TINA
I stiffened, but when I saw the impatient look on his face, I knew I had to abide. I walked towards his side, two feet of distance between is and used my front camera to take a quick selfie. Once it was done, I stepped away. Something about the look on his face made me step back. He was enjoying this. Which is kind of weird.
“will that do?” – he asked, arms crossed on his chest
“yes, sir. Thank you.”
I gave him a raw smile and went back turned around without checking the pictures yet. In my head were the thoughts of how weird was that encounter. As soon as I reached my room, I locked the door and sat on the bed. One of the pillows fell to the floor. I didn’t take it right away. My attention was on the picture.
Both his hands were behind him but he was smiling to the camera. I, on the other hand, looked obviously awkward. There was a flush of color on my cheek which was embarrassingly visible on camera. I was shy, I know. I just wish it wasn’t that visible. The awkwardness was hard to hide, though. It was spilling everywhere in the photo.
As what he said, I sent the pictures to Julia.
The phone rang. It was a call from her. Quick, huh?
“oh my God, you didn’t tell me your boss is hot!”
I had to pull the phone away from my ears.
“is he?”
She giggled.
“oh, come on, Tina. Even someone as male-repellant as you can see that.”
I rolled my eyes. And then I realized it was no use because she cannot see that.
“okay, fine. Yes. he’s handsome. I won’t deny that.”
“see? Ah, now I envy you.” – she said and sighed
Well, that’s a fact. The young Mr. Sy is indeed very attractive. I haven’t asked or researched what his age is yet but I feel like he’s only a couple of years older than me. That or maybe less.
“hello? Tina? Are you still there?”
I didn’t realize that I already dozed off. She was talking about something, this new roommate she has named Grace. I listened, but my attention was drifting someplace. It was still stuck on that picture I took. For some reason…
-
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The morning came quicker than I expected but at least I had a good night’s sleep. After a quick bath and change of clothes, I tiptoed to the living room where I heard a clamor of plates and forks from the nearby kitchen. The smell of scrambled eggs on heated skillet filled the room and my stomach grumbled.
“Tina, come here. join me for breakfast.”
I smiled as a response. The invitation was from Mr. Sy. He was reading the morning newspaper while drinking his coffee. He’s already suited up for work. He was sitting in front of a plate filled with scrambled eggs and hotdogs. Two maidens standing behind him, waiting for their command. Aside from him, the table was empty. I guess the young master’s used to eating his breakfast alone.
I sat at the other head of the rectangular table. I mean, where else should I sit? He placed the newspaper down and stared at me. Not just him, but also the two maidens.
“do you want us to shout at each other this early? Sit closer to me.”
I murmured an apology and stood up. I chose the chair across him. Under the table, our knees brushed a little. I shivered. That was only my nervousness, I’m sure.
A middle-aged woman in the same uniform as the rest went closer and asked me if I wanted coffee. I nodded and she placed a plain white plate in front of me for the food. So, this is how it’ll be around here, then. I also eat the same food my boss does?
To answer my question, the woman came back with a mug of black coffee and served me with newly-cooked scrambled eggs and hotdogs. Slices of bread were on the table and she gave me two slices. With that, I ate, voiding any eye contact from Mr. Sy, which is also preoccupied with his newspaper.
Or so I thought.
“it’s your first day today so I won’t be giving you any heavy tasks yet. however, we have a staff meeting at 1:00. I need you there for the minutes as well as assist me. you think you can handle that?”
He gave me a sideways glance.
“yes, sir.”
“good. I’m expecting a lot from you. your resume was promising. I’m sure you and I won’t be having any problems.”
I stretched my lips. suddenly, I felt overwhelmed of the things in my resume. Yes, all of those were true but the pressure it has on me weighs heavy as well. Especially on this. I always wanted this. I cannot afford something to mess this up.
“I won’t let you down, sir.”
“I know you won’t.”
And then he winked. Winked.
And then I remembered what Julia said. I shook my head slowly to shake it off. No, I need focus. Whatever she said about Mr. Sy being attractive as hell does not help here.
After breakfast, I followed Mr. Sy back to the second floor. he entered his room and I went to mine to get my bag and my phone from the charging port. I did it as fast as I can and when I locked the door behind me, he went out of his room too.
“ready to go?” – he asked, slinging a laptop bag on his shoulder
I nodded. He walked ahead and I followed. So here it is.
We reached the car and we were both at the backseat. He had a small talk with the driver about what time will he pick us up this evening and other stuff about the house. I waited till they were done to ask a question. Something I had been thinking of since yesterday. or since the day of the interview.
“sir? If I may ask a question.”
He gave me a nod.
“I know this is very random but…. Have we met before?”
He looked at me weirdly. I think I had offended him?