A LOVE THAT IS FOREIGN

Anonymous Caller

"What do we have for today's menu?" Tamira asked Asia as soon as she saw her entering their office with her huge bag hanging on her shoulder.

"It's different this time. We called it palabok. A type of noodles garnished and associated with boiled egg, pork cracker, small shrimp and I add extra lumpia to pair them up."

Asia put her sling bag on her cubicle. She still have an hour to deliver her meals to those colleagues who ordered.

Tamira with a crossed arms above her chest stood next to her friend, watching Asia as she pulled a box of meal and handed it over. "Well, I don't f*****g know what was these foods but I bet they're bloody good. It's been your signature so, yeah," Tamira shrugged.

"The lumpia, it was made of ground beef, I wrapped it up around the what we called lumpia wrapper which was made of wheat, we deep fry it and viola. There you have it." Asia winked.

Tamira open her meal. Using her thumb and fore finger, she picked up the lumpia and took a bite. The crunchiness of it made a satisfying sound. "Hrm!" Tamira squeal when the tasty thing finally registered to her tongue. "This s**t is so good. How can you do this?" Tamira commented then took her second bite.

An inward laugh left Asia's lips. "I'll be gone delivering the meals. I gotta go," She carried the huge bag and made her exit.

Asia went to different floors to meet up with her consumers. She gave them her food and they take it in exchange of 10 bucks. Because she's been doing it for years now, distribution became a piece of cake.

She still have 15 minutes before her work hours finally start for today. Asia comeback to their office with a heavy purse and weightless bag. She folded her bag and slide it into her stuffs. Her ass were settled comfortably on her chair in her cubicle. Feeling a little hot and sweaty, she collected her hair and tied it up.

"They are hickeys, aren't it?" Tamira's voice appearing out of nowhere made Asia flinch. "By the way, your food? They are divine." She was leaning on Asia's cubicle. Her arms are both placed above the made-up wall that seperates Asia's place to another making a series of cubicles. "Tell me, how was it? How's the Friday night turns out?"

"You left me,"

"Oh come on, my dear friend, Asia. I told you, I have to satisfy my hunger. And Garret was my answer. We shared couple of orgasms last night. God. It was so good, so great." Tamira's cheeks turned rosy red remembering how her night become oh-so wonderful. "It's your turn."

There is a digital clock in the office. Asia check the time first, reassuring herself that they have enough time for chitchat. She still have ten minutes and she think that's enough time to share some necessary details. In a low voice, afraid that someone might overheard what she's about to say, Asia finally spill the tea. "I've found an investor." She send Tamira a wink then Asia tapped her tummy.

"Holy s**t, no."

"Yeah,"

"Oh my God, for real?"

"I told you I can do it."

"Asia! Oh my Asia! Welcome to the f*****g club!" Tamira jumped on her feet while giggling. Unable to suppress her happiness for her friend, Tamira jumped to Asia, embracing her tightly, almost suffocating her. "So...? How was it? How was your first time? Can you rate it? 5 is the lowest and 10 is the highest." Asia raised all five fingers of her right hand in the air, it was followed by her left hand wherein four fingers were curled close and the pinky one was the only standing. "Six? Only six? Oh my God. That's terrible." Tamira's face and emotion changed rather quickly.

"This isn't six. It's a solid eleven. It was a crazy and mind-blowing experience. I think that man is a professional gigolo." As their conversation become more interesting, their remaining vacant time is growing shorter. "He's... He's so amazing. And his voice is very handsome just like himself. And those luscious and mouthwatering body is to fight for. And oh Jesus. He was big and it was thick."

"This is useless! I need a name, what's his name? I need to see the lucky guy." Tamira's eyes are sparkling with excitement. Her request made Asia fall silent. "Hey, you don't wanna share his name?"

"No, no. I-I just don't have the chance to ask his name. But he told me to call him Hussain. That's all I know. And oh, he's an American-Pakistani guy."

"How can you be so sure that his investment is goin' to grow?"

Asia look at her right, then to her left before murmuring, "I told him I'm into pills and injection. He didn't use condoms." After that naughty revelation, Asia giggle, while Tamira shook her head slowly in a side-to-side pattern.

