Chapter 3

My eyes remain on the paper in front of me. I’ve been staring at it for minutes now.

I look up at the man staring at me at the end of the long table. Our eyes met. The sound of the aircon was the only thing you can hear throughout the room.

“What is this contract for?”

“It’s a record deal at Love Machine Records. International recording studio. It offers you freedom to write your own songs and record them. International artists come from love machine records,” she said.

“I know that thing. I mean, what is it for?”

“It’s a record deal for you.”

My forehead furrowed at what he said.

“Ten year contract with love machine records. You have freedom to write songs, record it with a bigger studio that you own. You’ll have your own team, band, mentors and everything you need. Your name is already written. All you need to do is sign it to have it all.

My forehead furrowed. “Why are you doing this?”

“I only met you this morning, let’s mention that we met in a bad way, the reporters chased me because of you, a lot of people are angry with me for reasons I don’t know because of the news earlier so why are you here now and giving it away?”

Stranger’s don’t give you something for free. Especially this guy. Businessmen don’t just invest on something that won’t benefit or give them profit. He’s one of those guys.

He smirked. “How silly of you to think that I was giving it free, Miss Vena.”

There! I mean, it has a replacement!

My eyebrows furrowed.

Then why is he doing this? What will he get out of this thing?

“Your experiences. Wait, how should I put it? Your expertise on relationships fascinates me.”

Expertise?

“Are you insulting me?”

“No.”

“Look, I know all the issues about me, specifically about my dating life, how it all went wrong to nothing at all.”

“There’s no rainbows and unicorns on the news. The media painted me as a psycho clingy dater which is far from what I am. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just like other stories. It’s normal for a relationship to… To reach its end. “

“My past relationships didn’t work out the way I wanted them to be. I’m no expert at it.”

“Of course you’re not.”

My forehead furrowed at what he said. Doesn’t he remembered what he said earlier?

“You’re a flirting expert,” he stated.

“You see, you have a lot of experiences about flirting and relationships but the only thing you’re good at is flirting because they became your boy toy.”

“W-what? But you said earlier—”

“Yeah. It’s for you to make sense of what I just said.”

My gaze remained on him. “What is the connection between my flirtation and this contract?”

“Be my flirting expert and the record deal is yours.”

My eyes widened. I glanced at Mossy’s side. He’s mouth gaped too.

What is this man saying?

Was the coffee he drank so strong that he went nuts like this?

Flirting expert? Is there a thing such as that?

I scanned his chiseled face. He has thick eyebrows and dark cold eyes. It doesn’t make him look awful, honestly it makes him more powerful and attractive. He has a pointed long nose and thin pinkish lips, it’s more pinkish than mine! Is that even natural?

My eyes travel down on his upper body. He doesn’t need to take his clothes off just to validate that he has a muscular body.

My eyes went back on his. This is impossible. He’s so… I hate to admit it but yes, he is undeniably handsome. So how come he wants me to be his flirting expert? This is so confusing!

A guy like him who looks like a demigod needs a flirting expert? He’s is probably messing with me! He doesn’t even need to flirt with anyone.

Every woman would flock to him! They will throw themselves just to be noticed.

My thought was pushed away when his voice echoed in my head.

“I don’t know her.”

“I don’t want to get involved with her.”

My temper is getting high.

It seems that the annoyance I felt before has returned.

All my suffering was caused by him. He still has time to play with me!

Isn’t it enough that he stole my coffee?

Isn’t it enough that he ruined my morning?

“I don’t want to,” I promised emphatically.

“What?” Mossy said.

His right eyebrow shot up. “Why? You didn’t even hear my proposal about it.”

He even asked why. What proposal? Is he crazy?

“There’s more”

‘I don’t want to get involved with her,’’ his voice echoed in my mind.

“When you find out then now you’ll ask me why I don’t want to? You’re the reason why the reporters are chasing me!”

“And your proposal? I don’t want to hear it because everything that comes out of your mouth sounds ridiculous!”

“Hey Artemesia!” Mossy stops me but. I ignore it, my gaze remain on the man staring coldly at me.

