In just a blink of an eye, it’s already Saturday morning. Luckily we’ve made an early plan since he’s busy too the next day after meeting so it’s not a downcast acknowledging it.

I’m so excited today to show Derek this burger place I’ve known since the first time I moved here. Literally salivating as I remembered their burgers. The thick juicy patty clutched in between the grilled round buns and the mozzarella cheese that can be pulled miles away.

I’m exaggerating but still. Too good to be true.

Been awhile from the last time I’ve eaten there and this is one of the many reason why I suggested it. Because I’m craving it for a long time but it’s too awkward to go there alone. Forgot to mention that it’s a hot spot for couples so it’s totally understandable if no one’s going there alone.

I’m not a bold person like some of the people so every time I’m craving it, I have to wait until Tyler and Kate came here. I know I’m third wheeling them but it’s better than never. I just want to devour the mouth-watering burger and stuff it right down my throat.

“Burger…”

[Send me your location~ Let’s vib-]

Tara? Why’s she calling? We exchanged contact the second time of our meeting. She asked for it since she’s pretty amazed when I’m the first intern that went to see Mr Collen himself and still breathing. Made me question, is he that bad? But I don’t want to know further than necessary.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Cody. I’m sorry to interrupt you during weekend. It’s a weird question but is Mr Collen there with you?”

“Hm, no. Why?”

“Oh, it’s just he was suppose to meet a client at the Golfaholic Golf Club at the other side of the city but he didn’t picked up my calls.”

“He have meetings on weekend?”

“He do sometimes but it’s really a meeting, more like a sport to bond with clients. It’s a last minute thing. The client called me yesterday night and asked for game with Mr Collen today. I sent him a text as soon as I got the information. He did replied an ‘okay’ but today, he didn’t picked up my calls. I thought you two were together.”

“Yeah but it’s late- hold up. How did you know?”

A long pause. “W-What? I just figure that you might be with him. If you don’t, it’s fine hehe.”

“Why did you asked me in the first place?”

Again another long silence. “Did you eavesdropped our conversation?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then explain yourself, Ms Guinevive.”

“You shouted that you’ll contact Mr Collen when you’re about to exit the other day. Practically it’s not eavesdropping if you’re announcing for the world to hear.”

Oh my god, am I that loud? I’m so embarrassed but thankfully, that just it. Hopefully nothing explicit escapes the office.

Mentally face palming myself before saying, “Yes, we have an appointment. Nothing too special but is he busy today? I mean is the meeting very important?” Ignoring the sly sounds from the other line.

“Hm, well, it is about a business Mr Collen been talking about lately so apparently. Why did you ask?”

I can’t hide the disappointment that’s flooding me. I’ve been excited for today but it seem like being friends with a CEO is pretty hard to predict. I mean of course he’ll choose meeting with his client over me.

“Are you worried he’ll ditch your date today?”

Tara’s statement caught me off guard which I totally forgotten about the call. I’m too deep in thoughts, having mini flashback when we’re setting this dat- meet up. What made it worse is that I known this from his secretary instead of Derek himself. Am I not important enough to be in his mind? At least text me or something.

“Oh my god, Cody! Are you THAT disappointed?”

“Huh? N-No, what are you talking about? I’m just spacing out, that’s all.”

“Yeah right, with Mr Collen in mind.”

“No, I’m not. Mr Collen is not with me at the moment. Sorry, I can’t help you. I’m hanging up.” Tara bid a quick goodbye and take care before I ended the call.

Heaving a long sigh in the serene tiny bedroom in only a towel wrapped around my waist. I just got out of the shower, out of excitement I was going to get ready early like two hours before our meet up. Yes, I am THAT thrilled actually.

I sat on the side of my single bed and flop the rest of my body on it with my feet still dangling on the side. Another sigh before throwing the phone somewhere around me then curling into a ball.

There’s no reason to rush or even dress up now. I even woke up early this morning and it all gone to waste. Now I’ll just catch up with my sleep, hoping this frustration will go away.

***

[... your location~]

My ringtone been roaring for quite some time now but I chose to ignore it. Maybe from Tyler or Kate, might also be from Tara again. Whoever that is, they have been calling a few times nonstop. Maybe emergency but I’m not in the mood for that.

It made me think back to the reason why I’m lazing myself with sleep in the first place, why I’m in bed which practically naked. No, no, I need to sleep more. The frustration is still there. I will spend my weekend in this tiny space of my bedroom.

*Door Bell*

“Oh my god, now? I’m not waking up.” then try hard sleep again but fail miserably as the door bell ringing again and again.

