THE RIDE

NELINA

My eyes widened as I saw the McLaren car. I'm guessing it's the McLaren 650s 2016. Should I check? I drew nearer to sneak into the vehicle and confirm my guess. It's him. "Hi" I waved a hand as if I knew him that much.

The guy raised a hand in response. "Get in," he said as he opened the passenger's door for me.

I froze and was hesitant to step into his car. But I can't be late. Okay, fine. When I stepped into his car, he showed a broad smile at me. It was awkward, so I nodded and revealed a half-smile. Thank GOD I won't be late. I immediately fastened my seatbelt as soon as I sat while he maneuvered the car again.

"Nice car," I said, scrutinizing the white McLaren. His car smells of expensive perfume.

"Thanks, so which way?" He smiled briefly before looking straight ahead.

"In the Trinity Building," I said, flipping my hair.

"What is it in there? If you don't mind."

"Meeting a client there," I answered, talking plainly as if I knew him for years. I shouldn't be in his car. But I had no choice, only to take his offer to be on time for my meeting. This is a now or never deal, so I have to make a good impression. I closed my eyes and let out a long breath.

"What's wrong?" He shifted to me and frowned.

"Nothing," I said, narrowing my eyebrows as I glanced at him. Was he bothered when I sighed?

"Don't be scared. I'm harmless." The guy said, and then he cracked; his tone was like he was teasing me.

I glared at him for seconds. I'm not scared of you, idiot. "Eyes on the road," I commanded, my hands clenched into fists. I don't care if this is your car; I still want to live. I focused my eyesight ahead, and he did the same before I heard a chuckle. Is this his habit? Do I have to deal with this idiot? I need to meet up with my clients. I reminded myself for the third time.

"I'm Royce, and you are?"

"Nelly," I retorted as I glared at him again. I remained adamant in my silence as he drove smoothly with his luxury car. I'm not in the mood to talk anymore. A few minutes passed when he initiated a conversation again.

"Sorry about that. It wouldn't hurt to talk to strangers sometimes, right? It's been a while since I haven't talked to a woman. Something tells me you're different. So, I thought I would not lose the chance to get to know you again. It was a mistake not introducing myself at the restaurant. Good thing you need a ride, and I was there," he narrated. He raised his chin as if he was proud.

My face heats when I hear his oration. Do we need to have this conversation? "Thanks, I just need a ride; I can't be late for my meeting. And don't apologize; I'm here because something tells me you're not that bad," I said, showing a half-smile. Am I too much? Slow down, girl, think about your client and the deal you have to close.

"Thank you as well."

"Who gave you your name, if you don't mind," I asked, flipping my hair. I've changed my mind; I thought I should maintain a conversation with him on our way to the trinity building.

His smile faded when I glanced in his direction. "My dad, he loves cars," he answered; his eyes never left the road.

"I could tell. That's why your dad names you after a car brand. That's cool. Maybe you have a very cool dad," I asked when a deep curiosity got in me.

"Not that cool. I didn't have too many cool experiences with my dad," he said, a brittle smile crept on his lips.

I do not need another set of conversations about his dad to realize that Royce is uncomfortable talking about the topic. To avoid the unpleasant atmosphere, I didn't extend the conversation.

"By the way, my proper name is Nelina; my dad chose this name for me."

It was awkward to keep conversing with someone unfamiliar with me, especially since I've been hiding from the world for almost two years. I just felt the need to continue talking because I couldn't stand the deafening silence in the car.

"This is the first time I have heard that name." His eyes lit up as I changed the topic. He plastered an open-lip smile again.

I have to admit, his smile is contagious. "Thanks, and yes, I think Nelina is not a common name. To me, it's not so new and not too old at the same time."

"I agree. And by the way, what do you do for a living? If you don't mind me asking," he said, licking his upper lip. This seems to be his habit, as I've noticed when we were at the restaurant.

"I've been a make-up artist for almost a year now. This is my bread and butter." This time I showed a genuine smile, not for him, but for myself. That's how proud I am of my job, my dream job.

"Good to hear that; you seem excellent at it," he said as he stared at me once more.

"How could you say that? You don't even know me." I couldn't help but giggle at his words.

"Well, I'm not into fashion, but for me, you have good taste and style. You carry yourself very well." He shifted his gaze to me, sizing me up before a corner of his mouth lifted.

It pleased me, looking at how sincere he was with his compliment. "Thank you. How about you? What do you do?"

"I have loved cars since I was a kid; I started collecting cars at a young age and spent more time with them. It was the way I started racing at an early age. I'm a professional car racer now, but I don't do it full-time," he replied with a grin on his face.

"Perhaps you inherited that from your father; you said he loves cars too. Is he a car racer too?" SHIT, I talk too much. This is not like me. I squeezed my eyebrows because I was displeased with how I acted. I shouldn't have mentioned his dad again.