"Jesus. That was so witty, Asia. You are such a wise bitch."

"I know, I know."

They don't have the plan to end their interesting conversation so soon but they felt the motion of their colleagues. Everyone had rushed to their own cubicles when the clock dropped to seven o'clock.

"Gonna talk to you later," Tamira winked then she walk away.

Five minutes after the working hours begun, their office door swung open and their managing supervisor gets in. An old and strict woman who wears red shiny lipstick that matches her red hair. Probably one of the most unfriendly old woman Asia can name.

Asia diverted her gaze from the old woman into the computer screen right in front of her. She then puts on her headphones as her first call for the days gets in.

She picked it up and greeted her client in her usual lines. "Hello, I'm Asia Ybañez of TeleConcreté, how can I help you?"

┈──╌❊╌──┈

The cab stopped in front of her house. Asia pulled out a bill, paid the driver and told him to keep her change. She's so exhausted. Too tired to dropped in wet market and buy raw ingredients for her meals for tomorrow.

Screw it.

She have decided to inform everyone that she won't be making any breakfast meal. Tonight, Asia have planned to take a long rest.

As she slide the key to her doorknob, on it's keyhole, Asia's head swung left and right and back for she thought she heard a shutter of camera. She observed her surroundings, quite afraid but she won't let it show. A whole minute passed, there was no other movements on the street aside from cars and people passing by.

Her fear vanished. She decided to push her door open, gets into her house then locked it. Asia removed her coat, tossed it on her couch then she made her way going to her kitchen. After making herself a warm chocolate, she go back to her small living, holding her mug in her both palm for a comfortable warmth.

Before putting the mug to the table, Asia took a small sip. Then she grabbed her bag, count her money, saved large amount on her piggy bank and before going to shower, she called her family in the Philippines. She's about to sleep but her family are just about to start their day. Time difference that it is.

She and her family talk about random things. They exchanged greetings and of course, her family expresses how excited they are for the next few months, for their sister who's finally coming back home. After keeping in touch, they ended the call. Asia finished her chocolate and then prepared herself for a soothing shower.

"I think he likes you,"

Asia swung her head to side, to Tamira who spoke. They are in the lift going down to ground floor. Another day is about to end, another day of not doing anything aside from sitting on their cubicles and welcoming several foreign calls.

"Who?" She asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Arthur,"

"What? No!"

"Yeah!"

"Shut up, Tamira. Arthur is like my elder brother. Stop being so malicious."

"I am not being malicious! That's just how I see it."

The elevator finally ding and it slides open. Asia was the first to step out mumbling the words, "well, you see it in a wrong way."

"Whatever." Tamira replied with a rolling eyeballs.

Both girls signed out from the front desk of the company then they exited from the building. As soon as they're out, Asia noticed a black Mercedes car. The car door flew open and a familiar guy hop out. It's already dusk but she could still see clearly and she remember the Mercedes owner as Garett. The guy they met at the bar, the bartender guy Tamira hooked up with.

"Him?"

Garett raised his hand to wave a little while Asia immediately look at her friend who is currently suppressing her wide smile, bitting her lower lip in a curved line.

"What happened to the one night and no string attached rule?" Asia asked again.

Waving back to him, Tamira replied. "This one is different, Asia." She dropped her hands to side then faces her friend. Her eyes twinkling in excitement and bliss. "I gotta go. Today is a date."

Asia smiled, she brushed Tamira's shoulder and nod a little. "I'm very happy for you. Just... Just be careful."

"I will. Definitely. Ciao,"

"Uhuh,"

Tamira started running away, running towards her man.

While watching her friend hugging and kissing her new romance, someone with a masculine voice appeared before her. Asia easily got distracted and she diverted her eyes to the speaker.

"I can give you a lift."

Funny that she and Tamira are talking about him just few minutes ago and now, here he is, offering Asia a lift. She shook her head, forcing herself to forget Tamira's assumption. Insisting herself that there is no reason to feel uncomfortable with him being around.

"No, I'm good. Thank you tho,"

"Are you sure? You know I wouldn't mind." Arthur insisted nicely.

"No, Art. I'm okay. Besides, I have to drop by the wet market. You don't have to bother yourself."

