OLIVIA
“Kate, what about you? Are you backing out too? You haven’t made your decision yet.” I asked Kate even though I knew what her response would be. I just needed to be certain if I would be approaching the situation alone.
“Am I supposed to answer that question? Of course, you know my response,” Kate smirked. It wasn’t the kind of response I had expected from her.
“Are you going to pull that stunt on me? I wasn’t even asking for too much. Just answer the damn question and stop beating around the bush like a headless chicken. A straight response is all I ask from you. I’m going to do this for the last time, Kate. Are you on my side, or are you just going to walk away like Adrian?” I yelled at her.
“I’m in, ma’am. You know I got your back anytime. Where do we begin?”
Kate finally responded.
“And who said I walked away? Are you seriously making decisions for me now?” Adrian cuts in just as I am about to relay the plan to Kate.
I looked behind, hoping to find the person that Adrian was talking to. I couldn’t find anyone.
“Was that question aimed at me?
Well, I don’t think so. I am not the only one seated inside this car. Perhaps, the second person would provide the answers you seek,” I mimicked Adrian just to spite him.
“I don’t find that funny. I only asked a question. Why would you even assume that I backed out without asking me first? Was that what I told you? I may have missed that. If I wasn’t interested in helping out, I wouldn’t have come this far with you. I have other important business to tend to, yet I choose to spend my time with you. Isn’t that enough proof already?” Adrian lamented. He got me confused and excited at the same time. With his inclusion, I won’t have to worry about convincing Rene anymore. He would just do the dirty work for me while I offered moral support.
“Good to have you back. So here’s the plan!” I smiled at Adrian. His comeback is worth more than a diamond to me.
“I can’t go inside because Rene already knows me. She won’t even let me inside, let alone listen to me,” I started the conversation.
“Are you saying I should go inside instead?” Kate asked.
“Hell no.
Adrian would do that,”
I answered.
“Me?
Why me?” Adrian freaked out. He was already feeling the heat.
“Because she doesn’t know you. I would hide in a corner. Immediately she lets you inside, I would just show up immediately. Of course, she won’t kick me out anymore,” I proposed. After highlighting the plan, I took my time to ascertain if it was a perfect plan. I never took the time to draft the plan due to the immense preasure I was in.
“Getting inside her apartment won’t be that easy. You just said she doesn’t even know me. How would she accept a total stranger in her home? Think about it!” Adrian observed what had been hidden from me. I never took out time to analyze it.
“That’s true,” I chewed my nails to think of another suitable idea that would solve my situation
“I’ve got an idea,”
Kate chipped in, and Adrian glared at her. She was the last person I would ever bank on.
“You got a plan?” I asked her while my mouth widened. I spent the last couple of minutes contemplating if It was the right thing to trust Kate’s judgment.
“Please go on.
Let’s see what you got,” I consented and took the risk of trusting Kate.
“Wow! Brilliant suggestion. I never knew you were this smart. I apologize for doubting you,” Adrian praised Kate while I was in the dark. I wasn’t paying attention to her, which made it difficult for me to hear her speak.
“What did she say?
Sorry, I wasn’t listening,”
I asked Adrian.
“She made a very brilliant suggestion. Trust me, you’re going to love it.” Adrian grinned.
“Adrian please, go straight to the point. We don’t have enough time left,” I frowned at Adrian
“Kate suggested that I show up under the disguise of Cyril’s friend. We both know how overly excited Rene gets at the mention of Cyril,” Adrian narrated. I wasn’t certain if that was precisely what Kate said, but Adrian’s detailed explanation made me understand better.
“Wow! That was…
Can we all step outside now?” I halted my utterances to avoid heaping praises on Kate. Regardless of how important her suggestion was, I figured it would be best to maintain my superiority over her.
“That’s her apartment over there. Kate and I would stay here and observe what happens. A few minutes after you’re inside, we would show up. Is that clear?” I told Adrian.
“Fantastic! I’ll just go now,” he concurred without grudges.
“Don’t forget what Kate proposed. That’s the only way to have access to her house,” I reminded Adrian and watched him leave.
He finally arrived at Rene’s doorway and landed a knock on her door. Patiently, I waited, hoping that Rene would step outside, but she never did.
I became frustrated and furious. I needed an immediate result, and I wasn’t getting one. I may not be next to Adrian, but I could tell from afar that he is already exhausted. It’s just a matter of time before he gets fed up and decides to leave. It would be a huge blow to me if that happens.
“Do you think Rene would ever show up, let alone welcome Adrian into her home?” I asked Kate. So far, she happens to be the only one with the best option. I don’t even come close to her at this point.
“Of course, she will.
Just give it time,” Kate assured me with confidence
“Are you sure?” I asked Kate again for clarification. I was prepared to prioritize her judgment over mine if that would help solve my situation. Depending on Kate’s brilliance wasn’t an easy decision. She just happens to pave a way where there’s none.