Ci vediamo

15. Mr. Rodrigo

~Espada's POV~

"Am I not allowed to be selfish?"

"You know the answer to that mimmo. The question is; can you be selfish with him?"

"No. No, I can't."

"I know this is hard Anthony. Perhaps you should take a vacation. Go somewhere and take a break from everything for a little while."

"You want me to run?"

"No, honey. I want you to breathe."

That's a conversation I had with Mindy 7 weeks ago. I took her advice and took a Month's break from work and... everything. I'd been more focused on work than ever, since my return. No room for distractions or emotional nonsense. I spent most of my days and sometimes nights, in the office.

Ash had been surprisingly delicate and thoughtful. He didn't bother me unless it was important. Honestly, I appreciated it. Hell knew I wasn't in the mood for his antics! I hadn't had anything to eat since— it didn't matter. I needed to focus on work. It was 20:00 hours which meant the office should've been completely empty. It was also time to get up, stretch my legs, and have a glass of water. I didn't want to pass out due to dehydration!

"Mr. Rodrigo? Hello? Is anyone here?"

What on earth was he doing in this building? At my place of work? AT THIS HOUR? I closed the fridge without picking the water and headed to my door, opening it.

He looked surprised to see me. Shocked, even. He was wearing jeans and a see-through green shirt that showed his entire lightly toned torso even with the dimmed lights in the office space.

"What are you doing here?"

"You're Mr. Rodrigo?!" He said with a confused look.

"Yes. What. Are. You. Doing. Here?"

"Ummm... I'm here to deliver a package from the pastry shop across. I believe you placed an order." He answered.

It was at that point that I noticed the 'M Bakery and Pastries' emblazoned on the brown paper bag he was holding.

MINDY!

"Please come in." I said, stepping aside and motioning for him to enter my office.

"Thanks." He said quietly.

I took the bag, placed it on my desk and walked around it to the desk drawer to pick my wallet. I looked up to find Harold looking amusedly at my office. It was nice to see him smile. Can't do that! I can't allow myself to be vulnerable!

I cleared my throat calling his attention.

"I didn't think your office looked like this!" He said with a smile.

Curious as I was to hear about what he thought my place of work looked like, I swallowed and pretended not to notice how handsome he looked with that child-like smile.

"Here's the money. And a tip for you. Thank you for delivering my order!" I said, handing him a couple of bills.

"I don't want your tip." He said, grabbing my hand. "Are you doing alright Anthony?" He asked.

"Yes, thank you. You may leave now." I responded, pulling my hand away and motioning to the open door.

I felt awful as I watched him walk away. Perhaps I was too rude. He got to the door, grabbed the door knob and proceeded to close it without leaving.