Difference between You and Him

THREE

“You should not look down at yourself. You are better looking than him…”

Vince’s POV

As soon as the car stopped, I open the door and got out. I felt the hotness of the sunlight in my skin but it doesn’t bother me. I went straight inside the restaurant and look for the person who is waiting for me.

“Mr. Lopez!” my head automatically turns at the person who calls my name. He was smiling at me and I didn’t hesitate to walk towards his table.

“Good day Mr. Mendoza.” I greeted and sat down on a chair in front of the table.

“I hope you’ll call me Simone next time. Mr. Mendoza sounds too formal.” He said before taking a sip of his orange juice

“I’m sorry Simone, but I’m here because of a business not friendship.” I told him, he then look down at the table

“I-I understand.”

I sigh before I speak again, “So, what happened?” he quickly raises his head and smile

“It is good news for you Mr. Lopez. Rochelle and his boyfriend broke up yesterday.” He said then smirks. I suddenly froze for a second, did I heard him right?

“They broke up? A-are you sure?” He nodded many times with a big smile. I don’t know what to feel. Should I be happy that my plan worked? That Shade is finally single? However, his heart is broken and he might be hurt right now. Should I really be happy?

“Mr. Lopez? Aren’t we celebrating? Your plan is success!” He said, still a smile on his face. His happier than I do. Of course, he’ll be paid a hundred thousand dollars since he succeed.

“I don’t have time for celebrating. I’ll send the money on your credit card. You’re job is done, it’s your choice if you’re broking up with her or-”

“Why would I broke up with her, she’s so great in bed.” I look away and ignore what he said. I stood up from the chair and look at him

“Thank you for your cooperation. It’s nice working with you Mr. Mendoza.” I utter. I started walking away until I got in the car and went back at the company

It was almost 1PM when I came back. Shade probably had eaten lunch. I suddenly remember what that guy said; he broke up with his girlfriend. I thought it was impossible but it happened but I’m not too happy about it since Shade is probably sad right now, I don’t want to see him like that.

I like Shade ever since he became my secretary. I did not know how it happens but every time I see him, my day is totally perfect. His smile is a sun to me; it shines brightly, and I love it. Every morning, I would call him to hear his voice. I don’t want to say I’m obsessed with him, but I think I am.

The elevator door opened and I stepped out. I walked straight to my office when I notice something. I turn my head at Shade, “Are you alright Mr. Garcia?”

“Sir?” He asked. I looked at him while raising both of my eyebrows. “I am sir. I’m fine.”

“Then why do you have tears in your eyes?” I asked

I saw him touch his own eyes, and when he knew it was wet, he quickly dries it off. “Oh-um... there was something on my eyes.” He said. I nod, but I am pretty sure it was a lie.

“Do you have plans tonight?” he shook his head as an answer. “Good. Have dinner with me.” I tried to control to let a laugh out because of his face right now.

“Sir?” he utter

“I said, have dinner with me since I don’t have plans later and I don’t want to eat alone,” I said as an excuse. The truth is, I want him to be sad and this is the only good way I could do. I am not taking this as a chance to have him since he's single.

“I-I would love to sir.” He said while stuttering. 

I smile, “Okay then we’ll head out at 5 PM.” Without his answer, I went into my office. I walk towards my chair and sat on it with a big smile. My heart is skipping beats and I like it. I’m going to you mine Shade, soon.

I was busy with my paper works and I didn’t notice that it’s already 5:15 PM. I quickly stood up and took my coat. As I got out of my office, Shade stood up from his chair. “Are you ready to go?” 

“Yes sir.” He said and took some of his stuff from the table. I nod and start walking towards the elevator, I knew that his following so I don’t need to look back. We didn’t wait too long until the elevator door open

Silence has started between us and it is very awkward. “What is my schedule tomorrow?” I asked. He saw him, grab the tablet from his bag. 

“Well, you have a meeting with Mr. Wang and an appointment with miss San- I mean that’s all, sir.” He stated and turns off the tablet, I simply nod. Luckily the door open and we escape the silence

We head straight to my car. The driver had already left because I ask to. “Mr. Garcia,” I call him and he automatically looks at me. “Take the keys.”

