Quote:
Originally Posted by
husky1shepherd4
somehow i would jus wait for ILOCK next chapter
no need think of what he plotting
the plot always gt twist jus like the crust of curry puffs fron OCK
tio bo ILOCK?
. haha Not much plotting left. more or less all straight forward action from now on
James : What ! but…. But…
Mr Liew : No buts…. No one asked her to sell us out… it’s her choice…. After she gets the blame, give her to Terry… sort the rest out on your own…. Ok. I got to go…
Mr Liew : James… one more thing… for M resort it’s an extension of the current one.… the meeting will be in Bali.
James : That is not a big job….. why did you take it… I think it’s not worth the man hours ….given the small contract sum it’s only a minor extension.
Mr Liew : Sometimes you don’t take projects for the money James…. you do it because of who the client is. …. Alright I really got to go… speak soon..
I got back into the office and my head was still trying to wrap around everything that had happened.
This is not good.
7.20pm
Kate : James .. where did you go ??
James : ermmm… I went out to make a call why ?
Kate : Come here quick…
I went over to Kate’s desk and she told me she just had a meeting with Terry.
Kate : What is this issue about Sandy joining our team at the end of the month ?
James : What ? Terry told you that ?
Kate nodded.
Kate : He told me she would be helping us with the bid with some of the jobs but by the end of the month, she would formerly cross over to our side.
James : I…. I’m not sure… I don’t know…
Kate looked a little suspicious but did not press me further.
What the fuck was Terry thinking telling Kate about this ?
I left office and made my way over to Sandy’s place.
There was this sick feeling of a lump in my throat as I walked towards her unit.
I hated that feeling.
I don’t know what I always get into that mood when I walk down that concrete path. In a mix of anger and frustration, I knocked on the door.
Sandy opened it in a black tube that exposed her waist and she wore a pair of grey cotton shorts that rode a little too high, exposing the base of the butt cheeks.
She smiled and opened the door for me, hugging onto me the moment I stepped in.
Sandy : Don’t be angry la…. I only want to help you…. It’s not exactly nice to be working for Terry I know…. And…. You have to report to that stupid fresh grad…. I’m only trying to make your life better… ok ??
Sandy kissed me, pressing her breast against my body.
She cooed and pleaded for me not to be angry with her before leading me by my hand to the table.
We had some take away sushi for dinner and some sake.
9.30pm
I took a shower and came out only in my towels. I could see Sandy had already lit the candles in her room, switched on the aircon and dimmed the lights.
It was clear she wanted to have sex and we did.
After both of us came, I forced myself to calm down and talk to her.
I explained patiently that she does not need to come over to my team and that I’m capable of handling Terry.
It did not take long for it to escalate to a minor tiff.
Sandy accused me of wanting to spend time alone with Kate.
Sandy : I know, she’s younger prettier…. That’s the main reason.
No matter what I say, she could not listen.
I left her place at 11.30pm without saying goodbye.
18th May 2012
Friday
11am
The shit hit the roof that Friday morning and it all started at the pantry.
There was some loud commotion and I saw Hejun gesturing excitedly to his buddy Xiaoqiang to head over and check it out. I decided to follow them and even before getting close, I could hear Sandy screaming away.
I have been paying particular notice to Xiaoqiang lately, he smokes heavily and is only of this particular brand.
Double Happiness.
If you’ve been to the mainland, you would know this is a pretty common brand.
I knew he was smoking duty unpaid cigarettes because I’ve seen it lying on his desk a couple of times. He’s a pretty heavy smoker and I would see him disappear for 20 minutes at a time for his puff.
Not only did he take long smoke breaks, I know he has a stash of duty unpaid cigarettes in his drawer too. Not a long, probably 5-6 packets.
Now he pretty much kept to himself, mingling only with Hejun and aside from his stench of stale smoke on his unwashed clothes, he never really stepped on my toes.
I fell in step behind them and when the pantry came into view, I immediately ran over when I saw Sandy and Kate speaking loudly to each other.
Kate : What is your problem ?!!!?? it’s a spill…. You caused it…. Just clean it up … big deal is it ???
Sandy : Mind your own business la… the pantry auntie will clean it…
Kate : It’s not a big deal I know but what is so hard to clean up the coffee ??
Sandy : Who do you think you are ?? har?? Are you the pantry manager??? Is it ? Because base on your experience I think that is the only post you are suitable for.
I could see Belinda trying to separate them as Kate clenched her fist. I could see her grit her teeth.
I could almost feel she was about to bend down and reach for her high heels to clobber Sandy when I finally stepped in between the group.
James : Come on… knock it off…
Kate : Get out of my way James… she is being unreasonable…
Sandy pointed her finger at Kate and shouted at her.
Sandy : Watch what you’re saying !! what unreasonable… who are you to tell me I’m unreasonable. !!
The commotion got so bad that I could see Mr Liew throwing down the file he was reading and stepping out of his office.
James : Ok.. ok… enough… knock it off..
Sandy : Tell her !!… not me…. Tell your boss to go manage the pantry if she got so much to say about a coffee spill…
Kate : It’s basic courtesy, you spill it on the counter and the floor…..admit it… it’s just you and your attitude problem…
That was when the vulgarities started to fly.
Sandy : Fuck you !… go back to school la… you don’t even know what’s happening in this office.
Everyone gathered around started asking the girls to knock if off.
Belinda tried to pull Kate away while Alex and Uncle Tong started dragging Sandy, pulling them apart and increasing the distant between their bodies in case the situation goes further south.
