My Miss Independent

CHAPTER 8

"Hey, pare! How are things there? Is everything ready for your flight on Sunday? Do you have any questions?" Ken called Nas before going home.

"I'm good to go on Sunday, pare," Nas answered her partner. I hope there won't be last-minute cancelations." she added jokingly.

"Don't worry. There won't be. All is set here for your arrival." Ken told Nas assuringly. Ken knows how disappointed Nas was when her training got canceled last minute last time. He wanted to assure his partner that it wouldn't happen again this time.

"Good to know," Nas answered him. "By the way, pare, who will I look for once I arrive in the office?" she asked Ken.

"Good question. Since you're arriving in Sydney on Sunday, you can come in late on Monday. Just come in after lunch. Look for Fritz, Fritz will pick you up at the lobby, and he will give you your ID. What time is your expected arrival at Sydney airport on Sunday? Will you take a cab to your hotel, or will you have someone pick you up?"

"My flight details said four o'clock in the afternoon. That is, if there are no delays. The admin team told me that they booked a driver to pick me up from the airport on that day. I'll send you my flight details. By the way, I will stay in the Kent apartment. Is it near the office? The street in the apartment address is the same as our office street address."

"Okay, that's good. Yes, Kent Apartment is just across the office. It's five minutes on foot. Hey, will you please make sure to copy Fritz in all emails related to your flight and stay here in Sydney? Also, please send us both your apartment details."

"Sure, will do. Oh, pare, Can I buy a sim card at the airport?" Nas asked Ken additionally.

"Yes, you can, and let me send you Fritz's number so you can contact him directly. I'll give your number to him too," Ken added.

"Oh, okay," Nas answered him awkwardly.

"Pare, Fritz is a good person. Shy but nice. You have to be comfortable with him. You will work with him for six months, remember?" Ken reminded her.

"Of course, Ken, I know that. Maybe I only feel this way because I haven't met him in person yet." Nas reasoned out.

"I know. You haven't met George too, but you're comfortable with her. Ken pointed out.

"No, I mean yes, but that's different. I always talk to George. It was my first time talking to Fritz the other day. But don't worry, pare, I'm sure I'll get more comfortable with him once I meet him in person." Nas dismissed Ken's further questioning.

Ken is always quick-witted. She's not sure if she can still lie without Ken noticing if she doesn't put an end to the "Fritz" topic.

"That's good to hear. I will be happy if that happens." Ken was hopeful.

For reasons she cannot understand, she's been feeling a different hope from Ken's actions since the meeting. Nas, you are overthinking again! It's all about work! She dismissed her thoughts.

"I'll see you on Sunday, pare!" She ended the call with Ken.

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Fritz's Point of View

"Was that Anastasia?" Fritz asked Ken after he put down his desk phone.

"Yeah," Ken answered him with a wide grin.

"What?" Fritz snapped at his best friend. He knows he's doing this on purpose to gauge his reaction. He's not going to give in.

"Why do you seem so interested? Ken asked, suppressing his smile.

"Well, dude, it's time to update me on my tasks, don't you think? Again, I am not interested in her. I just want to know my responsibilities so I can go home soon. It's Friday. I have a gig later. I'll get her details, and I'll go." Fritz irritatingly answered Ken.

"Defensive," he whispered while fake-coughing and clearing his throat.

"Dude!" I looked at him sharply, wanting to punch him.

"What? Something's stuck in my throat," he chuckled.

He wrote something on a piece of paper and gave it to me.

"Here's her number. I know you've been wanting to ask for it since the meeting," Ken winked at me while smiling impishly.

"Whatever, big bully!" I snatched the paper from him. "I just need it for work, for better communication." I justified. Ken is annoyingly sharp and observant right now. "What else do I need to know, Sir?" I asked him mockingly.

"Well, she'll arrive at the airport at around four in the afternoon on Sunday. They booked a driver to pick her up. I also asked her to come in late on Monday. She'll be here after lunch. She'll message you so you can pick her up in the lobby. On your way, you can get her ID at the reception." Ken instructed.

"Oh, please also check on Sunday if she arrives at her hotel safely. You can either message her or go to her apartment. Maybe, check also if she brought thick jumpers and clothes with her." he added, grinning.

Shit! I knew Geroge would tell him how I interrupted her call with Anastasia the other day. I forgot how smart-ass Ken is.

"You i***t!" I threw the lumbar pillow on my chair at him. He has been getting on my nerves since the meeting. Well, I can't blame my best friend. Even I know that I have been acting weird lately.

I went back to my workstation to wrap up my work. When I was about to close my computer, I saw an email from Anastasia. She sent the details of her flight and her apartment. Hmm, She's staying near my place. I live near the office, and I don't know why I find it oddly satisfying.

I wrote down all her details and turned off my computer. I took the paper that Ken gave me. I stared intently at Anastasia's number, contemplating if I should save it or not. s**t, what's happening with me? I make a big deal even out of the tiniest detail like this. I am not myself. I should stay cold and aloof.

"Save it and message her," I did not notice Ken standing in front of my desk. I rolled my eyes at him and hurriedly kept the paper in my pocket.

"Are you not busy? You seem to have a lot of time in your hands, my friend," I snarled at him.

"Frosty! I was waiting for you. I'm done with work. Let's have a few drinks before your gig tonight," he replied, laughing.

"Fine, make sure to message Kate, or you'll sleep outside tonight." I teased him back. Kate is Ken's wife and also a good friend of mine.

We went to the bar where I will be having my gig. I had a few drinks with Ken before I started my set. While at the DJ booth, a girl approached me and asked for my number. This is the price I pay for wanting this job.

Once in a while, I give in. As long as there are no strings attached, I'm okay. I always make it clear that I'm only into one-night stands, no emotions, and no repeat occurrence. I'm apathetic like that. I have needs as a man, but I am emotionally unavailable.

I told the girl my conditions, and she said she's okay with it. Good thing she is also just looking for a one-night stand. Frankly, I am not in the mood, but thinking about my behavior these past days, I think this is just what I need. Maybe, this will help set me straight again and return to my old uncaring self.

We went to the girl's place after my gig. This is another rule that I established in my life. I don't allow anyone in my apartment, may it be my family, friends, and especially girls. My apartment is my private space. No one, not even Ken or my mother, knows it.

"Hey, handsome," the girl sat down on my lap and handed me a glass of beer. She started kissing me, and I kissed her back. When I opened my eyes, I was shocked to see Anastacia's face. I pushed her and was surprised to see the girl again when she fell on the floor.

"What the f*ck! What's up with you?" the girl shouted at me angrily.

I helped her up and said sorry. s**t. What's wrong with me? Why did I confuse her with Anastasia? I think I really am crazy at this point. I picked up my coat and went to the door.

"Hey, that's it? You will just leave me hanging?" the girl looked at me scornfully.

"I'm sorry. I'm really not in the mood tonight." I answered coldly and left.

"Fritz Flores Durmaz, what is wrong with you? You i***t! How can you do that? You are mad!" I shouted at myself once inside my car. I stared at myself in the rearview mirror. What is wrong with me? Why is that girl, Anastasia disturbing my peace like that?