UNCANNY ENCOUNTER
There is a first time for everything but with many firsts, comes hard work that feels like torture.
Moving into a new apartment was not all I expected it to be though the time I and Athina spent decorating the place was wonderful, it involved backaches and sore thumbs. What I craved more than anything in the world was to soak my body in the huge bathtub filled with bubbly warm water. A glass of white wine, cookies, and chocolates were the finer details to add.
It truly did feel nice to decorate the place as I wanted without my mother scrutinizing everything and judging my choice of drapes. My sister’s unwanted inputs would have been run mad that eventually slam my head into the wall with her incessant talks like she knew better than me.
Tch, kids these days.
The items I bought a few days ago had just arrived like my dining table set, bed, and other heavy things. The amazing part that made things less of a hassle was the fact they helped set them up.
Especially the bed that had me racking my brain on how I’d figure it out.
“Thank you so much,” I said and took change from my purse to tip them. It sucked that I didn’t have more than a 100 dollar bill in my purse cause they were lifesavers. Using the ATM was something I needed to do asap so I penned it down in my to-do list.
I could be so forgetful and lazy at times that I forgot to do the simplest tasks like having breakfast/dinner or getting something important done.
It’s a good thing we’re now living in a cashless society, if not I wouldn’t be able to count how many times I’ve gone to get things without having cash on me.
I really needed everything to be perfect without messing up this big beautiful apartment that still felt too good to be mine. Reid definitely got a point towards me liking me due to the nice gesture. The interior decoration that I and Athina did was quite satisfying but I took note to get more plants in the balcony area for aesthetic purposes. And maybe a few more lights and mirrors in the living room to brighten up the place.
I let out a heavy sigh as I shut the door behind the two men. I could finally enjoy some quiet time.
Moving from store to store, going places, and interacting with quite a several people had drained my social battery. Any more socializing and probably break down in tears. The comfort and peace of mind that come from being alone and enjoying my company was bliss. Wouldn’t trade it for anything and wouldn’t hesitate to put my phone on DND.
At a minimum, a week to be alone was what I needed but I knew I wouldn’t be getting that opportunity any time soon, unfortunately.
The last piece of my suitcase still lingered in the living room so I pulled it along as I headed to my room and dumped it in my walk-in closet. The room was very disorganized with boxes everywhere like I had no intention of getting up to arrange it.
I should have handled it by now but I found myself too lazy to do anything and left all my items in the boxes.
I knew I’d come to regret it soon enough once I needed clothes or looking for something. It also reminded me to call my mom to help me send a few basic things I’ll need from my old apartment.
My stay in the city was quite indefinite. It was hard to put a time stamp on when the expansion project was going to be over and become active.
Times like this where I get to be myself do not come often so I planned to make the most out of it starting with being productive by arranging my closet. I had always imagined myself having a walk-in closet at the start of my business and now that I had one, I realized there was going to be a problem.
The closet space was as big as my old bedroom and maintaining it seemed like a lot of work. Another thing to add to my list was to hire someone to help me clean the apartment at least twice or thrice a week.
With the impending expansion, I knew I’d be spending most of my time at the location barely with any spare time to sit in front of my new big screen to watch my favorite series.
It took about an hour to get the closet sorted out, get my clothes out of the box, and arranged in specific settings. I did not need to be told that my wardrobe department was lacking in so many areas.
Athina had mentioned I’d be needing a new set of business clothes unlike my usual throw-on of a pair of jeans and a top cause I was entering the big scene of the food business. If I wanted to be taken seriously, I had to dress the part.
My clothes, shoes, and accessories had barely taken any space in the walk-in closet but like Athina said, with time it would grow on me and I’d find myself stocking the place up.
I moved on to the bathroom to place my skin and hair products in the cabinet as well as take note of things I needed to buy. Once I was satisfied with the outcome of my measly arrangement, I headed back to the living room.
There was a spare bedroom left but I had no intention of touching them since I wasn’t expecting anyone to stay over at my place. My private space meant a lot to me and I wasn’t planning on allowing just anyone to waltz in.
This apartment was going to serve the purpose of my sacred area. Except for Athina, no soul was going to be welcomed with open arms and a smiling face.
Not even my family was exempted from the list. I cherished them more than anything but they invaded my personal space more than anyone.
They had no clue what boundaries meant and it made me want to pull my hair out when my siblings barged into my room and took my things without permission.
Their incessant loving behavior with no boundaries had me moving out once the business had made little money. Mom and dad didn’t even agree at first and it took a whole lot of begging to give me the last straw of freedom.
I was feeling hot and thirsty so I made my way to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I felt a continuous buzz in my jeans back pocket as I walked to the kitchen. It didn’t click that my phone was ringing until I drank a glass of cold water.
I pulled the phone out and a smile grew on my face at the caller ID. It was Abby, my personal assistant video calling me. I looked like a mess with my sweaty and oily face but wasn’t bothered since it was just Abby.
