I DO <3

Elevator sounds cliche!

"So? Is it okay that I asked Garette to do this for us?" He was looking at me curiously. Maybe, trying to figure out if he did the right thing.

I can't look at him straight so I tried to concentrate on my untouched cappuccino. If this has been a different topic, I would be having my 5th cup or even 6th. Yeah, I know and I'm a proud coffee addict! If there's one thing that I can't live without, it'll be coffee. I stare at the creamy caramel colored liquid on my cup and I don't find it appetizing anymore. Is this guilt?

God, I really don't know if seeing her again is okay with me. Am I too shallow? Too shallow thinking only about what I feel? What about Paul?

I look at him and he's eyeing me curiously but hopeful that I'll consider the idea. Should I?

I met his gaze and I made up my mind.

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Being the boss of your own work brings a lot of advantage. I can ditch work whenever I want and I don't have to worry about getting fired or not getting my paycheck. Right, I own this boutique with lots of fashionable items that I, myself, designed. It's actually doing pretty good and I already put up two branches, the other one located somewhere in Brooklyn and the main branch which is where I usually go is here in Manhattan.

Looking outside Amsterdam Ave, I see every kind of shops opened ---- grocery, restaurants, handy shops, ice cream parlors, and just practically every commercial building ---- invitingly to attract customers, traffic lights changing, cars honking and people hurriedly walking. This is the usual scene outside my boutique.

My shop is a bit spacious; I don't like it to seem crowded if ever I get a lot of stuffs out. On the left, there is a waiting area which is near the cashier. We actually offer free coffees and also some good cookies, I'm generous like that. Sometimes, I think the regular customers came back for the free stuffs or maybe.

"Welcome to M&M. Enjoy shopping." I heard Mitch greet two teenage girls. One of my rules, always greet possible customers.

Right, M&M stands for Mix and Match. I try to always have variety of accessories to shoes and clothes. I tried doing bags but it's just not my forte so I settled in what I'm good at which is designing dresses and accessories that comes with it.

Another teenage girl with a woman, maybe in her early 30's came in. I greeted them and the girl went directly looking for a dress while the woman sat on the couch. I offered her coffee which she gladly took.

This has been a routine. Customers come and go.

I went inside my office and started reading the reports on income and expenses.

"An Idiot is calling!" A man with an English accent boomed from my phone. "An idiot is calling!"

Not looking at the caller, I pressed the green button. Of course, I know who it is. He's the only one who has that ringtone in my phone.

"Hey idiot." I said smiling, even though he can't see it.

"Hey Stripes." He said sounding so tired.

"What's up? You okay?" I asked, worrying a little.

"Yeah, I'm fine." His voice trying to sound a bit more enthusiastic. "Anyway, I called to say I can't make it tonight."

"Oh." The only thing I can say.

"And, I'll be in a seminar for 3 days." He said with a heavy sigh.

"Oh." Now, I'm upset. Why all of a sudden?

"It's gonna be somewhere in Lakewood. We'll be staying there for three days." I remained silent cause I really don't' like the idea of him being away right now. "Stripes?" He asked worried.