A PURPLE DESIRE

FRANK VISIT

Lea's questions obviously made him uncomfortable, now that she had to get rid of Frank right away.

"Do I have to answer that..?" Frank asked her, but Lea was unstoppable. She opened the door but left the keys. Frank stood there, so handsome. Her chest ached, reminding her of how he'd broken her heart.

"I think you forgot this," Frank said as he held up her handbag.

Lea was taken aback when she confidently pushed the door open and twisted the doorknob. With a slight gap, she managed to extend her hand out to grab her handbag. Meanwhile, Frank's reaction was quite noticeable as his eyebrows raised in surprise while he observed her actions.

"Will you let me in?" he asked in his deep, sexy voice.

"It's late. I can't. I need to get up extra early tomorrow to get into the city on time, because of the rain... and all. I'm sure it will be a long commute." Lea mentioned it, but not by making eye contact with him.

"The rain has stopped but if you are worried, I will send a car for you. So, would you let me in..?" Frank asked her once again. His voice creates tension for Lea, realizing that Frank has to check her situation. She was aware that Frank knew her weakness, especially her attitude.

In a few seconds to think, Lea was still undecided, until she hesitated.

"Alright, in a minute"

Then Lea stepped out of the way. Frank proceeded inside the apartment.

Lea, like the helpful sales associate, guided the customer to take a seat on the worn-out couch adorned with a beautiful locally made piece crafted by Anne.

Frank's tailored coat was left unbuttoned, showcasing his cozy wool shirt and classic denim jeans. Completing his outfit were a pair of luxurious leather loafers adorning his feet. For Lea, this man that she loved before never changed the way he took care of his fashionable wear. This is how she admired Franks for being a net guy.

Frank sat comfortably, observing Lea as she gazed at him in silence, her expression reminiscent of someone engrossed in a movie.

"Do you have something for me to drink?" Frank interrupted Lea's deep thoughts of him.

"Yes, sure.." Lea answered, and she turned her way to the kitchen.

"Who was that?" Anne asked Lea.

"Ahm. He is my boss." Lea spoke softly. She hesitated to inform Anne about him at this moment, as she was still processing the unexpected appearance of her ex-boyfriend.

"Alright, I'm done cooking. I'll let you two eat first, then I'm going to Andrei's room."

"Thanks Anne." Lea said.

Anne stayed in Andrei's room. They are watching a cartoon movie for a moment while Lea assists her visitor, but not a special one. Instead of wine or some chilling drinks, Lea served cold water in a glass and gave it to Frank.

"A water?" Frank asked her and wanted to clarify something.

"Sorry, I don't have a wine or beer. I only have water in the fridge."

"Fine, I forgot you only earned a minimum amount from your work. You are such a sales lady anyway."

Upon hearing her ex-boyfriend's contempt, Lea found herself instinctively inhaling deeply, trying to steady her emotions and maintain her composure.

"I remember when you were eager to invite me into your home and into your bed."

Lea smirked. If only he knew how close he was to her bed.

"That was part of the past, Frank"

She swallowed past the lump in her throat, she'd just called him "Frank" Lea couldn't get comfortable with him again. Because he was engaged to someone else.

Frank removed his coat and folded it over the back of the couch. He looked relaxed sitting there in his jeans and shirt.

"Did you cook dinner? It smells good."

Her eyes shifted to the hall and back to him. She couldn't resist this chance to be near him... and the kitchen was the farthest from the bedroom.

"Yes, would you like some? It isn't much. Just pork stew and dried fish."

"Yes, thank you. I haven't had dinner yet."

Lea led the way into the kitchen, using her chin to point to the table covered with a clean but faded green table cloth.

"Take a seat."

She grabbed a bowl from the kitchen cabinet. Looking at it, she frowned and put it to the side. She took out another one and examined it before she ladled the stew inside. Next were two glasses that she filled with water and placed one in each bowl. She then put a bowl of rice on the table.

He tasted the stew and looked up at her. "This is so tasty, Lea. Where did you buy this dried fish?"

"At the road. There is a single mom with two kids who used to sell dried fish in the street going home." Lea said.

Seated at the table, Lea couldn't help but regret her decision to invite him in. His striking appearance, characterized by his jet-black hair and enigmatic eyes, only added to her dilemma. Despite his undeniable handsomeness, his eyes remained a constant mystery, never betraying any emotions or intentions.

"Are you happy living this way?" Frank asked her again.

"I work all day, tired, and then I come home and take care of my son."

Lea's mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts. What does he want from her? Gone were the days of pleasant conversations they used to have, the kind that reminded her of the love she once felt for him. It was all shattered when he betrayed her and shattered her heart into countless pieces.

"What happened to you? Why are you living in this... this broken-down apartment?" He motioned with both arms outstretched.

"I mean, in this neighborhood, which isn't safe."

The frustration in his voice couldn't be missed. Lea put her spoon down and pushed her plate away.

"The last time we met. The apartment I rented was burned by fire. Luckily, I have my sister-in-law living here. So I'm helping with the expenses now, and she is also taking care of my son." Lea explained and stood to get some water from the fridge, then she turned back to him.

"Lea, what happened with the man...?" She thought for a moment. "Who?"

"Brolden Gonzalez, the man who was assigned as manager in my store"

"Nothing happened between us. I didn't even know him. I thought at first he was a guest. I had nothing to do with him..."

"You slept with him!" He shoved his fingers in his hair.

"How could I sleep with someone I didn't even know?" Lea kept her voice low and tried not to show how upset he'd made her with that accusation. She poured water into a glass just the way she remembered, he liked to drink cold water with lemon juice.