Chapter 12: Finally!

Since we only had a few minutes left before the working hour ended, I rushed to go to the toilet to check how I looked. Oil and dust were on my face. So I washed it, wore foundation, powder, lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. 

Having oily skin was tough. My face would be shiny after a few hours because of the oil. After rechecking my face in the mirror, I sighed. It was much better.  

When I was back in the working room, he was waiting for me. “Washing your face? You look so fresh.” Then he approached me to whisper in my ear, “Pretty!”   

It reminded me of when I was still thin. My body shape was ideal back then. With an oval face, a half-shoulder length black hair, brown eyes, pointy nose, and thin lips with an hourglass body shape, some men told me I was pretty. It had been a while to hear such compliments.

I didn’t expect to hear surprising praise from him. So, I just smiled a little. It was awkward. My cheeks flushed. I was sure it was crimson.  

Again, he whispered, “I love your shy blush. It’s priceless.”   

Since I didn’t know what to say, I was quiet and smiled. 

“Let’s go! It’s time to go,” he said.

I nodded. After taking my bag, put the sling around my shoulder, I followed him.  

He realized I didn’t walk beside him. So, he stopped his step and turned around. Since I didn’t expect him to stop, I almost bumped into him. 

“Why do you stop? What if I bump you?” I pouted at him. 

“Why do you walk behind me? I don’t walk too fast, do I?” His thick eyebrow rose a little.

I shook my head.

He immediately held my hand. “Probably I must hold your hand so you won’t be left behind.”

“Don’t!” I whispered in panic. 

“Why not?” he whispered back. 

“I don’t want people to see us,” I said, still whispering. When I realized we kept whispering, I giggled. “Why do we whisper?” 

He laughed too until his eyes formed the crescent shapes. “No problem. Besides, everyone knows we are close.”

I gazed at him for a while, then just followed what he wanted when he directed me to the parking lot. I was confused. What were we? I wanted to ask him, but I didn’t have any courage.

Many thoughts swirled in my mind. I didn’t want us to be awkward. Besides, it was impossible he thought that our closeness was serious. So, I didn’t ask him anything despite my brain screaming the question so many times.  

When we were in the car, he gazed at me. “You’re so quiet. Something’s wrong? Tell me. Who knows if I can help?”

“No, all is fine.”

“Really?” He stared at me again.  

“Yes.” I let out a sigh a little loudly.  

He was about to pull the gear stick, but stopped midway. Later, he turned off the car and stared at me. “Something’s wrong.” Then he repeated, “Something’s definitely wrong.”

“Hm? What’s wrong?” 

“You. I asked, and you were so quiet. Then you sighed without saying something. Talk to me, Lana. Did I make a mistake?”

Again, I sighed. “No, not at all.”

“Then why did you shut down? It’s so unlike you,” he said, clearly not wanting to accept what I said.

I folded my arms across my chest. “So, usually I’m too talkative?”

“Not exactly, but not as quiet as this. Just tell me. What’s wrong?”

Then I let out a long sigh. I moved my arms back to my lap again. Then, suddenly, I blurted out, “I’m confused by our closeness.” Ugh! Why couldn’t my mouth cooperate with my mind and just shut up?! I wanted to disappear from here!

“There you go! It’s better to speak up than just put it inside. I’m not a mind reader.” He gave me his sweet smile. “What are you confused about?”

“Uh … well … Uh!” 

He suddenly pulled my hand and held it. “I told you that you’re pretty, right?”

I nodded weakly. So? 

“Since the first time we met, I thought you’re the right person for me. I don’t know if you think so.” He stared at me. This time, he looked unsure. After looking away for a few seconds, he gazed at me again. “I like you. How about you?”

If the earthquake in my heart could be measured, it would show seven on the Richter scale.

“Lana?”

“Y-Yes, Boss?” I stammered.

“Do you only see me as your boss?”

I gulped. Then I shook my head. 

His smile was wider. “So, how do you feel about me? Do you feel the same?”

Again, I was speechless. It was hard to say yes. So I nodded once more. 

It seemed it was enough for him. He instantly hugged me. “Will you be my girl?” he whispered in my ear, then gazed at me with a hopeful stare.

If a handsome, kind, and nice man suddenly gazed deeply into your eyes and then asked you to be his girlfriend, it would be a crime to say no. So with a heart racing so fast, I finally whispered, “Yes, I want to be your girlfriend.”

Probably it wasn’t a romantic moment. We were in the car and still in the parking lot. It differed greatly from in movies or romance novels that the male leads would ask the female leads in fancy restaurants or in exotic places. However, it was perfect for me! More importantly, I finally got the answer for what had been bothering my mind these few weeks. 

***

The news about Edward and I who became lovers spread quickly. At first, he sent me a bouquet in the office. Many talked about it. At lunch time, I entered the accounting working room to see my friends.

“See? I told you! Treat us! I don’t want to hear no. Treat! Treat!” Cecil said while tapping her desk enthusiastically.  

I grinned to see her reaction. “Uh, I haven’t had the salary yet. Later, okay?” 

“Oh, please? Ask your man to treat us. Don’t tell us he can’t treat us?” Cecil pinched my waist.  

“Fine, I’ll ask him, but don’t pinch me, okay?” I pretended to pout, but I couldn’t prolong it because I was too happy.  

“Congratulations! Don’t forget to bring me too if he wants to treat you all!” Anna said while hugging me.  

“Me too!” Jenny shouted. “Don’t forget me!” She hugged me too. 

Suddenly, Edward entered the room. We were quiet all at once. 

At first, he lifted his brow, then grinned. “Apparently, we have Teletubbies here.” 

“Teletubbies?” Two seconds later, I just got it. “Oh, hugging each other?” 

He winked at me while laughing out loud. “Ah, about the treat. Don’t worry. I’ll treat you all this Saturday, okay?” So, he heard what we talked about. 

Spontaneously, Cecil, Anna, and Jenny took a turn to shake Edward’s hand. 

“Nice! That’s right, sir! Be good with her, okay?” Cecil said.

Anna shook Edward’s hand. “Congratulations, sir. I’m so happy for you two.” 

“So, who else can we bring on Saturday, sir? Everyone? But don’t invite the Trio Gossipers, okay?” Jenny whispered, but we all could clearly hear what she said. “They are troublesome. Don’t invite them.”

“The Trio Gossipers?” He wrinkled his forehead. I forgot I didn’t tell him about the nickname.

Cecil explained immediately, “They are from the Marketing department, sir. June, Myra, and Caithlyn. If you want to spread news, just talk near them. No need to wait for long. Soon all will know about it, but what people hear will be a different version from the original one.”

Edward laughed loudly. I smiled to see him because he was so handsome when he laughed. 

Cecil poked my waist and teased me. “Come on. Don’t show it too much that you like him.”