Awkward

(Lester’s POV) The stale air in the coffee shop hung heavy with the scent of burnt coffee and anxiety. I impatiently fidgeted the sugar pocket in my hand, my eyes darting nervously at the entrance, waiting for my friend to arrive. My secretary assured me that she agreed to meet with me today, but why is she not here yet? I feel like I’ve been waiting for an eternity. Each second that passes in this damn coffee shop feels like ten years. I’m going to be honest. I know that Camilla has all the resources to buy people’s loyalty now. She’s probably much richer than I am now. Had I known she was this wealthy, I wouldn't have replaced her with her best friend who only knows how to spread her legs on the bed. Cindy is honestly useless in everything. My face brightened when I saw an incoming familiar woman entering the coffee shop. I immediately raised my hand to wave at her. She smiled as she walked towards the direction of our table. “I’m sorry. There was heavy traffic. Some trucks hit a bus. It was dreadful…” she apologized, a hint of relief in her voice. I gave her a sweet smile despite wanting to give her a piece of my mind for making me wait that long. She thinks she’s so important? “It’s fine, Sarah. I just arrived, too. If you don't mind, I already ordered for you,” I said, showing her the coffee I got for her. I know it was her favorite because we spent two good months together as flings while I was in a relationship with Cindy. Of course, she doesn't know that, and I have no plan of telling her because she’s obsessed as fuck. Sarah sipped her latte, her lips smiling at the familiar taste. I took the opportunity to bring her to a place where she can remember what we had together. After all, I am here to ask her for a favor. She can't say no to me. "I don't know what to do, Sarah," I started, my voice barely a whisper. "They're trying to destroy me.” I knew that Sarah wouldn't help me if she learned that everything that Camilla has said to the media is true. That's why I have to lie and make myself the victim. I need her to believe me that I am innocent. Sarah reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “Tell me everything." "They're saying I cheated on my ex-wife, that I caused her miscarriage," I said, my voice cracking. "It's all lies. We separated because it wasn't working anymore, it was a mutual decision." Acting was never part of my skill set, but I have always been flexible. I could be one if times badly need me to be one. I have to save my reputation. "But why would they spread these rumors? Why now?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "Because I'm running for office," I said, my eyes hardening. "They're trying to taint my name, make me look like a bad person. They want to stop me." Her brows curled in worry. Sarah has always been this gullible, easy to manipulate. She will believe whatever I tell her, even if it sounds ridiculously untrue. “This is why I need you to help me release a statement to deny all these accusations. You know I would never hurt anyone like that,” I lied, sounding like a sheep who can't even hurt a mosquito. She had no idea that I was in a relationship with Cindy while I was fucking her for two months. She thought we broke up or something. I don't really remember the excuse I told her. "What are you going to say in the interview?" Sarah asked, her voice steady. I clenched my jaw. It could be anything as long as it saves whatever is left to my reputation. I need a clean name for my office. That reporter who featured our story sure did a great job in painting me the bad person in our past relationship. Everyone hates me now, calling me a freak, and a traitor who cannot be trusted. Well, I need to find a good journalist who can turn the tables upside down. And I have always been glad that I choose a variety in my selection of women. It’s good that I fished out one journalist. I shrugged, my shoulders slumping. "I don't know. I'm scared. I don't want to lie, but I also don't want to hurt anyone." My statements are laughable, but I have to sound very weak and hopeless. This is how I can win over Sarah’s conscience. I know that she will help me once she feels that I’m the victim of this situation. Sarah leaned forward, her eyes meeting mine. "Lester, you need to be honest. Tell the truth, but be careful. Don't get defensive. Explain your side of the story, but don't get into the details of your personal life. Try to divert the attention to your candidacy. Focus on the fact that you're running for office because you want to help people." Just as I was expecting, she’s now giving me some advice on how to manipulate the media. This is her forte. I nodded slowly, my eyes still filled with uncertainty. "But what if they don't believe me? What if they think I'm lying?" "Then you have to trust that the truth will come out," Sarah said, her voice firm. I clenched my fists under the table. Well, Sarah, that’s exactly what I’m trying to avoid here. I don't want the people to know the truth because they will know that all the accusations against me are true! "You can't let their lies control you. You have to be strong, Lester. You have to fight for what you believe in." I took a deep breath, my gaze hardening. "You're right, Sarah. I can't let them win. I have to fight back." She’s not helping with these words of wisdom. I can only trust that she will make me an effective article that could turn the situation around. Sarah smiled, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Don’t worry. I’ll make sure that the whole world will hear the truth of your story,” she promised. I secretly smiled in triumph. If they think they can play dirty with me using the media, they're wrong. I’m going to defeat them in their own game. ***** (Camilla’s POV) I was busy preparing my strawberry yogurt breakfast when I heard my door buzzing, a signal that someone was outside. I approached the door, navigating the video security to check who’s outside. "Good morning, Camilla," he called out, his voice echoing slightly in the small device. My lips parted in shock. What is he doing here this early in the morning?! I haven't even worn my clothes yet. I just finished taking a bath. I was chilling down while preparing my breakfast. I’m…. I’m…. I’M NOT READY FOR VISITORS!!! “Why are you here?” I asked mindlessly, forgetting to speak formally because I’m literally in my comfort space. “I don't want to look like a stalker here, Camilla. Do you think it’ll be alright to let your fiancée inside?” he playfully asked. My cheeks heated in an instant. Do I let him in? Shit! *Buuzzz!* The sound of the door opening rang my ear. I sheepishly looked at the dashing man in front of me. He’s well dressed and his manly scent tickles my nose buds. How could he come here all presentable and I’m here looking like I just woke up. “Wait for me in the living room,” I said, leaving him at the door to help himself. I hurriedly sprinted to the bedroom, my hair still damp from a shower, a towel wrapped around my body. I froze, my eyes widening in surprise when the door in my room suddenly sprung open. "Kalel?" I exclaimed, my voice laced with a mixture of surprise and something else that Kalel couldn't quite place. He immediately looked away with ears and neck as red as tomato. "Sorry," Kalel said, a sheepish expression spreading across his face. "Sorry to barge in like this, but I was just wondering where I could find the restroom . All the doors look the same." Well, he's right. It could be confusing around here. But I was more interested in the latter part of what he said. "Ready to go?" I echoed, my gaze flitting from his face to the towel around my body. "For what?" "For the trip," Kalel said, gesturing towards the suitcase lying by the door. "Grandma's house, remember? We're leaving in an hour." My face flushed slightly. "Oh, right," I said, my voice a little strained. I was thinking that it could be my lazy day today. I was planning to snuggle on bed and finish one drama series. "I completely forgot. I was just..." I trailed off, my eyes dropping to the floor. It seemed like Kalel noticed the awkwardness in my demeanor and felt a pang of guilt. I’m sure that he hadn't meant to intrude. He wouldn't put himself in this kind of situation. Besides, I don't care. I feel confident to stand in front of him naked. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice softening. "I didn't realize you were... busy." I shook my head, trying to regain my composure. "No, it's fine," I said, forcing a smile. "I was just... getting ready." I quickly slipped into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, my movements a little too fast, a little too deliberate. Kalel turned his heels against the door. "Just tell me when you're ready,” he said, trying to break the awkward silence. My lips carved in a smirk. He acts flirty, but couldn't look at my towel wrapped body. I see that he’s probably a virgin.