Amor Vincit Omnia

XIII.

AVO || deserve

     I didn't think it would take me half the day to jot down notes and take pictures of the house and the whole team working on it. It turns out that Christian was building it for a friend who was moving here with his wife from Italy. His wife wanted to try and see an environment other than the vineyard they owned and she wanted to move in this neighborhood specifically.

Christian walked towards where I sat with our meals on his hand. I looked at what I have written and decided that it's enough for the first documentation. I also took a lot of pictures so I think I'm done for the day.

"Here," Christian placed a plastic container containing a cordon bleu, a salad, and a stack of mashed potatoes in front of me, "Eat up. We were walking around all day. You must be tired."

I gave him a smile and noticed that he has the same food as mine. I put my notebook and camera back inside my bag and prepared to eat.

"Do you want another set of food? We don't have any other than this but we can order," he took out his phone and skimmed on something, "We didn't get to prepare much because we lack the time."

My eyes widened and before he can call whatever it is he wanted to call, I grabbed his arm that was holding the phone. His eyes shot up to me and quickly shook my head.

"No need! I'm fine with this. I like cordon bleu."

Christian smiled and nodded before putting his phone down on the table, "Your favorite?"

I mixed the mayonnaise on the vegetables first before taking a bite. Man, I didn't realize I was this hungry.

"Among other things, yes."

I looked at the workers and saw that some were having their lunch while the others went on with their job.

"Aren't they gonna eat?" I gestured at those who were measuring the woods and metals scattered in front of them.

"Well, we have a deadline to meet. We agreed to have intervals. Some will work while the others will rest. Afterward, it's the other way around so we can finish early."

"When's the deadline?"

He took a sip of his bottled water before speaking, "Well, the owner said to take my time but I knew his wife is ecstatic to move as early as they can. That's why we set the deadline a month from now. Of course, we're not gonna let them move in immediately. If there's still flaws after a month, then we'll move the deadline and fix it."

I nodded and munched the remaining mashed potatoes in my plate. I checked the time and saw that it was almost 1 o'clock. I took a tissue and wiped my mouth before standing up. Christian was taken aback when I abruptly stood up. He put down his fork and debated on whether he was going to stand up or stay seated.

I put my palm up and grabbed my bag, "I'm finished. I still have another appointment after this so I better go."

"Already? Do you already have enough information?" He ignored my gesture and stood up anyway.

"Yes. And besides, I still have two more days. I'll come back here tomorrow."

"Okay. I'll walk you out."

He didn't wait for me to complain with his suggestion. He started to walk ahead and I was left sighing in my place. I had no choice but to trail behind him and wave a goodbye at some of the workers I spoke to earlier. I noticed Christian glancing at me from his shoulder once before slowing his pace down.

I pouted when I gradually caught up to him. I didn't match his pace so that I won't have to walk beside him and now he does this. I gripped my bag and realized that maybe I should apologize at how harsh I brushed him off last time.