When we reached the basement of Aunt Calla's building, I followed Bram to a two-door car. This was the first time that I saw him use this. I saw the familiar logo and admired its shiny blue color. I trailed after him in the back so I could assist him with my paper bags. I glanced at the name of the unit, and it showed an MX-5.
Bram opened the compartment and placed all the paper bags there, then we both entered the vehicle. After I closed my door, I removed my shoes so I could sit comfortably. I placed it in front of my seat under my legs and put my sling bag on my lap. I pointed my toes and sighed. Then I turned to Bram, because we had not moved out of the parking space when he had already started the car.
"What?" I asked him because he was just staring at me. He shook his head and maneuvered the car out of the parking lot. I rolled my eyes at him, then I put on my seatbelt.
"Where are we going?" I asked Bram as I looked at the cars in front of us.
Bram shrugged his shoulders and answered, "To the office?"
"Oh, can I stay with you while you work?" I asked, perplexed.
"No, but they can show you around," Bram told me as he stepped on the accelerator.
RGC Building, Metro Manila
Bram parked in the basement of the building. When the car stopped, I slowly unbuckled my seatbelt then picked up my shoes. I was about to open my door when Bram cupped my face and kissed me full in the mouth. My eyes widened in shock. He then moved his face away from me and got out of the car.
My mouth hung open for a moment, then I gulped and opened my door. I was slightly shaking when I got out but I managed to push my door close. I placed my sling bag on my right shoulder. Bram locked the car and waited for me as I put on my shoes one by one. I steadied myself then I walked towards him.
What surprised me even more was he took my left hand and we walked together to the elevator. I was so confused by his actions because there were no other people in the parking lot. He did not have to pretend like that. I could still remember what Attorney Silas said in Aunt Calla's condo. Bram wanted to shorten our contract to two years because he wanted to be with Alicia again.
I had not met her yet, but I had this unfair dislike for her. But if I could really analyze things, I was the one who stole Bram from Alicia. I yanked the strap of my sling bag in frustration and shook my head. Bram obviously noticed what I had just done and turned to me with a frown on his face, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I answered, without looking at him. We stopped in front of the elevator and waited. I took my hand from him, crossed it to my chest and stared at the elevator buttons.
"What is it?" Bram asked sternly.
The elevator door opened and he let me walk in first, then he stepped in after me. I stared at the floor indicator with my hands still on my chest. He pressed the 15th floor then turned to me. I ignored him and kept my mouth shut. Bram turned his head to me like he was waiting for my answer.
I checked my watch and it showed 7 o'clock. I was saved by the opening of the elevator when we reached the second floor. He held my right upper arm and we moved to the right side to give the newcomers some space. The two women were both wearing identical pink clothes. When the elevator closed, Bram let go of my arm and I saw the two women stealing glances at my husband.
I shook my head and bit my lip to hide my smile. Bram was now standing near the elevator buttons. When I looked up, I saw him staring at me. I took my eyes away from him and looked at the floor instead. The two women were giggling like school girls when they got out on the 6th floor.
"Give me your hand," Bram said to me as the elevator closed on the 6th floor.
I turned to him and asked, "Why?"
"Just give it to me," Bram ordered sternly.
"You don't have to pretend that you like me, Bram," I said as I looked up at the floor indicator.
"What the fuck are you talking about now?" He said with a very thick British accent.
I gave a heavy sigh and turned to him, "Attorney Silas already told me that you wanted to shorten the period of our contract to two years. You don't have to pretend that you like me when no one is around. But I would appreciate it if you would respect me." Bram's eyes momentarily widened in surprise but he quickly recovered when the door opened on the 15th floor.
"We'll talk about this later," he told me with a clipped voice. Then he took me by the elbow and we slowly got out of the elevator.
I was so surprised that the conference room was already full with men in business suits. There were about seven of them. They all looked around the age of their fifties or sixties. They stood up when they saw us and Bram immediately introduced me to them. They shook my hand and introduced themselves. I could not possibly remember all of their names in just one meeting!
Bram also introduced me to his secretary. His name was Archie. He guided me out of the conference room.
"Do you want anything to drink, Madam?" Archie asked me politely.
"No thank you, I'm fine," I answered him with a smile.
"Sir Bram wanted me to show you around the building," he said, and added, "Would you like to start now?"
"Sure!" I answered with a nod.
Archie was wearing a black suit with a blue tie. He was wearing a sleek haircut and metal framed eyeglasses. He had this confidence in him that could probably convince anyone that whatever he was saying was true even though it was a lie.
He used his right arm and directed me towards a different elevator, "Welcome to the RGC Building, Mrs. Rivera!"