I Wanna Be Yours

Chapter 2

'Cause you're just damage control
For a walking corpse
Like me, Like you
~ Portion for Foxes - Rilo Kiley

"This is your office."

Simon showed Leah into a room about as big as a supply closet with a desk, a computer on it, some chairs, and a wilting potted plant on top of a small bookcase. The window had a fantastic view of the building next door and the cramped alley down below.

"I'm sorry, it's not much..."

"Hindi!" Leah assured him quickly. "Sa Maynila nga cubicle lang ako, diba? Buti nga dito may office pa ako."

Simon closed the door behind him and moved closer to her. Leah took a step back.

"Simon."

"What? Walang makakakita sa atin dito."

"Alam mo kung ano ang nangyari sa atin dati. Kung bakit ka napapunta dito sa San Fo," she reminded him gently. "We have to be discreet. Hindi pwede malaman ng ibang tao dito na may relasyon tayo."

Simon sighed and turned away from her.

"Simon..." Leah wanted to reach out to him but forced herself to keep her distance.

He turned back to her. "One year, Leah. We've been apart for one year and now I have to hide you? Pretend what? Pretend that we're nothing?"

"Hindi naman nothing. Former co-workers tayo, magkaibigan. Ayoko lang na pag-usapan ulit tayo. Tapos baka matanggal ako sa trabaho, o ikaw! Alam mo naman na kailangan na kailangan ko ang trabaho na 'to diba?"

"Of course I do," Simon said softly.

Leah sat down on her desk chair. "Ayoko rin na mapahamak ka. At ayoko ma-question ang abilidad ko. I mean, you didn't just recommend me for the job because I'm your girlfriend, right?"

"Of course not. Leah, I chose you because I don't think anyone can do this campaign better than you can."

"Alam natin pareho 'yon. Pero hindi 'yan ang iisipin nila kapag nalaman nila na may relasyon tayo."

Simon nodded in resignation. "As usual, you're right. Okay. I'll let you get settled in. Review those files about the client," he gestured to the folders on her desk. "Set up your computer and then I'll introduce you to your team in one hour."

"Thank you, Simon," Leah said in her most professional voice.

Simon left her office and Leah set to work, excitement coursing through her veins.

~

Clark knocked on the door. He adjusted the bouquet of roses he was holding. He kept knocking but there was no answer.

"Angela!" He called. "I know you're in there. Please, I just want to talk."

He waited a minute. And then two. Finally the door opened.

And there she was, standing in front of him in jeans and a well fitting sweater, looking as beautiful as ever and not like they had just broken up five days ago.

"What do you want, Clark?" The lack of emotion in her voice was a shock to his system.

"Can we talk?"

Angela opened the door wider and gestured him in. Clark walked past her into the house. He looked around.

"Your mom's not home?" He asked.

"Nope." Angela shut the door. "Just say whatever it is you have to say."

He handed her the flowers. She took it from him and carelessly tossed it on the counter.