“What happened to your I don’t want to get involved with her?” I mimic his baritone voice.

His bodyguard laugh slightly on his side.

He sneeze to stop laughing when the man turn his gaze.

He fixed his tie. “Are you certain about your decision, Miss Vena?”

“Sir! M-mr. Bentley, I’ll just talk about this for a moment—”

“I don’t want to…” My eyes dropped to the table.

This contract is an opportunity I wouldn’t just pick up on the road. But I won’t let myself be a joke to other people, especially this guy!

“I’m sure.”

“Well then.” He stood up then motioned to the bodyguard. He walked towards the door, he glared at me before he left.

“Till we meet again.” I stared at him. I’m not sure if he saw that.

Now it’s just me and him in the room.

“Artemesia! What the hell are you thinking?!” said Mossy.

“Why? What’s the problem?”

“You’re a kid! That’s big machine records! International! You turned down a big record deal! For what? So you could step on his pride? Because the reporters chased you earlier? What the hell Artemesia! Can’t you stand it? Only small things happened before! When you become a famous singer, that will always be your day!”

“But that is different, it’s not like this! I’m not used to it, I’m having a hard time! You know what that man did! If it wasn’t for him, all this wouldn’t have happened! Did you see that? He is arrogant! Did you even watch his interview?”

“That’s hard for you Artemesia, so you can’t climb to the top because you don’t know how to cast a spell of pride!”

“You’re wondering why nothing has happened in your career until now? Because of that! Look at Juliana, the song isn’t good but she’s famous. Why? Because she knows how to endure! She knows how to swallow pride!”

“Is that all he swallowed?” I try to make him laugh.

My pun didn’t work.

He just face palmed.

“Yeah, that’s where you’re good at pure bullshit!”

“Mossy…”

“Why didn’t you agree to Mr. Bentley’s proposal? Did you know that his offer to you was good? You didn’t even listen to everyone!”

“Mossy, flirting expert? Do you believe in that businessman’s bigotry? I’m sure I was just tripped up! It looks like it! Does it look like he needs a flirting expert?! He’s freaking handsome!”

He sighed. “If you had listened to the proposal, we would have known why. You’re in such a hurry. You didn’t think at first. Look at you, how are you now? How is your dream?”

My forehead furrowed. “Huh? I still have a contract here in the studio. So I’ll continue, even without the help of that man, a flirting expert supposedly!”

Mossy sat weakly by my side. “You really are a pain in the fucking ass. You don’t even know that your contract will end today.”

“What ?!” I got up.

“B-why didn’t you tell me—”

“How can I tell you? Right in the morning, there’s a problem. You haven’t let me speak before! Where are you going to be now? I thought you were going to prove yourself to your parents? How can you do that if you don’t have the right contract?”

“You can find me a new contract to sign again!”

“How can they give you a contract again if you don’t have any fans and money?”

“C-can’t you please?”

“What do you think I did Artemesia? Mr. Bentley is your only hope but what did you do ?!” It was sensible.

“Artemesia, I don’t know what to do with you …”

I walked in the coffee shop. It seems that there’s no reporters here. I sat in my usual spot.

I took a deep breathe. What do I do now? My contract with the studio is over.

I stare at nothing for a while. I take out my notepad and pen out of my bag.

I was just about to write on it when someone sat in front of me. My eyes glance at him.

“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you but I always see you here in this coffee shop, on this same spot … With your notepad. I just can’t stop myself from saying hi. I know that I need to say it or else—“

My eyes blink multiple times.

“Oh! How rude of me. I’m sorry. I’m Luther by the way.” He held out its hand.

I reached for you slowly. “Uh … A-artemesia,” I hesitantly said.

My eyes remained on his face. As if I had already seen him somewhere, his face is familiar, I wasn’t even sure where.

“You write poems?” he asked.

I shook my head. “I wrote songs.”

He’s mouth gaped. “So you come here to write songs?”

I nod and smile at him.

Turns out Luther is a nice man. He’s fun to be with. We discussed and agreed upon many things.