His face looks so shocked, “I’m driving?” I nod. “But the driver-” 

“He already went home, there was an emergency.” I lied but I knew Shade believe it

“T-then, I-I’ll drive sir.” I saw him gulp. He seems to be nervous.

“You can drive right?” he answers me with a nod. “Then, there is no problem,” I utter before getting in the car. After a moment of staring at him outside with a problematic face. He went inside and starts the engine. I told him the address and I saw him look at me in the rear-view mirror then nod

I find this moment romantic even if I’m not sitting beside him. I didn’t dare to since it might pressure him. I don’t know why Shade look so tense earlier, he is a good driver. Maybe because it’s his first time to drive for me.

The ride didn’t take long and we reach the restaurant. I got out first before him. As I went into the resto, I choose the table we’ll sit and he peacefully follows me. 

After I pick the food I’ll eat, I quietly stare at Shade who is busy reading the menu. He must have noticed my stares, the reason why he looks at me. 

“Have you chosen yet?” I said as an excuse, I almost stutter. It was his turn to stare at me but after a second, he nods. I also nodded and call the waiter to tell him our order. When the waiter repeats our order and I confirm, he left.

While looking around, I heard Shade’s phone ringing. He took his phone in his pocket but when he saw the caller’s name, he turns it off. His face seems to be annoyed but his eyes look sad. I don’t know who was the caller but I’ll guess it’s his ex. 

“Is something wrong?” he quickly look at me

“No, nothing sir.” He replies with a smile. I don’t think that was a real smile since his eyes are still looking so sad.

 “I should be honest with you Shade, I recently notice that you seem to be sad. Is there any problem? Is it about work or me?” I can’t help but ask, my curiosity leads the way. His eyes wide open and look down

“It’s not about work or either you sir but I don’t think I could tell you.” He replied but he is still looking down at the table.

“Is it too private?”

“No, it is not too private but-”

“It’s fine if you won’t tell me but I can’t stand your sad face.” I utter. This is my chance, I won’t let this go

“I don’t think I have guts to tell it to you, sir.” 

“Alright. You can call me Vince when we are not at work, I can be your friend Shade.” once again his eyes wide open, I guess it’s because I call him by his first name

“I-I don’t think I can sir. It sounds not right if I call my boss by their first name casually.” I chuckled at what he said

“Shade, it’s an order, not a request so you have to call me by my first name,” I said that made him bite his lower lip. I can’t help but stare at his lips, it looks so sexy even if he didn’t do it on purpose.

“O-okay Vince.” He said. I smiled when he utters my name even if I can’t hear it that loud.

“Okay Shade. Now, tell me about your problem so I can help you.” 

He raises his head to take a glance at me before looking at the waiter who is walking towards our table. The waiter then put our food at the table and left. While opening the cap of the red wine I order, Shade starts eating. I patiently wait for him to talk

“Well, yesterday, I broke up with my girlfriend.” I watch him talk while putting wine in his glass. “I saw her with another guy and the dude looks more handsome than me.” He stops when he notices my staring at him and not even taking a bite of my food.

“You should not look down at yourself. You are better looking than him.” I advice

“Huh?” his face looks confused then I realize what I said. I have to think of an excuse

“I mean, you have to think like that. She should regret cheating on you since she just replaces you with an ugly guy.” I said trying not to stutter. 

He chuckled, “I think we should stop talking about it, sir.” I glare at him while taking a sip of the wine. “I-I mean V-Vince.” I nod after putting my glass at the table

“I hope you get used to it Shade.” He just nodded as an answer

After we finish our dinner, we decided to leave. I told him that I’ll drive and he didn’t try to argue with me since I insist. I didn’t let the silence take over my moment.

“Before you go to work tomorrow, buy me coffee. Also, don’t forget to tell Mr. Cole that I change my mind about the business trip to Santa Barbara.” I said that made him look at me from looking outside the window.

