Autumn Leaves

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

     I know I said that Ellie is like my second mom but sometimes, I'm her second mom, too. I am because I felt like a proud mama when her painting cost more than meets the eye - our eyes, actually.

     Right after the auction, I had thanked Ivan for trying his best to win over Ellie's masterpiece - though he didn't - because not that he just loved it, but he also raised the cost of it - which was great, too, than what we were expecting.

     I looked over the stage to see where Ellie was but I only saw her painting being brought back by the staff to the booth.

     Before I turn back to Ivan, he had already told me that he need to see the piece again before it will be completely given to the winner of the auction.

     That's when I told him it's okay and finally found Ellie standing with Trevor behind her. I almost ran to her but only slowed down by my officemates behind me. I gave her the tightest congratulatory hug that I could.

     "Oh my gosh," I breathed next to her ear. The next lines were most likely said in a higher pitch. "Congratulations! See? I told you it's alright!"

     I let go of her and let Catherine give her a hug as well. I watched them for a little while before turning to Trevor who had said something about how Ellie looked strangled when I hugged her.

     Diane, Sara, and Andrea had started talking to each other and later joined by Catherine. Meanwhile, Ellie left and I saw her walking toward the booth where Ivan is. I smiled.

     "I think Ellie was intimidated by my mother as well." Trevor said behind me and I turned around to face him.

     I shook my head. "How?"

     He put his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "I sensed it." He said. "My mother had talked to her before the auction and she may have frightened her."

     I laughed. "We always have the same thoughts." I sighed.

     It fell silent for a moment and, after all of the days and weeks we've hung out, it wasn't awkward anymore. It's like we just need a little moment to let what we've talked about sink in.

     And then it came to my mind.

     "Who was that girl?" I asked, tilting my head up to look at him.

     His eyebrows furrowed together, creating lines between them.

     I just smiled it off and clarified it. "That girl before the auction?"

     "Oh," he said and blinked. "She's the daughter of one of my mother's business partners. Her name is Alexis Cruz and we've known each other before my mother put me into the business."

     I scrunched up my nose. "Is that how she usually greet you? Because that's just annoying." I said, adding a chuckle.

     He chuckled as well and nodded. "Actually, we met when I was still in college. Of course she was in college too. Our parents had decided to put us in the same university so we could talk more about our family businesses and stuff like that.

     "And to answer your question, I never did what our parents wanted us to do. I never really showed up to her and whenever we do, all she does is to do. . . that." He explained.

     I bobbed my head slowly. "So she's that clingy?" I said. "Annoyingly clingy?"

     Trevor's lips broke into a grin. "Yes. But you know, I sometimes like her company, especially when I'm drunk."