He also loves coffee like I do and writes it too.

Among the two strangers I met today. I like this one better. Maybe because he didn’t rob me of coffee.

Time passed quickly. What have we already talked about? Even though his jokes are corny I still find it funny.

“Yes… Yep. I’ll be there in a minute,” he said to the other line.

We stopped talking when someone called him.

He glance at me. “I’m sorry I need to go now.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Artemesia.” He smiled.

“You too, Luther.”

I watch him leave the coffee shop. I gaze at my wrist watch.

We talked for over two hours. That talk was a relief.

The problems I was thinking about were temporarily gone. My eyes remain on the blank paper.

I took a deep breath before writing. “There’s no use for that.”

My forehead furrowed, this baritone voice is familiar. I looked up. I rolled my eyes when our eyes met.

“What are you doing here?” I asked irritably.

He looked down at the cup beside me. I brought that closer to me. “I won’t let you steal my coffee again.”

I narrowed my eyes on him. “Coffee stealer.”

“You’re accusing me of things I didn’t do. I paid for your coffee, I didn’t steal it.”

“It’s the same thing.”

“It’s not.”

“Wait, why are you here? I thought you are busy? Why are you wasting your time here?”

He didn’t bother to answer my question, instead he ordered a coffee. His coffee came quickly. Silence filled the air. I probably didn’t pay attention to him, I tried to write again but nothing came to mind because I couldn’t get my mind off the man in front of me.

“There’s no use for your songs if you don’t have a recording studio to record it.”

My eyes narrowed at what he said. “I won’t sign that contract because—”

“You won’t sign it because of stupid reasons,” he said.

“Stupid reasons? Among the two of us you have the most stupid reason to give me that contract. Flirting expert ?! Who are you fooling?” I glanced at him.

“Does that look like that? Does that face need my help to flirt? Maybe I’ll let you help! You look like a woman!”

“I don’t know your judgmental person.” Aniya.

“I-it’s true!” I stuttered.

“You think I don’t need your expertise because I’m handsome, Miss Vena?”

My eyes widened at what he said. “I-I didn’t say that! Don’t assume!”

A ghost of smile appeared on his face.

“It’s just me…” My eyes remained on his face.

“What?” I looked down at his flushed red lips. Why does that look so soft? I swallowed.

“Miss Vena?”

Artemesia what? Why is that on your mind?! Take your eyes off there!

I averted my gaze. “I-I don’t know about you!” I quickly slipped the notepad into the bag and exited the coffee shop.

That coffee stealer!

I accelerated my walk. I did not look back. ‘Why do you look at Artemesia?’ whispered my mind.

Wherever my foot landed. I passed by the park first, I tried to write but I just repeatedly deleted it. In the end I wrote nothing either.

I took a deep breath then looked up at the sky. It’s almost night. Maybe there are no reporters in my condo.

“Shit!” I murmured.

I bent down to hide in the car parked not far outside the condominium. I hold the bag tightly. I slowed down to walk home, it was all night but they were still here!

Won’t they stop? The coffee stealer answered their questions. What else do they need from me?

I slowly straighten up to take a peek.

Some were standing, eagerly waiting. That’s how they looked before I chased.

Shit!

I pursed my lips. What should I do?

Can I just run fast? I’m sure they won’t be let inside. Yes, that’s right! That’s all I’m going to do.

But… What if even before I reach the entrance I will be block?

Shit!

I need to get out of here. I can’t get in trouble anymore. I peek again before running away.

I watch all the people passing by. I tiptoe to glance at the door.

Is she home yet?

Shit! Please don’t. I turned to the clock. She didn’t come home early, you always work overtime so maybe she hasn’t come out yet.

There were a few who looked at me but I ignored them. Even the security guard stared at me.

I moved away a little then looked up at the building.

Its captivating letter glows. B&B International. The building is large, I estimate it has forty or more floors. It’s like a tower.

“Mesia!”

“Jarra!”

I immediately ran in her direction then kissed her. “What a miracle! Why did you visit?” She laughed.

I glared at her. “No?”

