Chapter 17: Evening Ball
" Schedule? " Lucia asked in surprise
" You'll have all your weekend activities planned out and shown to you beforehand, most especially to prevent slowness in achieving our aims " Mr Williams explained
" Oh I see " Lucia nodded her head to show that she understood all what Mr Williams said
" What would you like to eat Lucia? " Mr Williams asked
" Whatever you're eating " Lucia smiled
" Do you really have time to eat? I thought people at the reception have to be at work as early as 5am " Liam teased
" I thought CEOs need to watch over their employees, so why aren't you in the company already? " Lucia retorted, replying with twice the volume
" Alright, let's all refrain from fighting early in the morning " Mr Williams said trying to calm the storm that was already started
" You know what? I'm not hungry anymore, I'll see you at work " Lucia snapped and abruptly got up from her seat.
" I'll send you your schedule via email " Mr Williams said
" Please do so " Lucia replied and walked out of the living room.
" Did you arrange a car to take her to work? " Liam asked once Lucia was out of sight.
" Yes I did Sir... I must say, it is so surprising to see you care this much " Mr Williams teased
" I'm only showing as much care as I should... In as much as she's living with me, I'm obligated to provide as much comfort as I can " Liam explained
" Is that so? " Mr Williams grinned
" That is so " Liam replied almost too seriously.
Lucia was about heading towards the main road when a driver stopped her.
" Miss Camden " The driver called out on realizing that Lucia was not aware of his presence.
" You " Lucia said, recognizing him as the driver who took her home the previous time.
" I've been assigned to you as your personal driver up until when you leave the Villa " The driver said and nodded to the direction of his car, signalling Lucia to come in
" Oh... " Lucia muttered and entered the car.
***
During lunch break, Lucia decided to stop by the coffee shop. Walking in, the sweet strong smell of coffee filled her nostrils as she breathed. She walked to the counter to make her order.
" You again... I knew you'd be back " The barista smiled on seeing Lucia
" Well the coffee was good " Lucia replied blushing
" So what would you like today? Your plain black coffee, or something new? " The barista asked with a wide grin
" Well something new would be good for a change I guess " Lucia replied thoughtfully
" Good answer... Give me a minute " The barista replied and turned to the coffee machine.
" Should I get him a coffee as a thank you for the driver? " Lucia thought to herself
" No... he'll misunderstand me " Lucia dissuaded herself
" Mental conversation? Here's your cafe au lait " The barista smiled as he gave her a latte.
" The new thing's a latte? " Lucia asked raising a brow
' It's not the name that's new, it's the taste... I know you've only been here once, now twice but when was the last time you tasted something different? " The barista asked and Lucia chuckled
" Thanks for your consideration " Lucia laughed
" You're welcome " He smiled
" Can I get another one? " Lucia asked
" Depends on your ability to pay. Can you pay for another one? " The barista asked and Lucia laughed
" Yes I can " Lucia managed to say amidst laughter.
***
Lucia walked into the company contemplating on whether or not to give Liam the coffee in her hand.
" It's not like I'm giving him my heart or anything, it's just coffee... No need to overreact " Lucia persuaded herself
She walked into the elevator and pressed the button leading to the floor where Liam's office was.
Getting to his office, she gently knocked on the door
" Come in " He responded on the first knock, Lucia stepped into the office and gently shut the door. To her surprise it was lunch break yet this man was typing away on his laptop.
" Mr Henderson " Lucia's gentle voice rang through Liam's ears
" Lucia? " Liam said puzzled as he looked up to see her standing before him with coffee in her hand
" Why are you here? " Liam asked, putting aside his laptop and folding his hands on his table.
" Well... I went to a coffee shop... " Lucia paused
" Congratulations about that " Liam replied sarcastically, making Lucia glare at him.
" That's not what I was saying... I'm grateful for this morning, you saved me from paying bus fare " Lucia said, a little smile on her face.
" Well you're living with me, Liam Henderson... Should you be identified as my guest then it would be a shame for you to take public transportation " Liam said proudly.
" Obnoxious are we " Lucia scoffed, a fake smile on her face
" Is that all you want to say or do? " Liam asked
" C.. c. c. coffee... " Lucia stuttered dropping the coffee on his table
" You should eat well... Everyone's on break " Lucia blurted out and turned to leave.
" Thanks Camden " Liam said as Lucia twisted the door knob, opening the door
On hearing his words, Lucia smiled widely and walked out of his office, pretending to not hear him. Liam stared at the coffee Lucia got him for a while before taking a sip of it.
" It's a latte... I hate lattes " Liam muttered and threw the coffee into a trash bin before getting back to work.
" I'm so tired, " Lucia complained, feeling totally exhausted as she walked out of the elevator. Her phone chimed as a message came in
" Must be my schedule... " Lucia said to herself as she checked the message.
" Evening Ball... Tonight? " Lucia read out surprised