"Ma'am, where's your key?"
I hiccupped, eyes wandering around to ensure this was the corridor I recognized. As far as I can remember, I was near the table next to the bartender. I don't know how many drinks I've had that have made me feel so dizzy. "The key, right?" I reached into the bag I was carrying. "Where is it? I forgot." I grinned.
Even in my half-conscious state, I heard him sigh. "Ma'am, if you're not feeling well, just sit here momentarily. I'll look for the key."
Then what I remembered was him slowly emptying my bag's contents. I saw him searching here and there – in my wallet, makeup bag, or the Stitch-patterned coin purse with those cute little blue aliens.
"Found it, Ma'am," he said, showing me a single key with a small keychain. It was the access card to my apartment unit. I saw that he had hung it together with my unit key. "Next time, just like this. So you won't have trouble."
I laughed again, attempting to stand up, but I fell into the embrace of the person talking to me. He grumbled irritably; maybe he was tired from carrying me as I stumbled. That might be why I felt so light when I walked.
He opened the door, and he carried me again. My bag's contents returned to their place, even though I was sure they were all messed up. I didn't care. My thought at that time was that I felt light. No, Krystal's angry voice because I made a mistake in the schedule. No one almost missed a billion-dollar meeting. Even though it was her fault, I only did what she wanted. Why was I the one who got the reprimand? It's pointless if I can't accept it.
Queen Krystal and all her authority! That's what made me drive my car to the usual club. Even though I was alone, I knew some people there, including Adi, the bartender.
As I passed the restroom, suddenly, I wanted to empty whatever was in my stomach. Half-running and causing a commotion by bumping into a display near the wardrobe, at least I wasn't late. I vomited some, and I don't know, of what was in my stomach into the toilet. Damn, vodka!
I felt slightly cold fingers on the back of my neck. At first, I was about to snap, but the fingers remained there, massaging gently and offering a box of tissues.
"Thanks," I said as I slowly got up. Cedric still helped me walk towards the sofa. When he successfully sat me down there, he fetched a drink for me.
Even though I was still half-conscious, I knew who this guy was. Cedric. He works as an office boy at my office. But I wondered, is this the effect of alcohol, or does he look different from usual? Maybe it's because I'm used to seeing him in the typical office boy uniform, but now, sitting in front of me is a guy looking relaxed in a black shirt rolled up to his elbows, paired with black pants.
I don't know. Cedric is different tonight.
Next thing I know, I'm in his lap. But seeing the surprised look in his eyes, I'm sure it's not Cedric holding me close to him. It's me who's getting close to him.
"Cedric," I gaze straight into his eyes. My fingers trace his jawline slowly. He grumbles irritably and stops my actions.
"Ma'am, it's better for you to sleep. Anya wants to go home."
"Why the hurry?" I ask with a small smile. Then, I get close to him again, very gently. "Be honest with me, Cedric."
"After I'm honest, I might get fired."
"I'm not going to imprison you." I laugh amidst my giggles.
"Who's prettier, me or Ms Krystal?" I playfully wag my finger in front of his nose. My vision is a bit blurry, but I can see him closing his eyes. Maybe he's frustrated with my behaviors. I don't care. I need him to answer.
It isn't essential, but I've heard a lot of gossip that Ms Krystal is jealous of me because of my beauty and charm. That's why she often assigns me more work than I should have, tormenting me under her control. So, I need another opinion. Cedric's idea.
"Anya is the prettiest," he says.
Do I believe him?
No.
Instead, I laugh. "Cedric, Cedric, that's a pretty good lie. I'm not angry, you know if you're honest."
"I'm not lying." He lowers my finger. "Now, I want to go home. You've arrived at your apartment. Go to sleep."
As he starts to move away, I hold him back. I don't want him to leave. Just who does he think he is?
"Ma'am," he grumbles. He locks my hands behind him. His face turns red. Maybe he's annoyed because I'm in his lap, and now I'm moving on top of him.
"Let go," I say teasingly. I am confused about why I'm acting like this. But it feels nice. Teasing Cedric, who's now really angry. I move slightly restlessly because Cedric's grip is quite firm.
"You said I'm pretty?"
He lets go of my hands, maybe because of my restless movements on top of him.
"Yes, you're the prettiest, Anya."
Do I trust that?
No.
I laugh. "Cedric, if you want to lie, do it better. I won't be mad, you know, if you're honest."
"I'm not lying." He gets up, and I hold him back again. I won't accept it. Seriously, I won't take it. It feels like I'm being rejected outright!
"Fine. Go ahead and leave then." I get up. But I grabbed the bag I had left near the shoe rack and put on my shoes without much thought.
"Move aside. I want to have some fun again."
Even my walking is stumbling. But I don't care.
"What kind of fun, ma'am?" He pulls me back before I reach the door. "You're drunk. You should sleep."
"Who told you to boss me around?" I look up because he's very close to me. His black eyes are now staring at me. His gaze is sharp, intimidating, but I can't be afraid. Why should I be afraid? Who is he, anyway? He's nobody.
In one swift motion, he brings me closer. Our breaths collide with nicotine, mint, and a hint of cola. And then, what I think are his lips touch mine.
"Is this enough?" I blink as he breaks the kiss.
"If I continue, I'm sure you'll regret it."
"Really?" I laugh.
"I can't stop even if you ask me to."
I tilt my head, still laughing at his words. "What are you going to do, huh?" I use my index finger to retrace his jawline, making him grumble harder than before.
"Never regret it, Anya. Never."