CATCHING FEELINGS.

Michael J.D.

It had been just a week since I last saw Aisha and that business deal my father is so persistent on me accepting it won't let me keep her out of my mind. I'm somehow itchy to see her. Talk to her. I know it's sort of silly, but I can't help it. I sometimes find myself thinking about her or how she's doing. I met her just once but... I want to know her. Get closer to her. Ugh. Silly mind. Why do I even care? she's almost like a stranger to me- a mere acquaintance. I need to get her out of my mind. I saw her like what, twice just as we met in my office and when we went for the gala.

She was so beautiful. Unfortunately Travis had to come in the picture. My mood was totally ruined thanks to him. He always brings the worst out of me.

Travis and I had never really been on good terms. We just had a bad feeling for each other since from the first day we met. There has always been rivalry between us. We hardly strike deals with each other's company because of that. And if it so happens we do, I don't take part in the deals. Not that it had end in a fist party, but we just needed to avoid the unpredictable.

Whether him meeting Aisha was to tick me off or mere coincidence I don't think it had happen again anytime soon. She was just for one night. One night. Just one. And I imperatively have to get over that one night. I had stopped at her apartment building and watch her sleep for about five long minutes before waking her up. I still have no idea as to what came over me back then. I had to regain focus. Concentrate on the up coming contract. Yeah that's what I'd definitely do. Get back to pressing matters at hand.

********************************************************

2 weeks later.

I was still in my office still unable to concentrate on work. Someone entered into my office and was talking to me I guess. But I was too deep in though to actually make out what he said.

"This is getting ridiculous." I all but yelled frustrated, throwing my pen on the heep of documents before me.

I lifted my head to see Nathan with an arched brow and a surprised expression.

"What's getting ridiculous?"he asked still puzzled.

I couldn't quite give an answer that won't make him laugh at me. I could really do without it now. Then a smirk finally spread across his face. I swear this guy is so annoying at times. I like him but he can really be a thorn in the ass.

"Still thinking about her, huh?" he said suggestively.

"Oh, drop it. I need a break." I sighed clearly pissed at his attitude.

"If you can't stop thinking about her, why don't you just talk to her." he laughed. "You know it's not a crime to ask her out for dinner." he said

"I know. But I don't think I can, especially with the media. I don't feel it." I said a little skeptical.

"You're unbelievable. Well suit yourself."he said shrugging "so.... how about the contract? Still pulling it off?"

"No where close to done."I sighed. "I wasn't really in my state of mind. And all this thanks to you."

"Hey! Don't blame me for you having a crush on her." he said raising his hands in mock surrender. "I just gave you an advice. You're the one who took to it."

"I don't have a crush on her." I replied defensively.

"Yeah right. "he said rolling his eyes. "Anyway I have an idea." he said leaning in closer to tell me.

"Do I have to worry about that?" I asked.

"Oh c'mon. I'm serious here. This mite also be a bridge for you." he replied.

"Go on." I urged him.

"Since you were asked to present someone to show as your woman. Why don't you take her? You already know each other somehow and also she'll be of good company. So this is a perfect excuse you can use for.... you know" he said.

"What are you going on abo....." I stopped half way as my eyes widened in realisation.

"Isn't it a good idea? And since you're so scared of the media, you could say she's your partner but I doubt they would get anything if you're constantly on the move and also another extra benefit Molly will drop you down for a bit." He explained.

"I don't know. Last time we made it all business then now...."

"Ooh c'mon Mike, this is so simple you want to see her but you're just so stucked up that you wouldn't even admit to it. and I'm trying my best to help you because we're like brothers. Just a simple plan; call her and set all things like last time. You go with her, you sign the projects then Molly goes. What could possibly go wrong or out of place?" he asked running out of patience.

Yeah what could possibly go wrong? Every goddamn plan of yours always go wrong.

"I don't know. what if she denies? She's not desperate you know. She might think I'm taking her for some sort of hooker or something." I say scratching the back of my head.

