Chapter 20: More Time
"Sof!" Victor shouted my name as I was carefully arranging the pile of books in the Literarium. It was the day of the big event and Victor choose today of all days, to be funny. I jerk and the book fort breaks and falls to the ground.
He looks at me, like he was really guilty. Thank goodness there weren't any readers around, they would have killed me for the blasphemy, I had just disregarded books in a bookstore. Such a shame, Sofia.
I get back to arranging the books, ignoring Victor.
"Sof, I'm sorry. I'll help you put the books back. Besides, I was distracted anyway. I'd rather work with you and do something productive." He winked.
My face broke into a smile and I said, "Fine! You can pick the books up and give it to me."
"Sure, but before that" he says and comes closer to kiss me. He opens his mouth widely and kisses me. My face is now half wet. Victor did not know how to kiss. He kissed like a puppy licks your face. I smile at him awkwardly, "Easy there, tiger. We have work to do." I say and push him gently.
"Sure Ma'am, as you say." He chuckles and starts helping me with the books.
An hour before the book launch was when we were expecting our colleagues to show up. They had started to come, one by one. Aaron seemed really impressed with the arrangement and congratulated 'Victor' for guiding me.
"I'm gonna get a coffee" I tell them and excuse myself. Aaron was such a pain, ugh!
I bump into Ivan on my way out.
"Hey! You're early" I smile and say.
"Yeah, figured I'd see the arrangements for the day. Catherine wanted me to check on the color themes, so that she could coordinate her outfit accordingly. It's this whole thing she does." He says looking confused towards the end.
"I get it, she's a perfectionist. She has a great sense of style, it's only fair." I nod, "Anyway, I was going to get coffee, I'll see you later" I say and walk down
"Sure, see you" I hear him say at a distant.
I take my coffee and find myself an empty table. Coffee shops are full of life in the mornings. Its brimming with people rushing to work, people taking pictures of their coffee cups for Instagram, people leisurely getting their coffee and reading as they sip on their drink, slowly. "Lento" I say softly.
"I see you speak Spanish" I hear Ivan's voice from the back.
"Just a few words, you?" I ask him.
"Not much, but I know a bit, cause I travel around" he says, "Mind if I sit with you?"
"Yes" I say with a straight face.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll find some other seat" he says looking surprised and insulted.
"Oh no no, Ivan, I'm kidding" I break into a smile
"No, it's alright Sofia. I understand. You don't have to try and be nice and force yourself" he says and
drags a chair to sit in the table next to mine.
I walk up-to him and apologize. "Ivan, I was kidding, I truly am sorry if I offended you." I say, my eyes are almost in tears. Ugh Sofia, why are you so sensitive. I curse myself in my head and blink my eyes multiple times as I look at the floor. It was a trick I learnt, to stop the tears. I look up and see that he's already looking at me. His expression changed. He looked upset and scared.
"Oh no, Sof, I'm sorry. Please don't cry. I was just trying to beat you at your own game" he says and brings his chair closer to mine.
"It's fine, I'm sorry, I feel so silly" I say sheepishly.
Suddenly a bunch of security guards come into the mall and Catherine Russo follows them. The security guards are all around her and she walks with grace in between them, sunglasses covering her eyes, her high heels making her look taller than she already was. Ivan excuses himself and goes to her and hugs her. I felt kinda left out at that moment.
I quickly get up and walk to the third floor, to Literarium. Victor was already waiting for me near the book pile I had arranged. He smiles at me and tells me that he is proud of me. I laugh, the feeling of being left out died down in an instant.
The book launch went pretty well and Catherine personally spoke to many readers and answered their questions patiently. I was very impressed with her personality. I glanced in her direction many times and found her and Ivan having their little moments. They looked good together.
"Look what I got you" Victor said as he came behind me.
"Omg, fries! I am so hungry. Victor, you're the best." I say to him and smile.
He fed the fries to me and pushed my hair behind when I ate. Aaron was very happy with how the event turned out to be and we had an interview with one of the most influential reader's digests.
Catherine spoke to him after the event as well which put Aaron in an even better mood. He asked me if I wanted to be a part of the media relations team of the office as well.
"Oh, I'd be honored Aaron!" I exclaim. After he leaves Victor hugs me and lifts me up and kisses me.
Things were finally going well and Victor had been so supportive. He pecks my cheek and excuses himself to use the bathroom. I glance at Catherine, out of habit now. I see Ivan looking at me, he smiles when our eyes meet. He almost looked like he felt what I had felt a while ago, like he was missing out on something.
I break the eye contact and walk to the best seller's collection. I knew the look Ivan gave me, the look that said, wish we had more time so that I could make up for making you cry. What's funny was, I wished the same too.
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