And right when I saw Mr Liew a few metres away shaking his head as he closed in on the gathering group, Kate blurted out something that made the whole office go silent.
Kate : Yah… you know everything… you know everything that’s going on in this office…. Including how much your boss is quoting for each project right !! so much so you are willing to share with the whole world..
The moment that came out, I turned and look at Kate who got a shock herself. It was clear she immediately regretted what she said.
Kate : I’m…. I’m sorry… i…
That apology did nothing, only to aggravate the matter further.
Sandy turned and glared at me, as if I was the one who told Kate about the information.
My eye caught Mr Liew’s eyes and I fucking swore he was smiling.
He was fucking laughing with his eyes if you know what I meant.
Walking right into the middle, with a low loud voice, he first dispersed the crowd.
Mr Liew : Everyone….Get back to your seat now !…
As the crowd started to clear, he pointed a finger towards Sandy and Kate.
Mr Liew : Sandy…. What did she mean by that ??
Sandy : I…. Mr Liew…. i… i….
He turned to Kate who looked a little flustered and lost and she started shaking her head.
Kate : I… sorry… I meant…
Mr Liew shouted at Sandy at the top of his voice, it was so loud that even I jumped and I mentally noted to tell him to tone down on his theatrics.
Mr Liew : How could you !!! what the fuck were you thinking Sandy ?? !!
I could see the shout really shook both the girls and Kate looked like she was about to cry.
Kate : I’m sorry… I .. I meant…
Mr Liew continued to rain his words down on Sandy.
Mr Liew : Have I been ill treating you !!!! …. Why are you helping them !!!! Is this fair to your team ??
Mr Liew pointed to Uncle Tong and Hakim who was staring in shock as the story unfolded.
Alex asked Sandy if it was true.
Alex : Is that true Sandy ??? You…. Are helping Terry ?
To add fuel to the raging fire, Terry pushed his way into the fold out of nowhere.
Terry : What is this !!..
Mr Liew took the chance to wack Terry .
Mr Liew : If you have what it takes… get your own projects… don’t get your girl to secretly spy for you !!… useless piece of shit.
Terry :What did you say ??? Who told you I was spying on you ??
Without breaking his momentum, Mr Liew pointed to Kate and shouted at her, asking her to repeat what she said.
Mr Liew : Say it… say it again… what did you say earlier.
Kate looked so lost and apologetic that she was speechless and Mr Liew finished it for her.
Mr Liew : go ahead, say it… you told the whole office Sandy gave your team the price quote right ??
Kate could only look down onto the floor as Terry glared at her.
Mr Liew : Terry,,, have you no shame ?? look at your fucking team… aside from James… the rest are pretty much a joke… you’re bleeding so much of your father’s money every month…he knew it and thank god he had the brains to split the company into 2.
Terry : What did you say ?? What the fuck did you just say ?? I am the director of this company !! including yours !…i could fucking.!!
Before he could finish Mr Liew laughed and taunted him further.
Mr Liew : You could what ? har ? fire me ?? har ?? hahhaa… How much is your overheads a month ?? har !
He pointed to Sharon who was busy gossiping in the background and he asked Sharon to tell the whole office how much is Terry’s office ‘billing’ his team each month just to cover his overheads.
He even did a imaginary inverted comma with his fingers in front of everyone.
Mr Liew : You’re a disgrace Terry… just leave and go enjoy your daddy’s money la…. Don’t come and disturb the office..
Mr Liew started shaking his head and the spoke in his normal voice to Sandy .
Mr Liew : Pack your things and leave… you’re fired ..
Sandy : No please.. i…
Kate looked up and she was shock, waving her hands as if she was about to explain but Terry was not about to back off as well.
Terry : I’ll hire you Sandy … come over… don’t work for people who treat you this way..
And within that same breath, Terry shouted at Kate, asking her to get lost.
I could see Kate was about to cry as she shook her head at Terry trying to explain.
Terry : Get the fuck out of my office…
Kate : Terry please… i..
James : Terry… it’s not her fault… it’s
Terry : Shut the fuck up James… if you want to leave just leave… no one will stop you.
James : Well fuck you too… I quit.
Kate immediately cut in and stopped me.
Kate : No. no no…. it’s ok… James.. I’ll leave …. I’ll leave….
She frowned at me as if trying to tell me I’m out of my mind for leaving.
Terry : Sandy, come over… don’t bother about them… Pack your things James… I had enough of your shit…. Just get out of my sight..
Kate raised her voice suddenly and took everyone by surprise.
Kate : James had nothing to do with this, leave him alone. !… I’ll leave right now… !!
I saw Mr Liew raised an eyebrow and looked at Kate who stormed off into the other wing.
Sandy glared at me, obviously angry that I was not siding with her and that I had threatened to quit together with Kate.
Mr Liew could sense that things were not exactly going to plan and I could see him thinking.
Mr Liew : You sure you want James to leave….? Hahah…. Good… then your team will be worse than shit.. haha…
Terry : I can hire anytime… don’t make James sound as if he is indispensable…. Take him back if you want… he’s like a dog… you know… dog ?? hahah… being kicked around …
Mr Liew kept quiet and just stared at Terry but I knew his mind was working as fast as it could while the analysed the whole situation. He needed me on his side to keep an eye on things from the inside. This wasn’t exactly turning out the way we want it to be.
Terry continued his taunts.
Terry : don’t make it sound as if your team is very good, all just a bunch of fucking rejects…
And after he was done, Terry turned and shouted for me to get lost.
