“Yes, I’m speaking on the audience’s behalf now. ‘I spent a day at the restaurant with this hot man’was captivating and unique. But you should know the hot man is why most people watched and loved it. So, how do you intend to make more content without the hot man in it?” she pauses for dramatic effect. “Sophia, you need that man for your channel to grow. Your audience accepts him, then, feed more of him to them.” She taps my left arm as if trying to make me understand what she’s saying clearly. But I already get it, we are on the same page.
“So, you think I should meet Gary to tell him I’d like a long-term contract?” I ask.
“I suggest you do; you have to. Plus, it’s all fun. I don’t see why he would not love to make more of those videos with you.”
“Well, I mean his personal life and all. He has his personal life to live too, and this would mean I’m including myself in it. I’m not sure he would like that. Honestly, I don’t know.”
I wait for Lilah to say something, but she does not respond, so I look up to face her. “You don’t think so?”
“I think he likes you,” she spills.
“God, Lilah, I just met this man, and I’ve only seen him twice. What are you saying?” I slam my hand across my face.
“It’s not what I’m saying but what I saw. I saw the way he looked at you in the video. There was interest in those eyes,” she explains.
“What interest? We were only acting,” I ‘tsk’ at her before standing up.
Lilah can be so extra at times. How could she even say that? Gary looks like a man that would have a long queue of women dying to date him. When I look at him, I see a long line of women in front of him. And I can understand why he’s single. He probably finds it hard to pick and settle for one. To say a man like that is interested in a woman he only just met is pure nonsense. Don’t get me wrong, I’m stunning in my own way too, but I just think Gary would have met better ladies.
I walk inside my room and jump on my bed. Lilah’s idea trudges back to my head, and I still think it’s not a bad one. I should at least try before concluding Gary would not be interested.
I stretch my hand to pick my phone from the vanity table, scroll through my contact list, and find Gary. I dial his contact, once, twice, but he’s not reachable. “I knew it. He’s never reachable.” Sighing, I toss my phone back on the table.
An idea pops in my head, and I sit up to think about it. Since I met him at Katherine’s restaurant, there is a high tendency that he would be there for lunch tomorrow afternoon. If I go there, I would be able to see him, yeah? I nod, impressed with my cleverness. We would have another chat over lunch, and I can pitch this offer to him again.
“Bingo!” I snap my finger sharply. I will go to Katherine’s restaurant tomorrow afternoon. I’m optimistic I’ll see Gary there.
Seven
Gary
Nine days and I’ve not heard anything from her. On Monday, when I went to the company, I contemplated stopping by at her house. But, on second thought, I realize it was stupid. Why should I do that? But honestly, I miss her. I miss her so much. If I tell you how many times I’ve watched and re-watched that video we made together, you won’t believe it. I watch it every time. In fact, I’m watching it right now – listening to her voice and admiring her jovial attitude.
I know I just met her, and that’s why it’s crazy that I’m this obsessed. I was at Dominic’s café throughout yesterday, binge-watching all the videos on her channel. She’s funny, and I love it. I think she’s underrated. Although I’ve not seen a lot of YouTube channels that make the same content as hers, from the little I saw, I honestly think she deserves more subscribers and engagement on her channel. Sophia is creative and talented. I want to help her anyhow I can, but I don’t want to be too forward. It’s her private life, and if she does not need my help anymore, there’s no point forcing it.
The video has ended, but I will replay it. I can’t get enough of her voice and those pretty eyes. I want to hug her again like we did at the end of this video. Making this with her was like one best moment of my life. I felt so alive and fulfilled, it was fun, and her laughter sounds like music to my ears. I want another interesting moment like this again. Maybe I should have signed a two-week contract or two-years if she does not mind. Together we can take her channel to a whole new level. Her subscribers appreciate me, and I think we can make more videos together. So, why is she not calling me? Or is she planning to scout for another man to replace me?
I think I should go to Katherine’s restaurant tomorrow. Since she’s friends with Sophia, she might be able to advise me on what to do. Well, she already knows I like her friend. I don’t have to hide it from her anymore. I’ll just meet her to ask if she has seen Sophia lately and if she said anything about me.
…
I have noticed the sun in the city scorches differently from the one in Crystal Mill. Another perk of living in Crystal Mill, nature is very gentle on us in that place. Except during winter, it’s usually freezing cold during winter.
I walk inside Katherine’s restaurant, wiping the drops of sweat off my forehead. As I walk inside, my eyes hit a figure standing directly in front of Katherine, talking. Is that Sophia? I furrow my brows, walking to join them.
“Sophia?” I call slowly, and she turns around.
“Oh my God! Gary!” she jumps on me and throws her hands around my neck.
I feel my heart flutter as her body press against mine. This is it, this is that feeling I craved to experience again. It only happens when I’m around this woman.
“How have you been?” I ask softly as she breaks the hug.
“I missed you! I thought you weren’t going to show up. I sat here all day, waiting for you,” Sophia whines. “Your contact is always not reachable. It’s hard to reach you, and Katherine said you only go to work on some days,” she pauses to observe me again. “Oh God, I can’t believe you are here!”
My face breaks into a broad smile. Seems I’m not the only one who missed her; she did too. “Oh, you tried to call me?”
“Of course, I did!”
