The heavens have heard my prayers. Though, I didn't really prayed for this to happen, but it was close enough.
Forty-One
For the next two days, I was itching to get to the company for my last interview. I called them after re-reading the letter so many times that I've lost count. They've set up my interview on Sunday, the day after I officially quit.
By Friday, I was prepared both emotionally and mentally for this job. Because one, I don't have to explain to my dad that I'm jobless. Rather, I would be telling him an opportunity arose and I grabbed it, which was why I quit my current job.
For the past two days, it became more and more awkward to go to work since rumors had spread about William relationship with me that I kept on denying. When Danny called my attention as I entered the lobby the next day, I finally knew how fast words had flown after that kiss in the elevator.
I didn't bother to feel scared if someone found out since it was only a handful of board members, Alexandra and Maggie who witnessed it. I didn't take it into account that one of those important people in suit would gossip like woman.
"Where did you get that information?" I whispered in question after she asked about the inevitable.
"Well, one of the secretaries overheard one of them commenting about Mr. Maxwell's new plaything. And he was very descriptive who the girl was … " she replied softly and trailed off as she looked at me worriedly.
"Well, damn … " I cursed softly and lightly slammed my forehead on the reception desk.
"So, it's true that you two are … ?"
"No. We aren't a thing. He just happened to be stupid enough to kiss me in front of a crowd," I replied in discontentment and sighed heavily. "This is not what I had envisioned on my last day of work," I mumbled softly to myself.
"Last day of work? You're leaving?"
"Yeah and you'll guess why I'm doing it … " I rolled my eyes as gave her a short wave while I walked towards the elevator.
After that, the next last two days of work it became awkward for me. It was the reason why I felt so relieved when Friday came and I realized I didn't have to go to work after the charity gala. On the other hand, I'm remorseful on the idea since I could no longer see Maggie and Danny again. I felt my stomach sink in despair.
When Saturday morning came, I took my time to get ready for work since I knew I had only one job to do today. I waited for Terry to wake up to catch a ride with him.
"So, last day. How do you feel?" he asked after I got off his motorcycle.
"I feel slightly sentimental but I can't wait to get out of there." I replied with thick sarcasm.
"Are you sure? You know you haven't settled whatever you and Will … " he trailed off when I raised my hand to stop him.
"I get what you are saying," I said with a sigh.
"I know it's not my business, but you need to fix it to get a clean break." he pointed out with conviction.
"And, you forgot one detail … We aren't even together in the first place."
"I'm quite clear on that since day one," he mumbled to himself before putting back his helmet on.
As I walked in for the last time, I was surprised to see William standing by the reception desk, waiting for me. He had been ignoring me like the plague for the past few days after that bitter conversation we had.
"You're late."
"Nothing new today, huh?" I countered in a light tone as I walked pass him.
"Just because it's you last day doesn't mean you can slack off with-" he continued in the same tone as he followed behind me.
"And you're still not the boss of me." I said before he could finish his sentence.
"I'll see you tonight. We still haven't finished talking," he commanded.
"And now you are talking to me. I though the silent treatment was you finally understanding the situation," I stated, which he chose to ignore my words completely.
I didn't flinch as I felt his presence as the elevator ascended to our floor. I didn't even look at him as I heard his footsteps slowly disappear towards his office. I remained indifferent until the very end. I know it's childish in a way, but I didn't know how to react with him after the stunt he did a few days.
As the day dragged on, Maggie and I left work a little earlier for the gala. We were supposed to be there to oversee the whole event preparation before it started. I went back to Terry's apartment to get ready there and waited for Maggie to pick me up, since she offered me to drive me.
When I got back home past two in the afternoon, I was a little dazed as I stood in front my pile of clothes in the living room couch. I grimaced as I eyed the paper bag that held the dress that Alexandra had given me to wear on her engagement day. I felt a little nostalgic while I put on the dress. It made me remember that night, especially the part when William and I ceaselessly bickered.
In less than thirty minutes, maybe less than that, I had finished cleaning myself up and worn the same outfit that Alexandra. The only difference in the ensemble was my hair. When I was contented with my appearance, I sat in the living room and waited for Maggie's call to pick me up. For half an hour, it sounded like a good idea, but I started to get impatient as time passed by.
I was about to call Maggie when she beat me to it. I looked at the screen on my phone and jumped out of the couch as I answered it.
"I'm downstairs. Are you done getting ready?" she asked after I said hello.
"Yes, I'll be right down." I replied and quickly ended the call as I grabbed my things and sprinted toward the door in a mad rush.
When I got out the apartment building, I scanned the street to pinpoint Maggie's car. But instead of Maggie, the person who stood right in front of me was the person I least expected to see at this moment.
"Where's Maggie?" I asked angrily.
Before he could reply, the passenger door behind him opened. "Hey, I thought that it would not be wise to tell you about … uhm … this … " she stated guilty as she made a quick glance at William's direction.
"You bet right," I mumbled softly to myself as I continued walking towards her. "So, whose idea was it? Probably not you Maggie," I pointed out as glared in William's direction.
"It was my idea. I called her where you were and she told me about your plans," William admitted without appreciation.
"And you have the right to sound pissed about this … "
"Just get in the car, Andy and then we can talk." he sighed heavily and gestured for me to go in.
I glance up at Maggie, who moved further inside. I wanted to tell her to switch with me, but William's impatient sigh started to annoy me. To spare my colleague and the other people in the car, I remained indifferent towards his mood as I entered the car.
I felt rather than heard William get in beside me. We weren't riding his usual black SUV for some reason, which was why I was caught off guard when I saw him. We were in a white Audi with black leather interior. This is the first time I've seen this car.
"Why are you wearing that dress?" William asked after a short silence.
"What's wrong with this dress?"
"You've worn this dress to my sister's engagement party."
"Wow! I applaud you for your good memory," I sarcastically said with a slow clap before rolling my eyes at him.
"You should have told me you didn't have anything to wear," he said with a strained sigh. He pulled out his phone from his inside blazer pocket as he made a call.
I ignored that movement and replied to his offer. "No, thank you. I don't want to add another thing from the list of things I owe you," I snorted and turn my attention towards the front of the car.
"Do you think I'm doing this out of charity work?" he asked in disbelief as he placed his phone back on his blazer pocket.
"Then why are you doing this?"
He studied me for a second before pulling out his phone to answer a call. He looked away while he talked in a low voice. In annoyance, I turned my attention to the front of the car as I watched us move away from the city to a move reserved and quiet part of town.
The party is taking place at one of the town's most exclusive country clubs. It was the same country club that we had lunch a few days ago. As we reached our destination, Mark parked the car by the door as the valet opened the door on William's side. I used the other door where Maggie got out instead of William, which made him glare at me as our eyes met.
"Maggie, can you handle things without Andy for a while?" William asked as Maggie and I made our way around the car.
"Yes. I can handle things," Maggie answered with a brief nod before walking inside.
I watched their short exchange and wanted to interrupt but William beat me to it and grabbed my wrist. "Come on, this way," He pulled me towards the entrance but led me the opposite direction where Maggie disappeared.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked in disbelief as I make a quick glance at Maggie's direction.