11- I did not

Steam danced above the liquid, floating in slow motion as it left traces of rich caramelized nuts. I licked my bottom lip as I watched my cup get filled. Coffee turned into my new addiction after I quitted smoking. At least that's what everyone thinks. 

I groaned as I watched the thin line of liquid that connected the machine and my cup vanishes. It made a noise similar to water being drained down the bathtub followed by the clicking of something broken, drowning the peaceful sound. 

I pulled out my cup. I groaned and then disconnected the machine before hitting it. 

I couldn’t put a finger on what exactly was bothering me but I was angry. I could feel the center of my forehead crease in annoyance as I tried to fix it by hitting it harder. Probably the worst idea, but whatever. 

“Hey, Hey! What are you doing? Are you trying to break something else besides my brother’s nose?”

I looked up at the voice. Diego was holding a box. He made a sound on the back of his throat while he placed it carefully by the kitchen entrance. 

I lifted a brow and clicked my tongue. Jake barely hit his face. Actually, Sebastian is lucky he didn’t get a broken rib as well. 

"He deserves it," I added. 

Diego chuckled as he joined me by the counter. "I bet he does. How was the blood?" Afraid that I'd be ready to argue, he cautiously took the cup from my hand to pour coffee from the other coffee maker. I’d seen it earlier, but I was just being stubborn to use the other one.

I hummed as I watched him move. "I thought he was going to die, I panicked. " I took the cup back without question and took a sip. I closed my eyes to savor the moment. I finally felt alive. " I really hate myself for defending him. Should have finished what Jake started. " I rolled my eyes and hid behind another sip of coffee.

This time, he burst out laughing. "You are getting scarier."

"I am sorry. "

"No need. You have the right."

"So, what are you doing here? I thought I'd see you in a few more weeks."

"Yeah, well, change of plans. By the way, here is your order. "

By this time, we were both leaning on the counter. "So you came back to be my personal messenger?"

"If that's what it takes to be near you, then yes." 

I scrunched up my nose. Diego was infatuated with me when I first came with Sebastian. Even though it only lasted a few hours, because that's what it took to discover that I was his sister-in-law, he never hid it. He practically insinuated himself to me, now that I think of it, it's funny. 

"What are you laughing about? I mean it."

My smile broadened. "Of course you are. Help me take the box to my lab. I'll believe you then."

"You are a sly woman. " Diego followed me down the hall and to my lab. I rarely allowed people inside. It means a lot to me because this is where I get to invent my magic potions. 

We walked together in silence; both of us in our own worlds of memories. Cool air engulfed us when I pushed the door open. It was my personal space. It was the only thing besides my house (now that Jake's with me), that I could call home. 

Unlike my penthouse, this place was small. There was nothing to look at but a pair of stools, a notebook, and a pen, all solutions I needed for my trials, and all laboratory equipment I needed. Plus, it was white. 

"Were you waiting for this box in order to continue? " He paused to look around, searching for a place to put it without breaking anything. 

I showed him where I needed it and shook my head. I was running short of some things already. 

After he did, he went over my notes. "I am impressed at how good you are with this. Do you have plans for after the meeting?"

I smiled in appreciation. "No, not really. I am heading home right after that. You know how I feel about leaving my brother alone. Why?"

“Elena wanted you to come over. I’ll tell her no if you want.”

I was confused for a while. Why didn’t she call me? I took out my phone from the drawer and saw the missed calls. Guilty, I smiled at my brother-in-law. “What’s the occasion?”

“Family reunion. I promise you Pollen won’t be there.” When he saw my face of hesitation, he added. “I cannot say the same for Sebastian.” 

“I know. I’ll think about it.” Angry at myself again, I threw the phone in its place. “I cannot promise anything.”

Diego stood out of my way as I pulled out the stool to sit. He knew how hard I’d fallen for Sebastian, it wasn’t hard for him to read me. The thought itself sent my heart skyrocketing. Even if my head said that I shouldn’t go, a part of me was already planning for a dress to wear. 

Diego joined me for a few more hours. He watched me do many more trials. I changed some elements, fixed the measurements and by the time it was midday, I hadn’t done much but exhausted myself. 

“I’ll treat you to lunch,” he offered as we were heading to the elevator. 

We went directly to the restaurant across the building. Diego did most of the talking. He told me about the trip he made with his girlfriend. Actually, he was there to close some contracts for his father, but he wanted to kill two birds in one shot. Sadly, the bullet backfired and things didn’t go as planned. 

“And you are okay with that?” I asked, uncertain of the reason for his tagging along.

“It’ll take me a few days before I get back to normal. You don’t need to worry.”

“Are you sure?”

“I feel better than you, Amanda,” he assured me.

“Ouch! You don’t have to throw my own misery in my face.”

He winked mischievously. 

I rolled my eyes and smiled at him. 