Terry :Fuck off the office la James… no one wants you… go sleep on the road like a dog can ? hhaa…
Right at this moment, I saw Kate coming out of the office with a small recycle tote bag around her shoulder, she was not here long so there isn’t much to pack.
She looked really sad and I could see her trying hard not to cry.
Belinda went over and I could see them talking.
Suddenly Mr Liew made a comment that caught everyone by surprise again.
Mr Liew : Kate… come here….
He pointed to Sandy’s seat and asked Kate to take over Sandy’s role.
I looked at Mr Liew, half expecting him to hire me too but he did not.
He must have some other plans for me.
Terry :See… haha… what did I say…. Rejects….. collecting rejects… haha…
Mr Liew did not react to that taunt and just smiled.
Belinda spoke to Kate as if asking her to quickly accept the offer.
Terry : Awww James… so sad…. Nobody wants you…. Pack up and fuck off please… hahaha….
Right before Mr Liew turn away he replied to Terry’s taunt.
Mr Liew : I hire people who are not afraid to speak up….unlike you…
He turned away with a smirk before looking at Kate.
Mr Liew : So young lady …. Yes …. Or no…
I could see Belinda tugging Kate’s arm as she considered the offer.
Mr Liew : Your terms of employment remain unchanged… pay included.
Kate looked at me and I smiled at her, nodding my head as well, asking her to take it.
Sandy caught that smile and she stormed off while Terry went after her.
Mr Liew : Don’t waste time Kate… show me you are more decisive than this….
Kate took a deep breath, left Belinda’s side and came over to mine.
James : Hey… hey.. hey… what are….
Before I could finish, Kate pulled me towards Mr Liew and added as if it was a scene out of young and dangerous.
She pointed to her chest with her thumb and counter offered Mr Liew.
Kate : He’s with me….. you hire me… you hire us both….. take it or leave it…
I turned and look at Kate in shock as Mr Liew raised his eyebrow at Kate again.
James : Ermm… Kate… no need… I’m…
Kate hit me on my arm and asked me to keep quiet.
Kate : Don’t waste time Mr Liew… show me you are more decisive than this….
Mr Liew laughed, in a rare display of his amusement as he nodded his head.
Kate : So is that a yes ??
Mr Liew pointed to me and said he fired me before I was not performing.
Kate : well I’ve worked with James for a while and I simply cannot understand how you came to that conclusion…
She maintained a straight face as she looked at Mr Liew.
Mr Liew nodded and pointed at me, saying I have 3 months to prove my worth or I’m out.
Kate : One more thing…
Mr Liew : What now ??
Kate looked a little unsure, and you could tell she was pushing her luck. She must not have any experience negotiating for a deal before.
Kate : Erm… James… James… pay….will be… will be 2k…. 2k per month.
My jaws dropped and so did Mr Liew.
He sighed and waved Kate off.
Mr Liew : Whatever rocks your boat…
As he walked off, I could see Kate beaming brightly at me as she punched the air happily.
I was simply blown away by this girl.
Kate : 400 increment leh… treat me ah… haha…
I nodded, absolutely speechless.
7.30pm
It was drizzling that Friday evening.
I got down to the lobby and I saw Belinda waiting for the rain to get lighter.
I have a small umbrella and it was a good opportunity.
Right at the moment I removed it from my cover, I felt 2 hands on my shoulder.
Kate : Yoz!!
Kate saw the rain and pouted but it disappeared the moment she saw my umbrella.
She gestured for it while looking towards the sky.
James : It’s mine…
Kate : Come on… I got you a job and a increment…. Just an umbrella only what…
I grumbled and handed it over, a little unhappy that my walk in the rain with Belinda could not happen.
Kate opened the umbrella, put her arm around Belinda before turning to me.
Kate : Dinner ? James will treat.
Belinda smiled and nodded her head.
The girls laughed and stepped out after saying to meet at the same restaurant we went to.
I was about to run after them when I saw Mr Liew come out of the lift.
James : Why did you hire Kate ?
Mr Liew : Because she likes you James…
I laughed.
James : Don’t bullshit haha… she doesn’t …
Mr Liew : Just look at the way she look at you…. It’s so obvious….Only you can’t see it.. and I was still wondering why did Sandy betray us…. It was because she’s jealous of Kate…. Women… they can sense a threat…
Mr Liew : She treats you pretty well right ? haha
As I digested what Mr Liew said, images of Kate came flashing into my head, the things she did, the stuff she said.
James : That can’t be the only reason you hired her…
Mr Liew : Something big is happening James….and I need people like Kate…. Initially I thought Sandy would be perfect but well, Kate would do just fine.
James : What do you mean ?
Mr Liew : I needed someone who would do anything for you James…
James : I don’t like the sound of that… what are you talking about. ?
Mr Liew : Back in March…. Omar told me he wanted Sandy….
James : What ?? What do you mean ??
Mr Liew : You know perfectly what I mean James…
James : No… no …NO!… I’m not doing it… NO… no way…. !
Mr Liew : Don’t worry. Kate would do just fine..
He tapped me on my shoulder twice and opened his umbrella and walked out.
……………………………….
I leaned against the wall of the lobby as I waited for the drizzle to get lighter while I thought about what Mr Liew just said.
Does Kate really like me ?
It doesn’t seem that way to me.
Yet the more I thought about it, the more apparent it became to me.
The rain didn’t look like it was getting lighter so I went back up to the office to grab a common umbrella at the reception. There’s always a few lying around.
