Scars of Time

Chapter 20: "Advice"

Hope's POV

"He hasn't been eating at all." Will informed me which made me concerned.

I left Rory with Will for a little while, but he already had told me that he wouldn't be able to keep him. Hence, I must now embark on a quest to find him a suitable home, as Time is genuinely allergic, which means I can't take him with me either.

"Thank you very much for looking after him. I'll take it from here."

"I would love to keep him but you know I have to travel a lot so..."

"It's okay Will. I'm grateful you looked after him and you did a really good job. I'll keep him in the office until I find him a new home. Don't worry."

As he gave a confirming nod, we left his office and stepped into the hallway. I scooped Rory up into my arms, bidding farewell to Will.

"Where are we headed now?"Alex inquired and it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't mentioned my profession as a veterinarian yet.

"I'm sorry, you must be confused, I didn't properly introduce him to you. This is my newest client, Rory. I met him the other day when he was almost run over by a car and I took him to my office because I couldn't leave him on the street again.

I have a soft spot for injured animals and can't resist lending a helping hand whenever I see one. As a result, my office is gradualy evolving into more of a shelter than a traditional vet's office."

"Oh you're a vet!!"

"Yeah."

"I would have never guessed."

I smiled and he kindly opened the car door for both of us.

"I've been bothering you all day with my problems. You should return to your own job."

"I'll drive you back first. Don't worry."

"Okay, then tell me how much I have to pay you."

"You don't have to pay me anything. I'm the one who owes you."

Was he doing all of this because he felt guilty about the one-night stand?!

"I insist. I have been making you drive me around all day."

"It's fine. I already called my boss earlier to take the day off. Don't worry. We are friends, so friends should help each other when one is in need." he mentioned, carefully observing my reaction. It felt as though he was subtly probing if I was comfortable with the idea of being friends. Well. I'm not. But, I'll let it be for now.

"Then do you wanna come over for dinner after we leave Rory with my assistant?"

"Umm...would it be rude if I refused? I'm not in the mood to meet Time right now?"

"I don't think he is home. But I can ask him to leave even if he is."

"Come over to my place instead. I'll cook you dinner." he said that casually, without thinking too much about it. However my heart couldn't help but react and a blush crept up my cheeks, unable to conceal the effect his invitation had on me.

"I'm actually really hungry, so it would be great."

"I'll try to figure out something fast."

"Let's take Rory to his destination first."

..................

Time's POV

Upon returning to the office, it became clear that I had been neglecting my responsibilities. Jo had captured my attention, making it challenging to concentrate on anything else.

"Hello sir, I wanted to inform you that I have successfully organized the documents you requested and have placed them on your table. Additionally, I have ensured that your schedule for tomorrow is free, just as you requested. It is of utmost importance that you sign the provided papers, and please note that you have a meeting with the marketing team later today to discuss the progress of the "Iris" project. They have kindly stayed behind, patiently waiting for your arrival." Ben's words flowed effortlessly, not even stopping to catch his breath, which is his typical manner.

"Thank you for your assistance Ben, I have a question to ask you, would you mind stepping into my office for a moment?"

Without wasting a moment, he hurriedly trailed behind me and I made sure to close the door firmly behind us

"Do you have any questions about the "Iris" project, sir? I can ask the head..."

"I want to ask something personal." I interrupted him.

"Personal!!!!"

"If you can keep your lips sealed, of course."

"I am willing to sew my mouth shut if necessary."

"Okay. Don't exagerate. Soo Ben. I think you might have experience of these kinds of things.

I want to ask....how do you....umm what do you need to do.... No. How to make someone like you?"

"Do you have someone special in your life sir????" he asked, his eyes filled with excitement.

"Kinda. But how do I make her like me?"

As he settled down in front of me, he nonchalantly crossed one leg over the other and pondered, thoughtfully scratching his chin. "Well, depends," he replied, leaving me curious about his next words.

"Depends on what?"

"Does she like flowers?"

"I don't know. I guess she doesn't as there are always some dried up flowers on her desk."

"Hmmm....what about gifts?"

"She barely even eats the food I buy her."

"Barely? That means she does eat it, so we're not hopeless. What about asking her for a nice dinner??"

"I did it today. We fought through all of it."

"This is a hard question, I'm gonna need to think it through." he said as he was so determined to find something. In that moment I came face to face with the harsh reality of how hopeless I must have been to ask Ben for relationship advice.

"Ben, have you ever had a girlfriend??

"No sir."

"Then why am I asking for your advice??"

"I don't know sir."

"You know what...it's okay. I'll figure it out myself. Thanks Ben. You can inform the marketing team to come in."

"Actually, I have an idea. Why don't we ask them about this?" Ben's suggestion initially seemed absurd, however upon further contemplation, I realized there was no need to disclose the identity of the person I was asking for. It could simply be on behalf of a friend.

No one would suspect a thing.