CHAPTER TWO

Later on after work, which has been longer that I anticipated, I go straight home; it's almost my usual routine. Nothing but the calmness and lavender scent welcome me in my apartment that's furnished in red and white, feeling so great to be home. Sometimes it feels so big that I'm starting to consider buying a pet. Sighing, I kick off my heels, drop my handbag on the couch, and make my way towards the kitchen that's adjoined to the living room. I hope I can find something edible before I lose my balance. I feel like I've survived a hunger disaster.

I make myself a sandwich from whatever I find in my refrigerator, and pretend to have dinner while thinking of Sam's call and her crazy ideas. I better call back before she makes a long distance scene. I'm so glad we live and work separately, or else it'd be a catastrophe. We're like fire and water, yet inseparable.

"Finally," Sam speaks as soon as she picks up, and I throw myself on the red loveseat sofa, feet on the black, wooden coffee table.

"Tell me from the beginning," I urge, biting my sandwich.

"Hey, do you think you're the only one who works hard? I'm an executive assistant to one of the most successful Exporting companies in L.A!"

Here we go.

I decide to turn on the TV while I take in all of my friend’s scolding, which I'm already used to. I'm glad it's WWE and it's Roman Reigns kicking some butt.

"Yes, Sam, I know that and I'm sorry about earlier." I roll my eyes. "So, tell me about your grand plans that you didn't consider consulting me first while making." I go sarcastic, and Sam couldn't care less about my whining.

"Look, I met this guy, let's say a client and he invited me to his ranch," she explains. "I kind of like him, Kira, so I accepted."

"Okay, and?" This ought to be good.

"And we're going together, next week," she says, making my eyes widen, but no surprise in them. "I'm not taking no for an answer, just to be clear."

"Huh?" I gasp. Well, she's always bossy . . . or pushy?

"You heard me," she prompts. "And besides, you love country sides and I like him, so it's a fair bargain."

Oh! Why didn't I see this coming? Unsure whether Sam is requesting or informing me, I just swallow it as it comes, and take a deep breath coupled with a yawn.

"Sam, that guy, are you dating him?" I ask, my curiosity highly aroused.

"I think so," she returns with faint surety, and I frown bemusedly. "We had lunch, dinner, like two times. We kissed, we—‘’

Not the intimate details, please.

"Alright, enough," I interrupt her PG-rated talk. "Fine, I'll go with you."

"Really?"

"Yes, Sam. Didn't you say I have no option?" I roll my tired eyes.

Frankly, I prefer to spend my six weeks at home, reading books, watching movies and maybe a beach walk or swimming during sunset. I'm a very simple person, and so is my life. But knowing Sam as I do, she won't ever let that happen.

However, I've been in the comfort zone for two years and perhaps some little change of scenery is all I need to recharge my batteries. Same routine everyday can be toxic, I know, so how terrible would it be to go with her? I sigh heavily.

Three days have passed, and I'm officially granted my leave. Today I return home early, feeling like a school girl on a summer break. To my surprise, however, I find Sam inside my apartment, turning my space into her beauty parlor. She's busy polishing her long nails with a huge manicure kit on the coffee table. Her short bleached hair cascades freely down her giraffe neck, and I only see a fashion model in her. She's quite a beauty, and she knows the fact so well.

"Hi, Kiki!" She beams, and I hate that name. "You're home early. Let me guess, we're going on that trip."

"How did you get in?" Ignoring her excitement, I close the door behind me.

She frowns, and then drops her long legs from the table. "Kira, I told you to stop hiding your keys under the flowerpot, but well, I'm glad you didn't listen."

"Well, I should've guessed," I murmur, pulling a hair clip to free my thick curls.

"When did you get here?" I ask her as I head towards the bedroom.

"About an hour ago," Sam replies, "and I'm fine in case you've forgotten about my health!"

Oh my! I smile. "I'm glad you are. Have you had lunch yet? Or still on diet?"

"Depends," she says. "Are you going to cook?" She now gives me one of her severely tempting smiles; Samantha's special, because only she can break my resolutions.

"Lasagna or Spanish omelet?"

"Spanish omelet."

"As long as you wash the dishes," I mutter.

Sam laughs giddily. She's crazy for those two things, but eats only once a month; feminist torture. At times I get the impression that she only visits my place to eat, claiming that I'm the best cook in the world.

About an hour later, I ask Sam about the guy she's supposedly dating. Apparently they've met during work, and Sam volunteered to tour him around the city. Other details follow that I refuse to listen, but she seems to like him.

"He's not just a hang up, Kira. I seriously like him." She sounds sincere, and it's a first.

"Okay, I'm not arguing. Is he rich? Because I don't think he's a pauper if you're that excited." I take off my shoes, laughing.

"No, he's loaded," Sam says, shrugging heedlessly.

"Is he handsome? Like . . . enough to make terrific babies?"

Sam stays silent for a second, as if meditating, before saying, "He's breathtaking."

Okay, now I'm curious to meet this amazing man enough to make my crazy Sam drool over him. I understand she loves playing around with rich dudes and all, but never takes any serious. But now, I think she's serious about this one.