Episode 5

When I opened my eyes, I felt a slight discomfort in my head and a sharp pain made me let out a groan.

"Ouch! What happened?" I asked half asleep.

I began to feel the blankets, the sunlight slipped through the window and I discovered a lump beside me. A person? Who is it? I sat up in bed, rubbed my eyes and then pulled the covers off him.

He was lying face down, his back was bare and there I could see the rhythm of his breathing.

"Are you asleep?" It's the first thing I ask him.

But Erick seems to be fast asleep. It's Saturday, not a day to rush off to work.

My cell phone vibrates.

*Raul:* Could you come help me with the flower shop? My mom is a little sick and I want to take her to the doctor. Could you come? Please!

I yawn a little as I type my response.

*Julen:* Yes. I'll be there shortly.

I get out of bed, it seems this is Erick's room? I walk to the bathroom and relieve myself. I flush the toilet and stop at the mirror. I'm wearing my clothes! My shirt, my boxers and barefoot. I rinse my face and do a few stretching exercises.

I come out of the bathroom. Erick is sitting on the bed and I see his bare chest.

"Good morning!" I greet him cordially.

"Hi, Julen. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes. Is this your room?"

"No, it's Kevin's guest room. We're at his apartment."

I clarify my doubt.

"Did I get drunk?"

"We all did. Remember?"

"No."

I noticed he was smiling.

"Well, that explains a few things."

His gaze turned curious. He stood up, his boxers were burgundy colored and I couldn't help but notice his erection. What was wrong with him?

"I'm going to take a shower," he said.

"Excellent!"

"Are you hungry?" I didn't understand his question.

"No. I want to throw up."

He closed the door and seconds later, the sound of the shower began to fill the room. What had just happened?

...🍬🍬🍬...

It's six in the evening when a few customers leave the shop. I just sold a bouquet of tulips!

I turn the sign hanging on the front door to "CLOSED." I turn up the volume on the song and Claudia Lewis by M83 starts playing. I pick up the stems from the table, arrange the ribbons and wrapping paper.

I unwrapped a Tupsi lollipop and popped it into my mouth.

"What are you doing here?" His voice startles me.

We make eye contact, I don't know if I should smile or yell at him.

"Why did you come in?"

My question caused him some annoyance.

"Do you work here on weekends?"

"No. Well, no."

I ponder my answer. He had a cigarette in his hand and that surprised me even more.

"No, or yes?"

"I used to work here."

"You used to? You..."

"Anyway, you're very nosy," I wasn't afraid to tell him that.

"I'm your boss."

"Not today. It's Saturday."

"You're very grumpy."

I laughed.

"Yes, I've been told that."

I took off my leather apron.

"Why didn't you come to my office yesterday? I asked you to."

"You can't smoke in here," I informed him.

"As you say."

He moistened the cigarette with a spray bottle that was on the table. I nodded in satisfaction.

"Did you find your key?" I ventured to ask him.

"I found it."

"Where?"

"The important thing is that I found it. And you, you disobeyed me!"

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Hey, calm down. You're getting so intense!"

I walked over to the checkout counter and turned off the computer. I took my things, turned off the music.

"I'm closing up now."

"I want some flowers."

His pupils radiated authority.

"What kind do you want?"

"Recommend something."

"What's the occasion?"

"They're for someone special."

"Your girlfriend?" My tone of voice sounded incredulous.

"Yes."

"What's her name?"

"Juls"

"Juls? That's a pretty name."

His lips curved into a wide smile and his brow radiated mischief. What was wrong with him?

"Why don't you take the lollipop out of your mouth when you talk? It doesn't seem ethical to me."

Ethical? Was he being ethical with me? I obeyed him.

"Well. How about a bouquet of dahlias?"

"What are dahlias?"

I smiled. I pointed my index finger in the direction of an aluminum bucket filled with white and lilac dahlias. Christian came closer to examine them.

"Okay. I'll take these!"

I agreed. I started putting together the bouquet.

"Yesterday you told me you couldn't come to my house today. Was it because of this?"

"No. My friend asked me at the last minute to come take care of his business."

"Your friend is the owner?"

"Yes."

"And what do you usually do on weekends?"

I cut some fern branches and arranged them around the flowers.

"Rest and do my chores."

"Where do you live?"

"In a house."

My answer annoyed him and his reaction amused me. The lollipop was melting in my mouth and I didn't care about not being ethical with Christian.

"Your answer is very childish. How old are you?" he wanted to know.

"Nineteen. And you?"

"Thirty."

"Super good. What color paper do you prefer?"

I waited for his answer, he examined the available options.

"I want the white one."

I agreed. I cut a sheet, put it on the table and started arranging the flowers.

"Did you really get a girlfriend?"

"You doubt me?"

"No, but I'm very surprised. This week I just accompanied you on a date and..."

"Would you like to have dinner with me?" He changed the subject very quickly.

"I... I don't think so, I have..."

"Are you rejecting me again?"

"Well, it's just that..."

"Do you know that I'm Christian Garrido, the most important man in this city?"

"Yes. I know that's your name, but..."

"Are you still doubting me?"

I finished arranging the bouquet of flowers, I leaned against the table.

"No, I just..."

"Come on, spend the afternoon with me."

In his eyes, the authority was reflected.

"I can't, I have..."

"I'll pay you."

"You don't have to pay me. I don't know why you always want..."

And with all his strength, he took my face in his hands.

"That lollipop in your mouth is very distracting."

His eyes were focused on mine and my heart suddenly sped up. I lowered my gaze to my mouth.

"What are you doing?" I wasn't afraid to ask.

The closeness was evident, I could feel his breath against my face.

"Have dinner with me. Please!" he insisted once more.

His hands were warm, I could feel the pressure of his body against my face. I brought my hands up to his and gripped his wrists.

"Okay, I'll have dinner with you."

And I moved his hands away from my face.

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