"Alright, I think I should go then." Asia smiled at him while bidding her goodbye.

Arthur is a mestizo American with tanned skin. He stand tall, masculine yet quite bulky body. He is a very nice guy too. Gentleman, kind, he's very caring but inspite of all his amazing traits, Asia never imagine herself being in an intimate relationship with him. To her, he's just an elder brother, a guy bestfriend, no more, no less.

"What?!" Asian mouthed when she noticed that Tamira is looking at her with suspicions.

Garett open the door for Tamira and just before getting in, in sign language, she said, "I told you!"

Asia have a younger brother who cannot speak nor hear and that is how she learned the sign language. In which, she taught her friend, Tamira.

"Whatever," She breath out.

When Garett and Tamira drove away, she waited for a cab.

┈──╌❊╌──┈

Through his tilted double door compact Audi, Rufus could see the first woman he have taken on his house, the first woman who sleep with him on his very own bed.

That morning when he wakes up, she was no longger on his house. Not that it disappoints him, instead, it was quite unexpected. She could have demand for money or agreement in case she got pregnant but no. She just left. No words spoken. No exchange of names. Nothing.

Rufus was able to find Asia because in the middle of that Friday night, before joining her in to sleep, he saw her phone. He found out the company she's working for and that's it. Rufus found her as Asia Hermosa Ybañez.

Now, he's watching her like a hawk.

After the man left, Asia waited standing there, busy with her phone until few moments later, a cab stopped in front of her.

"Follow that car."

His chauffeur look at him through the mirror before saying, "yes, sire."

After quite a long ride, the cab stopped at the Fulton Market. A huge establishment where Asia most often buy her ingredients because aside from the fact that this market sells fresh goods, they are very cheap too. Note also the fact that she could bargain the prices there unlike in supermarkets.

Rufus' car stopped not too far from where the cab dropped Asia. Again, he watched her hop out, close the door until she enters the huge market.

His chauffeur exited the car to open the door for his boss.

Once he's finally out of his comfort, Rufus stated his words. "Wait here,"

"But, sire--"

"Wait. Here."

Rupper, his driver for six years now, also a Pakistani but an older man, withdraw his tone and held his head low. "Yes, sire." He mumbled.

Before walking towards the market, Rufus fixed his tie. Every step he's making, he's catching everyone's attention. Men or women are looking, staring, it's very unusual to see a young and very fine man in suit wandering around a wet market like the Fulton. Younger women are attempting to flirt with him but he's not interested. At the mean time, he is only interested with only one woman and she is the reason why he was on a place like this.

Fulton is the largest wet market in New York but despite of its size, Rufus immediately spotted the woman in front of a fish stall.

In a very define movements, he approached. He busied himself checking out the dry goods next to the stall where Asia is currently bargaining the price.

"Hey, Tessie. How much is this salmon per kilogram?"

"$35."

"35 dollars?! That's a high price! I'll buy 5 kilos, sell it to me in $130."

"Oh, no my dear, we bought it $14 per pound. I'll be giving it to you 170. Five dollars discount."

"Make it $140."

"$165"

"$150!"

"No. $160. That's final."

"I'll take it!" Asia squealed. Satisfied to the price she bargain for.

After a sigh, the old woman packed the five kilograms of Salmon Asia just bought. "You're such a very terrible customer." Tessie joked which made them both laugh. "By the way, I didn't saw you yesterday."

"I didn't cook this morning." She remarked as she watch the woman in weighing the salmon.

"I see... Here, five kilos. This is gonna be your last bargain, young lady. You'll have me bankrupt if this continues."

Just as about to give the $160 bill to the fish vendor, a tall man wearing formal suit stood next to her.

Rufus handed over piled of dollars. He said, "exact $175 for her 5 kilos salmon."

Asia, as well as the old woman were stunned that he is actually giving away a large money. They are looking up to him. He himself feels familiar to Asia but she couldn't recall if she really had met him already. It makes sense tho. It's been four days since Friday. It was dark in the bar also in the room where they had a series of hot s****l activities. And apart from those, Asia does not look at his face that much. That's why his familiarity to her remained unanswered.