“Okay, sir. Noted.” He then took a notepad from his bag. 

“By the way, send me every voice message from my mom,” I utter while looking at the driveway

“I’ll send it now sir?” I nod without taking a glance at him. I heard my phone beep, it sounds like Shade already send the message to my phone

After some minutes, I stop the car since I already reach Shade’s apartment. I watch him unclasped his seat belt

“Thank you for the dinner and driving me home sir.” I only nodded. He got out of the car and enters the apartment complex. Before I left, I waited until the lights from his room turn on, to let me know his safe.

As I came home, I frown as the lights from my house are on. It’s either someone broke into my house or my mom is here. 

I went to the living room and looks around, “You’re finally home.” I heard someone said from my back. I turn around and saw the annoying woman I know. “Did you miss me, darling?” she said while walking towards me, tries to hug me but I step back

“What do you think you’re doing here, Andrea?” I ask with a serious tone. She pouted at me and cross both of her arms on her chest. 

“Am I not welcome and don’t you miss me?” I look away as she seductively utters those words. “I understand why you keep cancelling my appointment, I know you’re busy at your work-”

“But you still keep making an appointment even if you know I’m busy?” I slightly raise my voice

“I try not to but I miss you.” 

I sigh before I could speak. “Stop doing this Andrea. No matter what you’ll do, I’m not falling for you nor marry you.” I frankly said 

Her face loses color. “Why are you being like this Vince? You keep on pushing me away from you. Don’t you like me just a bit?” she angrily utters. 

I shook my head, “I’m sorry Andrea but I don’t so leave now.”

She deadly glares at me, she then walks onto the couch and grabs her purse. “I’m telling you, Vince, you are going to regret everything that you said.” I didn’t talk instead I look away.

“Hmph!” she then walks out at the door and shut it loudly. I sigh and step towards my room.

The next day, I went to the office with a smile but my smile fades when Shade is nowhere to see. It’s already past 9 AM, did he woke up late? 

I heard the elevator door open so I turn around, I saw my secretary stepping out of the elevator. His eyes wide open when he saw me

“Sir-I mean good morning sir. Here is your coffee with milk.” He said and handed my coffee, I take it from him and smile

“Thank you, Mr. Garcia, and good morning.” I then walk to my office. 

An hour passes and someone knocks at my door, I’m sure it’s Shade. “Come in.” 

Shade came into my office, “Sir, it’s already 10 PM, should I cancel the meeting with Mr. Wang?” I quickly look at my watch. I stood up and took my coat from my chair. 

“No. Let’s go.” I said that made him nod, he then goes back to his office and took some of his stuff. 

It didn’t take long to get to Mr. Wang’s company. Before we enter the old man’s office, we talk to his secretary and guide us to him. His secretary knocks at the door

“You may enter.” A signal from Mr. Wang so his secretary could open the door for us to enter

“Mr. Lopez is here sir.” She informs the man in his chair. He raises his head to look at us

“Mr. Lopez, come in.” I smile and walk towards his table. He offers a handshake and I accept it. “Please sit.” I obey what he said. 

“About the donation, have you already talked to the owner of the race track?” 

He nodded, “I already did.”

“How about the hotel, did you book already?” I ask again

“Yes, I did.” 

“Can you add two more rooms?” Mr. Wang frown

“You’re coming?”

“I happen to change my mind so yes, I am coming,” I said.

He nods. “Miss Reese, can you please tell the hotel we book in to add two more rooms.” He told to his secretary and she obeys

“Thank you, Mr. Wang. We can talk more about these at the business trip.” 

“Okay. Thank you for coming.” I nodded with a smile. We left the company and went back to my company. Shade goes out of the car and opens my door. “I want you to pack up later, you're coming with me to Santa Barbara this Wednesday.”

Before I could walk into the building, I saw Shade’s eyes wide open.

“You don’t want to?”

“No sir. I’m coming.” He answers. I smile before I could turn around. This is my chance to have you Shade. My first plan is a success now, it’s time to make you mine.