Archer's POV
I know lying is bad, but sometimes we need to make white lies to save ourselves from further embarrassments, like what happened when Ella found me caressing her face, and I told her I tried to wake her up. And I felt so glad she bought my alibi, and I knew I needed to stop myself or I would end up hurting her. I could tell Mariela was so different from any woman I met.
She doesn't have time for herself, and I wonder how she will enjoy her life when all she does is study and work part-time, even during weekends; I am sure Ella has no social life, and no wonder she doesn't have any account on social media, or she kept her account private.
There are so many things I wanted to ask about her, but I wanted Ella to open up with me, and I could tell there was a reason why she almost had no time to sleep because of her working schedule, and I felt so glad she was able to teach me the basic in cooking.
It has been one week that I was living in peace, I avoided my cousin and our friends as possible, and I knew I should stop socializing because I couldn't afford to spend more money, and I know at the back of my head, I wanted to stay at my new place because of Ella, I don't want to come home so late since I don't want to disturb Mariela on her sleep.
I know this kind of feeling is so raw, and even if I know it is a little dangerous, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about her beautiful face, and even if she always wears long and baggy pants, I could tell Ella has a perfect figure, and I know most of the time after she got out from the bathroom after she took a bath, I will close my eyes.
But there are moments I couldn't help myself but steal a glance. And I have seen how beautiful her legs are, and I know I am making myself a fool for fantasizing about my hot roommate, even if I know she is way out of my league.
It was Saturday, and I woke up early because I wanted to cook for Ella. After all, she had been cooking the entire week, including my dinner, she cooked it in the morning, and I would put it in the oven when I got home. Our place is so tidy and clean, and I wonder how she managed to clean our room, wash our clothes and cook with her busy schedule; and I wanted to give her an award for being so diligent.
And now, as we rode the bus going to one of her part-time jobs, I felt like I was a different person, and the moment we arrived at the place, I realized they were catering a wedding as I could see the backdrop of the stage with the tarp of the couple. I was standing on the sideline waiting for Ella to come back, and I could see her smiling as she strode towards me, and I could tell she was bringing good news.
"Am I hired?" I asked right away, and her grin broadened.
"You are so lucky, Archer, one of my fellow waitresses texted my boss she couldn't make it today, and Wilma wanted to see you," Ella said. I walked with her towards her boss, and I could see how Wilma's eyes widened in shock after Mariela introduced me to her.
"Are you sure you want to work with my catering? Aren't you going to apply as a model or actor perhaps on some talent agency?" She asked, and I beamed at her while I could see the smile on Ella's face.
"Yes, Ma'am, I wanted to work here, and I hope you will give me a chance to work for you," I replied.
"Well, you are considered hired, and I want you to be part of my team from now on; I didn't know Ella got a handsome boyfriend." She said, and I could see Mariela's face turn crimson.
"I don't know why she is not proud of me, but I am proud being her boyfriend," I answered before Ella could react.
"I know Ella is a little secretive, but I felt glad she is normal after all," Wilma responded, and she left us after she instructed Ella to orient me on what to do.
"Archer, I told Wilma you are my friend, and why did you let her think I am your girlfriend?" She asked, and I could see the disappointment on her face, and I felt hurt.
"I am sorry, Ella, it is better that way so that no one will ask me any more questions, and I am sure they will be asking you about me," I responded, and I saw her shaking her head while she asked me to follow her.
"Do you understand?" Ella asked me after she briefed me on what to do, and I find it so funny because I was staring at Ella's face the entire time. After all, I couldn't stop being so fascinated by her beauty. She looked so sexy now, wearing a long white-sleeved shirt with a black vest and a black miniskirt with high heels.
I don't need to learn because it was all basic, and my mom hosted so many social events in our mansion, and attending fine dining, cocktail, and buffet, is not new to me. And I know all about dining and even the drinks, and I know I didn't do the work as a waiter, but by watching them all the time I understand what they are doing.
"One more thing, please remove your coat, Archer, or else they will think you are one of the guests and wear this instead," Ella said as she handed me a black vest similar to what she was wearing.
"Okay, thank you, Ella," I said, and she smiled at me, and I felt so happy to be the receiving end of her smile, and I could tell I was becoming an idiot because of Mariela.
The guests arrived, and I became so busy, and I couldn't deny a lot of female guests kept asking for me. Wilma told me to be the standby waiter to assist the presidential table. I did my best not to be captured in the camera because I didn't want to be in trouble, and I could tell many guests would upload their videos. I hope none of them have friends at Nagazville University, but I know it would be impossible.
"Wow! I couldn't believe many guests have booked me, and it means more work for the coming weekends, guys, and don't forget about our event tomorrow." Wilma said after the wedding reception, and we had already put everything on the catering truck, including the chafing dish. She dismissed us after giving us our earnings for the day, and we received a big tip from the groom and bride.
"Can I have lunch with you?" I asked Ella as we made our way to the bus stop, and I was walking beside her while I put my coat on my shoulder.
"Are you hungry? Wilma asked us to eat before the catering started, don't tell me you didn't eat." She said, and I beamed at her.
"Well, I am now hungry, and I wanted to treat you, Ella," I said.
"You better save your money, Archer," She replied, and I smiled as I realized this was the first time I got paid by someone; it felt so rewarding, and I felt so grateful for Ella that she helped me a lot in becoming independent. I know I am bothering her, but she didn't show it to my face that she got irritated by my presence, and I felt so guilty that I claimed her as my girlfriend.
I came with her to the resto-bar, and it seemed like the odds were with me since Ella's boss allowed me to work part-time. It was a long night, and this time the resto-bar filled with third-year students from Nagazville because one of my classmates dine, and she saw me and texted all her friends I was working at the resto-bar, and then our boss was smiling from ear to ear because all my friends came from wealthy families.
"Wow, it seems Ms. Ramirez will no longer need to promote her resto-bar. Your presence alone was enough to make her bar afloat for the entire year." Ella declared as we made our way to the bus stop.
And I realized I must bring my car so we could get home early, but I wanted to try everything with Ella, and it felt so lovely riding with her on the bus, and I smiled when her head was on my shoulder as she fell asleep the moment she sat down on her chair and I realized she felt so tired.
I woke her up when we arrived at the bus stop, and she still looked groggy as we got off the bus, and I held her hand since I feared she would stumble on the ground. My heart was racing the moment I felt her smooth palm brush my skin, and I felt glad she didn't pull away until we rode the elevator. I was still holding her hand, and my steps faltered when I found Kent waiting for me outside my door.
"Ella, this is my cousin, Kent, this is my roommate, Ella," I introduced Mariela to him, and I wondered what he was doing here at this hour.
"Hello, Kent, it is nice meeting you," Ella softly said, and I could tell she was blushing because Kent was looking at our hands, and Ella pulled her hand away from me.
"The pleasure is all mine, Ella." He responded, and I asked Ella to get inside while I walked Kent back to the elevator.
"Roommate or girlfriend? Why are you holding her hand if she is only your roommate, Archer?" Kent asked right away the moment we halted in front of the elevator, and I knew he would never believe me if I told him Mariela was just my friend and roommate since he saw me holding hands with Ella.