One month to forever

Episode 3

Andrew's P. O. V.

“You're staring out the window like someone just told you the stock market crashed."

I dragged my gaze away from the passing streets of Manhattan and glanced at Alex, who sat beside me in the back of the car.

"I'm not."

Alex snorted. "Right. And I'm the Queen of England."

I ignored him and looked out the window again.

Normally, my mornings were predictable. Review emails.

Go over schedules. Prepare for meetings. Think about work.

Instead, my mind kept wandering back to a tiny café and an irritating waitress with warm hazel eyes and absolutely no respect for customer service.

Lucy Hayes.

I didn't even know why I remembered her name.

She had served me coffee. That's all. Maybe it's because I ordered my assistant to find out about the lady who ruined my morning.

Yet there was something about the way she'd looked at me, as if she had already decided exactly what kind of man I was, that refused to leave my thoughts.

"You're thinking about a woman."

I nearly rolled my eyes.

"Alex."

"I'm right, aren't I?" he asked, grinning like he'd just solved a murder case.

"No."

"Wow. So defensive. Definitely a woman."

I exhaled slowly and adjusted the cuff of my suit.

The driver pulled onto Fifth Avenue, the towering glass headquarters of ‘Franchise’ company coming into view.

A woman was the last thing I needed right now.

Especially one who clearly couldn't stand me.

Unfortunately, the more I told myself to forget Lucy Hayes, the harder it became.

I had a meeting to attend this morning but I had to call it off because my suit was ruined and I needed to go home to get changed.

As I am ushered into the building through the glass door, I am greeted by my workers who are all lined up by the side with their heads bowed.

I have always wondered who told them to perform such an act when greeting me. I wonder who even told them that it was compulsory to greet me like this every single time. Whatever their reason is, I don't care. And I definitely don't have the time to tell them to cut it out. It's beginning to look too performative.

The elevator door opens. Alex and I walk in. I press the top button to the 16th floor because that's where my office is.

I'm already feeling exhausted, I didn't even get my usual morning coffee. In fact, today has been a bad day. First of all my usual coffee spot got taken down, then I went to some cheap café to try out their coffee because Alex persuaded me to stop there since it was closer. Then I try out the café, just to get my blazer stained because of some careless waitress.

“Aunt Laurina called me this morning. She said she was trying to reach you but you weren't picking up”

“Ughh” I roll my eyes at Alex. “What does that woman want from me?”

“A wife and grandkids”, Alex chuckled.

My parents have been on my neck for almost a year now. I can't understand why they are so bent on me getting married. They don't understand that marriage is going to be a huge distraction to me.

The elevator dinged, indicating that we have reached the 6th floor. As the doors glide open, I storm out, walking straight to my office. I didn't even pay attention to the receptionist who greeted me in the hallway. Alex followed behind me, talking to one of his many side chicks. If anyone should be pressured into getting married, it should definitely be Alex. That guy sleeps with literally any and every woman that comes across his eyesight. I can't even remember the last time I laid a woman.

When we got into my office. I went straight to my table to check out the files that were urgent. A minute hadn't even passed before I heard a knock on my door.

“Come in”, Alex said

Ben, my assistant , walked in. “Good morning sir”, he bowed, greeting Alex.

“Mr. Kingsley, Mrs. Laurina is here to see you sir”, he said.

“For f***s sake” I mumbled through gritted teeth.

Alex sat there looking nothing but amused and jolly.

Why does my mother enjoy tormenting me? I can swear that she came here to ask me if I have chosen a woman out of the one million women she sent to my office, to settle with. I'm so done with this constant disturbance.

“Let her in”. I didn't even need to tell Gabe to let my mother in, she was going to come in either ways.

“Andrew Kingsley! I thought something bad happened to you” she cried. “Why weren't you picking my calls? Oh my precious son, you know that your father and I want nothing but the best for you”, she said walking around my table to where I sat.

“I'm sorry my phone died” I lied.

“Good morning aunty”. Alex stands up, coming to give her a hug.

“Oh Alexandra my love. How are you doing?” She smiled at him, giving him the biggest hug. I'm beginning to think my mother wished Alex was her son instead of me. If she had the chance to swap me with her sister's son she wouldn't even hesitate. Alex always talks about his love for women, that's why everyone thinks he is a good boy who just wants to get married. They don't know he's a hoe.

“Mum, is there a reason why you are here today?” I ask pretending like I don't know why she came.

“Is it a crime to come and see my son?” She retorts.

“No mum. It's not. Good to see you too”. I say, giving her a sarcastic smile. She laughs, knowing I'm not stupid.

“So Andrew, there's this woman named Amaya. She is the daughter of one of your dad's dearest friends. I promise you that you will love her. She is different from all the other ones I sent to you that you didn't like. Maya is sweet and pretty” My mum says holding my hands so I can focus on her.

“Amaya sounds like a good person Andrew. You should check her out” Alex smirks at me. He's just trying to get on my nerves.

“Look Andrew, even Alex agrees that she is a good person” my mum says, hoping I'd agree.

“Mum, I'm not interested in meeting any of these women. Can you just give me some time? I'll find someone myself”

“Andrew, I have given you more than enough time to find someone yourself. You haven't even made any attempts. You're just saying that to make me leave you alone. Time is ticking. Your father and I are aging. Do you want us to die without giving us grandchildren?” This woman sure has a way of talking someone into doing what they have sworn never to do.

I love my parents so much, but this whole marriage talk is beginning to get on my nerves.

“Okay mum. When am I meeting Amaya?”

“Oh thank God” she exclaims, clapping.

“You'

ll meet with her tomorrow. I promise you you'll love her” she smiles, squeezing my hands in reassurance.