Devil

I twirl the glass half full of whiskey while using my other hand to rub my forehead, reclining on the sofa.

My head hurts.

I had texted Emily a few apologies, but she hasn’t replied to any of them. Which clearly means she’s badly hurt by my actions and words…

Lord, why am I like this?

I really felt bad when I realized how much money she makes that she can barely fulfil her desires. So, I thought to help her with some extra money. But she thought I was showing off my money. Which wasn’t true, of course.

But now she hates me…maybe. Or is just upset?

However, I surely need to do something to win her heart. But what can I do for her?

We aren’t even that close right now.

A knock on the door distracts me from my thoughts and I let the person in.

Keith.

He walks in with a file tucked beneath his arm and sits on the single sofa right next to mine.

“You haven’t eaten anything ever since you arrived,” he sighs as he places the file on the wooden table.

“I don’t have an appetite,” I mutter as I sit straight and gulp the drink, then put it down.

“Look, buddy…just forget it,” he suggests. “She is not the last girl on the earth after all,”

She may not be, but I believe that no one on this planet possesses a soul as beautiful as hers.

It's no trouble for me to attract any girl; I just want her specifically.

"But Keith," I start, only to be interrupted as he thrusts a hand in front of my face. "

“She literally humiliated you by kicking you out of her shop,” he points out.

“It wasn’t her fault anyway,” I argue. “I was the one who messed up,”

He doesn’t say anything and simply gives me a blank expression. He has given up on convincing me. As he should.

“You really think she gives a damn about you now?” he raises a brow curiously.

I throw a death stare in his direction as if I’ll murder him right now and then. He knows that I like her, and it’s driving me insane.

I truly believe that any man would be absolutely foolish not to be captivated by her from the very moment he sets eyes on her. Her beauty and grace are utterly enchanting, and anyone who doesn't feel drawn to her would be missing out on something truly extraordinary.

“She is just upset and nothing else,” it feels like I'm trying to convince myself more than Keith.

“Keith, what should I do?” I stare down at my hands before I glance at him. He just blinks like an idiot.

“Well,” he clears his throat. “Maybe we should discuss that later and focus on this,” he gestures at the file lying on the table.

“What is this?” I narrow my brows before picking it up in my hands and flip through it.

“Bio data of Adriel Martinez. Our spy,” he shrugs.

“Spy?” I repeat questioningly.

He nods reassuringly.

“Don’t worry I’ll introduce you to him tomorrow,” Keith says. “You can have a look at his bio-data till then,”

Now how will I tell him that I am not concerned about the spy when I completely forgot that I had to hire one? And it’s because of how much I was lost in Emily? Thinking about her day and night. He will be so disappointed in me.

"Yeah…I’ll check him out,” I nod as I bite my lips clumsily.

“So, would you like me to get dinner for you?” he says as he places his hands on his knees, ready to get up.

“No, I already drank three bottles of whiskey,” I lean back and Keith rolls his eyes before getting up and walking away.

Now, it’s just me and the silence in the room. Many thoughts raced through my mind.

Sometimes I wish I had a normal life like Emily does. No enemies. No pressure. No bloodshed, which happens often.

Even if I have Emily forgive me for my actions, I don’t think she would ever like me because of who I am. I am the devil and she is an angel. Sometimes I even hate myself for who I am today. Is it because of my dad? Or is it because of my wrong choice?

I often ponder whether Emily would have liked me if I were just an average guy. What is her type in guys anyway? Angelic? Possessive? Handsome? Hard-working?

Whatever but I hope she doesn’t like that chick who works at her shop. Because if she does, I’m doomed.

I let out a sigh when my phone, resting on the table, suddenly buzzed. I straighten my back and lean forward to look at the number.

And it is then that my face lights up.

It’s Emily.

I don’t waste a second, so I grab my phone to answer the call.

“Hey?” she says through the call.

God, her voice.

Her enchanting voice, filled with melody, is so beautifully captivating that it can humble even the strongest of souls, bringing them to their knees in awe and admiration of her charm.

“Yeah?” I mutter softly.

For a few seconds, there is silence.

“Emily?” I say to make sure she is still on the call.

“I’m sorry, Zack,” she says with a hint of guilt in her voice.

I don’t utter a word.

What in the world is she feeling remorseful about?

“I overreacted,” she mutters. “I swear I am such a drama queen like you just wanted to help me and without even thinking once I told you to leave and behaved so rudely…I’m so sorry,”

I just realized that instead of answering her I’m just making grimacing expressions as if she is standing right in front of me.

“Wait…” I start. “It was actually my fault. But really, I didn’t mean to mock you…” I trail off. I don’t have words.

“Please forgive me,” I say.

“It’s okay,” she says.

I didn’t expect her to forgive me this soon. I was about to make a list of things that would convince her to forgive me, but I don’t think I need them anymore.

“So….we are friends again right?” I ask awkwardly.

“Yes,”

I can feel the sweetness in her voice. She’s happy again. And that makes me happy.

“Now that we are friends again, blossom. I want you to know that don’t hesitate to ask me for something,” I swallow.

“Zack, you - please let me finish first,” I insist.

“It’s not about money. It’s about support. It’s about sharing your emotions with me. It’s about your happiness,” I mutter.

She’s quiet, listening carefully to every word that’s coming out of my mouth.

“Tell me you need me, and I’ll be there in a heartbeat,” I say.

“And I know that even though you consider me your friend. A part of you still sees me as a stranger whom you can’t trust yet. And I can’t insist you not to think of me like that either,”

She still hasn’t even tried to interrupt me.

“I just want to be someone you can trust blindly,” her breath hitches before she speaks.

“Oh, Zack…” she says softly.

She is unaware of the effect her calling me by my name has on me.

“Since I have visited your house already. Would you like to join me for dinner tomorrow?” I ask.

She takes a few seconds before she answers.

"Sure,”

A huge smile spreads across my face.

SHE IS COMING!

And I’m going to make dinner for her with my own hands.

Yes, I know how to cook. She will love it.

“So, What would you like to have for dinner?” I ask.

“Anything,” she giggles.

Damn it, I want to see her laugh.

“Still, don’t you have any favorites?” I ask her again.

“Mac and cheese and Lobster roll,” she finally answers.

“Alright,” I whisper as if I’m talking to myself. “I’ll forward my address to you,”

“I’ll see you tomorrow Mr Torres,” she says. “Good night,” with that she hangs up.

This time I smile harder.

“I hope this one goes well,”

I look at the door which is wide open and Keith is leaning against the door frame with his arms folded over his chest.

I think he heard everything.

“So? Should I tell the chef - No no no I’m the one who is going to cook,” I say proudly as I get up from the couch and approach Keith.

“What?” his eyes widen as if I fired him from his job.

I nod with a smile.

“Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me,” I say with a smirk as I pass from him and walk away.

I could feel him staring at me, but I didn’t care.

Right now I just care about tomorrow.