“Hey, Claire.” The voice caused my hair to stand on end. I turned around. “We run into each other again!” Jack said with happiness shining in his eyes.
I looked at him wondering how unlucky I was to run into him. That was the last thing I ever wanted. Every day I went to work, I was hoping and praying that I wouldn’t see him again because the first time we met each other he didn’t give me a good impression. I kind of freaked out at that time. The memory of seeing him the other day was still haunting me. Big time.
I faked a smiled and said, “Oh yeah.” I didn’t stop and I kept walking. Honestly, I barely knew this guy, Jack.
“Where are you going?” he asked, following me down the road.
My mind was now busy working on the get-rid-of-him plan. “I’m waiting for somebody.” I lied. That was the best plan I came up with so far.
He frowned, “A guy?” he asked in a note of doubt.
He gave me an idea of my working-on plan. Besides I really had had enough of his attitude. What’s up with all the questions? What did it matter to him if I was really waiting for a guy? “Yes,” I said and added, “I should probably call him.” I took out my cell phone at once. And at that moment I realized that I kind of got myself into a big trouble. What if no guy showed up, Jack wouldn’t leave me alone then. Suddenly a name came up to my mind. The one and only.
Raymond.
I punched in Ray. I found the number in record time and pressed dial. Raymond picked up at the third ring.
“Hello?”
“Ray! Where are you? I’m waiting for you!” I said, trying to sound as enthusiastic as I could even though I was happy to hear his voice.
“Claire? What are you talking about?” he asked in confusion.
I smiled at Jack who was looking at me which made me feel really uneasy. I turned around and had my back to him. “Ray, you need to help me. I’m in big trouble.” I whispered. I hope Raymond understood how big a trouble I was in.
“I got it. Where are you?” he asked, his voice sounded serious now.
I let out a sign of relief. I smirked, and then I turned around to look at Jack again. “Why don’t you come to the main building right now?” I said and at the same time smiling sweetly at Jack. My plan was so going to work. I was sure of it.
I hanged up. “I’m sorry, what were we talking about?” I said to Jack who was still looking at me. I doubt if he ever blinked.
Gazing at me, ignoring my question, Jack asked, “Who’s Ray?”
I smiled, “Remember I told you I went out to meet a guy that night? I went to meet Ray.” I told him and that’s another lie. I didn’t go out to meet anybody that night.
Jack just nodded, and he didn’t say anything. For the past few minutes Jack kept asking me this and that, about what plans I had for the weekends, what’s my schedule for the weekdays, blahblahblah. My eyes kept focused on the direction that Raymond would come from.
Ding. The sound of the elevator. The door opened. A nice tall young man was standing there; ready to get out of the lift. When I caught sight of Raymond, I could feel a big happy smile was dancing on my lips. He looked like an angel who came just in time to rescue me. Any seconds Jack would be out of my sight. Raymond smiled at me and gave me a nod. I ran to him and threw myself into his arms.
“Ray!” I said happily.
Raymond hugged me and whispered in my ears, “I know what to do.” We pulled away and I smiled at him. By the time we finished hugging each other, Jack was already standing next to us.
I turned to him and said, “Jack. This is Raymond. Raymond, this is Jack.” I introduced them to each other.
“Nice to meet you, Jack.” Raymond said and held out his hand.
Jack’s eyes narrowed, “You too.” he said and took the hand.
Raymond turned back to me, his arm now resting on my waist. “Babe, what do you wanna eat?”
I thought for a second then answered, “CPK.” I turned to Jack and asked, “Oh, do you wanna join us?” I said, trying to be nice but deep down I was praying for him to say no.
He didn’t answer my question, instead he asked, “Is he… your boyfriend?” he looked at me with his eyes filled with hatred.
I swallowed hard and before I could say anything, Raymond had already answered it for me, “Claire didn’t tell you?” he grinned, “Yeah, I’m her boyfriend.”
Jack shot us both a dirty glare. I looked away at once. “I will leave. I am not going to come between you two.” he said with clutched teeth.
Raymond frowned; “I don’t think anyone can do that.” he said then turned to kiss my forehead, “Right baby?” he asked.
I just smiled. Raymond was playing along real serious.
Jack’s eyes went wild. He turned around and left.
Raymond and I exchanged eye contact. I needed to continue to pretend to be Raymond’s girl in case Jack turned around and saw something that made he suspicious. I slipped my hand into Raymond’s and together we walked down the road.
“Who is that guy, Jack?” Raymond finally asked as we were almost to the traffic light.
“Horrible guy. It’s a long story.” I told him, “I’m sorry you have to pretend to be my boyfriend. I really don’t know what to do without you. Thank you!” I said with gratitude.
“I don’t wanna pretend anymore.” Raymond said and smiled at me.
Shit! It was a bad idea after all.
I bit my lower lips when I heard that, “I’m so sorry. There won’t be any next time.” I apologized at once.
Raymond chuckled, “I mean I wanna play it real.” he said and stressed on the word ‘real’.
I stopped walking and looked up at him. He was smiling at me.
“Do you want to be my girlfriend?” Raymond asked shyly.
Again a big smile was dancing on my face. I nodded, “Yes.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder; he swung me around and pressed a kiss on my lips. I was happy; I had been feeling for Raymond for quite a while already. And knowing Jack would not bother/stalk me anymore since I had a boyfriend. I felt even happier. I closed my eyes and kissed back passionately. Today was probably the best day ever.
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