Favorite Vice

Chapter Five

Jazmine's POV

Veronica calls for us to meet up. Samantha will be late as she has work, so it’s only the two of us. She tells me via text that she found out what was wrong with Kurt’s bank account. “So basically, when Sam withdrew the money, a hacker went through the latest details and that’s where he collected the data. They pretended to be Sam and withdrew another sum of money. What gets me so frustrated is how this bank has such a poor cyber-security system.” Vie sips her salted caramel frappe. “Good thing they relented to refund the money.”

I laugh, remembering how terrified the bank tellers were when Vie questioned them. “Who would even speak up when they’re faced with godzilla?” I snorted at her stupefied face. Oh no, my gelato is melting! I took a scoop and relished the delectable dark and bitter taste of the chocolate.

“Excuse me! Don’t compare me to that monstrosity. My beauty far exceeds hers.” She stabs the blueberry muffin as if it has committed a sinful crime. “Anyway, after we finish here, let’s go visit klutzy Sam. She’s going to have to pay me a high talent fee for this.” I nodded in response and looked out the busy street. Summer in the Philippines really feels like a burning oven. Not even my delicious, cold gelato can beat the heat.

After we paid our bill, Vie drove us to KDM building. I stood frozen across the entrance. The memory of yesterday’s rendezvous in Kurt’s office is still fresh in my mind. I don’t think I can face him. I’m so ashamed. But Vie and Sam don’t have the slightest idea of that. This is what you get when you let yourself get carried away by emotions.

I rummage through my bag for my phone. “I wonder when you’ll ever organize your bag. And please, can’t you just switch to a proper handbag and not a tote bag? Honestly, that bag is not serving its purpose.” I’ve heard her mantra about my bag for a million times now, but I just can’t let go of my precious tote bag. I smiled at her, showing her my full cheeks, and dialed Sam’s number.

Vie sighs as the call comes through. “Hey, Sammie. We’re on our way to your workplace. Can you wait for us in the lobby? Okay, thanks. Bye!” The rest of the ride goes silent when Vie asks me my most hated question.

“So, how have you been?” She knows I heard her, but I ignored her anyway. I don’t want to talk about it. I hate talking about it. “You know, it won’t do you any good to keep bottling up your emotions. We’re your friends, Jazzie. Can’t you open up to us? We’re all really worried about you. Your brother’s also been asking about you. We love you, Jaz. Don’t forget that.” I know. And I shouldn’t be pushing them away and isolating myself, but if I talk about it, it becomes too real, and I don’t want to think about it and feel the pain. “We’re here.”

I got out of the car quickly and walked ahead of Vie. Sam waved at us from the entrance. “Oh my gosh, you don’t know how excited I am to see you both. How is it?” I turned to Vie, since she’s the one who knows how to explain the situation.

“It’s fine now,” were her only words, making Sam and I stare at her incredulously. “What?” I shook my head at her and grabbed Sam by the hand towards the elevator. Vie follows us with an exasperated sigh. “I’ll explain it later in full, with Mr. DeMarco along with us. Happy now?” We gave her an okay hand sign and laughed at how in sync we both were.

We arrived at Mr. DeMarco’s office where his secretary greets us. “Mr. DeMarco has been expecting you.” She opens the door for us. Upon entering his office, his manly scent caresses the tip of my nose.

Vie fixes her posture, donning her business aura. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. DeMarco. I’m here to inform you about the situation regarding your bank account.” She and Kurt shook hands and proceeded to talking about business. Sam and I sat on the couch at the right end of his office. Sam holds my hand in a tight grip. The night before, she had broken down through call and was worried sick she might lose her job. For what seemed like hours, Vie and Mr. DeMarco finally finishes talking.

We were ushered out of the room, leaving Sam to talk to her boss. Meanwhile, Vie receives a call and leaves in a hurry. I wait for Sam when a woman barges in, looking for Mr. DeMarco. “I’m very sorry, Ma’am, but Mr. DeMarco can’t meet with you. He’s busy with a meeting and applicant interviews. I suggest you return on another day.” The secretary tries to appease the woman, but egotistical people don’t really listen to anyone but themselves.

As much as I tried to be invisible, the woman turned her spiteful gaze on me. “Who are you? Is she waiting for Kurt? Then why can’t I wait for him here like she is? You know what, wait until I speak with Kurt. I’ll tell him how inefficient and lacking you are as his secretary.” Wow, she’s much worse than I expected.

She stands before me, blocking my view, her hands on her hips and arched brows. “Ma’am, please don’t be rude. She’s an applicant here. Mr. DeMarco won’t appreciate you harassing his employees here.” I’m amazed how gutsy this secretary is. When you’re in front of powerful people like this, ordinary people tend to bend to their will. But not his secretary, apparently. I wonder what training he put them through.

I was about to speak when someone cut me off. “What are you doing here?” Kurt pockets his hands, looking as dashing as ever. Sam excuses herself and stands beside the secretary, whispering something between them. Mr. DeMarco dials something on his phone and not a minute later, two guards appear. “Please escort her out of this building.” Mr. DeMarco turns and enters his office while the guards drag the girl out of the building. Well, I guess that’s all for the drama. I stood to pick up my bag and leave with Sam when Mr. DeMarco called for me. “I need to talk to you. Do you have a minute?” He says to talk. But, I’m afraid the glint in his eyes says something different.