Limerence (Dauntless Series #2)

Chapter 23

It's been a month since I moved to Dublin. I wasn't missing Philippines that much because I grew up here so it's basically my second home.

My parents bought a house in Rathmines as a gift for me. It's quite an inconvenience if I stay in our ancestral house in Galway where my cousins are staying as of the moment but I might visit them one day. My work starts at 9 in the morning and I am not really a morning person so if I live there, I might be fired from having so many lates. And it's frustrating that even if I already have a job, I still depend on my parents. Moving to another country makes you go tight on budget.

I am staying at a two storey Georgian Town House. What's amusing is that even if I live in the city, the neighborhood doesn't have any record of crime and the nearby residents aren't as noisy as I thought they were. Isang buwan pa lang naman ako rito, who knows, maybe next month it will change eventually.

I decided to jog first thing in the morning before getting ready for another day at work. Dumaan muna ako sa isang cafe hindi kalayuan sa tinitirahan ko para bumili ng breakfast. I am so lazy to cook. My cooking skills aren't as great as my Mom's so instead of risking my house and setting it on fire, I'll settle on processed and delivery foods for the mean time. Saka na ako magluluto para sa sarili ko sa oras na mapantayan ko na ang cooking skills ni Gordon Ramsay.

The traffic wasn't bad so I arrived at my work on time. I immediately sat down on my cubicle's chair only to find myself standing up when I saw the Chief coming to me. He was lean and fair but obviously not the approachable type.

"You are assigned to illustrate Mr. L. Arsenault's Beyond the Midnight Hour book. Here is his calling card," he handed it to me. "It's best that you two communicate to know more about what he wants to include or change in the process. I already sent the manuscript on your email."

Nang makaalis na ang Chief ay binuksan ko agad ang email ko para basahin ang manuscript. It is a short story and definitely not a children's book. It includes crimes and mysteries and killings. Tinitigan ko ang calling card na hawak ko at nagdadalawang isip na tawagan ang numero. But when I lifted my head and saw the Chief looking at me with smug face, I heaved a sigh and entered the number on the telephone.

"Hello, this is Saoirse Mandeville from Paper Press. Could I speak to Mr. Arsenault please."

"Speaking." Said from a man with a hoarse voice. I swallowed.

"Good day, Sir! I was just wondering if we could meet today? To talk about the book and the likes."

A moan escaped from his mouth. My eyes widened but I quickly shrugged it off. I don't know how it happened but my mind was filled with dirty thoughts now. Pero ano bang pakialam ko? Kung ano man ang ginagawa niya ngayon, labas na ako roon. I only care about my job.

"Where do we meet? You name the place. Tell me the details so I can prepare."

I pursed my lips. I took a glance at my wrist watch. "My work ends at 3 o'clock. What do you think of Grove Road?"

"I'm grand as long as I'm with you."

Inilayo ko ang telepono sa tainga ko. Is he flirting with me? Ugh! Is it possible to drop this project? Hahanap na lang ako ng ibang trabaho kung sisantehin man nila ako.

Bumalik na ako sa trabaho pagkatapos ng tawag. I can't concentrate because my mind is flying somewhere. Now that I think about him, his voice sounds familiar, but I can't exactly recall where I heard that. He must be French because of his accent. I only know two people that is of French descent. Pero malabo namang mangyari na isa sa kanila ang nakausap ko.

Even if I prayed that the time won't pass by faster like that of a train, I still cannot have my wishes. I found myself driving to Grove Road. The cafe was occupied with students and professionals probably chilling out after a hectic day. I stopped walking and decided to call Mr. Arsenault, even if I don't want to. I just hope that we'll have fewer interactions after this. There's nothing wrong with hoping, right?