“Of course not! I miss you so much!”

“Are you working overtime?” I asked.

“Yes! My boss asks me to do as much as I can! I really want to resign when the contract is over. I’ll just come back to you P.A.”

“P.A you there it looks vague when that happens Jarrah.”

“Why? Are you going to make me manager? I’m sure that nice Moses will envy that!” She joked.

I smiled at what she said. “Where is the nice Moses? Then why are you here? Reporters will see you later!”

My forehead furrowed. “You know?”

“Duh! It’s in the newspaper, tv and social media is your pretty face! I was the one my co-workers used to tease me with, whether it was true or not. Is it true? You! Sir Braxton really is! Why don’t I know that?”

“H-huh?” I wonder what she means.

“You’re upset! I thought we were friends ?! Why didn’t I know that you and Sir had something? They weren’t with the company all day. Did you meet?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Wait? Is he the one you came here for?”

I can’t follow what it says. “What are you saying Jarrah?”

“Mesia, you’re still stupid! Did you meet Sir here? Tell me quickly!” She grabbed my arm.

“W-wait, what are you saying Jarrah?” What is he referring to? I have no idea of the words coming out of her mouth.

I tapped it. “Jarrah! Hey! What are you saying?”

She didn’t notice my kiss because her eye was focused on the cellphone.

Her forehead is creasing while looking at it. What’s with her phone?

“Jarrah!” I shout.

I avoided Jarrah’s attempt to pinch my waist. “What’s that for ?!” I asked irritably.

“Your such a flirt Mesia!”

“Huh?” I was confused.

“What is this?!” She presented the cellphone to me.

I took the cellphone on her hand. My eyes widened.

Shit!

‘Artemesia “cheater’’ Vena? Artemesia was spotted in a coffee shop with popular singer songwriter Luther Salvo. The picture shows the two having fun together. On the same day, he was spotted here with Mr. Braxton Bentley. What is the truth? What is between Artemesia Vena and Luthe Salvo? Is it possible that Mr. Bentley’s relationship with Artemesia? Does Artemesia Vena combine the two or is she fooling them? ‘

“There!”

“Artemesia!”

“Hurry up and chase!”

Shit! Shit! Shit!

“Shit! Mesia, I told you reporters will see you here!”

I was right on the stand. What will you do? Why is this happening to me ?!

Jarrah pushed me.

“It’s running!” My gaze remained on him.

“I’ll take care of it, run fast!” She pushed me again.

I walked away. I turned to her. It made my eyes widened.

My gaze fly to the reporters approaching me.

Shit!

I run away. I don’t know where I’m going but I need to get away!

I told you so! Luther’s face was so familiar to me!

He is Luther Salvo!

When you look at yourself again! We even took a picture at that coffee shop! We’re just talking but why is that in the news?! Why would I cheat on that news ?! It’s just like a coffee stealer! He was even photographed with me at the coffee shop!

If I survive this night. I won’t go to coffee shops anymore! I wont be nice to any stranger for this reason!

A sting pains my right foot making my pace slow down. I glance at the reporters. They are getting closer to me. I need to get away before they get to me!

“Artemesia, give us your statement!”

“Are you really a cheater?”

Shit! Too late for that. They surrounded me.

“Are you putting them both together?”

“Is it all for publicity?”

I seem to be deaf to what they are saying. I force myself to squeeze into the jam. Hoping to find a way out but this reporter seems endless.

“Is it true that you weren’t given a new contract because of the issue you’re involved in?”

Isn’t once a day a trend in the problem that comes to me?

The reporters were slightly separated by a car parked right next to them.

That is my chance to run again. This time, I will give it my all. I close my eyes to not feel the pain. I wince every time I step on my right foot.

I was stopped by the car parked next to me. I missed when the door opened.

“Get in,” he commanded.

I glanced at the reporters.

They are getting closer to me again.

Shit really!

I turned to the man standing in front of me. Because of him this thing happens! I alternately look in the direction of him and the reporters. It would have been different but I need his help.

I am about to get in his car but he stop me.

“Sign this first.”