"Just man up and do it. Try to explain things to her to come out clear on it so you can get this issue done with." he replied.

I'm not really the type that gets nervous, with sweaty palms and the likes. But right now I was slightly nervous as I held my phone in my hand. I turn on the screen and went to my contact list. I didn't really need too long to search since her name had obviously be one of the first. Once I got to her name, I exhaled loudly to calm down my nerves. Ok let's give it a try. I though as I pressed on the call button.

† † † † † † † † † † † † †

Aisha.

Jeremy had just returned from one of his modelling trips to Korea and was currently on a photo shoot. Kim had insisted on us tagging along with her. The bad thing about tagging along with her and Jeremy was, you had totally feel like the third wheel especially if you are not with someone too and you had finally end up grossed out by their actions. They were cute as every normal couple but at times it became too much for the daily things your eyes and gut had take.

"J-my is so hot!" She gushed. "He's like some kind of Greek god or super model on this fashion mags." She said biting her lower lip.

"Isn't he one?" Toni replied sarcastically.

"But still.... I can't believe we're together." she said excitedly. "He's like some hot apple pie that every girl had kill for and I'm just the average looking girl. Not that I'm complaining. But it feels like some movie sort of thing." she goes on.

If only she knew how beautiful she is? Even with such a man at her side, she still lacks confidence in herself at times.

"You've been together for almost two years now and you still can't get over the starstruck stage of your relationship?" I asked not detaching my attention from my phone as I seeped on my drink and scrolled through my instagram feeds.

"I know. And the right term is been moonstruck not starstruck." she replied over her shoulder. I rolled my eyes at her comment. "J-my was thinking about us going out. He also said you girls could come." she informs. Toni and I look at each other knowing how it always ends.

"Promise- nothing eccentric." she added. "Please girls c'mon. You could come with Jules if you want to." She said to Toni

"Then what about me? Am I going to be the third wheel again?" I asked feeling kind of left out.

"Oh no sweetheart. We had definitely get you a hell of a guy as your date." Kim replied excitedly.

"I don't think that's a good idea." I replied.

"Oh c'mon A. It will be worth while, trust me." Kim replied reassuringly as she squeezed my shoulders slightly.

"K-ly." a gruff voiced called from behind us.

"Yes love." she replied moving towards him and embracing him in a tight hug like there were miles apart. "I was just asking if they had like to come with us while we go out."

"So what do you girls say?" Jeremy ask expectantly now holding her from the back.

"Oh we won't like to pry on your little moment together." Toni replied furtively.

"Of course not. you girls won't brother me in any way. Is that what you want Loli?" he asked biting on her right ear which made her giggle and bit her lower lip.

"Sure." Kim replied.

Just then my phone started ringing. I looked at the screen to see the most unexpected person.

"Excuse me. I have to get this." I said moving to a quiet area with less people. "Hello." I answered not quite such if I had it right.

"Hey, Aisha."

"Ehm, hey Michael. What a surprise. How are you?" this conversation is getting uncomfortable.

"Gaood. I'm doing great?" he replied then pause for a while before speaking. "How about you? "

"I'm ok."

"Ehm, I was thinking. I... I had other business conventions I had be going for and I wanted to ask if you could come with me? If it's fine by you of course." his request was so surprising that I almost choked on my drink.

I thought he never wanted to have anything to do with me after that night. "Are you ok?" he asked with a tone of concern.

"I'm ok. I'm fine." I replied."are you serious?"

"Well of course." he affirmed.

Well you are never out of surprises with him as I see.

"So what is it for this time?" I asked cutting straight through the chase.

"I had rather we talk about it in person." he replied.

Always diplomatic. I huffed.

"Ok. Where and when?"I replied. There is a long pause and I hear papers flipping in the background.

"Let's make it 12:00pm or 1:00pm. Over lunch. Meet me at my office." he replied.

I thought over it for a moment before agreeing. I dropped the call and passed my hand through my hair. I hope this guy is aware I'm not his employee or seeking for a job at his office. And what's this all about?