Pursuing Pandora

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

                Victor's face was the only thing on my mind. The receptionist at the entrance was concerned watching my wobbly gait. Usually I enter with a smile and greet everyone I know. Today my colleagues had to shake me out of my daze. There was no way I could get any work done so I called Derek to meet me at a café at lunch. The 10'o clock meeting was cancelled and I really started to panic. With no work I will probably start thinking which in my case is bad...very very bad.

        Victor said 'see you later'. He didn't even know where I lived or worked. Hell I don't even think he knows my last name. I can't ignore the fact that he acted like he was frustrated and irritated when I tried to kiss him. He seemed pretty interested earlier. After all this years he still confuses me. He was not like the other guys I knew. He didn't have a façade, wasn't afraid to tell what he really felt and actually wanted to help a damsel in distress without any ulterior motive. Hell! I didn't want to keep up my facade with him. Around him I felt giggly and happy which is complete opposite of what I really am. No guy had made me feel so excited and confused.

         What's happening to me? Why does this guy have a constant place in my heart? I wanted to talk to him more. I want to know him. Listen him whine about his brothers which is so cute. I don't think he hates them. He's the kind of guy who could get unpredictably serious or funny. Uh I still sound unmistakably in love with him.

        Enough of him, I have work to do! I can't obsess about him when I have someone else to take care of.

        I was messing up everything today. I nearly spilled my coffee on some important documents. While reading some reports my assistant came in to help me. Joe was a great assistant. Even though he knew something was seriously wrong with me to make such silly mistakes he didn't say a word.

        Few minutes to lunch time he said, "Let's leave it at that and finish up later." He was smiling a lot. On closer inspection he was dressed primly and his hair had a little bit too much gel in it.

        "Hey hey why so eager?" I couldn't help asking

        He blushed and hid his eyes behind the thick rimmed glasses. "I'm going on a lunch date with my girl"

        "Aww I have never seen you do that before. Boy this girl is changing you...for good. I mean you were perfect as you were. No change needed but sometimes change is good." My blabbering had scared him rather than surprised him. His wide eyes were checking if I was the same lady from yesterday. With an awkward smile he slipped out of my office.

        It's amazing how a 10 min conversation with Vic change my behavior. Poor Joe must be creeped out by me blabbering. I get a little too intense with work. I want this company to prosper. I easily get irritated when things don't turn out the way I panned. Ok I am a bit of a control freak but you need that in business. Managing the business is my own way of repay the kindness David showed me. He raised me like his own child and was never partial. He knew I was different but never questioned Carola's judgment of adopting me and keeping me safe. Her death broke us all, she held us together. I owe her everything I have. All my dreams, ambitions, success, strength and most of all the ability to love someone unconditionally. I don't have much interest in the business. It was Ben's responsibility to take over but he never even considered owning the company. He loved photography and he was good at it. Most of the pictures in my house are taken by him.

 I have no idea what is going to happen to the company but till the time it is in my hands I'll do my best. When I am pissed I just give stern look but that 'look' is enough to make someone pee in their pants. Using abusive language with employees can be demoralizing. People talk like they are treading on thin ice with me. Ohkay my cold attitude might also be responsible for that.

Stepping out of the building into the warm breeze I wondered how long has it been since I last dated. It can't be that long right! Umm who did I last date....ah was it Chris. Yeah Chris! And that was almost 6 months ago. Well that helps in understanding why am I so obsessed with Vic right now.

I get a lot of offers but according to Derek I'm pretty picky and emotional uninvolved. Getting involved with me is only going to break their heart because I will never be able to fully trust the person. According to Derek I'm probably going to end up alone like those old ladies where the cat eats the carcass after their death. Oooon the plus side I'll have a lot of money and shoes!

I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't even know when I arrived at the cafe. I arrived a little early so I ordered mint tea and black coffee for Derek. This café has been our hangout from the time we met. The owner knows us well and even keeps a table near the window reserved for us. The café has a great view but unfortunately bad coffee.

 My favorite game while waiting is making up stories about strangers I see. Just then, there was an unusual sight. Among all the stiff robotic looking workers there was a couple so in love. The guy was tall with cute curly hair, walking with a blondie half his size. If it weren't for the huge difference in their complexions my jealous heart would have tagged them siblings. The girl was drinking a chocolate smoothie with too much whipped cream and colored sprinkles. So cute! The guy couldn't help but smile at the satisfying look she gave after each sip. Loosening his hand from her waist he gave her a twirl and the girl snuggled in his arms giggling. They looked perfect together but they are teenagers and don't even know what they are getting into. Relationships don't last long in this city.

That guy with the bad ass looks reminded me of Victor and my heart sank down.

What if...what if Victor already has a girlfriend!