6 TWENTY STEPS AWAY

*NICK'S POV*

"Good Morning Sir." Alfred greets me in the hallway outside my office. He's looking neat and slick.

"Good Morning to you too!" I replied excitedly. I hum to the sound of Michael Bublé's I'm feeling good - the perfect song for what I'm feeling right now.

"You are in a good mood Sir Nick! What made you this happy so early?"

"I may be a guy but I'm pretty intuitive you know. I am sensitive to auras and such and I know something great is coming my way."

I have been foolish but am trying my best to forget about my repetitive animalistic behaviors these past days. I would like to just think of them as me craving in to my urges like any other healthy man will do...but now, I have changed.

Right about we came inside, the telephone rings. Alfred immediately answers,

"Yes Mr. Greyson.. he's here" he says then hands me the phone.

"Hello Mr. Greyson?"

"Good that you're early. I'll schedule a meeting an hour from now so we can talk better. Don't leave your office." he says in a serious tone.

"Noted Chief." I responded before hanging up.

I wonder what the CEO wants to talk about with me that he can't say it over the line.

"Is it a bad news sir?" Alfred asks, concerned of my sudden silence.

"No. Not yet... I mean, I don't know yet...Shit! Better not be!" I'm getting flustered by the second.

"Oh Okay."

"Please free up two hours this morning. I feel this is going to be big."

"Do we need to do some type of presentation?" he inquired as he takes his notebook and pen and was ready to write down notes.

"He didn't say anything about that." I responded simply.

"What do I need to do then?"

"Bring me coffee and medicine to calm my nerves. I think I'm going to puke."

"Won't caffeine worsen that Sir?"

This guy really shows off his brains when I don't need it. All my excitement were flushed out. My blood has been drained. My knees are weak.

"Alfred, I think I'm about to die!" I looked at him in the eye as he hands me a glass of water. I didn't even realize that I'm already seated.

"Relax Sir Nick. You still have atleast 60 years before expiring." he chuckles.

He sat on one of the couches across me and leaned his head.

"You should do the same Sir. This is better than drinking coffee or pills" he suggested to which I obliged.

I closed my eyes and allowed all the tension on my muscles to fade away slowly. Drowsy, I took a nap.

"Come inside Mr. Greyson."

"He looks so solemn. What happened?"

"He got so nervous after you called Sir."

"Why would he be?"

I believe I'm hearing my secretary and the chief talking. Tardily opening my eyes, I can see Mr. Greyson now sitting on the same chair Alfred sat earlier. I panicked so I stood up as fast as I can making me almost stumble on the floor.

"What's wrong with you Nick?"

"Nothing Mr. Greyson" my voice cracked.

"Calm down kid and sit. Why are you so fidgety?" he demanded.

"Anyways, I'll keep this short." he continued.

"Go ahead Sir".

"So a director called me and he wants to have a movie adaptation of your book 'My Refuge.' "

"What??"

"Yes you heard me right Nick. A movie adaptation."

I cannot believe my ears. This is what I have been waiting for. The inkling feeling I got earlier this morning was about this. I definitely cannot die now!

"The grin in your face tells me you're happy."

"I'm ecstatic Mr. Greyson!"

"Good. Now the director pointed out that there are some scenes in the book he wanted to be enhanced so he'll be bringing someone to help you."

"You mean to collaborate with me?"

"That's right. Another writer for the scenes. Is that okay with you?" Mr. Greyson inquired while he casually folded his legs over the other.

"Perfectly fine Sir. When will I meet this person?" I asked.

"That's the good part... you already met.

Ms. Emily Scott was the one recommended by Director Streisand."

"Director Streisand?" Alfred asks.

"All of his movies became a big hit Sir Nick! This is a huge accomplishment." He continued.

I'm astonished myself. It has been in my wildest dreams to work with this man but I'm more shocked that he knows Emily Scott - the woman I do not dare mention the name of out loud. I felt the need to ask.

"Why Emily Sir? Why does a multi awarded Director knows her?"

"Well.. She worked with him for two years now in multiple projects Nick. I do have an eye for a Gem huh? Didn't know she's a big name in the movie industry as well! "

That shy woman is apparently bigger than me. Instead of drowning myself in my lustful fantasies, I really need to work harder and be on a level above her. I am a professional and I should always mean business.

"When are we going to start? I ask amidst all the revelations.

"You can start tomorrow if you want. I already talked to her and she's preparing a room for you and Alfred." Mr. Greyson answers in a monotonous tone.

"Why would she need to do that Sir? Alfred asks. Exactly my point.

"Director Streisand wants the writers to be in the same house like he has always done before... and Emily welcomes the co writer in her home as usual. This has always been their arrangement." he explains.

"Why? are you not comfortable? Mr. Greyson asks.

"Nothing like that." I immediately replied to avoid conflict.

"I believe our concern is us living with her Mr. Greyson. We are both Guys."

"Nothing to worry. Mr. Kenneth Snyder lives with her and it's been five months now.. so adding two more guys, doesn't really matter. Plus, the assistant director is a woman and will be staying with you as well."

The rest of the conversation was cut off when Mr. Greyson had to answer an important call. Now I'm left with no options but to visit her house tomorrow. Good thing I have Alfred as my company.

The night came and ended so fast. I picked up my bags full of two weeks worth of clothes and other essentials. Alfred decided to bring his car so I can just tag along.

The moment finally came. We are right outside and I can see three parked cars in this bright sunny day. The assistant director and Mr. Snyder came out to welcome us. We come inside and a very feminine interior design was presented to me.

Emily later on approached. She was apparently preparing food, according to Kenneth.

"I'll show you your rooms." She softly says as she looked at the both of us. Her house is bigger than I imagined.. big enough to accommodate us and still have enough space to move around.

My room is the last one in the corner - just what I wanted. She opened the door and a simple yet elegant black themed room feasted my eyes.

"I hope you'll feel comfortable."

"Thanks so much." I really appreciate the masculine vibe of the area despite of the fact that the house owned by a woman.

"If ever you need help, my room is just there." She points out and my eyes followed.

This is the first time I was able to talk to Emily this close and without getting weird thoughts... but will I be able to keep at it?

Will I be able to control myself when I know she's just..

TWENTY STEPS AWAY??