I didn't feel like going home that morning, but I knew I had to. Although Liam said I could keep everything he gave me, I still felt like I had to give them back to him. I didn't want him to think that I was too eager to keep those expensive gifts.
Though I was not into branded clothes and shoes, wearing a Victoria's Secret undies and Gucci dress gave me so much confidence. No wonder girls at work are working their ass off to save money for them. It really makes you feel like a princess. I caught a number of guys stared at me with admiring eyes. It made me feel so good.
I was about to insert a one thousand yen bill in Shinjuku Station's ticket booth when I heard my name being called. When I turned around, I saw Maria who seemed to be surprised to see me there. She looked at my dress and my shoes twice before looking straight at my eyes. She looked like she couldn't believe she was seeing me.
"That's one of Gucci's 2016 spring collections. How did you manage to get them? They're not on the market, yet. I've been keeping a close watch on that particular design because I want to have it for myself, too," Maria said.
I was tempted to brag about it but I decided not to. Maria might tell everyone at work. Or worse, she might assume the worst of me and spread it among our co-workers.
"I just borrowed this from someone."
"Really? Does this person have other designs? I want to borrow one, too!"
"Oh no, no," and I gave out a nervous chuckle. "Actually---it's a l-long story, Maria."
"Go on. I'm not in a hurry."
I seemed helpless. I was not a good liar. If she'll talk about the dress or the shoes one more time, I might not be able to keep myself from telling the whole truth. And it might be the end of my career at the hotel. For sure Maria would exaggerate the story and inform the management that Liam and I are getting closer. And I will be kicked out for violating the hotel's code of conduct around clients.
"You may have a lot of time in your hands right now, but I'm b-busy. I'm actually late for an appointment. Okay, jaa ne. Got to go," and I hurriedly paid my ticket and went inside the train station. I thought Maria would follow me, but she didn't. When I turned my back to look at her one more time, I saw her frown before heading south.
I just got inside the train that goes to Akasaka when Akiko called up.
"I've been calling you up all night! What happened to you? Why were you not answering the phone? Your mom didn't let me sleep in peace. She thought I was lying when I told her you were not with me. She even went to my place together with her new lover. That director guy."
"Sorry about that. My phone was on silent mode."
"Are you all right? Your mom was going crazy looking for you."
Serves her right! She already promised me not to have a fling anymore, but what did she do?
"I'm okay."
Akiko asked where I spent the night.
"I-I stayed with a f-friend."
"Friend? Dare (who)?" she asked. She didn't seem to believe me. She knew all my friends from way back high school since we both went to the same school.
"I actually have to go now. The lady beside me is already looking at me strangely for talking on the train. See you at work on Monday. And don't worry about me."
**********
Mom was out when I came home. But there was a message on the dining table. On top of my breakfast. I didn't touch the food. I just put them in the refrigerator and went to my room. I packed some clothes and changed into something more comfortable. I had to find a place for tonight. There's no way I'll spend a single minute in the house with my mom. We'll just fight for sure.