I removed my jacket since the girls wanted to head to that BBQ place and I don’t want to stink it up. As I hung my jacket over my chair, I suddenly looked at my table and for the first time realised how tidy it was.
I have a habit of leaving my stuff lying around but it did not even dawn on me that suddenly everything looks neater.
My eyes drifted to my cups. I had one for coffee and one for water.
Both were washed, dried and flipped over so dust don’t get in.
I honestly don’t fucking remember the last time I washed them.
Hell I don’t even empty my left over coffee at the end of the day unless I made a deliberate trip to the pantry.
I massaged my head and pulled a tissue to wipe my face and I froze again.
What the fuck ?
Tissues ?
Since when did I have tissues at my desk ?
I looked at the neatly arrange box placed within reach of my hand. 3 ply, scented, and bloody pink in colour. I lifted up the box and saw wet tissues as well.
Have I been that blind all this time ?
All these small insignificant things that you would not even bother to pay attention to.
I reached for my hole puncher, stapler, stationaries, they were all labelled.
My name was written on a piece of paper in that same glitter pen and a piece of tape stuck over it. Well you can say Kate doesn’t exactly have a lot of things to do on hand but still, there was no need for her to do this.
My phone rang and it was Kate.
James : Hello ?
Kate : Where are you ??!! Come over now before sis decides to leave ok !!… quick…
James : Oh….orh… ok… I’m grabbing an umbrella from office.
Kate : See you in a bit.
I felt a sudden pang of guilt as more and more pictures of Kate doing insignificant stuff for me started popping into my head as I walked towards the restaurant under the rain.
That convenient cup of coffee in the morning.
The occasional $6 cup of coffee she said I could not afford.
Stuffing salad leaves into my chicken rice when she saw I’m not eating vegetables for lunch.
It made me feel so bad that I was at a loss for words.
How painful it must be for her to do that knowing she would not be getting anything in return.
As I got nearer to the restaurant, I realised there is something that I must do.
She must not like me.
If need to I’ll become the most disgusting person ever to put her off.
Yes, that’s it.
I know certain things put girls off.
This is it.
I shall do just that. Maybe eat like a pig, snort loudly.
Fart in her face or some shit.
She’s get put off, lose her interest in me and eventually move on.
If she don’t like me, there was no reason to do anything for me.
First I have to be sure.
As in I meant really sure that Kate likes me and it’s not some misunderstanding.
I stepped into the BBQ restaurant and I saw Kate waving at me.
She gestured for me to take the seat beside Belinda excitedly while she did the cooking, chatting none stop with Belinda. I just kept quiet and look at her.
Kate : Okay… okay… no need to swoon over me James…. I got you the increment I know… hahaha… you pay for this treat ok ?? ….
She laughed, obviously very pleased with herself .
I just smiled and continued to observe her. Her every move.
When the food was done, she would distribute the food to our plates and hers. It was nothing deliberate.
You can just tell if someone was doing something in a deliberate manner but not Kate.
It was as if her subconscious had taken over and she just moved on her own. Kate was talking to Belinda about Melbourne and how she loved that city. Belinda ate while listening, giving her comments about where she should have gone for the best pizza and roast duck.
I continued to keep quiet, listening to them. Kate though, in the midst of talking about how she loved the Queen Vic market, just proceeded to wrap a piece of meat complete with sauce and garlic into a lettuce and passed it to me.
I received it and she did not even look at me, just getting more and more carried away at how it was a mistake to try and carry the koalas at the zoo.
Kate : They look so cute but so smelly la!!!…. wah lau…. Hahaha…
Neither of them paid me any attention and it was as it the entire process was automated.
The moment I finished eating and I stopped, Kate would be making another one for me without breaking pace.
James : Enough already, I’m full…
Kate : Last one… finish it…
9.30pm
We had drinks, not as much as before, just enough to lighten the mood a little more as Kate talked about going overseas.
Kate : Sis, next time go jio me leh… I go with you…
Belinda laughed and said of course. I could tell the both of them got along pretty well and with their easy going personality, it would surely be a fun trip.
I was even more amazed at Belinda who could share all the places she has visited with Kate while leaving out the fact I was right there as well.
I almost wanted to say ‘ouch’ when Kate asked who did she go to Korea with.
Belinda : Just a friend la…
Right.
A friend she was sleeping with and making him cum onto her palms while betting if the semen would freeze on that cold winter day in Seoul. She held her hand outside the window and lasted for 3 minutes before saying that it was a silly bet.
10pm
Since everyone was sober, we decided to take the train and Kate kept nudging me to send Belinda back home.
Belinda : No need la… it’s ok…
Kate : Need…
She whispered so loudly to Belinda that she might as well just say it out.
Kate : James is like a block of wood one…. You need to push him a bit… if not he so stiff…. I wonder how is he going to get married next time.
Belinda just laughed and looked at me.
James : That was a very loud whisper….
Taking the train up north, we got to Bishan first and right before the train stop, I could see Kate getting ready to wave us goodbye.
It’s her eyes.
They say your eyes cannot lie.
Kate : Enjoy ya James… haha…
I decided to catch Kate off guard and test out Mr Liew’s theory.
James : Kate… it’s late…
Kate : Har ?
James : Let’s… let’s walk Belinda back together ?? … after that I’ll send you back.
I could see the immediate twinkle in her eyes as she tried hard not to let it show.
The train pulled to a stop and although she did not give me a reply, I grabbed her arm for the first time and nudge her out of the train before letting go.
