Chapter 17
The bright sun peek through the dark curtains and shine on Tik face. He rub his eyes and reach for his watch on the night table. 7am... too early. He closed back his eyes when he realized something heavy on his arm. He open his eyes again and look over to find Aff sleeping on it. Sigh. Tik wrap his other arm lightly around Aff body and snuggle with his eyes closed again, thinking back to last night. After a hot shower to help clear his head, he was able to calm down and by the time he was done... Aff was asleep in bed, naked, like he had asked. Guilt consume him after he realized how he treated her... Oh Aff... Afraid he would wake her up, he hugged her slightly tighter and planted a soft kiss against her hair. Why did you had to go and break my heart?
Aff stir her eyes but she didn't want to wake up especially when it's soo warm. Her body just want to lay under the cover as long as possible but when her hand came in contact with something hard..... Her eyes open immediately open only to see Tik sleeping face, inches away from her. Sigh, it was just his bare chest she was touching. That's right, I must have fallen asleep while waiting for him last night. She lift her head a little to look for a clock but none so she rest her head back down on his arm. No wonder it felt warm... he must've hugged her all night. A slight smile appear as she examine his flawless face sleeping so soundly... She have always wonder what it'll be like to wake up next to Tik... And now, if only the circumstances were different, this moment would have been perfect. The smile fade and Aff started to feel emotional. No matter what, nothing will ever be the same between them. Maybe it's a good idea now to get up and get ready for work. She slowly remove her hand from under the cover and gently move his hand to the side. But before she got out of bed, her fingers reach out to touch his soft lips... A rush of strong memory of them sitting on the beach, watching the sunset and making out filled her mind. UGH! She shake her head and hurry to the bathroom so she can take a hot shower. As the door shut, Tik eyes open and couldn't get his heart to stop beating...
---
The ride to work was quiet. Aff sat on the chair in the dressing room, waiting to be called for her photo shoot. She shuffle the magazine pages aimlessly, trying to get Tik face out of her mind. The tears started to swell up in her eyes. Oh no, I can't be crying now. Her make up will get ruin and there's no time to get a touch up. She got off the chair and grab her cell phone out her bag to distract her.
*knock knock*
"Come in." said Aff who put away her phone. "Tom..." Her voice soften. He enter the room and shut the door behind him.
"Is there something I can help you?"
Tom eyes were emotionless. "Yea, I need you to get the hell out of Tik's life."
"Excuse me?"
"You HEARD me. He doesn't need you to work for him. He has plenty of gorgeous model lining up and eagerly wanting this position."
Aff try to remain calm. "Well, tell Tik to fire me then because he's the one who hired me."
"I see." Tom nod his head slowly. "Now that he's super wealthy, you decide to stick to him like glue when before, you could't wait to kick him to the curb."
Ouch, Tom words aim straight for her heart. "Is that all you have to say? I have to get ready for my photoshoot." Aff turn her attention to the big mirror and pretend to fix her hair.
Frustrated... "Just remember in your head that Tik is not the same person whose heart you rip apart years ago." With that said, Tom left, slamming the door after him.
She tense to the sound of the slam door and this time for sure, the tears were going to come out. Of course, Tik isn't the same person, because if he was, I wouldn't be his mistress right now. She quickly grab a piece of tissue and a dab her eyes carefully so it wouldn't ruin her eye makeup. She tilt her face up toward the ceiling to prevent the tears from forming while inhaling and exhaling deeply.
*knock*
"Aff dear, you're up next." said Mandy
"OK. How do I look?" She ask with a weak smile, twirling one last time.
"Beautiful as always... now come." She gesture Aff for the door.
Aff followed Mandy to the set. There were more girls on the set then usual. She took off her robe and stand in front of the camera light with an unease feeling. No matter what she did, every move felt awkward.
"What's the matter Aff? Didn't get any sleep last night?" Johnny yelled out with his gay tone from behind the camera. He noticed she was sluggish at every pose.
"I'm sorry." She apologize and continue to pose her best under Johnny instructions.
"Much better." Johnny walk toward her and pat her back. "Let's take a 30 min lunch break. The CEO ordered us lunch today in the breakroom."
"Ok." Aff smile sweetly and reach for her robe to wear. She enter the break room to find Tik surrounded by all the other girls. Now she know why Tom can say he can get any girl... they were all droolingo over him. Suddenly, their eyes connect brieftly. Ignore them.... ignore him. She quickly grab a plate and filled it with sandwiches jet out of there. Once she reach the room, she had loss her appetite and a headache was coming on. Aff sat on the chair with her head in hands. It has only been two weeks yet her heart was drowning with misery.
30 min was up and she was back on thet set. This time, she drown out everything and did her best. Johnny was very pleased with the pictures and couldn't stop complimenting her.
"Finished. Good Job today Aff."
"Thanks Johnny. What's the plan for tomorow?"
