CHAPTER 29 - UNINVITED GUESTS

So, picture this scene: there I stood, my delicate camisole clinging to me like a second skin, while Eugene found himself snug in 'my sweatpants'. Oh, the irony! Dresses strewn haphazardly littered the room, revealing the intensity of the moment. And there it was, the couch, now askew diagonally, causing the carpet beneath to fold in half from our passionate shenanigans. As if on cue, the once vibrant red light emanating from the TV transformed into a soft white glow, signaling the end of the previous movie, with an impressive array of films displayed on the screen.

"Hello."

With my voice reduced to nothing more than a timid squeak, I struggled to express my thoughts. April and Lorraine, both enveloped by a sense of curiosity, remained steadfastly stationed near the entrance, their unwavering gazes locked onto Eugene. Desperately, I sought to regain my composure and seize their interest. However, my brain was no longer functioning properly.

"He's the hot guy, isn't he?"

April inquired after what felt like eternity, and my hushed stillness spoke volumes, conveying the unspoken answer she demanded. As if a magical switch had been flicked within her, she elatedly propelled herself up and down, eagerly clapping in sheer excitement.

"I knew you liked my sister the moment I heard you asking if she was okay."

"What hot guy? When did you hear him?"

Lorraine asked, her brow slightly furrowed and confusion shimmering in her eyes. She gazed at me with a genuine, puzzled expression plastered across her face.

"April, stop it."

I let out a soft hiss, carefully concealing my unease so as not to startle poor Eugene any further. As I glanced at him, I couldn't help but notice the apprehension etched on his face, resembling a panicked hen trapped in a snare. It was clear that April's outburst only added fuel to the fire, leaving me with a gentle sigh of frustration and the pressing task of diffusing the tension that had settled over the room.

"Oh, come on, don't you dare interrupt me. Hello, future prospectus brother-in-law, I am April Rose Landon. And this is my sister."

With a sly twinkle in her eye, she playfully pointed her finger in my direction, her radiant smile reflecting the mischievous dare in her words. Ignoring any inhibitions, April strode confidently towards Eugene, her vibrant energy distinct in the air. As she reached him, she clasped his frail hands with a determined grip, shaking them vigorously. The sight of Eugene, still shirtless and vulnerable, provided the perfect reason for me to swiftly gather our scattered garments, nudging my sister aside in haste. Urgently, I returned his hoodie, or my hoodie. I just hoped they wouldn't recognize it.

"Hi."

Eugene murmured hesitantly after covering his physical nakedness. His face was as brightly colored as a ripe tomato, and I could totally connect to him. We got ourselves caught in a pretty promising circumstance, and even if it wasn't exactly what they expected, we were still somewhat accountable.

"So, I presume you guys are not dating. Ray would have told me if she did. So what are you?"

April's voice brimmed with unwavering assurance as she posed the question, her confidence seeping through every word she uttered. And I hated the fact that she was right. Of all people, she would be the first to learn about my love life—the intimate details I would reveal to no other soul.

"We are just... colleagues?"

With a hint of uncertainty clouding his eyes, Eugene directed his gaze towards me, seeking guidance and assistance. His words weren't simply a statement; they hung in the air like a hesitant question waiting to be answered. As his eyes pleaded for support, I recognized the weight of his doubt and understood the importance of my reply.

"April and Lorraine, this is Eugene, and he's a member of the Production Team. Eugene, this is April, my sister, and Lorraine, my Personal Manager. Since it's clear that we are not dating, stop staring at him as if he's an object, April."

As I spoke, my voice grew a little louder, capturing April's attention. She had her curious eyes on Eugene, checking out every inch of him as if he were a captivating specimen worthy of a thorough inspection. However, this intense scrutiny began to weigh heavily on Eugene's nerves, making him increasingly uneasy in the presence of April's unwavering gaze.

"What is the Production Team member doing here?"

Lorraine seemed to have a much more solemn expression on her face, and her features were overflowing with suspicion. April was mostly thrilled that I was in an intimate relationship with an adult male, but Lorraine didn't know me as well as she did. So obviously, she ought to be skeptical. Furthermore, Lorraine might not display it, but she was immensely protective of me, similar to how I was of her. And I must say, she truly succeeded in pulling off the duty-laden assistant role this time, with her poker face and all.

"He caught the flu. I didn't want others to have the infection. So I made him stay with me."

As soon as the ill-chosen words slipped past my lips, a wave of regret washed over me, causing me to physically bite down on my tongue. Well, sooner or later, the truth would have inevitably surfaced, and there was no point in delaying it any further.

"He is staying with you? Good God, what happened to my 'I don't give a fuck about others' sister?"

April screeched, her surprise apparent as her wide eyes reflected a mix of disbelief and awe. I had always been the embodiment of self-prioritization, often oblivious to the needs of others and indifferent to the plight of strangers. Consequently, it wasn't difficult to comprehend how peculiar, perhaps even suspicious, it appeared as I stepped out of my comfort zone to lend a helping hand, and that too, to a perfect stranger.

"And, is he staying in your room?"

Lorraine's question resurfaced once more, her arms defiantly folded against her chest, emitting an air of inflexibility. Her intense gaze mirrored the interrogative demeanor she customarily employed with Ben whenever he stumbled upon a blunder. Yet beneath her stern exterior lay unwavering loyalty and a genuine concern for our well-being.

"What, no! He is in the spare room."