Kate was quick to recover and quickly tease me that I was too afraid to send Belinda back.
Kate : James… you’re a chicken .. hha…
Belinda nodded her head over at Kate as they linked arms and continued walking while I stay a few steps away.
Once we got to Belinda’s block, Kate let go of her hand and nudged me to go walk beside her.
Kate: Don’t be so chicken can or not…. Like that how to win girls heart ? …..
I smiled awkwardly as Kate waved us into the lift.
Kate : I’ll be right here ok ?? take your time ok ?? no rush….
Right before the door closes, Kate was still talking excitedly to Belinda.
Kate : Sis… James is a virgin… please be…
The door closed and shut her off as she gave me a wink.
As we ascended Belinda looked at me while I did the same.
She came over for a hug and I kissed her on her hair.
Belinda : you know she likes you right….. Are you truly that blind James ?
James : What do you mean ?
Belinda smiled and pulled herself away from me.
Belinda : About Kate…. You know what I mean…
James : Belinda i….
She touched me on my face and smiled.
Belinda : Don’t hurt her.. goodnight…
I waved goodbye to Belinda and went back down.
I guessed Kate did not expect me to be that fast and I saw her leaning against the wall, drawing some imaginary figures with the pointed tip of her heels.
The moment she saw me she straightened her body and I saw the look of surprise on her face.
Kate : Wah… so fast ??
She narrowed her eyes at me before folding her arms.
Kate : And I was still a bit sceptical when Mr Liew said you are not performing… hahahaha…
I laughed and nodded towards the path.
There is this distance you would keep when you walk.
It’s something that just happens. I mean you don’t deliberately go and plaster yourself against someone if you don’t like him or her right ?
Kate talked as usual, telling me about how she preferred living in Ang mo Kio and how she used to live a few streets down before moving. As she spoke, I slowly closed my distance, walking closer and closer until to the point our shoulders were almost touching.
It was definitely too close for comfort if you are just colleagues. Right before we cross the road over to the train station, I asked Kate a question.
James : Kate…
Kate : Ya..?
James : Do you…… have a boyfriend ??
That question came out of nowhere and I could see it took her by surprise.
She just stared and blink at me and for a good 2 seconds, I could see her clutching her bag tightly with both hands before she recovered herself.
Kate : No… why ??
She gave me that look before asking me not to fantasise about the employee & boss fantasy.
Kate : Eh… please don’t fantasise about me please….haha… I…. I don’t like your type…
I nodded and continued walking.
James : What kind of guys do you like then ?
She thought about my question pretty seriously before replying.
Kate : ERmm… rich… ermm..drive a 2 door sports car…. Then.. ermmm.. stays in sentosa….and…then…. lots of… erm… credit cards… you know, those exotic colours and cards you need an invite to even get one…. Hahaha..
She chuckled and went on.
About how she would like to be a stay at home wife, go for manicure and spas while meeting other tai tai for high tea.
I smiled and tried not to laugh.
Not because of what she said but because of how she said it.
Anyone could tell she was making them up on the spot.
Kate : Ermm… ya… then…. Ermm… something like that should be fine I guess… hahaha….
Kate : Anyway…. You still got a long way to go James…before you even get into the… ermm.. you know… qualifiers… haha..
She grew silent for a moment before asking me what kind of girls I like.
I did not have to answer Kate.
She did the asking and answering herself.
Kate : I know la… Belinda that kind right…..Belinda is so nice …. So perfect… Sis is pretty… so classy…and demure…
She spoke of Belinda with a bit of envy.
Kate : I like how every movement she makes is so graceful, and the way she looks, you know… it’s not just pretty…it grows on you…. If I’m a guy I would surely go after her… hahah..
Then she pressed her boobs with her own hands and sighed.
Kate : Even her breast looks better than mine…
I almost choked on my saliva
James : You see before ah ??
Kate : TSK!…
She elbowed me and went on.
Kate : I have seen more breast than you James… and I can tell Belinda has a pair of nice ones…
James : Yours look ok also what…
Kate : TSK!… you see before ah !….
We both laughed at the same time before Kate went on again, saying that she really hope she could see me and Belinda together.
Kate : How nice would it be…. If we could all go travel together… right ?? hahah…
I smiled and said nothing.
Kate : Aiyah… anyway…. I see your pattern…. I also donno how to help you…. If I not your boss… I would say you are the toad…. Lusting after the swan meat….
Kate got back to her usual confident self as we entered the train station.
Kate : See… send girl back also chicken…. How to do big things like that James ?? sigh…
James : I….
Kate : See.. you always like that… talk also so unsure….James… ah James…. be more decisive…. Girls like confident men.
James : Orh.. noted.
10.40pm
We alighted at Ang Mo Kio station and as we walked along the quiet path to Kate’s place, I felt the mood and time was right for my final confirmation.
I knew it was a done deal but I needed to be sure.
Very fucking sure so I don’t make a fool of myself.
James : Kate… i.. ermm.. I need your help
Kate : Ya ??
I pretended to look nervous and scare .
James : Can…. Can I borrow your hand ??
Kate : What ??
Before she could react, I reached for Kate’s hand and held it.
I could feel her shake and shiver for that brief moment before she gripped mine hand.
James : I… should…. Should I hold it… this way… or… this way…
I did one with our fingers inter connected and one without.
Kate’s eyes gave it all away as she struggled for the words to come up.
She interlocked my fingers again and squeezed it for a brief second.
