Eric is out in his white polo, a pair of black jean pants and a pair of black sneakers. He was on his way to his meeting point to see his first match, Bella, he was nervous about his first date and didn't want to mess it up. So he was cautious about what he wore, how he walked even his looks. On his way he sees Mary. She went to get some coffee.
Mary: Hi sir, how's your day going?
Eric: Hey I'm good. I see you went to get some coffee.
Mary: yeah,so I'll be on my way.
Eric: May I ask you something? how do I look? I hope I look good?
Mary observes him. He looked good to her, but wasn't making eye contact.
Mary: you look good as always.
Eric's face slightly turn red. He finally looks at her, his height gives him a good view of her chest. She wore a flower designed mini-gown which was open at the chest region. He quickly removed his gaze after she cleared her throat severally.
Eric: Thank you. Where are you heading to?
Mary: oh yeah. I'm off to my date. I hope your day is blissful.
Eric looked at her with surprise, he didn't expect her to do that. He was speechless and didn't know hat else to say.
Eric: Erm what's your name?
What did he really ask her name? What?
Mary: My name is Mary Richards sir. I work in your company as your clerk. You saw me the other night before you went home.
Eric: Sir? We are not in the office, and I know who you are. Well, I hope your date goes well.
Mary: thanks but I don't think he'll notice me at all.
Eric was about to disapprove what she said, but at that moment,Eric's phone beeps. It's Bella.
Eric: Umm Mary,I'll talk to you later. Bella's around the corner. I don't want to keep her waiting. But don't mind that thought. I'm sure he will love you. You are a good person.
At first she blushed with what he said but when she remembered he was out to meet someone else,it made her sad. She walks half way and seats on the bench by the roadside. Eric sees his date and admires her beauty. Bella was an attractive lady, tall and tan.
Bella: you must be Eric Maxwell. The CEO of the largest advertising company only next to Roland Empire.
She extends her hand to shake him. He accepts it. He already knew what she was after. His money.
Eric: yes I am, and you are Bella. Excuse me, let me get something in the store.
Eric enters the nearby store to get refreshments for his date and himself. His first thought was to ditch the lady and head back home, but he knew it would be dirt to his name when people start to talk. Now his intention was to know more of the woman and see if she's only after his money.
Eric: I am not free around women but, can we get to know each other more?
Bella:Yes sure. Okay I'll go first. You already know my name, so, other things. I am…
Eric could do nothing but to listen to all she was saying. The first thing he noticed was, she was always talking about herself. Secondly,she was too clingy. She never let go of his arm, the things she said never really made sense and the stories often changed. They walked until they got to a park. Eric decided to talk. He had listened to her all through the date without him having the chance to even reply.
Eric: Wow you do have a lot going on with you. But, I'll love if you weren't full of yourself. Okay, I think I've had it for today. I was right when I said that allowing a machine to decide who to love was a disgrace to humanity.
He left her to herself and headed home. They had taken a long walk and Eric was furious about how much time he had wasted. What annoyed him the most was the part where she kept talking about the house she would live in and the expensive things that will come along with their marriage. It kind of freaked him out. Along the way he sees Mary close to where he had seen her earlier. Was she done with her date?
Eric: Mary, what are you still doing here?
Mary: well my date was no show. How was your date? I saw you guys smiling so I guess you had fun.
Eric: she's not the type I'm after. Is your place nearby, let me walk you home.
Mary hesitated to respond to what Eric just said. It was rare for Eric to be this free and outspoken to a woman. He would usually engage in small talks and move along. She finally decides to follows him.
Mary: okay, my place is not far from here.
They walked in silence, but Mary was still amazed to be with Eric on a walk home. While they were walking three guys walked to Mary.
Leader: hey beautiful, how you doing?
Eric moved aside and stayed close by watching, he brought out his phone and engaged himself with it while waiting for Mary.
First Goon: yeah sweetheart, you look pretty.
Second Goon: come spend some time with us.
Mary was scared and always looked at Eric to see if he would come to her rescue. But Eric only stood there busy with his phone. It took a while before Eric noticed how uncomfortable Mary was with these guys and decides to butt into their conversations.
Eric: Um Mary,can we get going?
Mary: Yes.
The leader stops her and faces Eric with annoyance. His goons turn towards Eric, tension feels the atmosphere. Mary began to tremble.
Leader: why don't you mind you business boy. You can see we are busy with Mary here, and she's kind of enjoying our company, right Mary?
Eric: Busy making her uncomfortable, I see. Now I don't want any commotions but could you just let her go? And besides we have a place to be now.
Leader: and if I say no, what will you do boy?
Eric: well I'll say you asked for it the hard way then.
Eric advances towards the leader. Mary tries to stop them boy it was to late.
Leader: boys hold the young lady. Let me see what little boy here can do.
Eric:oh I'm not going touch you good man, I just want to show you who else has been listening to our conversation.
Eric shows the man his phone and fear is seen on the man's face. He had never thought that Eric would have been on to them.
Leader: fuck he had called the cops on us. Come on boys let's go before they get here.
Mary hurries to Eric's side and hugs him tightly.
Mary: thank so much Mr Maxwell.
Eric disengages from the hug. He quickly walks ahead of her.
Eric: why would you call me that, I had already told you we are not at the office. I had called the cops the moment they stared talking to you. And please don't hug me again.
Mary: oh I'm sorry I didn't know what came over me.
Eric: never mind, it already happened. Let's just get you to your place.
Mary was looking at Eric as her super hero,but why won't he look at her face again? Was he shy? Even at that at least. They finally reached her house.
Mary: how can I repay you for what you did for me today?
Eric looks blankly at her. What could he ask for? This made him feel uncomfortable, and he doesn't like uncomfortable. He answers as he walks away.
Eric: How about get to work early tomorrow.
Mary is shocked at his coldness towards her, but she was still grateful that he walked her home. If it wasn't for him something bad could have happened to her. Eric's action was actually because he didn't know what to say to her. And while he turned to walk away from her he looked at her and felt a little bashful. "I'm such an idiot, how could I actually say that to her like that?"
Mary: Yes sir… I'm sorry. I will.
Eric: That will be great. And take care of yourself.
Mary looked at the man that just saved her with hate. How could someone as handsome as him be so cold and rude
Eric: Alright. Goodnight.
Mary: Yeah goodnight
Mary's mother came out to see who was at the door with her, but Eric was already gone.
Mrs Richards: okay. Who's the cute guy, and how would you see such a hot cake and not jump on it, not even a kiss?
Mary: mom? That's my boss. So cold to his core, but sometimes is sweet. He a complicated person.
Eric walks home feeling a little bit of uneasiness walking with Mary. His heart had been beating fast during that incident on their way to Mary's house.
Mary:{to herself} He just not the dating type. I wonder how his date went?
Narrator: She picks up her phone and logs into the dating app. She has a notification from the app. It's a new date.
Mary: I'll try this one next.