In a moment of self-defense, I instinctively uttered those words, but judging from the way her eyes hardened and a pout formed on her lips, I think she would have preferred if Eugene stayed with me, in my room.

"Is that why you wanted me not to come back. To stay with him?"

She asked, her hands gesturing in an accusatory manner toward the only man in the room and the reason for her anger. Eugene seemed nervous as he squirmed under the scrutiny of her intense glare, as well as the inquisitive gaze of another bystander.

"No, Lorraine, don't be dramatic. He just stayed for one night."

I admitted, feeling a tinge of guilt as I came to the realization that there was some truth to what she had said. Though I didn't mean it in a bad way, I did wish she would stay with Matt for a little longer for personal reasons.

"So, is he not staying tonight?"

Lorraine interrogated me, shifting her attention in my direction, and just as I was about to respond, Eugene jumped in and interrupted our conversation.

"No, I am not. Actually, I was leaving."

The moment he spoke those words, any lingering doubts and shyness I had were immediately expelled from my mind and body, no longer having a place within the confines of my brain.

"And where do you think you are going?"

I inquired without much concern for how I may have come across, as my primary focus was on his well-being. He was still unwell, and I was determined to ensure he recuperated before allowing him to depart. The time was approaching 1:30, and his condition was such that he couldn't even make his way back to his own room. And what was he going to tell his roommates, who thought he was staying at a different place?

"I think I should go."

Eugene stated, as if that made sense, but I responded by shaking my head firmly.

"You won't be going anywhere. Return to the bedroom and get back to sleep. We'll talk further about it tomorrow morning."

When he opened his mouth in an attempt to say something, I raised the palm of my hand in disapproval. It is not like I was a teenager hiding her boyfriend in her room.

"And you, two."

I directed my attention to the perplexed young women in the room; their focus was completely fixated on me. They've never encountered this version of me.

"My bed is large enough for three people. Eugene isn't leaving until he's fully recovered. Any questions? Fine. The discussion is over."

I declared, folding my arms across my chest and simply staring at all three of them steadily.

April was the first to come back to her senses, and she muttered a 'yes, ma'am'. She then proceeded to gather her belongings and bid Eugene a good night before making her way to my bedroom. After a short while, Lorraine, appearing uncertain, followed suit, leaving only Eugene and me behind.

"Your assistant does not appear to be pleased."

Eugene sighed, his eyes not quite meeting mine.

"She isn't, of course. It's the first time she's seen me with a man. Give her some time. She'll become accustomed to it."

"But she has been working with you for several years."

Eugene replied, his voice dripping with disbelief. He was still stupefied that I didn't have a lot of experience in the field of dating.

"That's exactly my point, Eugene. Just calm down. And don't be concerned. They will not bite you."

I was mistaken in thinking he would be hesitant. Because he said good night and went to his room with a broad grin on his face.

I groaned exhaustedly as I walked to my own room, hearing hushed bickering from inside. This was going to be a long night.

.............

"You want to what????"

Lorraine exhibited a comical posture as she hopped onto the bed, resembling a frog. The three of us were settled on the bed, illuminated by our lamp, despite the fact that it was already past three in the morning. I found myself positioned between Lorraine on my right and April on my left, forming a cozy trio.

I provided Lorraine and April with a detailed account of everything that had transpired up until now. Lorraine's reaction was one of complete surprise, her inability to conceal her astonishment was evident. On the other hand, April remained silent, her expression giving away the fact that she was deep in thought. I could discern exactly what was going through her mind. I made a deliberate choice to leave out the part where I shed tears and experienced a mini panic attack, as I didn't want to burden her with my miseries. Additionally, this was a chapter of my life that Lorraine wasn't familiar with, so it seemed best to withhold those details.

"I told you, we haven't slept together yet. He is being too difficult."

Even though I said that, I couldn't help but feel a tingling sensation down my spine as I reminisced about the passionate make-out session we had just a few hours ago. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I could still vividly recall the feeling of his gentle lips against mine. It almost felt as though every fiber of my being was reveling in the overwhelming pleasure that consumed us.

"So, he rejected you. Then why were you guys half naked when we got in?"

Lorraine asked, and then her eyes widened.

"Don't tell me we interfered when you finally lured him in."

She looked genuinely guilty, and I ruffled her hair, smiling. Lor was initially doubtful of Eugene, but I took the opportunity to recount how he had provided support and assistance to me during the difficult times after Brave's passing. Since she had a strong belief that I would never place my trust in just anyone, it put her mind at ease. Additionally, she acknowledged and respected my ability to accurately assess someone's character. My criteria for judging others were not based on perfection, as everyone possesses their own flaws. Rather, what truly mattered was their ability to cultivate and demonstrate goodness in spite of those imperfections.

"Don't worry. It wouldn't have happened anyway. Eugene is sick."

But then I felt a slight tug on my wrist, and April's delicate fingers tightened into place. She knew. Even before I said anything, she knew.

"I am still sorry, River. You didn't pick up the call, and since you already sent me the code, I just took liberty. I am really sorry."

I reassured her that everything was fine, as she looked remorseful. She was considerably older than April, yet she lacked the maturity that April had. She was still a teen trapped within an adult body.

We discussed Matt and April's boyfriend for a while, and it may be due to jet lag, but both of the younger girls quickly fell asleep, and I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling above me.

Did Eugene sleep yet? Or was his brain still reliving our previous interactions, like mine? I was longing for the warmth of his body encircling me, and my neck ached for his kisses once again. He was like a drug. A drug that I so badly want.

............