Still confused, she finally found her ability to speak. "I'm sorry, sir, I have money."

Even Tessie were surprised. She couldn't decided whether to take his money or just like Asia, refuse his offer. To make it easy for the both women, Rufus put the bill just above the table then he turn to leave.

"What the hell was that?" Asia breathed out.

"Oh man. Some rich and young lad giving away money just to flirt. Anyway, he look like he have money for it so let's just take it for our advantage." Tessie collected the money Rufus left on the table and she started counting them. One by one.

"Tessie, can I leave my salmon for a moment? I just go after him."

Still busy counting her money, Tessie replied. "Yeah, sure."

"Thanks!"

Asia run after him. She saw the strange man entering a black luxurious car. And before his chauffeur close the car, Asia used her hand to block his door.

"Hey! What are you--" Rupper tried to stop her but she already got near to Rufus.

Panting, Asia offered her money. "Take this, mister. I can buy with my own money."

Her stubbornness surprises Rufus, she's intriguing him more. Since he remained silent, Asia decided to grab his hand and leave the money on his palm before backing away.

"Interesting woman..." he whispered while watching her walk back to the market.

Standing by the glass wall of his office, Rufus feed his eyes with the view of the busy city. Numerous and gigantic buildings are everywhere, unending road is always filled of different types of cars and random people doing their daily lifestyle. And of course, that breath-taking view of the moving clouds and blue sky added to the beauty of the overall landscape. By just looking at all of those, it's making him relaxed, calmed and he's able to appreciate random things when alone just like today.

He couldn't hear anything aside from his own breath until his voice message receiver beep thrice followed by his secretary's voice.

"Mr. Hussain, the line you requested has been granted. Would you like me to connect you with TeleConcreté, sir?"

He remained looking at the view of the city until after a moment, he pulled his hands out of his pocket. Rufus approached his table, sat down on his swivel chair and pressed the voice message machine. Sending his secretary an instruction 'bout what to do next.

"Ms. Connor, connect me to the line right away."

He lean on his chair, hands were resting on the armrest as he wait for the response of Ms. Connor.

To entertain himself while waiting, Rufus focused his eyes on the interior of his 6 years old office. Made of iron-steel, floor is all pure smokey gray marble, there's a huge transparent glass wall at the back of his desk, the wall that gives him the view of the New York City. At the right side corner, there are shelves where he stored all the plaques and awards he have gathered since the day he took over the family company. Most of the plaques are recognition from different associations hailing him as the youngest successful entrepreneur in NYC.

There are also abstract paintings which are all bought by himself in different countries he already visited.

He's been oblivious to the time when the machine beep again and Ms. Connor's voice took over.

"Mr. Hussain, you are now connected to the line from TeleConcreté you requested."

His lips automatically formed into thin curved line, proof of the excitement that's overwhelming his overall being. Upon picking up his telephone, the other line granted his call. Righ then, he heard her voice. Still as interesting as ever.

"Hello, good morning. I am Asia Ybañez from TeleConcreté. How can I help you?"

Rufus did not talk.

Few seconds of silence occur between the two of them before Asia, with wrinkled forehead, speaks again. "Hello? What can I help you with, sir/ma'am?"

Entertained to her voice, Rufus have decided to finally talk. Just a simple "hi," to strike up a conversation with the woman who's been on his mind for the past nights.

"Yes, sir? In what way can I help you, sir?"

"Just talk, just keep on talking." Because he really enjoy listening to that feminine and soft voice.

"Pardon me, sir?"

"You have a very nice voice. It made me forget my own concerns." He teased while rolling a pen in between his thumb and forefinger.

What the hell is wrong with this guy? Is this a prank call? Jesus. My calls are all monitored. Asia's subconscious stated. She's starting to get annoyed but she has to entertain this guy in a nice way. That is if she love her job and would love to keep it until her end of contract.

"Sir, I really would like to help you with your concern but I have a lot of calls. Have a nice day, sir. Thank you for calling."

And after those final words, she hung up. The sound of a beeping line echoes in his ear.

Asia received another local call, now from an old woman requesting for a reservation with Cresentoon Hotel. Their conversation lasted for only a minute or two and as soon as she hungs up, her account rang again.

