Cecilia Scarlette Locke’s Point of View
Kinsey has been looking through the canned pork and beans when I saw a glimpse of those star cereals that I’ve secretly like. Not even Samantha, my secretary, knew about it. I mean, why would a fine lady eat something sweet and to a child’s liking? That would be a complete and great no for a Locke heiress.
Needless to say, it’s not a necessity. Not to mention the fact that I would be spending Kinsey’s money if I were to get that. I had no excuse, and he will find out sooner or later. I swallowed the lump in my throat, saying my farewell to the box of goodness when Kinsey started moving ahead with the cart.
“Is there anything else we have to buy?” I asked. Kinsey looked through the filled-in cart as we walk. “This will be enough for us to get by a week. The rest that we would be eventually be needing will just have to wait until our next grocery shopping.” Kinsey chuckled.
“Good because my legs could not take it anymore.” I muttered to myself. We have been standing and roaming around for a while now. I should’ve worn much more comfortable footwear if I would’ve ever known that this would be a walkathon.
I now then watch the horrid session of the cashier wherein she has to scan every barcode of what we ought to buy. If the time tickles so slow with us, what more in her position. She has been doing this every day. She’s more than tormented and fed up with this. I could only imagine. In fact, the process was so long, my mind kept drifting over at the cereal I am now suddenly craving to eat.
My wariness must’ve been that obvious as Kinsey then began to speak. “Do you want to get anything else? I could wait for you here. It’s not like this will be through any time soon.” Kinsey insisted. I almost had a heart attack. In my mind, I thought I heard him say cereal, but it’s most probably only in my imagination.
Stay cool. Stay cool. Do not make another embarrassment in front of Kinsey. He already holds enough records of your failure in his mind.
“No. I am fine. This is already a lot.” I smile. “Thank you for asking, though.” I replied before I started to fiddle with my fingers together. I have to stay strong. I’ve already come this far. I could not accept defeat. Not right now. I’ll just mentally promise myself to get that when I at least happen to smooth things out with my cards.
“Okay then. You do not have to be shy about it if you wanted something, okay?”
I looked up at him. “I got it. Thanks. But I do not really need anything else.” I said, and then back we went into silence, hearing the beep of the scanner every time the cashier registers the barcode of the items.
“Uhm… by the way, can we make a quick stop back to the appliance store?” Kinsey then broke the ice with that question. My body could only feel heavier at the thought of more walking around for electronics. What was it this time? “I want to buy a television set. I want a bigger screen at home.” He said reluctantly. He must’ve seen the look on my face.
I seriously wanted to complain already. Can’t we just get it another time or can’t he just have one deliver at our doorstep? It’s not like he could watch the television as soon as we bought it. One, we will be too tired to even set it up. Two, our apartment would be more than disoriented as soon as we bring in all the stuff that we bought.
“Please, Cecilia?” He insisted as he clasped his hands together in front of his face. I let out a soft sigh. Who am I to say no?
“Alright. I am not really-”
“Yes! Maybe I should also get a gaming console along with it.” He exclaimed excitedly, enough to alarm me.
“J-just make sure you don’t drag it for hours!” I rebuttal. Kinsey only laughs with an “I promise.”
…
My eyes wander through the large flatscreen televisions before us. We were not greeted by a welcoming gaze unlike before. It’s not like I could blame them, though. It’s really a work dealing with us, especially since Kinsey is a bit particular to what he wants. To be honest, if I would be the one going to use it, I will definitely be as stingy as he is.
“Anything that caught your fancy?” I asked as I placed my hands over my hips. Kinsey promised he will not take too much time this time, but I at least expect to spend an ample amount of time.
Kinsey grins. “I’m going to buy that one.” He said pointing over to what seems to be a huge QLED Flatscreen television.
“You’ve made up your mind that fast?” I questioned.
“I thought of just getting the latest unit. And I think the size is probably right for our living room.” Kinsey gave me his full grin on display. “I figured I shouldn’t make you wait for me for too long. You must be tired and hungry. I’ll cook dinner for tonight. What would you like?”
“Aren’t you tired too? Let’s just have take out, so we could both rest as soon as possible.” I replied. I know I will definitely prefer his cooking over unhealthy fast food, but the least I could be is considerate. The last time he outdo himself, he collapsed on the floor with a high fever.
“Yes, ma’am.” Kinsey chuckles before he went ahead to take my hand so we could both follow the lady to the cashier and do its paperwork for warranty and whatnot. I do not really mind, feeling Kinsey’s warm hand against mine. It’s already nothing, but a natural habit. Besides, it’s easier to navigate this way.
“Happy now? You have nothing else you need to get?” I asked, my arms crossed to each other as I waited for him to finish signing waivers. And as if the gods from above don’t want this day to be over yet, those two have to pop into the scene like it’s nothing. Like we are long-term friends already, and I owe them something for me to be forced to talk to them and continue the conversation.
“Oh? We meet again.”
“It must be fate or something, right?”
I doubt that, but I try to flash a small smile. It’s one of my grandfather’s business ethics to learn to mask emotions. You should be able to do a business deal even with your worst sworn enemy.
“Hi, ladies? Are you here to buy some appliances too?” Kinsey questioned after lifting his head in realization. I decided not to butt in, since Kinsey seems to be on good terms talking to them for him to start small talk. If he likes them so much, then maybe I should apologize for my past actions as well since I may start seeing them more frequently now if they happen to end up being buddies.
What am I even supposed to say?
“We are just browsing through for a new microwave oven. By the way, we didn’t catch your name? I am Sasha, and this is Carla.” The girl with long hair stated.
