Chapter 10

Ava was carrying a bucket of clean laundry into the living room, while Audrey was lying on the couch sideways watching television munching on her favourite pistachio nuts.

"How was your date yesterday? Did you noticed how everyone were basically asking who you were when you both just entered the ballroom?" Ava finally asked.

"Yeah I noticed the stares, it was so awkward. Even the whole night was quite awkward actually. Most of the time he was attending to his guests, while I sat there alone which he didn't even have the courtesy to apologize. I understand it was his company's big day but there's just something that is insincere about him. I don't know." Audrey responded while switching the television off.

"Yeah until Mr hot came to the rescue. I thought you said he didn't remember you." Ava sat beside Audrey on the couch.

"We met again the second time and then he remembered me. He's still an annoying ass. But did you know that Cale and Mr Loyd are not in good terms, at all!" She took another pistachio and placed it in her mouth.

"Yeah, I think it was because of the Lochmann and Russell deal. One time Mr Loyd came to our building and stormed into Mr Russell's office. They were arguing so loudly and even the securities were sent up to Mr Russell's office. Thankfully there were no physical fights but soon after the incident, the Russell and Lochmann deal was terminated. Mr Zach Lochmann was the owner of the Lochmann corporate and he was the cousin of Mr Loyd. Small world, huh? Mr Russell was so pissed and I think the whole staff could feel his wrath for weeks. It was a huge case at that time, I think most people should have heard of it, you didn't know of this?" Ava elaborated and took some pistachios from Audrey.

"Nope, I suppose I wasn't paying much attention to the business world ever since I quit. When was that?"

"I think it was about one and a half year ago." She replied continuing to munch on the pistachios. They talked more about last night, laughing and commenting on the events. Soon, Ava got dressed and went out to her date with her boyfriend, while Audrey stayed home enjoying her day off.

A few days later, Audrey was preparing for another event but one of the van was at the workshop under repairmen while the other van was being used to drop off the things for the event. Thus, she took a cab to the location of the event which was a few blocks away from her former office, Loyd's building. This feels like déjà vu. She thought passing through the familiar buildings as she had been for three years while she was still working at Loyd's corporation. She felt a sudden pride on her accomplishment and affirmed the decisions she made two years ago.

The event was a business gathering of 300 people. Audrey cater for the event that ended shortly. She helped pack up and loaded the vans as there were only a few staff present for today's event.

"It's alright you guys just go ahead, I'll just catch a cab after I get my things inside. See you guys tomorrow." She said to her staffs who were all sitting in the van. She went back inside to collect her things and stepped out of the building when it started to drizzle. She hurried her way to a more crowded road hoping she could get a cab easier. Quickened her pace, almost running but the rain was getting heavier. The rain was pouring heavily and she finally gave up and went inside a building for shelter. She stood by the reception and was surprised to realize that she was in the Loyd's building.

"Good evening mam, can I help you?" The security from the building asked.

"Kevin, is that you? It's me Audrey!" She replied.

"Oh hey Audrey, it's been a while. How are you and what are you doing here? You know what time it closes." He gave her a hug.

"Yeah I know, I was catering to an event a few blocks from here and I thought I could get a better chance of finding a cab here than there. Can I just wait here for a while till the rain subside? You won't even realize I'm here." She pouted and gave him her best puppy face.

"You know I can't say no to that. You can wait as long as you want." He smiled walking back to his post.

"Thank you! And send my regards to your family!" She replied, waiting quietly at the reception.

It has been almost half an hour but the rain continued to pour heavily. She was conflicted whether to continue to wait or risk getting herself wet while hoping to catch a cab before it gets even later. She was debating with herself and did not realize someone was walking towards her.

"I thought I already received your resignation letter, what are you still doing in my building?" She looked up to see her ex-boss with a flat face.

"I'm sorry I was just taking shelter only until the rain subside, sir. I couldn't find any cab in the pouring rain." She replied timidly.

"Let's go. I'll send you home." He said lightly and started walking a few steps and stopped noticing she has not moved.

"I won't repeat myself. You should know better." He looked straight to her puzzled face and they started walking to the entrance. He held her closer to him and held out his coat to cover both of them as they quickly get into his car. He opened the door and she went in looking in awe at the custom black leather interior. She felt a sudden guilt as she realized that her dress was drenched from running under the rain previously. He sat on the driver's seat and looked at her confusedly.

"Lean back. You don't have to sit that awkwardly." He stated.

"I'm sorry, my dress is drenched from the rain while running to the building just now. I don't want to ruin the leather seat." She said sheepishly.

"Stop apologizing and lean back. It's just a seat." He gently pushed her to lean comfortably on the seat.