Kate : This… ok… always this…. Ha…. Ha…
James : Oh… okok…. Sorry ah… i… I …
Kate : It’s ok.. It’s ok…. Ask me…. I’m the guru remember…. Haha…
Everything took less than 30 seconds but I was the one who let go first.
As we got to the lift, Kate entered first.
I hit her floor and I continued to face her. It was an awkward situation with 2 of us facing each other.
Her eyes widened and she asked me what I wanted.
Kate : WHAt is it ??
James : Just now…. Just now in the lift….
I explained I was in the same situation, facing Belinda.
James : I… I want to put my hand on her waist… but…. But where is a good spot…. i… I read online if… too high….a bit funny and too low I’ll be like a pervert… so…
I could see Kate breathing a little faster as she swallowed a mouthful of saliva before laughing.
Kate : Ai ya… this… this….
Without waiting for her to reply, I went forward and put my palms on her waist as I felt a breath of uncontrolled air burst out into my face.
James : Like… like that ??
She bit her lips and looked away from me as she nodded her head.
James : Ok.. ok… thanks…
I let go and as the lift chimed to indicate her floor, I asked Kate one last question.
James : Kate… have…. Have you…. Kissed as in french kiss before ?
Her eyes widened and her mouth got crooked as she slapped me on my arm.
Kate : IDOIT !… goodnight !!
She walked off without turning back as I hit the ground floor button.
Ok… at least now I know.
It was close to 11.20pm
I still have the most major problem of all to deal with.
Sandy.
I can’t just leave it hanging and expect it to go away.
Problems don’t go away on their own
You solve it, then it goes away.
You’re thirsty, you get a drink.
If you’re hungry, you eat.
See if we break down the problems you get everyday into something as simple as this, everything can be solved eventually.
I tried calling Sandy but she’s not answering my call.
I took a cab to Sandy’s place and I could see she was in. The lights in her room was still on.
I text her that I’m outside her door and after 10 minutes of knocking, she finally answered it.
Sandy : What do you want !
James : Can we talk ?
She let me in and shut the door. I could see she had been drinking.
Before I could start, Sandy started screaming at me for working with Kate .
Sandy : It’s HER !!! I knew it’s HER…. Ever since she came into the picture…. You’ve been a bit different towards me. !!! I knew it.
James : Calm down… it’s not… I have nothing to do with Kate…
Sandy : Don’t tell me to calm down!!! … anyone with half a brain can tell she likes you !!
James : Sandy i…
She started accusing me of protecting her, of standing by her side and I denied it. Sandy even went as far as to say Kate deliberately rat her out in front of everyone.
Sandy : See… she wants to act and pretend she’s the good guy while I’m the bitch that betrays the team….
James : What are you talking about ? You did it out of your own free will… no one forced you to….
Sandy : SEE.. SEEE… you’re taking her side !!!
I closed my eyes and sighed as I tried to reason with Sandy.
For a good 20 minutes I tried.
Honest to god I really really tried to talk to her but she would not stop.
She blamed Kate for everything. The state she’s in, our relationship, everything.
Sandy : And now what har ?? she demanded Mr Liew give you a job ? is that it ? har ? you think I don’t know about that ?? if she doesn’t like you would she even do that ?!!!
I was reaching my breaking point when Sandy started threatening me.
Sandy : You know what James… I’ll destroy her….. watch me..ok… watch me destroy her…
James : What are you talking about….don’t be crazy…she’s just a fresh grad… she doesn’t know anything…. You’ve had too much to drink…
Sandy : She is just pretending !!!… can’t you see !!
Sandy started to go all crazy on me, saying it was Kate who was making me this way and if she’s gone everything would be fine again.
Sandy : I’ll get rid of her… trust me James.. you’re being blinded….you cannot see… yes… you cannot see…. Trust me James…. I’ll show you…. I’ll show you…
Sandy started to say things that frighten me.
Sandy : I’ll make her a whore, I’ll show you who she truly is …. I can smell a girl like this from a mile away !… she’s just itching to be fucked.
I went over and hugged onto Sandy, telling her to calm down. Initially she tried to push me aside but after a bit of coaxing, she relented and started crying in my arms.
I helped her into her room and she demanded an explanation from me.
What is happening to us…. Have I truly loved her ??
Sandy : Tell me… tell me before I kill that bitch !! JAMES !! ..
I sighed and hushed her down, letting her calm down till she was lying on my lap as I stroke her hair.
Sandy : I made up my mind James…. I’m going to get her…. She made me look like a fool in front of the office….promise you won’t get in my way… promise me…
James ; yes… yes… I promise…
Another 20 minutes passed before I made up my mind.
I needed to talk her out of this no matter what. If not things will get out of hand.
James : Can you keep a secret Sandy ?
Sandy : Yah ??
James : I’m… I’m being blackmailed…
She sat up and looked at me.
I told her that was the reason why things got so bad during that period.
I told her that Terry is doing some creative accounting for Omar and Rasid and I found out.
James : They threatened me. They tried to buy me off but I refused… I don’t want to sink in deeper…
Sandy : WHAT !!!
I told her I wanted out but I can’t. It was a good project, perfect portfolio for my resume and it was partly my ego.
I can’t leave, not until I see things through at least till the main bulk of the work is done.
Sandy : WHAT !!! is this true ?? Why didn’t you say anything ??
James : What can I say ? I have no proof… who would believe me ?? I’m just an employee… those people are rich and powerful… and besides… I really want to have this on my portfolio…
I went on to tell Sandy that Mr Liew fired me partly because he wanted to help me.
It was something I did not agree to because of my ego.