Damn, this postman is persistent. Can’t you take the hint? There’s nobody home if no one’s opening the door after two rings. I’m already wide awake by now, no trace of drowsiness from before, thanks to the postmen.

Now that I’m fully conscious, I can’t neglect this person anymore and went to the door, ignoring the fact that I’m only covering my lower half. I took a glimpse of the clock hanging at the wall of my tiny living room. It’s almost 3 pm.

Wow, I knocked out that long and still feel tired. Turning the door knob and without hesitation, opening the door.

My eyes widen looking up at the majestic tall figure wearing a navy blue polo shirt and a black slack if I’m not mistaken. That lips curve upward and brown eyes staring at me in amusement without uttering any word.

“Derek! What are you doing here?”

“Well, I hope you didn’t forgot our date today?”

The annoyance from before hit me instantly on full force. “It’s not me that forgot.” Then cross my arms across my chest, frowning while avoiding his eyes. But he only responded with a chuckle. The fuck, does he think I’m playing?

“I’m sorry, I can’t help it.”

“Why are you laughing? I’m serious here.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. You’re too adorable.” he said casually while ruffling my hair.

All the irritation gone, replace with a hard blush, crawling from my neck to the tip of my ears. In a swift move, I push his hand away. “Stop it, Derek.”

“Okay, okay, sorry.” chuckling before continue, “Let’s go then.”

“Go where?”

“Uh, our date?”

“It’s not a date. It’s a hangout but now’s a little too late for a hangout don’t you think?”

He look at his watch, “It’s only 3pm, puff. Don’t make a fuss about it. Are you an old man stuck in a 24 year old man’s body? Every time I ask you out, you always said it’s late. Or are you actually avoiding me?”

Man, I can almost see dog ears drooping on top of his head in disappointment. He’s acting like a sad puppy when I’m the one who was suppose to be mad.

Sighing, “Fine, let me go get ready for a minute. You wanna wait inside? My apartment is not big. You might find it a lot tinier than your usuall-”

“No, of course! I would love to.” he said, a little too excited.

“O-Okay.”

Opening the door wider for him then close it once he’s inside. Gesturing him to sit on the only couch I have in my tiny living room. Thank god, I decided to clean up my apartment yesterday so it’s not really as messy. That put a good first impression of my apartment to the CEO aside from the size itself.

“Do you want something? Water or tea?”

“I’m fine.”

Making himself comfortable, sitting with his leg on the other knee. His legs are so long that it folded awkwardly on the cheap, worn out couch. Regardless of it, he look majestic and anyone can see he doesn’t belong here yet he didn’t seem to care.

Oh my god, what am I doing inviting him in? Of course, he accepted my offer just because he didn’t want to look rude. What am I even doing being friends with a CEO of a prestigious company? That’s the problem in the first place.

But he seems sincere and I can’t simply reject him.

A rich man hanging out with an ordinary man? No doubt people will think I’m his boytoy or some dude leeching over his money. I freaking hate that. It’s not like I can put a ‘We’re just friends’ sign on my forehead.

“Hm, puff? You look lovely right now but can you hurry up put on some clothes? I can’t stand looking at that pink nipples of yours.”He look down, “Can I touch i-”

“Shit, no!”

Running into my bedroom, locking it quickly. Shit, I totally forgot I’m only in my towel. No wonder he seems reckless, I swear I saw him ogling my body since I open the door but overlooked it considering my frustration was the highlight.

That perverted CEO.

***

“Let’s get down here. Your car will attract attention if we get any closer.”

“But it’s not a limo.”

“Still, it’s a Camaro for god sake. It’s an expensive car, I don’t want anyone seeing me in this.”

Despite his long sigh and unsatisfied face, he pull over to an empty spot and park in a public parking lot, among ordinary cars. As we got out, I found it ridiculous. His car did look out of place parked in between a family van and a jeep.

I lead the way to the place which is not that far from the car. We walk silently side by side and I can’t help but to compare myself to him.

He himself is stand out with all those branded clothes while I’m here wearing a baggy plain maroon hoodie I got for free during a Christmas sale four years ago matched with a worn out jeans. I look absolutely like Derek’s hidden mistress.

Come to think of it, it’s the first time I saw him driving. Is his driver, Harry if I’m not mistaken taking holiday? Whatever the reason is I’m so thankful. It lessen the I-feel-like-a-mistress a little bit.

As we got inside the restaurant, I inhale a lungful of the delightful aroma of a freshly cooked beef and bacon. The heavenly sound of sizzling and smoke coming out of the grill. Ah, I’ll never grow tired of this burger.