Diego was so easy to get along with. Why couldn’t a certain person be like him? If he was less of himself, things would have been different. I couldn’t be the problem, could I? Absolutely not. I mentally groaned. I had to get over this. But why was it so hard to let go?

“I want to cut my hair,” I found myself saying.

Diego choked on his water. “You want to do what? Didn’t you say you liked your hair long?”

I shrugged. Honestly, I had no idea where that came from, but saying it out loud didn’t sound that bad at all. “I’ll go to the salon today, I guess.”

This time it was his turn to ask. “Are you sure?’

“Very.” 

We headed back to the office after that. Most chairs were occupied when we got to the meeting. It hadn’t started yet, but Sebastian was already preparing his presentation. 

We locked eyes for a few seconds before he turned away. He couldn’t be mad for having his nose broken. Something told me there was another reason behind that. The purple marks underneath his eyes and around his nose were gone. It was properly healing; he was looking dashing as usual. Even with a broken nose, he still had that dangerous look in his eyes. Whenever I stared into them for too long, I got lost.

“Amanda,” Diego whispered to my ear. 

I flickered my eyes to him then to the rest of the room. He was waiting for me to sit and everyone was looking.

“Sorry,” I offered and took my seat. I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I was forced to stay present but everything about Sebastian distracted me.

They say that when your mind falls in love, it’s temporary. When your heart falls in love, it’s a lifetime, But when the soul falls in love, it’s eternal. Damn, it’s true. 

Before I realized it, the meeting was over. In my defense, Sebastian was the problem. He was always a sight for sore eyes. I was embarrassed and guilty for paying no attention. I excused myself and left the room immediately. Not long after, the door to my office opened. I was searching for a book on my small shelf, but I didn’t have to look to know who it was. The space was charged the moment he stepped in.

“Why are you hiding in your office?”

I rolled my eyes. He was always overconfident, thinking he knew it all. Actually, he was right this time, but I wasn’t about to agree with that mortifying truth.

“I am not. “

“You have no idea what just happened in there.”

“I do. Your investigation was a complete failure. You’re targeting the wrong public.”

He didn’t reply. I turned to look at him and found myself face to face with Sebastian. I lost posture immediately, I was scared I’d fall.

“W-What are you doing here? “ I gulped and started praying for him to move away. He knew how bad he affected me, it was not fair.

“You know why.”

I looked behind him and to the door. It was easier to form coherent words like that.

“I don’t.”

“Jake breaking my nose won’t keep me away, Amanda. I’ll come back to you over and over. “

“I don’t believe a word,” I closed my eyes. 

“ I’ve been trying my best to get you back. I just need you to know that I won’t always be here waiting.”

“You have never been here for me. You’ve always been there for her.”

“Bullshit,” he whispered. The hairs on my skin prickled as his breath fanned my face. I didn’t want to argue. Not this time. “ Pollen and I are not together. “ I wondered why he was explaining himself to me.

“What’s she doing at your place?”

“She hasn’t been there for a very long time. It was a one-night thing. What I do remember though is we have a conversation pending. Why did you send her roses with my name?”

My reaction should have given away the response because he grinned. 

“I did not,” I defended myself. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” I slipped away from his cage and walked to the other side of the table.

“I honestly had no idea roses caused her allergies. What I do know though is that I did not send those.” 

It could have been his words or the guilt that triggered the truth out of me. I smiled. “Maybe she deserves it.” I hissed. “Maybe that’s the reason I haven’t seen her here lately. It’s been weeks now.”

“Well, there were a lot of roses, what did you expect? Her reaction was terrible. She doesn’t have anything now, but she’s obsessed with having perfect skin.”

Internally, I was screaming with happiness. “Wait, is that the reason you came to me the other night?”

“What do you think?”

Oops! Well, he could’ve called. Why is he always trying to appear on my doorstep? It’s as if he is always finding any excuse to be there. 

Sebastian didn’t have time to say anything that night. He walked out just as he came. He had a broken nose, he’s lucky I defended him. Not that he needed it. I should have broken his ribs as well. He did go to the hospital, so… The pain in my heart couldn’t be compared to his one. His will heal. Mine, probably not.

“ I do feel sorry for her. I just don’t regret what I did. “ I lifted my hand. “And please, don’t ask me to feel bad about it.”

“I was not going to. Anyway. Did you get the message? I think Diego delivered it safely.” He rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“Do you mean the invitation? I did. I am not sure I’ll be going.”

“Elena wants to see Jake. “

Well, I’ll send him alone, I thought.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Alright then,” he nodded. “I’ll leave. “ He paused by the door. I watched him debate with himself for several seconds before he turned.  “ Please come. Pollen won’t be there. We haven’t kept in contact since that day. I just thought I’ll let you know.”

As he closed the door, I felt relief wash over me. Maybe, after all, Sebastian was truly putting some effort into whatever he wanted us to have.