MILES AWAY

Chapter 11

"Good Morning Mr. Sanders." Ora greeted Harold formally and I just nod to him in acknowledgement as he took a seat in our boardromm. A moment after, dad arrived and sat beside Harold. Once everyone is settled, I started immediately.

I know Harold has been trying to hold my gaze each time but I ignored it and act professionally, a mindset that he's just a client. Nothing more.

The presentation went well as I stayed focus. There we're some debates and discussions about the materials and safety issues and also with regards to the estimation of the budget but it ended with better decisions by meeting halfway. There will be some revisions to the plan before proceeding to the next phase, but overall, I felt accomplished.

Dad excused himself after and we we're left there, the three of us.

"Can I talk to you alone, Miles. Please?" Harold asked hesitantly while I'm arranging my things.

"Is this regarding about your house? Did you forget anything to say?" I asked, emotionless.

"Its about..us.." He said, so soft, so sad.

I met his gaze to scrutinize his features, his eyes visibly tired with dark circles around, he looks pale, restless and... he deserve it.


"Harold, If you think you can trap me with this idea being our client, then you're wrong. We're over. If you're gonna keep on doing this, then I wont get tired reminding you that we're done." I looked at him intensely before I continued, "I repeat to make it clearer. We're done." I firmly said making sure that he's absorbing what I've said because I mean it, every single word.

"Excuse me."

I made my way back to our office. I can feel Ora is catching up.


"That's my girl." She said and winked at me.


I just shrug and laughed about it.

He's really getting into my nerves. I just want him to stop and get over it.



**



Dad made a reservation for us at a restaurant nearby our building so we headed there for lunch. The conversation started with some of the company's on going projects until it drifted suddenly about me.

Mom's question was unending about Terrence, every tiny detail about him was asked even if we've just been started dating. And I just answered honestly just for her contentment. Dad was silent, just listening.

"Are you sure you're not forcing it?" He finally talked, questioning.


I smiled. Not at all, I thought at the back of my mind.


"No dad, I'm not forcing anything, he deserves a chance. Right?" I answered honestly.


"Well, its just that, he's still acting immature and childish at times. Are you sure he's not just playing around?" Asked dad eyeing me intently.

Terrence has been there for me all my life and his judgement makes me rankle but refused to show it.

"Richard, what are you talking about?" Mom interfere more of a disapproval.

"Just drop it dad, where is this going?" I asked, irritation in my voice shows somehow.


"In my opinion, I don't like you dating him, its better you two are friends, but you are a grown up woman that can decide on your own. So just be wise and think twice. I just care for you. I'm your father."

Wow.

It sounds more like a warning to me.

All I want to do after hearing those words is to walk out from the table and stomp my feet because I'm really boiling now. Its surprising to feel this way, I don't like bad comments about Terrence because he's a good person, But I choose to remain composed. He's still my father.
When I didn't answer, a thick awkward silence enveloped around us.


"Ok, I think we should get back to the office now, we'll go first." Ora said getting up, sensitive enough to feel the tension in the atmosphere. She grab my hand and I immediately follow her not leaving any word.


**

Once we we're on the car, Ora faced me but my eyes straight on the windshield.

"Dad's being a jerk. Don't listen to him." She started the engine and drove back.


We we're silent for a moment until I decided to open up.


"It still hurts seeing him." I started and she gave me a sideway glance.

"But its not that bad anymore like from the start." I smiled.

"There is still a bit of anger...melancholy..but its so little, fading slowly and its weird." I laughed a little and looked at her. She didn't answer right away.


"No its not weird. Its just that your heart's starting to accept the fact that you two are not meant to be," She pause and gave a quick look to know if I'm listening.
"You know deep inside that you're totally closing that chapter of your life. You're ready to make new memories without him in the picture, to discover more about yourself and realize that you dont need to get stuck on that situation for a long time because there's a lot of good things waiting." She said and winked at me. 

"Are you a love guru now?" I said laughing at her and surprised by her meaningful words.


"I deserve an applause for that." She snorted but suddenly turned serious.

"Don't plan on loving him back like you're obliged to do it. That's where you're wrong Miles, when you told me you will love him back like its your responsibility." I felt guilty realizing that.


"You just have to let him in, that's all you have to do. Be carefree." She continued as we parked, she looked at me seriously.

"Say whatever you want to say, you dont have to think twice all the time. Let yourself lose control sometimes because I know, and you know, that he makes you feel safe, always. You can let your guards down. He's worth it."

We stare for a moment, digesting everything she just said to me and composing the right words to say, I know she was so damn right.

"You don't need to talk. Just do it. He deserve it more than anything." She held my hand and squeeze it for comfort.


I just nod at her and smiled genuinely.



**


"Hi?" Terrence greeted hesitant as he saw me making my way towards him from our building, his hands on his pocket, leaning on the car door, a shy smile playing on his lips. I sense he's kind of nervous.


"I wanna join you tomorrow with your routine." I stopped inches away from him, and smiled widely.

He looked at me puzzled.

"Oh, let me rephrase that. I, will join you tomorrow with your workout routine." My voice authorative before he could say anything.
His brows furrowed, and slowly, a surprise smile formed his lips as he shook his head.

"You hate exercise." He said, still smiling, his voice challenging, he raise a brow.


"Well, I was actually making moves on how to be with you during this weekend, but I guess, you're shutting me down." I said dramatically, and left him there as I open the car door and entered swiftly.

He followed and entered the driver's seat, his smile never fading as he looked at me again.

"We're not going home this weekend?" He asked.

"No. And Ora is going somewhere with Tyler. Its gonna be their anniversarry so they have plans." I answered.

"Just the two of us then?" He said, his smile on a full blast my heart doing backflips inside, those words echoed in my mind, it made me excited. 'Just the two of us.' Hiding it, I rolled my eyes at him and growled, looking annoyed. I heard him laugh.

"Do you want it or not?" I asked, raising a brow, crossing my arms, showing a bit of annoyance. There was no response.

He started the engine and drove away as he suddenly grab my hand, intertwinning with his, sending electric shocks through my veins.
I felt butterflies when he kissed the back of my palm and glance at me, his lips stayed there, 1...2....3...4...5...
5 seconds, I felt his breath so warm in my hand, I swear I can hear my heart beating like a drum.

"I want it, so much." He said so serious this time, his eyes tantalizing, "You really made me happy." And there, another gentle kiss again from my hand before he settle it down on his lap, his touch so gentle, caressing and I dont wish him to stop.

"I thought you got mad at me this morning." His voice was a litlle sad saying it.


"I was actually mad." I said playfully, but mean it eventually. He threw a sideway glance at me confirming if he heard right.
"For you not confessing earlier." I continued and its my turn to sound sad. I looked away and heave a sigh. I wish he should've said it before.

"I'm sorry for being a coward. I just thought I was already obvious." He held my hand tighter, like not wanting to let go, and I'm not also planning to.

"I know, I had my flaws too, we're not perfect but you're lucky, because I can't really stay mad at you." I smiled and he laughed richly. That felt music to my ears.

"So, are you excited for tomorrow with my workout routine?" He smirked.

I looked at him and smiled genuinely, thinking that this man, right here with me, have been so patiently waiting, hoping, caring and making me feel worthful all my life is the reason of my happiness right now. I felt so grateful to have him all this time, that he loves me, more than anything and I know he'll never leave.

"As long as I'm with you."