Though it’s Saturday, it’s not as packed as usual. Maybe because it’s past lunchtime and too early for dinner. Resulting only two couples waiting in line, that made us the third couple.

Wait, we’re not couple!

“So this is the place?”

The deep husky voice brought me back to reality after a long ranting I had with myself mentally. I look up at him who’s staring back at me with a smile. “Y-Yeah. This place might seem underrated but their food is outstanding. You won’t regret it.”

Then it hit me, what if he don’t like a cheap restaurant that’s not even on Yelp. I don’t know how many star is this place. For me, I care less about the rating. If it’s tasty, then it’s tasty. As simple as that.

“Unless you don’t want to eat here. I totally understand if you don’t.” I can’t contain the urge to ask. I don’t want to coerce him into liking this. Yeah, I’m easy to waver.

“Hey, I’m sincere when I said I wanna try this burger. I’m not gonna back out now so relax your shoulder.” With his hands, pushing down my tense shoulder. “Don’t frown too much.” Touching the middle of my forehead, in between my furrowed eyebrows and push it upward.

“Now what do you want? I’ll buy you.”

“No way! I told you I’m buying. What do you want?”

“What do you recommend?”

“I’ll recommend the Beefy Combo that comes with a large fries and coke. If you don’t like beef, maybe a bit greasy for your taste, you can try the Cockadoo Chicken Combo. That one have a curly fries on the side. And if you’re a vegan or trying to keep this,” tapping on his toned stomach. Aha, I knew he got that washing board abs hidden under that fabric. “You can choose the Virgin Combo. I don’t really like that one, a little dry for my liking but I love the onion ring. Ugh, I’m already imagining it. But it’s yours, which one interest you?”

He chuckle, “I’m not picky so I guess I’ll let you choose.”

“Ha! I won’t disappoint you.”

It didn’t took that long until our turn. The Spanish middle aged lady on the counter been smiling since we entered up till now.

“What can I get you, handsome hombres?”

“We’ll have two sets of the Beefy Combo with crispy bacon and two slice of cheese in it, please.”

“Alright. Is that all?” she said after jotting down the order.

“Yes, that’s all.”

I paid for everything and once done, I grab the receipt and about to go to the pick up counter before the lady stops us. “Sorry to bother, are you two lovers?”

“No.” “Yes.”

Shooting a glare to the taller man with a sly grin on his face and back at the lady. “No, we’re friends.”

“Oh, perdon. You two look beautiful together.”

I just laugh it off and quickly walk towards the pick up counter with Derek following behind me. “Derek, what are you doing deceiving that poor lady? She might get wrong ideas about us.”

“I’m okay if she misunderstood with whatever she said just now.”

“You jerk-”

“Eden?”

I froze mid-sentence. My mind just went blank. It’s not the soft feminine voice that shock me.

It’s the name.

It’s been awhile since I heard that name and I can’t hide my facial expression. “Puff, are you okay? Your face is pale.”

I look up at Derek, he’s worried. I want to assure him that everything’s fine but I can’t find my voice. My hands started to shake, please not now.

“Is that you, Eden?”

The voice is getting louder which means she’s getting nearer. No, please no.

“73, two Beefy combo!”

Perfect timing.

I grab the paper bag just as the chef put it on the counter and the other holding Derek’s hand, leading straight to the exit without facing the lady perhaps standing right behind me. Thankfully, the restaurant packed everything like a takeout so it doesn’t matter if you want to dine in or take away.

For sure, I’m not dining in.

“What happen, Cody? Didn’t you say you wanna-”

“Hm, it’s quite hot there considering I’m wearing hoodie.” Okay, think fast. “C-Can we go to your place?”

“My place? Suddenly?”

“Y-Yeah. You’ve seen my place so I’m wondering if I can see yours too and maybe eat this there.” He’s considering about it. Come on, just agree this time. I’ll never ask again next time. “That, of course, if you don’t mind.”

“Okay, we can. Under one condition.”

I pray to every god to not let the favor be weird or embarrassing. “What’s that?” Giving a half-suppressed laugh.

“We have to do some work.”

“W-Work? On Saturday?”

“It’s Highden’s scope of work. Since you’re going to my place, why don’t you help me out?”

I almost forgot he’s also a manipulative bastard and a workaholic at that. We’ve been out twice and both laced with business reason. Basically I’m his business partner. I would have dissolve in laughter if it’s not a serious matter, literally still shaking.

Whatever it takes to distract me.

“Alright.”