Alice Collins I poured the coffee into one of the cups and picked it up with my hands. I took a sip of the dark liquid, being careful not to burn my mouth. I stared at the kitchen counter, beginning a process of reminiscing about past subjects. It had been three years since I was in Los Angeles, having a good time away from my mother and younger sisters. But those years did not prevent me from keeping in touch with them. Whenever I could, I talked to my mother via video call. My sisters were growing up more and more. Sometimes I felt bad for not being present in their growing up phase. I always wondered why my mother didn't want to come and live here in Los Angeles. Perhaps it would be easier for her and my sisters. She could find a good-paying job, and the girls could have a good education. Maybe she thought it would be a bother since I practically lived in Mr. Scott's house. But the last time we spoke, my mother promised me that even though she couldn't come here, she would let my
So, does that mean Joshua had relations with every girl who worked at his house? That explains his surprised tone when he met me. I can't believe I could have easily been a target. In fact, I was a target of Jack. Did he really want to use me to show off that he was better than Joshua? How childish! "What are you doing there?" I freeze at the sound of Joshua's voice. Clearly, my attempt to hide behind a plant pot didn't work out very well, even though it was big. After being discovered, I come up with an excuse. "I was cleaning." I hear Joshua laugh through his nose, disbelieving. "Did you hear our conversation?" I let out a sigh and remain behind the plant pot. "Look, I know what you might be thinking about what you heard. But that's just Jack being stupid. What happened was a long time ago. It won't happen again." But I don't know if I liked hearing that, because unbelievably, a part of me would like to be desired by a guy as sexy as him, even knowing it could just be a flin
After hours of travel, we finally landed on British soil. The day was dawning in London. Traveling with Joshua was a tranquil experience, as we barely saw each other inside the Jet. He had work to do, which forced him to look for an exclusive space for himself, and thus, we didn't have to exchange any contact. And I took advantage of the trip to sleep, as I had been awake almost all night. Joshua's private driver was going to take us to his apartment, a bit far from the city center, as Joshua said that the further away, the more magnificent the view would be. After a few more minutes of travel, the car stops in front of a building with almost countless floors. The entrance was decorated with artificial grass and reflectors that harmoniously illuminated the place. I get out of the car, right after Joshua, and follow him into the building, heading towards the elevator. Upon entering, Joshua types in the top floor, which momentarily surprises me, but after remembering the jet, the pent
"What are you doing here?" I ask, astounded.Joshua takes off his coat and runs his right hand through his hair, shaking it a little in an attempt to get rid of the excess water."Mrs. Taylor said you left the apartment upset without saying where you were going," he explains."Upset?" I arch my eyebrows. I presume she didn't tell him the whole story."I just came for breakfast," I justify."Do you know what time it is?" he gives me a critical look.Joshua points to a wall clock above the table where I was sitting. I quickly shift my attention to my phone screen and realize that I had made the mistake of not adjusting the time to London's time zone. It was already late afternoon."I swear I didn't realize."Joshua shakes his head and chuckles."What possessed you to wander around a city you don't know?" he asks incredulously.Recalling the event that forced me to leave the apartment, I sigh and lean back on the sofa. I wasn't going to tell Joshua that I had been bothered by an issue th
After dinner, Joshua collected the dirty dishes to wash, and I offered to help dry them. While working together, we were able to talk a little more. For the first time, I was able to have a conversation with Joshua."So, we have an artist here?" he joked."I wouldn't say I'm exactly an artist. But I love art, and... Without trying to sound conceited, my drawings are amazing," I said, grinning mischievously. I leaned against the counter and swung the napkin in my hand before tossing it over my shoulder."Look, Miss Collins, I'm a bit skeptical. I'll believe it when I see it," he said, finishing the last piece of glassware and turning to place it on the counter next to me."Pathetic," I retorted, teasingly. "One day I'll make you a drawing, Mr. Scott.""I'll be eagerly waiting," Joshua said, smiling. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, a overwhelming silence fell over us. We continued to gaze at each other, but didn't say a single word. It was as if we were in a trance, with only a few gi
I open my eyes slowly; the room was beginning to be invaded by the gradually rising sunlight. And once again, I woke up suddenly from my sleep. I vaguely observed the room where I slept, without a definite direction. Something was bothering me, and it wasn't the fact that I had slept poorly at night, it was something more intense, improper, perhaps. I was still ecstatic from the dream I had had.Until then, it might not mean anything, but at the same time, I could say that I was starting to give in to Joshua, and that, in no way, should happen.With only a few minutes left until sunrise, I decided to start getting ready to go to Joshua's company. And, as I remembered that I would have to spend the entire day with him, a cold malevolent feeling invaded my stomach.I try to push all those thoughts away. I shake my head and take a deep breath, getting up from bed and walking to the bathroom. I undress and turn on the shower, alternating the water temperature to a little warmer. The rain
I couldn't express any reaction. The nervousness that was already consuming me only increased when I saw Joshua there, standing in front of me, knowing that he had heard everything I had said about him. I tried to speak, but my words failed, it seemed like my mind had been blocked. I didn't know what to say to get out of that embarrassing situation.Joshua, on the other hand, didn't seem angry, but rather indifferent to the situation. He commented on what I had said and showed displeasure with the fact that I had exposed something he had asked to keep private, and even added that if I had anything I wanted to know about him, I just had to ask.I tried to justify myself, explaining that it wasn't easy to ask questions about someone's life who isn't close without seeming intrusive. But Joshua argued that if I preferred to deduce instead of knowing the truth, then I was simply trying to convince one person that another was of bad character just because I had observed them superficially.
As we were talking, Joshua received a call and by the expression on his face, it seemed like it was something he had forgotten."Listen...Alice, unfortunately we'll have to continue our conversation later. I forgot that I have an event today," he replied, putting his phone back in his suit pocket."Oh, no problem!""I'll drive you home," he said, getting up from the table."If you want me to take a taxi so that you won't be late..." I stood up after him."It's okay, I'll take you. The event venue isn't far from my apartment. I just need to stop somewhere first."I nodded and followed him out of the café.***Joshua took us to a small shop in the city center. He said he needed to buy a few things before we went to the event. As we entered the shop, I was amazed at the variety of objects for sale. Joshua seemed to know exactly what he was looking for and went straight to a shelf at the back of the store. He picked up a few items and examined them carefully.Meanwhile, I took the opportu