“Avery, you can’t do that! We need to please Mr. Carter because we are the ones who asked for his favor.” I hung my head low. I have so much to say, but I know that I shouldn’t do anything else at the end of the day but follow.
    “I am so done pleasing that jerk!” I sighed.
    I know I don’t have the right to complain, especially in front of the EIC herself, but I can’t feel used to it. Ma’am Cassandra will surely understand. Also, we’ve been together for a few years, so I’m sure she already knows my habit.
    “A little more patience, Av. This will be paid off once we win the AFA.” 
    Somehow, those words calmed me down.
    That’s really what I’m holding on to. Some journalists are even noisier on their respective social media sites. Most of them are already starting to shoot the documentary and are already making noise with their chosen celebrities.
    But for me. . . I guess I can never be able to reconcile with Cormac.
    “The contract is ready. It only needs the signature by Mr. Carter, Av. Be patient. . .” she persuaded.
    I just sighed. It’s only two o’clock in the afternoon, but I feel like my body is going to collapse. I want to sleep and rest.
    I reluctantly took the contract, which Ma’am Cassie says, then silently waved the woman goodbye.
    “Where are you going? C.C Cars?”
    I nodded. “Yes. I will beat him with this.” I jokingly raised the contract causing my boss’ laughter.
    I am really exhausted. After I walked out of the orphanage, I went straight to the office. Fortunately, I brought my cellphone, and I used it for online payment.
    When I arrived at the BSE office, I then made a fuss with Ma’am Cassandra. Cormac is really scolding me as well. I’m sure after this documentary, he will erase my life, as well.
    How dare he say that to me?
    I mean, we’re not really engaged, but how could he say that?
    “That jerk!” I couldn’t stop myself from rushing out of the building to find a taxi to C.C Cars. “What does he want me to do to? Please, his ego? He’s just a rude man who is always full of himself.”
    I spotted a few employees entering the building, grinning. I think I said it louder then, so I just turned around.
    “You’re the only one who told me that I’m not handsome. . .”
    I quickly looked behind me and almost hit the body of the man I just killed in my mind earlier.
    “What are you doing here?” My voice became honeyed. I tightened my grip on the envelope with the contract because of the embarrassment I suddenly felt. 
    Why is this man here?
    “I’ll sign the contract. Let’s find an appropriate place for that,” Cormac announced as he started walking towards the parking lot.
    The ride was quiet until we arrived at a famous restaurant. I have also talked to the owner several times, especially at conventions.
    With each passing year, they have more and more branches, so it’s even more impressive. The owner happens to be the brother of Tanya Tebrero’s wife, so I somehow have some background about him as well.
    This place still hasn’t changed because there are still a lot of people even in the middle of the afternoon. 
    “Cormac!”
   Mr. Carter and I turned to the man who was still far and waved. It wasn’t long before I recognized him as Isiaah Jacinto, the owner of this restaurant. 
    “Long time no see, Man,” Isiaah said, smiling as he approached us.
    Maybe that’s also the man’s secret. It’s nice to get along with people. He knows what to say in situations like this and another, the man is also very smart according to Tanya.
    “I’ve been very busy,” Cormac replied sparingly, so I smirked. This one really has no hope in socializing with other people.
    It looks like he’s back to being a Stoney because he is no longer in the orphanage.
    “Wait. . . Avery Taylor, right?” I was amazed when I turned to him. “It’s nice to see you here!” He simply approached me so that I could kiss him in the cheek when Cormac cleared his throat.
    Isiaah just laughed, then patted my shoulder and whispered, “He’s so possessive.”
    I, on the other hand, had to frown because of the man.
    “Where can we sit? We have some business to talk about,” Stoney said.
    Isiaah nodded quickly and guided us to the empty table. The place was nice then away from a few people. We can talk here for a long time.
    “I’ll just send a staff here to get your order,” said Isiaah, who then pulled me a chair. “Good luck with your business.”
    I just laughed when the man even managed to wink at me. His attitude towards his brother, Josiah Jacinto, was very far away.
    “Why are you happy?” 
    I just exhaled loudly because of what I heard from the man. I really can’t believe the habit.
    “I am happy that I am not like you!” I bragged.
    The staff arrived quickly, just as Isiaah had said. We ordered, and I also borrowed paper and a ballpen for the things to do later.
    “How did you know Isiaah?”
    I just raised an eyebrow at the man. I don’t understand, but no matter how much I want to follow what Ma’am Cassandra says to be more patient with Cormac, I can’t.
    I can just see the look on his face that makes me squirm.
    “Are you okay?” I said sparingly, then turned back to the cellphone I was holding.
    “I’m asking you a nice question, Avery.” 
    “We’re here for the contract. That’s all we can talk about,” I exclaimed. I have no plans on spending the night at work especially since I already feel tired.
    I quickly took a sip of the water that was there to help me calm myself, hopefully.
    “Do you like that guy?”
I literally spilled the water I drank at his question. What’s wrong with this guy? Can’t he hear himself?
    I didn’t answer his questions until the food arrives. The waiter also gave me the paper and ballpen I asked for.
    “I am asking you, Avery–”
“Stop that! That man is married. Let’s not talk about it anymore.” 
    I quickly prepared for the meal. I was so annoyed that I didn’t even pay attention to my stomach that was growling again.
    “If he doesn’t have a wife, will you like him?”
    I almost dropped the spoon and fork I was holding and then stared at him sharply.
    “What the fuck are you saying? I didn’t even know that’s a big deal for you!”
    I know Ma’am Cassandra’s patience will be gone forever, too, if she’s in my situation. 
    “Don’t you dare date someone else.”
    I just got my head over what the man was saying. Does he even have a problem with his head? I just can not understand!
    “That’s the rule number one,” he added.
    This time, my curiosity took the lead, so I immediately turned to him. “Rule number one?”
    “On our contract. That’s rule number one, Avery.”