James : Mr Liew knew about this shortly after we came back from the 1st presentation in the beginning of the year….. He was giving me a way out… but… but…
Sandy : but what ….
James : I can’t…. I can’t let go… I’m sorry….It’s all my fault… i….i wanted to work on the project… and…. And I thought… going over to Terry….. I would still get a chance…. Maybe…. I don’t know… but… but Terry… Terry knew my ambitions… he knew… so he had leverage over me… Mr Liew was really angry with me over it….
Sandy grabbed my hand and asked.
Sandy : What ? What did Terry wanted ?
James : He…. He told me he could help me get involved in the project again… he says he knows Omar and Rasid well….. his father has been working with them for many years… if he put in a word for me… I can get back in anytime…. He… he says as long as I can swallow my pride….. he will help me…
Sandy : Then ?? Then ??
I sighed and hugged my knees.
James : Well the first part you knew of course…. I was to steal Mr Liew’s project…. To gain his trust…that I could do… but… but….
Sandy : But what…
Terry wanted something I could not give.
Sandy : What is it !!??
I looked at Sandy for a moment before looking away in shame.
James : He wanted you…
Sandy looked a little taken aback before holding my arms.
Sandy : What do you mean ?? what are you saying.. ?
I swallowed a mouthful of saliva and continued.
James : I… I better stop here… I got to go..
Sandy :NO!!.. stay here James.. tell me… what do you mean ??
I admitted that Terry chance upon my past messages with her shortly after I started working for him. It was then he wanted more.
James : He was transferring some site pictures I took and he fucking looked at my messages…. My wasapp…. He knows…
Sandy : Knows what…?? !!
I told Sandy Terry knew she was single all along and that she pretended to be attached, and from the messages, he knew the person he saw that night in the car was me.
Sandy’s shoulders slouched in shock.
James : He knew we were close…closer than just colleagues…. so he wanted me to help him…
I shook my head vigorously.
James : But no… never… I won’t do it… I refused…. I told him to fuck off…
I got up and walked to the window.
James : Terry pressured me every couple of days, threatening to destroy me if I don’t help him…..he even dared me to quit….. he could easily spread the word about my character in the industry… word will get around… I get fired by Mr Liew… then before I can pick myself up, Terry would say I give up halfway even though he tried to help….
Sandy hugged onto me from behind.
Sandy : I’m sorry…James… I’m sorry… I didn’t know.
James : He says he still love you…he…. He…
Sandy : What else did he say ?
James : He says if he could have you…. He’ll let me go…or make sure I get to work on that project…. until then… I either continue stealing the projects from Mr Liew … or prepare to face the consequences.
I turned and asked Sandy to quit the company.
James : Leave.. Terry wants you and he will do anything to have you…
Sandy : NO!!… I won’t leave … is this about you being together with Kate ??
James : It’s not…..
Sandy : I don’t believe you…
I told Sandy calmly that I cannot force her if she don’t want to leave but I’m in a very difficult position.
James : If given a choice, I would leave too… I mean come on…. I’m earning 1.6k month….who would stay if he had a choice !!…. I can make more even doing simple admin jobs…
I turned and look at Sandy
James : Would you stay if it was you ?? 1.6k ? Being treated like this by Terry ?
She calmed down a little trying to digest what I just said.
Sandy : Then… then how ?
James : Sigh… I don’t know… my plan is to steal a few projects for Terry first and work things out along the way….maybe try to establish a foothold with some clients… start out on my own or something…. I really don’t know…
I sat down on the bed and told Sandy that Terry had been making my life very difficult lately.
James : I’m just very stressed out…. And… and with Kate in the picture… I don’t blame you for misunderstanding….but do you know how she came into the picture ?? do you know who put Kate there beside me ???
Sandy thought about what I just said and remained silent
James : Do you think I hired her ?? or she just dropped down from nowhere ???
I told Sandy that Terry hired Kate for me.
James : Ask him this yourself…. Ask him to tell you with his own words…. Why did he hire Kate for me…. See what he says…
Sandy : I….
I kept quiet for a while longer, drawing Sandy in. She seemed to have calmed down a lot more.
James : Ok look… I’ve said all there is to be said… it’s up to you what you want to believe…. To sum it up…. Kate is just at the wrong place at the wrong time…. You know why Terry hired her ??? do you ?? …. the exact words…”token of my gratitude”…. In exchange for helping him with you……..ask him.. go ahead…
James : as if that was not enough, he made me report to Kate… a total newbie…. You think I’m happy ?? but what could I do ?? show a black face?? Find trouble with Kate ?? nothing …. NOTHING!!!….
I told her I could only smile, act the fool and continue working and reporting to Kate pretending everything is fine.
Sandy thought about it for a while longer and I could tell she was beginning to believe my lies.
I had no choice. I needed Sandy out of the way.
If she quits, I have 1 less worry to think about. I can concentrate on getting Kate out of harm’s way.
Sandy : but… but there’s no way I’m getting back together with Terry… he knows that…he would never ask ……..
I laughed and told Sandy that he did not want a relationship.
James : He just wanted to have sex with you…
I deliberately made it sound as cheap as I could to disgust her.
Sandy sat down on the bed and the room descended into silence.
I knelt down in front of her and told her to rest early, it’s already pretty late.
Sandy looked at me and asked me again.
Sandy : You sure…. You don’t like Kate ? … she has nothing to do with this..
I nodded as I kept my gaze steady.
James : Kate is innocent…. Just unlucky…
Sandy hugged me and I felt a sense of relief.
