4

JODY

“How long was I unconscious?” I asked while sipping on my coffee.

“It’s already 12 at noon. You do the math,” he answers without looking at me. He’s busy rummaging over his cupboard for some peanut butter? But I can’t see any kind of pastry here. I was stunned when I saw him pick up a spoon, scoop a large amount of peanut butter, and lick it. He looks so sexy doing that. I don’t like peanuts, but will it taste good when I taste it on his lips? My face instantly became red because of my thoughts. I shook my head in hope that I could get it off my mind when he leaned over and put his right hand on my cheek. All the butterflies are going crazy again. I feel like I’m going to faint. This is not a good idea.

“W-what are you doing?” I asked and looked at him. Our eyes met, and I felt that unexplainable feeling again in my body. My stomach is churning, and my body temperature is starting to rise. Someone can get water and boil it at this point.

His gaze traveled down to my lips and back to my eyes again. It’s like he’s mirroring what I am feeling at this very moment.

“You’ve got something on your face.” It left me in awe, and I became silent for a minute. Am I expecting something? No.

He also walked towards his couch and sat there. I took deep breaths to calm myself.

I cleared my throat to get his attention, “Do you know where my bag is? Or even just my phone?”

He didn’t answer and just pointed his hand to his room. I walked towards it, searching for my bag, and when I saw it, I fished my phone out. It started ringing; it’s Gaylene. Oh, oh. It’s photoshoot day. I slide to answer it, and the first thing I heard from Lene was, “Where are you?”

I sighed before answering, “Just somewhere. I will be back at my house soon.” I don’t want him to get worried about what happened to me last night. Not on the phone.

“Okay, just checking up on you. I’ll fetch you later, bye.”

It’s already one in the afternoon, and I don't know where I am. I tried turning on my location, but it’s no use. I need to ask Leo.

I went out of the room and found him still eating that peanut butter.

“Uhm, Leo. Where are we? I tried searching for it, but it wasn’t on the map. I need to get home as soon as possible. I have errands to do.” I said, no pause in between.

“I’ll drive you. Where are you staying at?” He replied, disregarding answering my question.

“At Bluesummers in Antipolo.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

We went out of the apartment, and the building seems to be abandoned. I didn’t bother to ask him about it and just continued following him behind. We reached his car, and then he started driving. Words are too shy to come in between us, as silence has totally consumed all of our beings.

I didn’t take into account how long the ride was, as I was too preoccupied with my thoughts. I also didn’t realize that we were already here…in front of my house. I unfastened my seatbelt and faced him.

“Thank you, Leo. For saving me and for this. I don’t know how I will repay you.”

“It’s all good, just be safe,” he said, smiling. His perfect teeth are showing, and I am not complaining.

“Can I have your phone?” My heart is thumping really hard when I finally have the courage to ask him about it. He looked dumbfounded when he heard it.

“I mean…so you can contact me whenever you need help. I’ll be there,” I immediately answered.

He gave his phone to me. I navigated it to the dial section and called my number.

“Here, thanks again. Be careful when driving.” I said, and I went out of the car. I was humming as I was entering my house when suddenly a thought crossed my mind. How did he know that I exactly lived here? I just said the street, not the exact house number.

I brushed off the idea and went inside. I checked my phone to see the time, and it is already a quarter to two.

I started bathing and doing the necessary things before Roberto arrived at my house. He’s a complete nagger, to the point that my ears hurt every time he preaches.

I was putting my lotion on when an intruder entered my house without my permission. What do I expect from Roberto? He wasn’t only my manager, but he was also my best friend, who stayed when he found out my real identity. He has been my ally for the past four years, and we make moves together little by little. He’s my eyes and ears everywhere, and he didn’t disappoint me with his source. He served as my private investigator for years. And I’m totally happy that he didn’t betray me when he was close to Timothy. I don’t know the real score between the two because, when I began to be more open to Roberto, their relationship started to fade.

Am I considered a thick-faced person when I’m not even feeling some sort of guilt? I mean, I saw how Timothy looked at me every time our paths crossed inside the agency. His eyes first landed on Roberto, then went to me. I smiled cockily at him when his expression was starting to get gloomy, and it darkened when I clung to Roberto’s arm. I was wondering if he liked him or not.

“What am I going to do with you? You’re not even listening to me." I shook my head and just listened to his rants.

He snatched the bottle of lotion from my hand, which made me release a chuckle. He turned his head, glared, and started to put it on my body.