Chapter 48: Boy Troubles

I wouldn’t want anything more in the world than this.

I closed my laptop as I finished checking my website and looked at Arthur who was busily typing on his laptop. He’s working on his business plan for his new expansion. He seemed enthusiastic about working on this new project despite the hectic schedule. He had been buried with work as he needed to meet up with investors and discuss his proposal. This was the only time he chose to stay at home. He insisted that he needed a break from the office and that he felt guilty for being too busy so he wanted to spend time with me. His idea of spending quality time was to be working side by side.

I propped my elbows on the table to support my head. Gazing at him working intently on his laptop made me recall the days when I was still at Williams Inc. I remember the time when I would just take a peek from my desk to see his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. A smile crept up my face as these memories flashed in my head. My thoughts were immediately cut off by Arthur’s voice.

“Is there something on my face?” He asked, turning his eyes away from his laptop and looking at me. His hair was disheveled from the dozens of times he ran his hand through it. Nonetheless, he still looked so handsome.

I shook my head in response. “Nothing, I was just admiring you working.” I said nonchalantly. “That reminds me, I thought this was supposed to be our quality time.” His eyes widened at me. A look of horror flashed in his eyes as he checked his watch for the time.

“I’m so sorry. I was only supposed to work for an hour but it took long because I still needed to-” He babbled quickly. I chuckled at his immediate reaction to which he stared at me completely dumbfounded.

“I’m just messing with you.” I muttered as I cupped his face and caressed his cheeks. “Besides, I enjoyed working together with you.” I added as I planted a kiss on his lips.

“Are you really sure you’re not mad?” He questioned warily. I nodded at him and kissed his forehead before standing up from my seat to stretch my arms and legs. “Where are you going?”

“I’ll just get us something to eat. You can finish your work.” I muttered as I grabbed my phone and walked to the kitchen. As soon as I opened it there was a missed call and a text message from Ellie. She said that she’ll be coming over because she needed my help. I took a peek at Arthur and told him that Ellie will be coming over later. He gave me a thumbs up and proceeded to work again.

I sighed as I prepared a peanut butter jelly sandwich for the two of us. Working on my own website and Arthur working on his new project brought a smile to my face. I’m glad the both of us are working on our own fields that we both want. At first, his expansion to creating his own restaurant didn’t make sense. However, as he explained the reason. I’m beginning to see a much bigger picture for him.

The reason he wanted to create his own restaurant is because it’s closely related to coordinating different events. Instead of contracting a caterer, he would just use the chefs from his restaurant. Also, using his own restaurant as a venue and turning it into the theme of the event would be more cost-efficient. This made me even more admire him as an upcoming entrepreneur. I hope my own little business can also flourish.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I heard a knock on the door.

I snapped my head towards the source of the sound as my eyebrows raised in amusement. Wow, that was fast. Arthur turned to look at me and he was about to stand but I raised my hand, stopping him from doing so. “I’ll handle it.” I mouthed, gesturing to him to continue his work. I heard another knock, making me let out a long and tired sigh. “Coming!” I yelled as I lazily stood up from the couch and walked towards it. “Ellie?” I called as I held the handle, making sure that it was really her.

“Sandra, let me in!” Ellie said impatiently as I swung open the door, revealing a distraught Ellie. Her hair was disheveled and she had a confused expression on her face. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her appearance. It was the first time I’ve ever seen her like this. I was starting to wonder if this is how I looked like from Ellie’s point of view when I was stressing over Kevin and Arthur.

“Come in.” I said as I stepped aside and bit my lower lip, struggling to stifle a laugh. Ellie let out a loud groan as she walked inside with her back hunched and her head down. Arthur raised his hand to greet her but she was too deep in thought. I cleared my throat, trying to get her attention. I don’t think she has noticed that Arthur is even there.

“I’m so ti--” She cut herself short as her eyes widened in surprise. She finally lifted her head to see Arthur staring at her in confusion. “Oh, hi Arthur!” She waved awkwardly as she ran a hand through her knotty hair nervously. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s alright.” Arthur retorted nonchalantly with a shrug. “Nice to finally meet you.” He said as he reached out his hand for her to shake it. She hurriedly walked towards him and reciprocated the gesture. “Sandra has talked a lot about you.” I giggled in amusement. It was nice to see the two people I’ve valued most in my life come together like this.

“I’m sorry if I’m disturbing the both of you. I just wanted to talk to Sandra.” She said apologetically as she snapped her head towards me and glared at me. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She mouthed in frustration before immediately turning to look back at Arthur.

“I really don’t mind.” He said coolly as I walked towards Ellie and slung my arm over her.

“See? It’s fine.” I said casually, making her frown. I chuckled at her reaction and led her to the couch. “Now tell me all about what you’re going through now.” She inhaled sharply before she practically poured her heart out to me, explaining everything that has happened to her with this guy recently from how they met and their first date to the conflict that she is currently facing right now.

“I don’t know if I’m ready yet to be in a relationship.” She said sadly. With a sigh, she slumped her back against the couch and let out an exasperated sigh. “I’ve just been single for so long.” She held her face with both her hands in defeat. I gently grabbed them away from her face and held her hands in mine.

“Don’t force yourself if you’re not comfortable yet, okay?” I said, squeezing them lightly. She turned to look at me, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“But I feel so bad for him!” She whined. “He’s really nice.” I pulled her in for a hug and patted her head gently. I understood her situation perfectly. It was just like with me and Arthur when I was not ready yet to fully reveal myself as Sandy, break down my walls and finally let myself be with him.

“Then tell him that he should wait ‘til you’re ready.” I said soothingly. “If he does wait, then he really is the one then.” I opened my mouth to speak to say something more but I felt my phone vibrate inside of my pocket. I quickly pulled it out to check the notification I’ve received to see that it was a bunch of people trying to book appointments with me. My jaw dropped to the floor as I felt a surge of happiness. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

Ellie took a peek of what I was looking at and jumped up and down in excitement. “You’re going to be rich!” She exclaimed happily, making Arthur turn to look at us. I rigidly showed him the sudden increase of messages. I was still paralyzed from happiness, a smile eternally plastered on my lips.

“You did it!” Arthur said excitedly as happiness glowed inside of him.

“I--” I cut myself short. I was bursting with joy and I could hardly contain my happiness but I know that I mustn't forget the people who got me into this situation in the first place. I shook my head and stood up, pulling the both of them suddenly in a tight embrace.

“No, we did it.”