study...I want to talk to her and end my day well."

"Oh god...!", He smirked and turned to the door, "Ericcaaaa!!", he yelled like a mongoose he is.

"So what's up with Stephenson's shares?"

"I talked to him. He's fine with the current negotiations, though I feel we can give him more in future."

"Yeah..he's potent.."

He looked away from the screen, "Erica!!!! Eric is on phone!!!"

I take the time to fetch myself a coffee from the coffee machine, and just when I return, I hear David mutter, "Shit! Shit! Shit!!"

I immediately frowned and focused on the screen.
"David? What's wrong?"

I see now he's no more in front of the screen. Though it looks like he's walking.

The camera flips suddenly probably by his accidental touch, and I see an empty dining hall. He runs to what seems like a couch, and then near a table.

I can only see the edges of the table, when I hear him again, "Fuck!"

"David what happened??",I became alert at once.

He comes before the screen, his hand running through his hair. He moves the camera and I see two sticky notes on the table.

One had a 'fuck off David!', while other had a 'Sorry David:)'.

I would have laughed if I wasn't confused. But when he explained me, I was seething.

"You attended the meeting so you should have told them they can't go! God!! In a club!? And what is the fucking time in Italy? Like 11 in the night!", I said exasperated.

Apparently he promised to take both Venus and Erica to a club, but suddenly because of my call he had to attend the meeting. And now, after the three hours long meeting, they are already gone to get drunk.

"David! Go and fucking find them...and if you don't...I am coming back like right fucking now!!"

*

Pacing back and forth in my bedroom, I waited for his call and refrained myself from blasting his phone for which I have been already yelled at thrice.

The sudden blaring of my phone makes me jump but I hastily pick it up, to see it is a video call from David's number.

His face flashes before me but his concentration is somewhere else.

"If anyone of you pukes in my car, I am throwing you both out and then crawl to home and I wouldn't care.", He warns them making me sigh in relief.

He turns to look at me, "They are here. Too busy in gulping tequila. Ain't allowing them out of the house now."

"Where's Erica? Did she drink much?"

He rolled his eyes, "She drank so much that now she wants to eat. I am afraid she'll eat some human.."

"Whoooo'sss there?", I hear a familiar drowsy voice say.

"Your favourite dick!"

"Awwww! Lemme talk to my favourite dick!", My eyes widened at her words and soon I see her coming in front of the screen.

She leans forward and places a noisy kiss on the camera.

"No dirty business with my phone Erica!!", David butted in.

She grins at him and then does that again. Kissing the camera.

She leans back and gets comfortable on the seat, and I see Venus peeking. They both are drunk beyond limits.

"Eric! I am hungrrryyyy! Please ask David to feeed me something...!"

I nodded, and then said a little louder, "David stop at some burger point...that wouldn't be too heavy and her stomach will fill."

I see her shake her head vigorously, "No No No! I hate burgerrr! I want something tasstyy!"

I sighed, "Erica...sit properly and calm down. He'll buy you something tastier..."

She started sulking at that, "But he doesn't know what taste I like!!"

"Erica! He doesn't know shitt!!", I hear Venus say, and then her voice suddenly rises by many octaves, "You bastard! Just because I married you, you can't control my life!! I will drink however I want, you have no say!!"

Erica tunes into that, "Yeah!!! You can't tell a woman what to do David!!!! Look at my Eric, he's so good...he's a gentleman!"

Was that sarcasm!? Ofcourse it was.

"Okay Erica! Now eat something and sleep like a good girl..call me tomorrow..", I proceeded to end the call when I saw her sniffing..
In no matter of minutes, her eyes were filled with tears.

"Am I being too clingy? You are tired of talking to me?", She sobs out.

And then a furious Venus comes before the screen, "How could you!? You asshole!", And then she hugs Erica, "Don't worry babe! We'll find you someone better. But first let me plan a trip to a club and get you drunk so you flaunt your curves."

I could hear David laughing at the other side.

That though made her sob more, "But I want him."

I sighed frustrated. She can be quite handy when drunk and I am too tired today. If only I was there, I would have fed her, and tugged her to bed.

"Erica..", I sat up enthusiastically, "Tell me what you would like to eat?"

And just like that, she wiped her tears and smiled at me, "Uhmm...let me think..."

"Yeah...think of something...you want options?"

She didn't reply so I stayed quiet.
Though I could hear David and Venus going all 'honey' and 'sweetheart'.