Finally there is a glimmer of hope I can resolve this.
Before I could get my hopes up, Sandy burst it again as I felt a shiver of fear through my spine.
Sandy : I’ll do it…
James : Huh ?? do what ??
She touched my face and stroked my cheeks.
Sandy : Don’t worry James… I’ll get you out of this mess.
I raised an eyebrow and looked at her.
James : What do you mean ? there’s nothing you can do…
Sandy : There is… Terry…
My eyes widened and I immediately shook my head.
James ; No… no no!!.. wait .. you misunderstood…I don’t mean… that…. Don’t get me wrong…
Sandy pressed her finger to my lips and pulled me onto the bed.
She kissed me and asked if I loved her.
I nodded my head.
I was about to tell her anything she wants to hear as long as she was willing to calm down and not do anything stupid for Terry but she has already made up her mind.
Sandy : I’ll do it James…with Terry..
I panicked.
I immediately raised the stakes to scare her off.
James : NO!!… no way… you have no idea what you are talking about… this is not… this is not just a one off thing !!!
I grossly exaggerated the scenario.
James : He will fuck you as often as he wished… he will share you with the clients… he will treat you as if you’re some sex toy….!!!! Listen Sandy… just go to bed… sleep it off…let’s not talk about this again….
Sandy kissed me and ask me not to worry.
Sandy : Don’t worry….James …it’s ok…
James : No it’s not OK… fuck.. ok you know what…. Forget this…. Forget I ever said this to you….
I fucked up.
I wanted to come clean at once.
I wanted to tell Sandy it was all a lie.
Something I made it up on the spot.
I wanted to end it there and then.
I sighed and went to the bathroom to wash my face with cold water.
Ok, this went a bit too far and I fucked up. I admit.
I took a deep breath and decided to tell Sandy the truth, about what I was really doing.
I entered her room again and I could see Sandy smiling at me.
My phone rang and I looked at the clock.
It was past 1 am.
I was about to scream into the phone when I saw it was Terry.
I immediately looked at Sandy as she walked up to me, gave me a kiss and asked me to answer the call.
James : Hello ?
Terry : Brother !!!!!……. I love you !!!!
James : What ? are you drunk ??
Terry laughed and said he was fucking sober.
Terry : I don’t know what you did James but don’t fucking stop…. Sandy just called me and says she would do anything as long as I wear a condom…. Fuck brother !! how did you convince her ??eh ??? share leh … hahaha…
I was absolutely dumbfounded and I hung up on Terry.
He followed up with a message that says Sandy asked him to make the arrangements with me for the session.
Terry sms : Now you’re a pimp bro…. good for you… whahahaha…..
I went out to look for Sandy and she just sat nonchalantly at the table, pouring herself more wine.
James : you’re mad…
Sandy drained her glass and asked if I would like to stay for the night.
James : You’re drunk…go and rest.
I reached for the bottle and took it away from her.
Sandy : I’m still sober James… .. I have an idea… I think it’ll work…
James : what are you talking about ??
Sandy sipped from her glass and stared into blank space as she spoke.
Sandy : Do you know why Terry got together with Belinda back then ?
James : Why ?
Sandy : Because she looks like me… from certain angles… we do look alike….
Her face suddenly brightened up and she got excited.
It was as if some brilliant idea suddenly dawned on her.
The hair on my neck stood on it’s ends.
Sandy : I knew Terry even bought some similar clothes, asking Belinda to wear them… the same ones I wore when we were together…. !!
I clenched my fist as I listened to her in disbelief.
Sandy : I have an idea…. We can set it up… and when Terry thinks he’s fucking me…. He’s actually fucking Belinda….
I watched in horror as she drained her wine and set the glass down.
Sandy : I know how to do it….. Terry would never know….would you help ??
Sandy came over and held my hand.
Sandy : We can do a switch….. I know how to do it…
I could not speak. Not a single word.
Sandy : I know the games Terry likes to play…. We can play those games and switch…. I know…. I know how…
Sandy grabbed my shoulders and shook me.
Sandy : Are you with me ?? James ??
I nodded unsure of what reply to give.
Sandy : Good… because I need you to help with Belinda…
James : She would never agree….
Sandy laughed.
Sandy : She would never know…. Until it’s all over..
James : She would not be tricked into this…. It’s absurb…
Sandy : trust me James… you just need to get her there…. I’ll handle the rest.
James : You’ve had too much to drink… we’ll go to jail… are you mad ?
Sandy laughed and she confidently told me something that I had witness before with my own eyes.
Sandy : Terry has control issues… once he gets beyond a certain point, he could not control himself…. He will do anything…. Trust me James… I know how to get him to that point… and when it happens, We’ll give him Belinda…and after that…..he will deal with the consequences…ok ? I know how to stage this… but I need you by my side…
She shook my arms in a excitedly manner and made me promise to help her.
James : Sandy…. Why don’t you have an early rest… I …
Sandy : Who would you rather Terry fuck James !!!?? Me ? your girlfriend ?? or…Belinda ? …. She’s not even close to you or the team !! ..
I took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
James : You will regret this…
Sandy :I won’t… I will fix this, get you out of the mess and I don’t care who I have to throw to the sharks or step on to get this done…we’ll be together once this is all over…
James : You’ll regret this Sandy…. You will…
She kissed me and made me promise to help her and I nodded my head.
James : Don’t regret this Sandy….
She laughed and poured herself more wine.
Sandy : I won’t.
James : We’ll see…
………………………