FALSE Clairvoyance

Feminine Offers

Koke hits home, dropping his bag before returning Mary's call with an apology for missing it. The generally warm and approachable manager replies with positivity, saying that an unanswered call to the dude doesn't bother her at all. She also acknowledges her fault for not telling the junior accountant about her meeting with the company board members which lasts all day. It is only in the late afternoon that she gets a moment to check her phone.

Koke is leaning with his back against the wall just after the sofa, his eyes looking up at the ceiling dreamily. Mary is in the kitchen making up dinner for her and Kyrie. The sizzling from the pan makes it to the other end of the line. "Mmm. Your kitchen smells nice." The lad jokes.

The lady giggles prior to admitting her culinary activity. "So, you didn't work. Did you? " She asks.

"I did. Good enough, my space is enclosed."

"Okay. It's brave and good of you. You know how I can't get to office with my insecurities on top."

"Mhm." Koke replies.

Mary frowns with no immediate reply before the guy's voice elaborates on his response. "Yeah. I know. We're different, you know."

He shrugs.

"Yeah. But you're way too different. I'm waiting to see a challenger." The former secretary's voice sounds from his receiver. Koke only smiles, giving the lady the chance to go ahead. "How was work today?"

He sighs. "Weird and normal." He pauses prior to explaining the answer. "I received files for documentation, a little chit-chat, went for lunch, didn't receive a visit from the manager and colleagues told me it's a pity that Halima wanted to complicate my life."

Meanwhile, the woman on the other end of the line giggles particularly at his mention of her occasional supervisory rounds.

"Anyway, I coped and the day ended well." Adds Koke with his shoulders posing upward.

"Oh, wow. Well, I see. So, what did you prepare for supper?" Asks the boss.

"I'm eating out today. I just feel like it."

"Alright. Enjoy. But be careful while out there. I don't wish you to bump into Halima. By the way, did she use the advantage of my absence to sneak in?"

Koke sighs and shakes his head. "Let's not talk about her."

"Oops. Sorry. I didn't intend to....It's fine. I'll be careful and if she appears anywhere near me, I'll leave immediately." The junior accountant interrupts. "Okay. You can call me so I can back you up with security. We don't know her intentions at the moment." Mary offers.

"Alright. Thanks. But I doubt she can threaten me to such a point." The lad comments.

"Just in case." The manager's croaky voice sounds clear from the receiver.

"I get it." He sighs. "Now, will you let me out? Miss? Madam? The boss?"

"Hah. Stop that. Alright. Bye. Be careful."

*-*-*-*

For the first time since his return to Cuba, he purchases a gobby. That follows his visit to an eatery. On returning home, he slumps all his weight onto his bed, sleep taking him as immediately as possible. Waking up peacefully in the middle of the night, a persistent tentigo precedes him undressing and entering the bathroom to strike it, cleaning himself afterwards.

He gets into pale-pink-polystyrene loose shorts and a similar shirt with pinkier buttons. He proceeds to the underside of the bed covers, placing a pillow behind his back against the headboard before focusing on his phone. He scrolls through his WhatsApp contacts, hesitating when he reaches the H section of the names. He checks further down to the end of the list.