My attention is grasped again as she jumps with her hands up in air, as if she's in a classroom.

"I know what I want to eat!", She grins mischievously.

That wicked smile made me a little paranoid, "What is it?"

"You!", She said in a 'duh' tone.

I looked at her amused, well aware how much she's going to curse herself in the morning.

"Okay!", I said. I was more than fine with her eating me.

"And yeah! You said you will be sending me nudes!!"

Erie silence. Pin drop silence.

I shook my head, "Erica...you better sleep...when David will bring food he will..."

"Wait wait wait! This asshole was going to send you nudes Erica?", David asked her still in shock.

She nods innocently, "He said that. Before he demanded for a quickie!"

Venus snickered at that, "Such a good boyfriend you have. See this dumbshit here! I will divorce you David!"

I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me. Something that she too will wish tomorrow morning. And now this 'quickie' and 'nudes' will be in the headline that David knows about it.

My thoughts are interrupted as David groans, "This is so gross!! Erica give back my phone!"

"No!", She hugs the phone tight to herself and shows him a tongue.

I chuckle to myself at her adorable antics..

"So boyfriend? You will send me nudes...won't you...!", A puppy face and an adorable pout.

I nodded, "I will."

"We have reached!!", I hear David announce.

He takes both of them and first drops Erica to her room.
"Little one. Stay here and talk to him. You are a good girl. Let me drop Venus and then I'll bring you food.. okay?"

She nodded like a obedient child and then he bolted the door as he left.

She laid on the bed, the phone still clutched tight in her hands.
"I miss you!", I hear her say and that melts every single ounce in me.

"One day, One night gone. I'll be there in no time."

She nodded and then I saw her drifting away.
She mumbled some incoherent words to herself and then she finally sleeps.

I keep on staring at her until David comes.

"I brought her sandwiches. She's already asleep."

He carefully took the phone from her hand and then removed her heels and covered her with a blanket.

"I am exhausted man...talk to her tomorrow."

"Yeah me too. Bye!", I disconnected the call and laid back on my bed.

I tried my best to not look at her dress because that will only infuriate me. But she was wearing a low cleavage, strapless, knee length dress. And as far as I remember, she doesn't have any of that kind. Venus will spoil my girl. I need to run back to Italy as soon as possible.

E R I C A

"Rise and shine you little shits!!", I hear Venus groan and then followed by myself shrieking when he sprinkles water on us.

We woke up in the morning with major headaches and then slept again on the couch of the living room.

"Erica Austin called.. you had a meeting with him....and that is already re-scheduled. Now have some aspirin and eat something. I will drop you."

And then he turns to Venus, "I will deal with you my own way. You are becoming very rebellious and have to do everything I ask you not to. I am sick of this Venus."

I sat up alert as I see him all serious and stern towards her. He's angry at her.

"Uh...David it's not her mistake alone..", I interjected.

He looked at me sharply, "So you want me to believe that you became so impractical and decided to go yourself and get drunk and dragged her along with you?"

I shook my head, "It's alright David...it's over now."

"No it is not.", He turns to her, "I have kept the breakfast in the oven. And I am leaving for the hospital to check on Embrey. Erica get ready fast!"

I stand up and leave while she tries to convince him.

We did it bad this time.

And if David is angry, then what about Eric?

As I remembered him, all from the night came rushing down on me. I was so embarrassed when I was reminded of that the first time I woke up and now, though the embarrassment was less, I knew I will have to call him.

I pick up my abandoned phone and make him a call. My call is rejected and then I receive a message, "In a meeting."

No call me later or I will call later.

"Okay...I will call later..", I texted back.

*

"Is it fine with you? Or should I change the spotlight settings..."

I shook my head, "You know better Austin. But I am still nervous."

"You don't have to look at anyone but him...and after the first few times, you will get used to it."

I nodded hopefully.

"And well Erica, I would recommend this girl, named Hope for the management. She was my classmate in school and David's and Eric's in college. She's trustworthy and your family would be assured of your safety. Also, the girl is very friendly and approachable."

Eric's classmate!? Oh god! What if it is some bimbo that pounces on Eric the moment she sees him? But I can't judge her right now, I haven't seen her yet. I will have to take David's opinion on this.

"So today's practice is done...and believe me, the video is coming out great. If we need some other shot, we'll call you...just don't be nervous.", He patted my back and then saw me off to the door where David's driver was already waiting.