He replies by shrugging his shoulders. I notice the same reaction to the mention of his dad; he stayed mute.

"Racing is cool; I love cars too," I said as my way of diverting the subject.

My brother's collection of cars was still vivid in my memory. A pleasant smile crept on my lips, reminiscing about those days. He had one of the extensive collections of cars in the city. But the smile didn't last long when the car explosion flickered on my mind. I forcefully clench my fists and squeeze my eyes shut. Again? Not now, please. I prayed in silence.

"We're here," Royce announced.

Interrupting my terrifying thoughts. Royce's voice made me shook my head out of my reverie. As my way of consoling, I wrapped my arms around myself.

"What is it?" Royce inquired. His voice had a trace of concern, which appeared to be a surprise to me. "What's the matter? What about the car? You said you love cars too," he asked as he settled one elbow on the wheel.

I had the chance to look straight into his eyes closely. His dark black, almond-shaped eyes were intensely staring at me. It made me lose track of how long we have been staring at each other. When I came to my senses, I cleared my throat to break the silence domineering between us.

"Forget about it. You know, I have an appointment to catch," I diverted the topic, anxious that I could end up blushing in front of him. The narrow gap between us made me uncomfortable. It's undeniable that he has the looks and the figure. I'm not into this now. I reminded myself.

It felt like Valentines' still; my cheeks were on fire. Slow down, girl. I reached out a hand to the door and opened it. And when I was about to step out of the car, Royce held my arms.

"Wait"

I was hesitant to look back, as I was afraid to show blushed cheeks. I was more than sure that the red apples were on my cheeks. In my peripheral vision, I saw Royce handing me my bag. "Your bag."

I closed my eyes in relief. GOD, what am I expecting? I grabbed my bag, but I didn't bother to look back. "Thank you."

"You're welcome in everything," he said before I heard a little chuckle. It forced me to look back, only to see an evil smirk plastered on his face.

Does he have to be mean? Idiot. I didn't say it out loud; instead, I pressed my lips out of annoyance.

"I hope this is not the last time."

"We never know," I said as I stepped out of the car, annoyed. What can I do? I badly need a ride.

I walked straight to the lobby of the building and refused to look back. I held my head high, balanced my shoulder while trying to keep my good posture. Swaying my left hand back and forth while holding my bag in the other. Today is going to be a good day! I did a few inhales and exhales to calm myself.

All the stress in the car with Royce paid off since I had a great client.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Jannette and Mr. Eric; you guys will never regret choosing our services."

"I know, Nelly, you are my first choice. We are grateful you are still free for our wedding day, right, honey?" Jannette shifted her gaze to the man she was about to marry. The woman's eyes shimmered as she laid her eyes on Eric.

"Of course, thank you, Ms. Nelly. Thank you for making my soon-to-be wife happy. Jannette and I are excited to have you at our wedding," he said as he pressed Janette's hand, now entwined with his.

"My pleasure, guys. Thank you for your time." 

We shook our hands to seal our deal right before they left. I nodded and waved goodbye to my clients. They walked out of the lobby hand in hand, causing a sudden twitch in my heart. They are the sweetest couple. Hey, every couple is lovely. But not the one I had. I forcefully closed my eyes and shook the thought away, and I took a deep breath.

"This is life. I love what I do." As expected, I closed the deal smoothly. The only thing left was to spill the good news to Marica.

Just when I thought it was time to celebrate. I slapped my forehead when I realized my phone was not in my bag after searching in every pocket. "Oh, shit, I left my phone in Royce's car," I said it out loud, annoyed at myself.

I paced back and forth in the meeting room to figure out how to retrieve my phone. How would I contact Royce? I don't know how to get to Royce. 

"He is not the kind who will steal things. He is rich, for sure. But I doubt if he has time to return my crappy phone. He wouldn't throw it away, right? What should I do?" I said to myself and forcefully shut my eyes, while I tried to think hard. I am doomed.

The good thing is that the receptionist at the lobby allowed me to call Marie after explaining everything to her. Someone picked up the phone immediately.

"Yes, Shiela, this is Nelly. I'm calling from the trinity building, and I don't have my phone now. Can you please connect me to Marica? I need to talk to her."

I listened to the other line and waited for a moment before Marie answered. "Oh, finally. We got the deal, Marie, we got it," I said, almost screaming. The receptionist stared at me, a little confused. I gave her an awkward grin.

"This is our biggest deal so far," I said in my voice, raising a few decibels. I listened to Marie's congratulatory message for me.

"Yes, thank you. I'll see you soon." I was about to hang up when she asked about my phone again. "Let's talk about that as soon as I get there."

I cut the phone call and thought to myself a better way to explain how I end up with a stranger. What if she would assume I was dating? "Fuck, that shouldn't be my concern."