“Here I was thinking you’d forgotten about me,” She sighed sadly as her smiling face appeared on the screen. Abby had her reading glasses on and hair packed in a bun. She was currently in business mode and I noticed she was in my office.
“Don’t be dramatic Abby, we talk often.”
“Correction, text. Too busy having fun with Athina to bother seeing my face. How’s Athina by the way? Saw her recent post on IG of two of you, and I’ve got to say, she’s looking pretty good. Well, aside from the fact that she looks a bit fat.” I seemed to have forgotten how well she could ramble.
“Abby!”
“Sorry, couldn’t help but notice.” She shrugged.
“Athina is doing well and keep in mind you’ll be losing a tooth once I tell her you called her fat.”
She laughed loudly, “Have her know I’ve been taking Jujitsu classes.”
I shook my head at Abby’s humor. It was certainly one thing I’ve missed about her. “How is it going over there?”
“Pretty slow but good. No more trolls on our social media pages. Per your instruction, I reached out to the beauty influencer and she’ll be having a dinner party here with a group of five.”
I headed over to the sitting room and crashed on my new couch.
“Awesome. A lot of tags would do us some good. Enough of business talk, how have you been? Last I remember you were having trouble in your relationship before the bad review debacle.”
“Well, that relationship is more of a situationship at the moment. Things aren’t just working out.” She pulled off her glasses and rubbed the sides of her nose.
“Hmm, if it feels like he isn’t putting as much effort as you I think it’s best you call him out on it and walk away. Better than being left heartbroken.
“Look at you giving relationship advice like a pro,” She snickered.
The fact that I was single yet good at dishing out relationship advice when it came to Abby and Athina was funny and Abby never failed to call me out on it. Aside from our work-life, she was just as determined in setting me up with someone like Athina.
“I’ll have you know that I might soon get boo’d up.” I bit back unconsciously.
“Oh really? Met someone already?”
“Mhhm and he’s very handsome, good stable job, polite, caring, and sweet.”
“Aww sounds like a fairytale. I love your new place by the way. Must have cost a fortune,” She said and I realized I had never asked Reid how much the rent was.
“Oh yeah, the place is amazing. I’m exhausted from moving on.”
“Can I get a tour?” She asked with the attempt of puppy eyes.
“I’m too tired to get off this couch. Perhaps when you come around you’ll see the place.”
“Yes, I can’t wait. I’d also love to see Athina and that sexy husband of hers,” She said and wiggled her eyebrows.
I laughed, “Tread carefully Abby, you just might lose a chunk of hair in your sleep.”
Her hands immediately moved to her head and rubbed the mass of blonde hair.
“Our team from the head branch will be there tomorrow. Oh, it feels good to say that, “Head branch/headquarters.” They’d have places to stay right?”
“Yes, of course, they’ll be staying in this building. I guess the representative from Mr. Martakis’s company should be there by tomorrow. Make sure to evacuate my office and assist me with whatever he needs.”
“Got it, boss. How’s it going by the way?”
I sighed tiredly, “With what?”
“Mr. Martakis. Reid. You never told me the full gist about Athina’s wedding.”
“Oh him, things are good except when he’s being a major controlling asshole.”
Ugh god, the thought of him popped into my head as she asked that question. I was already doing a great job of tolerating him. The last thing I wanted was to be reminded of him even on my free days.
Abby looked like she was about to ask more questions but I quickly stopped her. “Abby, I’d love to chat more but I’m kind of tired and need to rest. I’ll call you soon.”
“Oh okay, take care,” She said and blew a kiss before ending the call.
My eyes felt heavy which was enough sign that I needed a nap. God knows I’ve been extremely exhausted these past few days.
I put my phone on do not disturb and went to my bedroom to test out the mattress. The minute I lay on it, a peaceful sigh escaped my lips and I slept off.
About four hours later when it was already dark outside, I woke up and quickly took a shower before deciding to step out of the building. I wanted to check out the environment as well as use the opportunity to grab dinner from a restaurant close by.
It was quite different from my home and I wasn’t quite sure it was a good idea to move around at night in an unfamiliar area.
I was already out of the building and regretted my decision. I noticed a fast-food restaurant four buildings away so I just decided to get takeout and go back home. I was feeling very hungry so I ordered a two-person meal and after using the ATM, I headed back to my apartment.
As I stood in front of the elevator waiting I wondered where Reid lived. For all I know he spent most of his time at Athina’s place like he lived there. I couldn’t be more grateful to have left there because of him. To practically run into him almost every time was a headache and was happy their building would be Reid-free.
My happiness was short-lived as the elevator doors opened and my eyes jammed with familiar almond eyes. A force of attraction had me taking in his disheveled hair, suit jacket still intact aside from his loose tie, and down to his leather loafers shoes.
The elevator system announced, “Doors closing” as the elevator doors moved to shut my view down but a hand came in between it and it opened back.
“Are you coming in or not?”