"Good morning! I am Asia Ybañez of TeleConcreté. In what way can I help you ma'am/sir?"

For this morning, maybe Asia already used the same greetings dozen of time already.

While staring at the screen of her computer, she couldn't help but to think that this number seems familiar. Her busy thoughts were cutoff when a masculine voice registered. "Is it okay in your company to just abandon a call from a client?"

It's him again. Oh God!

Asia mentally counted numbers 1 to 10 to prolong her patience and soon enough, she apologize. "I'm sorry about your first call, sir. Can I know now your concerns?"

"Connect me to NYC Bulletin."

Relieved because they are finally down to business, she replied politely. "Right away, sir."

She set on-hold her client's line as she tried to contact NYC Bulletin. Unfortunately, the publication is currently down and unavailable, her calls couldn't get thru. Despite of the inconvenience, Asia still attempted few calls before going back to her client, informing him that the line he requested is currently unavailable to cater calls. "Would you like to leave a message, sir? Maybe we can reach them later."

Rufus has his lips formed into cocky smile. Of course she couldn't contact NYCB because he already send an order first hand to make Asia's account bounce back. Much to his enjoyment, he agreed to just leave a message.

"I'll be noting it down, sir."

Asia grabbed a pen, a small note then she waited for the message and further instruction of her client.

"Tell them to make this message be imprinted to the job opportunities section of the newspaper that they will issue for the next day."

Although Asia is aware that this man cannot see her, she still nod her head while whispering, "uhuh..."

"Hiring for a part-time cook. No degrees or further qualifications needed aside from ages 25-30. Salary per hour is fixed 500 USD. For inquiries, contact this landline number, 212-514-3721."

Too surprised to the salary she heard, Asia paused until she lost track of the informations her client is stating.

Just who the hell and sane person will give 500 dollars per hour just to cook?!

No degrees needed?

25-30 years old?

And above all, part-time!

Just part-time but the salary is as high as regular jobs!

She's too focused with the things running on her head she forgotten that she's still accommodating a client's call.

"Hello?"

Asia blinked once, twice, she was pulled back to the present and to the reality of life. When she speak, she couldn't help but stammered.

"I-I'm sorry sir, but I didn't get the last detail. Can you repeat the landline number, please?"

She listen to each number he's disclosing and once finished, she repeated all the information perfectly.

"That'll be all." Rufus said, in the tone that's stating they're almost at the end of the conversation.

"Noted, sir. Thank you for calling."

Asia look down on the note she jotted down.

There's no way she'll let it slipped her hands without inquiring. She mean, why not? She's good at cooking! She's just 27 years old. And that 500 USD isn't something she's earning per hour as a call center agent.

"Hey, you with me?" Tamira asked, noticing that Asia had been spacing out for quite sometime now.

They're spending their lunch break at Macey's-- again. Tamira ordered corn soup and some seafoods for their main dish paired up with their favorite light wine. Both woman are sitting accross each other on their favorite table in the restaurant.

Asia look at her friend, she rested her arms just above the table and in a serious voice, she said, "you know what? I had a call this morning."

"Oh yeah? All of us does."

"No. This one is different."

"Uhuh?"

"Listen, I had a weird caller. He's a guy. At first, I thought its a prank call because I dont know, he sounded as if he is trying to flirt with me."

"Really? Interesting!" Tamira bent her body nearer, her eyes twinkling because of Asia's intriguing story.

"Interesting is not the first word that comes to my mind when he called. It was actually kinda creepy... Well, anyway. He called twice, and guess what. He is looking for a part-time cook. 500 USD for every hour!"

"Wait, wait, what? Did I heard it right? $500?! Hell, he must be a complete crazy rich man!"

"Ma'am," Tamira and Asia looked up to the waitress who called for their attention. "Here is your orders." One by one, the young waitress put the dishes into their table then left.

When they're just the two of them once again, Asia decided to consult her plans to her friend. "I actually have the contact. Should I give it a call? What do you think?"

"What do I think? Of course I think you should do that! With that part-time, I bet you will save triple as much before your flight back to your country."

"Exactly..." Now that she's been enlightened, Asia is very much determined to get that part-time job.