I got in the car and called Eric. I haven't talked to him for the whole day. And after seeing David upset with Venus, I doubt he is too angry at me.

Four rings later, the call was received, "Eric Ashton here."

I sighed in content, "I know Eric Ashton is there. That's why I called."

He takes a few moments and then speaks up, "Uh_Erica..I was actually real pissed. They have been blaring my phone since morning."

"How are you talking then? I am afraid you'll jeopardize some deals if you don't speak politely."

"I have to speak politely.", He sighed, "That's why I am so vexed up."

I grinned at that.

"Tell me..is your hangover fine now? Or you called to ask for my nudes?"
That comment flushed me completely..how in the world can I be so pathetic when drunk..

"I...uhm I didn't mean that Eric. You know how I am when drunk."
I hear him laugh at the other side, "No one knows better than me Erica... remember I became a stripper for you? I was ready for your most ridiculous demand when I came to know that you are drunk."

I snorted, "Good for you then..."

"Okay tell me...did you visit Embrey?"
No I didn't.

"Uh...Eric I wasn't needed there. James...."

I hear some shuffling and then came his stern voice, "you weren't needed? You are her daughter Erica? Your presence would only do wonders for her..."

"But I have told her she's not my prime concern Eric. And I can't just play mother-daughter with her. She was anything but a mother to me back in those days. And I don't think anything can change that."

He sighed, "Erica...you are so forgiving...I am not saying you should completely forget your history, but she herself suffered alot which came out in the form of actions she will regret till death. And now you are losing an opportunity you may regret later."

I stayed silent.

"And if you are worried about our relationship, then let me tell you one thing. That as you mend your relationship with her, you are not losing out on me. I am here, always. You just have to fix that years old wound and then come back to your favourite wound. Me."

I smiled to myself at how persuasive he can be when he wants to. Romantic too.

I directed the driver to take me to the hospital instead, and pick some pastries on the way. She likes pastries since years. And to my surprise I haven't forgotten that yet.

"That's like my girl...now spend some time with her, and as a reward you get to do some sexting with the most handsome Eric Ashton..!"

I rolled my eyes, "Eric Ashton can go and jerk off. I am not giving the asshole, any attention."

"You would. Just wait."

*

The light in her eyes as she saw me serving her pastries was something even a blind wouldn't miss.

"So how was your practice?", I stilled at how does she know, but then realized probably Jess told her.

"It was good. I think I will manage on the final day.."

"You will. I believe in you..", those words warmed my heart and I gently smiled at her. These are few instances when I feel I can literally forget all what happened in the past.

She asked me about my life in States and Eric and that was something I can talk endlessly about. Apparently Eric told her about us, but she said she wants hear my opinion of him. She called him a gentleman to which I rolled my eyes and told her how 'gentleman' he is. She just laughed it off saying Eric is a gem, and I should make him my forever.

I don't know if the day will ever come.

*

The question popped up again when I was having dinner with everyone five days later. It was a celebratory meal at David's mansion, which he insists I should call ours, for our homecoming and mum's discharge.

"So when will he pop the question? I don't think there's any reason for him to delay..", James said.

Jess scoffed at that, "You can't really complain when you yourself popped the question when I got pregnant with Eric. Ashton men are dense."

David nodded, "I agree with the last part."

James slapped the back of his head while I snickered.

"Erica answer the main question!", David seethed at me, knowing the question has baffled me.

I frowned at him, "How can I tell when he will pop the question when he is so dumb in his head. He realised he loves me after so much heartbreak from my side. Asshole!", I stabbed the chicken before me.

James laughed, "My boy just wants to enjoy his youth..."

My mother laughed at that, "Like you James...Jess' pregnancy came like a jug of cold water on you. And then you wanted to marry in only a day."

Nonna agreed, "Yeah! He didn't even allow us to have a lavish wedding. I had one son for god sake."

"So that means Eric will propose when he will get Erica pregnant..!", Venus mused.

David scowled at that, "That bastard doesn't get to make my sister pregnant then.."

"David and Angel...you both cuss too much!", My eyes widened at my mother's announcement. I don't cuss like he does.

"Yes Embrey! She does cuss a lot!", Said the dickhead, "And I only learnt from her!"

I threw the fork at him from across the table. Liar bitch.

"God! She's violent too! I won't let my little boy marry you..!"