SOFIA
I glanced at my wristwatch again as I ran pink lipgloss over my lips.
"Looks good. I'll take this one"I mused as I admired my reflection.
I turned away from the mirror and found my way out of the cosmetic section.
At the counter, I presented my credit card to the bespectacled guy in charge and waited for the usual reaction - an expression of surprise, followed by a dying to please attitude,then a request for my autograph,a selfie or even my mobile number.
I'm Sofia Corona, after all.
But he simply attended to me with a blank expression and waved me on.
The hell, I thought as I stepped outside.
Then I looked around.
Where's the driver? He's supposed to be waiting out here with the car.
Oh well. Guess I'll just wait.
Settling into one of the park benches outside, I made myself comfortable and took out my phone.
Minutes later, I was so absorbed in a dress up game that I entirely forgot about the lousy driver. Then I felt it.
Drop... drop... drop...
I looked up and around. It was drizzling.
"Damnit!"I muttered, bolting up from the bench.
I don't even have the chaffeur's number. I don't have any chaffeur's number. I don't have any of our workers' numbers. I mean, why would I bother collecting them?
Nevermind that, I'm in serious trouble. I hurried to the roadside, but there was still no sight of the driver.
Damn. I have to get a cab.
As soon as I thought that,a rather heavy downpour began.
Oh no!, I screamed mentally, not on my new hairdo!!
That's it. I'm flagging down any car at all!
With this decision in mind, I proceeded to wave my hands frantically and desperately, praying fervently for a good Samaritan to stop.
After what felt like hours,a sleek black Porsche came to a halt in front of me. Filled with gratitude, I opened the door, slipped into the shotgun seat and shut it immediately.
"Phew"I breathed, cradling my dripping bags.
"So, where to?"the driver asked.
"Huh?"I jolted"ah,s-sorry".
That was when I turned to look at him, and froze.
OH MI GOSH. Hot is the word. How can anyone look like this? Those BTS guys Linda's so crazy about might as well be mounds of clay. Is he a Greek god? Is he Apollo?
"Miss? Are you okay?".
I blinked, suddenly realizing that I had been staring. I snapped my mouth shut, embarrassed, and avoided looking at him as I answered.
"Corona ville. You know the place, right?".
"Yes, but..."he got the car in motion"why is the Mayor's daughter out here in the rain?".
"Lousy chaffeur"I replied.
Gosh, his voice. Is he a singer or something? I want him to keep talking.
"So,er...why did you stop?"I asked"to pick me up, I mean".
Stupid question, I know. But I just need to hear his voice.
"You were in quite a pinch"he replied.
"So you don't mind me getting water on your seat?".
"That can't be helped, can it?".
His gentleness made me smile. I searched for more words to say.
"So, you live around, right?"I asked.
Nonsense. Of course he lives around.
"Sort of"he replied.
"Ah"I looked out at a passing taxi.
He doesn't seem very eager to chat. Too bad.
The rain had slowed to a drizzle when the Porsche halted before the ville gates.
"Thanks"I said, flashing a bright smile.
"The pleasure is mine"he replied.
I had just held onto the handle to open the door when he handed me a black umbrella.
"Your hair looks lovely. It would be a shame if it got wet"he said.
I blushed as I accepted it.
"Thanks"I opened the door to let myself out.
Wait... his name...
"What's your name?".
"My name?"he seemed to ponder for a while"does it matter?".
Huh?
He turned to me,then shrugged lightly.
"Call me anything you want. It's just a name, after all".
Oooh, I like that.
"Then... how about Apollo".
"Apollo,as in the Greek sun god? Seriously?".
"You did say I could call you anything".
"Okay. No problem. Apollo it is,then".
I flashed my sweetest smile.
"So, can I wish for something, Apollo?".
"What is it?".
"Your number".