I Love You

Jake took the next flight back home. He was ready to present the hairclip to Sophia. He decided to wait for her outside her office. Soon, Sophia came down with her friends. Jake who was leaning on his car waved at her. Sophia saw him but pretended not to see him; she doesn't want Miranda thinking there is something going on between them. She took her phone from her bag and texted Jake.

"Idiot, what are you doing here?" she asked in her text. "I'm here to drive you home," Jake replied with a smiley emoji. Sophia just texted okay back and waited for Miranda and Harry to board a cab before walking over to where Jake was.

"Hi beautiful," Jake said smiling but Sophia ignored him and went to sit in the car. "What is wrong with her now?" Jake wondered with a question mark face. He entered the car on the driver's side. "How are you?" he asked again. "This car should start to move already," Sophia said with her eyebrow raised. "Okay ma," Jale ignited the car and drove off.

Jake tried to initiate small talks on their way but Sophia ignored him completely. He began to wonder what he jas done wrong. "I didn't offend her. What happened? Did someone piss her off at work?" Jake was bothered. He doesn't like it when Sophia is silent. He likes the lousy Sophia.

When they got to Sophia's apartment, Sophia wanted to alight but Jake held her hand. "Sophia, did I offend you?" Jake questioned. "Ohh? So you now know I'm Sophia? I thought I am shortie," Sophia said. Jake burst into an irresistible laughter. "C'mon Sophy, don't be a kid. I was only joking. You are not short," Jake said after controlling his laughter. "Okay. Bye," Sophia said and alighted from the car. "I'm coming with you," Jake also got down from the car.

Sophia entered her apartment; Jake followed almost immediately. "Does a cabman enter the home of his client?" Sophia asked with her back turned to Jake. Jake had a frown on his face. He isn't a cabman for heaven's sake. "I told you already that I'm sorry. You are not a shortie. I was only joking. Sophia, please, I'm sorry," Jake apologised. "The only way I can know how sorry you are is to prepare dinner," Sophia said. "For you and me?" Jake asked. "And Kat," Sophia responded. "Okay," Jake pulled off his suit and tossed it on the chair. "You could have mentioned it that you are too lazy to cook," Jake said on his way to the kitchen. "What did you say?" Sophia asked. "Nothing ma'am. I said nothing, Miss Sophia Shortie," Jake replied with mischief. "Shortie again?" Sophia frowned. "Sorry. I forgot your last name," Jake said. Sophia just nodded her head and went to shower.

"I got you something," Jake said while they were eating. "What?" Sophia asked uninterestedly. "This," Jake placed the hair clip he got on the table. Sophia loved it immediately she sighted it. "It's nice," Sophia said without any enthusiasm. "Just nice? Don't you like it?" Jake enquired. "Oh? Because you like it, I am to like it too?" Sophia replied. "I don't mean that but I mean, ........ ok, fine. It's just nice," Jake said feeling bad. He had thought Sophia will love it. "Are you keeping it?" Jake asked. His voice was low. One can tell he was unhappy.

Sophia noticed the change in Jake's mood. She realised she has overplayed her anger play. "C'mon, don't be a baby. I love it," Sophia said. "Okay," was Jake's response. Sophia knew she has to make this cute monkey happy else he might go on to Jessie and cause tantrum like a baby. She stood from her seat and sat beside Jake. "I was only kidding. I love it, okay?" she said. "Yeah," Jake nodded and picked on his food.

"Arrrhhhh! Why can't be behave like a man? He is no longer a baby," Sophia complained in her head. "What can I do to make you believe I love the hair clip?" she asked feeling fed up of Jake's boyish behaviour. "Wear the clip and peck me," Jame said with his innocent look. "Okay," Sophia used the clip on her hair and pecked Jake. "Satisfied?" she asked. "Yes," Jake smiled revealing his teeth. "Just eat and get out of my house," Sophia said in a low but sweet voice. "Okay but promise to see me off," Jake said flickering his eyelashes like a puppy asking its owner to give it the best meal. "Okay," Sophia nodded and continued eating her meal.

After they both finished dinner with Jake washing the dishes, Sophia saw him off to his car. "Good night. Sleep tight and have a nice dream," Sophia bade. Jake smiled and just stared at Sophia. "What is wrong? Why are you looking at like that? Do I have crumbs on my face?" Sophia mused. "I love you," Jake blurted.

******

Katherine wiped her tears before entering Mr Olsen's office. Mr Olsen sat awaiting her arrival. "I'm sorry sir," Katherine apologised with her head down when she got to the office. "Have your seat," Mr Olsen said calmly. Katherine was surprised at Mr Olsen's tone. Didn't this man said he would sack me?, she wondered as she took her seat. She needed to sit after all; she has been so emotionally stressed that she can't stand for a long time. "Sir, I.....," Katherine was about to start saying something when Mr Olsen held his hand up indicating that she should quit talking.

"If you think I will sack you, I want you to trash the thought," Mr Olsen began. Katherine was amazed but didn't utter a word. "I knew I wasn't gonna be easy seeing one's previous lover after a while. It's very common for people to lose their rationality especially when you still love your ex. Do you still love him?" Mr Olsen asked. "No, I don't. I won't," Katherine responded firmly. Mr Olsen just nodded.

"Sir?..," Katherine was stopped from speaking again. "I will grant you two days off to clear your head and mind. I need the hardworking Katherine in my company and not this messed up Katherine," Mr Olsen said. "Sir, I will be fine by tomorrow. It's just temporal," Katherine said. She didn't want to stay at home for whatsoever reason. "I insist," Mr Olsen said, "Also, when you resume, I want you to resume to my office," he added. Katherine had a questioning face on her. "I've gotten reports of how hardworking and diligent you are so I decided to make you my assistant. I have the intention of revealing the good news to you when you get back from Clane, though," he said shrugging his shoulder.

Katherine didn't know whether to cry or smile at the turn of events. She just looked expressionless. "You can go back to your office to sort out some things before leaving for home," Mr Olsen said dismissally. "Thanks sir," Katherine bowed and left the office. She went to the washroom. She washed her face and plastered an everlasting smile on it. She then walked smartly to her office.

"Kat, how was the tour? I guess you enjoyed yourself. One can tell that from your smile," Ariana said. "It was a success. Psychologists said a beautiful smile will lighten your day. I'm doing that," Katherine said. "Sure. I should smile too," Ariana said. She broadened her lips in a smile. Instead of looking cute, she ended looking funny. Katherine and Grace laughed at her.