CHAPTER 4: Talking To An Alien

CHAPTER 4: Talking To An Alien

“Really?” I bit on my ice cream and nodded at Freda. 

It was Sunday and we were sprawled on a mat on the ground with Louisse and Mia running around the old park nearby our old neighborhood.

“He said he didn’t want anyone uncommitted like Sir Troy. It was his philosophy, as if he would know the person through his relationships—awww,” I paused and grimaced when a brain freeze hit me.

Freda tapped my back. “That’s what you get when you bite into ice creams.”

I sat up. “Hey, it’s a different experience when you bite into it!” 

Freda just nodded at me, with her face uninterested. “Let’s go back to your boss and his first ever failed business arrangement.”

I leaned my elbow on the floor again and watched the leaves swaying above us with the wind. 

“Yeah, since I’ve been his secretary, I’ve never seen a failed business deal done by Sir Troy himself. It was almost like he had this persuasive power that he could lure anyone he wanted—“

“Ah-huh, like girls like Annika Peterson.” Freda cut off. I just shrugged. 

“Yeah. But I guess there’s always a first time in everything. It’s just too bad since this deal with the Petersons has always been the goal for months now. Sir Troy seems to be fixated over having a partnership with them.” I bit into my cone and chewed for a while.

“I mean, it makes sense that he wanted a partnership with them since amongst all other companies Sanford Properties hold, we were mainly about construction. And since Peterson Estate is a real estate business, the biggest in the industry right now, it would be a perfect combination. But you see, Freds, we can have other companies like that too. We even have many invitations regarding partnerships like that from other big real estate companies. Sir Troy just really doesn't want to entertain them.”

“Maybe he only wants the best. He wants someone from the top.” Freda concluded. I just continued eating my ice cream.

“So, what’s he gonna do now? Does he want to make it official with the heiress now that he needs something?” She asked. I sat up and finished off my cone. I took a tissue and wiped my mouth and hands. 

“I don’t know. But I don’t think he’ll do that with Miss Annika, too. Besides, isn’t it going to be too obvious that he was desperate for the deal if he does that? And Sir Samuel already mentioned about not liking it.”

“Well, yeah. But he’d get what he wanted. And as a father, I bet that’s what Mr. Peterson really wanted either. He just got frustrated over the fact that your boss seems to not have that as part of his plans.” I shrugged. 

“I‘m not sure. Sir Samuel wants something authentic. And he for sure doesn’t want his only daughter to be used like that, and be hurt in the end. His daughter deserved more than just being played at. Any decent human being does.” I said. I drank the water beside me and settled under the big tree and the refreshing breeze of the wind while laying on a soft mat. 

Ah, what a great day to live.

Freda scoffed. She flipped her red locks behind her. “You know what, for someone who gets nothing but shi—“

“Don’t say bad words, your children are around.” I put a finger in front of her face in warning as I glanced at Mia and Louisse playing with rocks beside the tree. 

Freda smacked my hand away and rolled her eyes. I chuckled. “You always hear and get bad things from the woman, and you defend her like that. She even wanted you fired for the hundredth time!”

I just laughed at my best friend. “Well, what do I say? Does my halo look good on me?” 

I fluttered my eyes and positioned my hands like what people do when they pray. Freda smacked my arm and we both laughed together.

It’s my day off, and Freda cleared some schedules she had today just so we could finally have this date together with her dogs. She said Louisse and Mia missed running around and playing outside with me. I know it was just her excuse to hang out, but yeah, I miss having this simple day with them too.

“Hey, your phone’s ringing.” We were silent for a while when we both heard my phone vibrating.

I crawled over the side and took my phone. I frowned when I saw who was calling. 

“Who is it? You got a boy-toy you didn’t tell me about?” Freda asked, wiping her hand on some tissues. 

“It’s Sir Troy,” I said, confused. 

He’s never called me on my day-offs. Ever. Yeah, he’s professional like that. One of the few reasons why I managed to put up with him for years. Including the amount of salary, of course.

“Really?” Freda scoffed. I just sighed and answered the phone. “Hello, Sir.”

“Lia, I need to speak with you.” 

Alright. No greetings whatsoever.

“Sir?” I asked, not having any idea why he would want to talk to me. 

Except for work, we never really talked about anything, the reason why I know almost nothing about his personal life, probably except for his home address and the girls he’s dated casually. He’s very private. So I got zero idea regarding this one. 

Freda mouthed ‘what’s happening?’ to me. I shook my head and shrugged.

“It’s urgent. I’m at your apartment but you’re not here. Where are you? I’m gonna pick you up.” 

My eyes immediately widened and I stood up. Freda followed me and started mouthing words again, but I couldn’t answer her.

“W-what? Why?” I asked, frantically.

“Just tell me where you are, Lia,” he said, and I could hear the revving of the car on his end. He was driving! Without Fidel! To pick me up! 

I'm in my old jeans!

“A-ahmm, I’m at the nearby park at… ahh,” I widened my eyes at Freda, my mind going blank. I forgot the address!

“Is that from your old house?” Sir Troy asked. I nodded despite him not seeing me. 

“A-ah, yes, Sir.”

“I’ll be there in five,” he said and immediately dropped the call. I stared at my phone.

“What’s happening?” Freda grabbed my arm and asked. My eyes went to her. “He’s coming to pick me up.”

As if having the same thoughts, we both just started cleaning the mat frantically before the boss arrived. And when we both heard a car coming, we looked at each other wide eyed.

“He’s here.”

I stood up and fixed myself. I fixed my old uni shirt and jeans as much as I could—not that it would make much of a difference. 

I was just meeting my best friend, who has seen the worst of me, in our old neighborhood! I didn’t think about being ‘presentable’.

Sir Troy’s black car came into view and he was quick to park beside the park (no pun intended). And as soon as he walked out of the vehicle, I was struck by how odd it was to see him not in our building or in any place where work wasn’t involved. He wasn’t even in a business suit.

It was like seeing an alien walking for the first time on Earth.

“S-Sir Troy. I didn’t know we had something to do today,” I said as soon as he stopped in front of me. I took a step back, not wanting to crane my neck at how tall he was. 

And well, I needed distance from him. He looked way too perfect with his casual shirt, black slacks and black cap that covered his luscious dark blonde hair. It made his bright brown eyes pop which also sharpened his features.

Dang.

“We need to speak privately,” he said, sounding so serious and in a hurry. His bright eyes went behind me and I immediately knew he saw Freda. 

I formally smiled at him. “We can do that in your car, Sir. My friend and I have stayed here for a while.” 

Sir Troy just nodded, seemingly in a hurry and would just agree about doing anything. I practically kicked him out of the place. He didn't even react. 

“Let’s go.” 

I just nodded at him as he started walking towards his car again. I looked at Freda and saw how curious she was getting. I motioned to her about following the boss and she mouthed ‘call me later’. I nodded.

I got inside the car, and as soon as I settled on my seat, the boss just said the most outrageous thing ever. 

“Marry me, Lia.”

I stared at him, convinced that this is really an alien I’m speaking with.