I pursed my lips together. Here we go.
“My name is Pierre, Pierre Kinsey.” Kinsey smiles as if he is not that attractive enough within those girls’ very eyes.
I fiddle with my fingers underneath. This feels like an elementary grade where we introduce ourselves. “Scarlette.” I muttered. “Nice to meet you, a-and I am sorry for what I did earlier.” I blurted out the first thing that came into my mind. I am not sure what had gotten into me, but I thought of the way Kinsey doubted my social life. I’ll show him that I could very much interact with other people with no problem outside of the office.
“We are sorry too, if we came out as rude. We could just start again. How about we all have dinner together?” Carla suggested. I could literally see how she tried to push her luck, her eyes giving off the rose blemish on her cheeks.
“Sure. We are about to grab some after this anyway.” I was the one who answered.
“Uh, Cecilia? You sure?” Kinsey gave me a look, enough to make me furrow my brows. Kinsey must’ve thought that I am forcing myself for him.
I nod. “Yes. We are going to order our food in fast food anyway.” I said. “Don’t worry. I’ll be paying.” I added in a much lower tone. I’ve already cost too much expense for Kinsey. Treating him food is the least I could do too.
“That’s settled then. Isn’t that nice, Carla?” Sasha exclaimed. I could already tell that she is the outgoing type while Carla is the more shy one.
“Mhmm. Thank you.” Carla answered meekly before lowering her head timidly.
I hope this turns out well. “So, are you done with the signing?”
“Yep. I’m just going to pay, and we are good to go.” He sighed. My gaze captured his evident frown as he turned towards the counter. I wonder what was wrong. Was it because he wouldn’t be able to get the game console right now? It’s not like he could play as soon as we bought it.
I made a mental note about his gaming console and turned over to the two ladies to ask where they want dinner to be held.
We ended up dining in a Chinese restaurant. And as I expected, all questions are darted over to Kinsey. It all riled up just after the waiter had our orders.
“So Pierre, what do you do?” Sasha started as she leaned closer to the table, seeming as she sat across him. They’re really going to face this matter head-on, aren’t they? They’re surely not playing around.
“I am a professor.” Kinsey answered timidly. It’s not like him to do, but I didn’t comment on it. Does he happen to like one of these girls and going shy now? That’s must be it. The least I could do is be a good wingman for this guy.
But how am I to do that? I could barely even do small talk.
“That’s nice. Although, I think I’ve heard Kinsey somewhere before. I just couldn’t pinpoint where.” Sasha commented as she twirled the ends of her hair unconsciously.
“Hmmm? Well, my surname is a pretty common one so you could hear it everywhere you go.” Kinsey lets out a short and conservative chuckle. Why is he acting uninterested? Are cool unbothered guys the ones who get the girls nowadays?
I have no idea, but I guess this works too.
“I suppose.”
Okay. This is my supposed shot into doing this. I’ll finally enter the conversation. Don’t screw this up, Scarlette. For the sake of Kinsey’s love life
“We saw both of you back there at the little town park. What brings you two here?” I questioned, plastering a small smile upon my lips to act friendly.
“We live here. We were just scouting small spots that time.” Carla answered.
“I see. I-I am sorry back there too.” that came out barely as a whisper as I felt the atmosphere become grim so suddenly. I was not the one to apologize, but look at me now apologizing every chance I get.
“It’s not a worry at all. We did happen to meet Pierre here. All is well. I could tell that it’s not every day you get to meet such gorgeous and tantalizing man.” Sasha said seductively with a light giggle at the end. The way she said Kinsey’s name didn’t sit right with me, to be honest, but I kept my mouth shut since Kinsey doesn’t seem to mind.
Kinsey had to withdraw his hand on the table when Sasha’s hand sit on top of his. “Ah. Likewise.” He smiles, which stirred something inside of me further.
The next thing I know, the food was being served. I tried to shake the sudden shift of my stomach. I am not sure, but I’m starting to feel sour despite the delight delicacy in front of me. “We should eat while it’s still piping hot.” Sasha exclaimed. I am now becoming more aware of her sickly sweet intonation.
“Do you want some dumplings, Pierre?” Carla questioned, feeling myself flinch for an unknown reason. Why is it they can call Kinsey Pierre so freely? Couldn’t they start calling him Sir Kinsey first? Why are they acting familiar with him already?
“You know, you look so good, I bet you will look good in anything. Imagine making a pair of pajamas sell out if you happen to be a runway model.”
Curling red lips and more giggles were exchanged around the table like an extra change.
“I think he will look good in photoshoots without even trying.”
Within that line of thinking echoes through my very brain as if the devil is whispering something in my ear. I even forgotten my main objective for this dinner.
“Huh? Why are you not eating anything, Scarlette? Didn’t you like anything? We could order something else…”
I didn’t think of it, but as I blink back to reality, I realized I was scratching my fork against my empty plate. I felt Kinsey’s hand around my wrist to stop my hand’s movement. And as the embarrassment hits me like a meteorite, my mouth acted on its own and said the first thing that came into my mind. Heat is coursing through my veins and as if someone hit the red button on top of my head, it was stated loud and clear in front of everyone else.
“Kinsey is already mine. P-please, you better get your own.” I stammered as I lifted my head up to face them.
Sasha looked at me in surprise as she placed her hand against her cheek. “Oh my…”
When did I start losing my cool and becoming this reckless with my words? I swear, why do I always feel at the edge around Kinsey? It’s causing me more trouble than I intend to.