"We don't know yet, the CEO didn't tell us yet."
Oh... Tik didn't have any plans for her yet? "Should i come in then?"
"Why don't you give me a call before you head here?"
Aff nod her head. "Sure." She return to the room and changed into her clothes. She check her phone and it was still early to go home. Ugh, she better not go anywhere without Tik notice. No more of yesterday drama. Today's drama was already enough. What to do then? She was about to head to teh elevator when Mandy came running after her and calling her name. "Aff"
"Something wrong Mandy?"
"No, I totally fogot to tell that all the models are invited to a gathering event across the street hosted by CEO."
"Oh... do I have to go?" Tik's going to be there with his army of girls. Ugh. Why do she even care?!
"Yes. There's suppose to be a special announcement."
"Really... well they won't know if don't go right? Aff was trying her best to get out of it.
"Just go, there's nothing to lose Aff. Beside, it's not like CEO has an annoucement every day." Mandy grab her arm and drag her to the event.
Once inside, there was quite a bunch of people beside the models. They walked over to Johnny who was on his third drink. "Oh there you are Aff. Hey hot bartender, can yo make my girl a banging drink? I'll tip you really well." The bartender paid Johnny no attention and quickly mixed a drink. "What's the special announcement?"
"What?" Who told you there's a special announcement?"
She looked at Mandy... "Well that's what Mandy said."
"Mandy have listening problem my dear. BIG boss host these kind of stuff all time".
"Opss.." Mandy cover her mouth. "Sorry."
"He know how to treat his employees. Plus he is soo yummy to look at. Too bad, he is not gay."
Aff laugh and take a sip of her drink. "Wow. This is really good."
"Really, here have another one." Aff now have two drinks, one in each hand.
"Oh there he is. Why does he always look soo fione!"
She turn her head to see him and Tom greeting people. Everyone was on their best behavior especially the model girls who couldn't stop batting their lashes toward Tik. She better hurry and finish her drinks so she can get out of here. Aff surely didn't want another face off with Tom.
---
Tom and Tik walk around and talking to people. Finally they reach their secluded area but still could see the crowd. Tik eyes scout for Aff but she was no where to be found. Where is she?
"Who you looking for?" Tom asking, noticing his eyes were else where.
"No one." Tik drink his beer and stray his eyes at the models a few feet from them. "When is Jen getting here?"
"She should be here any minute now. Oh there they are." Tom got up and wave for them to come over.
"They?" Tik sees a beautiful lady walking in with Jen.
"Hey babe." Tom lean in and gives his wife a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey hun." Jen turn her attention to the right. "Tik, this my dear friend Lavadee." Tik extend his hand otu. "Nice to meet you."
Lavadee smile and shake his hand. "nice to meet you too."
"Why don't you two have a chat while me and Jen get us some more drinks."
Oh, you bastard. Another set up.
---
Aff kept her eyes on him with the beautiful woman. They were talking and laughing. It look likes there were sparks between them. "Aff...Earth to Aff."
"Huh?" She turn her attention and ears back to Mandy. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
Mandy let out a giggle. "Are you spying on our CEO?"
Her cheeks flush. "What? No."
"Don't lie. Tell me the truth. You have a crush on him too?"
"What? Why would you say that?'
Mandy giggle some more. "All the girls around here have a crush on the CEO. Look at him."
She didn't bother to look. "He's ok." Aff place down her empty glass and ask the bartender for another one.
"Just ok? Be serious. Any girl that marries him would be the luckiest girl on this earth. He's hot, filthy rich and have such a charming personality." She said with a deep sigh.
"Oh yea?" She ask, trying not to be affected by Mandy words. "That's not enough to sweep me off my feet." Aff down her drink and was ready to go. "I'm out of here."
"Well then, I can't wait to meet this guy who's going to sweep you off your feet."
Aff smile. "Some day you will meet him. I'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Maybe... if i don't get too drunk here. How are you getting home?"
"Cab."
"Ok. Let me walk you out then."
"No need. I'm going to use the ladies room first then head out."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Good night." She lean in and gave Mandy a hug before finding her way to the ladies room. She needed to pee because the liqour buzz was kicking in hard. Why did she drink on an empty stomach?!
The hallway to the bathroom was quiet. After she was done, she felt slightly better and began walking toward the side exit. Once the cold air hit her lungs, she felt relief. But it wasn't for too long, when Tik showed up, grab her by the waist and press her full front body against his. "Ready to go home?" He had on the hugest grin.
"Tik, let me go." She try to push him but couldn't do it.
"You're drunk"
"Am not." She said with her pouty lips.
"Don't argue with me."
"I -- ekkkk." he lift her up in his arms and walked toward the parked car nearby. "Put me down now!"
"Is this how you like to be swept off your feet." He put her down to unlock and open the doors then shove her inside.
How did he know? "I don't know what you're talking about."
He shift gear into D and sped off. "You will when we get back to my room."