Temporary Bride

Chapter Three

It has been two weeks after the accident. Despite seeing the blonde in the office every day since, Mika can hardly say that she knows Erika Linder. The "office guest" would most of the time join her for lunch outings. But she ignored her when they're in the building. She got the same brisk nod like everyone else. Soon, Mrs. Suarez's eyes became less watchful. The old lady was confident that her protégé was not to be led into unseemly behavior which would compromise the office.

To Mika, Erika Linder was like a rock face. It was a little like knowing a distant mountain. Oddly enough, she had started to look forward to seeing the blond, without actually knowing why.

On Wednesday, just before Mika left her table, she was summoned by Mrs. Suarez to her office.

"Mika, will you do me the most enormous favor? I could not really ask anyone but you. I know that when you say a thing will be delivered, it most certainly be delivered."

"Certainly, Mrs. Suarez. What do you want me to deliver?"

"Well, it is this file. Mr. Morales asked me to do it but I'm in a great hurry tonight. I know that it really is my responsibility, but I'm going to dinner with my brother and his family in Tagaytay, and if I sidetrack, I will miss my bus. Miss Linder already left and she need this file. She is scheduled to leave tomorrow morning and won't be coming to the office anymore. I don't think she would like to go without this. These are confidential documents and Mr. Morales does not want them sent via email. Can you drop this off at her hotel or whatever? The address is somewhere here..."

Mika was stunned. She stood there and let Mrs. Suarez look for the address, although she knows it perfectly well herself. Erika mentioned it at the accident and she had not forgotten. She was leaving tomorrow and she had never mention it. Not even a civilized goodbye... she was simply leaving without a word. It amounted to rudeness in Mika's book.

"I'll take it" she said a trifle frostily. Mrs. Suarez glanced up sharply.

"You don't mind, Mika, do you?"

"Of course not. It is on my way home, actually. I will see you tomorrow, ma'am." Why are you getting so affected, Mika? The luncheon dates... uhm, outings meant nothing. You are a mere acquaintance to her. Mika tried to calm herself.

It was not Mrs. Suarez's fault that she was disappointed in Erika Linder. Yep, she admitted to herself with a surprise that she is indeed disappointed. She had started to get used to the blonde, to her ways. She had begun making excuses for her hard exterior. She probably bored her out of her mind during their lunch outings talk. Still...

Punta Fuego is in the rich part of the town. The houses are huge and modern, and serve as rest houses for the rich and famous. Only club members are allowed to purchase properties, membership of which are strictly invitational. There was a portion that was converted into cottages which are rented out to non-members. Still, only people with money can afford the rents. Also, you need to be endorsed by a club member. Of course Erika Linder had an unending expense account and unquestionable connections.

Mika found cottage number three and rang the bell. She heard her coming at once. But still, she jumped a little when the door opened. Her height always took her by surprise. It is not every day she would find someone taller than she is.

"Mika? What on earth are you doing here?" She sounded a little irritated that Mika almost pushed the file at her.

"You forgot this! Mrs. Suarez asked me to deliver it to you. She could not do it herself because of some prior commitment."

"Thank you. These files are important" she murmured vaguely, her eyes on the file.

"I'll be off then. Good night!" Mika turned away, quite anxious to get away from the blond. She has not even said "Thank you" properly for bringing the file. For this Mika felt very irritated. If she won't make a quick getaway her tongue might cause her trouble again.