I hurriedly made my way to the back of the mansion, trying to catch my breath and process what just happened. Did Jude really flirt with me? I couldn't believe it. It was a mix of feeling slightly offended and flattered. It's not something that happens every day.
I've had experiences being courted by models and even some actors. I still remember that one day when a famous male actor approached me, asking me to be his girlfriend right then and there. But of course, he had a history of celebrity girlfriends. I refuse to be anyone's second choice. I know my worth, and I have my own standards.
As for Jude, he's undeniably handsome, but I made a promise to myself that I won't get involved with another Lopez. The two Lopezs I've encountered have already caused enough stress in my life, so why would I willingly add to it?
Collecting myself, I focused on the task at hand. I didn't expect to come across another Lopez today. My curiosity had already been satisfied, and I didn't feel the need to see them at the moment.
I looked for Eda, the housekeeper, and approached her immediately. "Martha, is there anything else I can help with?" I asked the older woman.
"Oh, no, dear. You can rest now. Almost all the work is done," she replied.
Thank goodness. Today has been the most exhausting day since I started working at the Lopez mansion. I couldn't even imagine living with this kind of routine. Being a maid is hard enough, especially in such a large place with numerous tasks, even though we help each other out. I wanted to go home, but I couldn't leave without Logan's approval. I'll just have to wait until he signals that we can finally rest.
Suddenly, a voice startled me. "What are you doing here?" It was Logan, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
"Logan? Can't you just appear out of thin air like that? Do you want to give me a heart attack?" I said irritably.
"Do you have a heart condition?" he asked, taking a seat beside me. I found solace in gazing at the roses in the garden; it had a calming effect on me.
Shaking my head, I replied, "I'm going to have one because of you." He laughed again, the second time I'd seen him laugh, and it was such a pleasant sight that I wanted to replay it in my mind.
Wait, what am I even thinking?
"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be with Alice?" he inquired. I couldn't come up with a valid answer. What was I doing here, except trying to avoid them? Especially him!
"Just unwinding," I fabricated an excuse.
"Are you not offended by the way my brother treated you?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Slightly, but this isn't the first time I've encountered actors or models. I've met a few in the past who tried to court me," I recounted.
He nodded, but I could sense that he didn't like my answer. Well, don't I have the right to be courted? I mean, I'm pretty.
"Were you actually in a relationship with any of them? Weren't you too young back then?" he probed further.
Raising an eyebrow, I replied, "I never said I accepted their advances. I was just courted, that's all."
"So, you haven't been in a relationship yet?" he continued with a softer tone. He was getting personal, but I had a feeling it was okay to answer his questions.
"Love is a strange word for someone my age. I can't define what love is or isn't. I'm just a teenager with a teenage dream. All I have is a dream that someday we can return to the life we used to have," I shared honestly.
He nodded, taking in my words. "Thank you for opening up. I didn't know you'd been through all that. I thought you were just a brat, but I see now that you're more than that."
I smiled at him. "Well, thanks for listening to my random rants as well. I'm still in the process of accepting everything. Maybe we can start over. Despite our bad first impression, perhaps we can have a much better friendship?"
Friendship is the better option, right? I haven't taken back my words about not liking Lopez because I genuinely don't. He's off-limits. I'm maintaining the right distance.
"Friends it is," he agreed, and we shook hands simultaneously.
He invited me back into the mansion, suggesting that we should eat together, but I declined. Instead, I asked if he would allow me to go home. He said it was fine since there was nothing else to do.
"Thank you. I'll just ask Alice to come home with me," I said.
He stopped me. "I'll drive you home," he insisted.
I shook my head, attempting to refuse. "We can manage on our own. Besides, your siblings are here. It wouldn't be right to leave them alone."
But he persisted, as usual. "They're older; they can take care of themselves. Plus, I won't feel at ease if it's just the two of you leaving. I don't want to bring up yesterday's incident, but you know what happened."
I thought about his words, and he had a point. Nowhere is truly safe, whether you're a girl, young, or any gender. Some people are simply filled with so much evil. Don't they feel disgusted by their own actions?
"If you insist," I acquiesced, just to agree with him. He's the type of person who won't back down from an argument. I know it's impossible to win against his will.
"Okay, go to the garage, and I'll meet you there. I just want to ensure you get home safely." I nodded in acknowledgment.
"Alright."
I easily made my way back into the mansion and found Alice. The girl was still busy ogling at the twins.
I understand they're good-looking, but they're overacting as if they're the only ones being noticed here!
"Psst! Alice, we can go home now," I whispered to her.
"Huh? Who's going home? Nobody's going home yet. You're such a killjoy," she replied, making me out to be the bad one.
"Girl, are you alright? You've been staring at those twins the entire time. We've already seen them, so let's go home, watch Netflix, and do our assignments!" I scolded her. I desperately needed a cold shower and a comfortable bed to soothe my aching back.
"Fine, just because you said so."
Thankfully, she didn't pester me any longer. I know exactly how her mind works. When a handsome guy is around, her thinking becomes weak, and I shouldn't be surprised anymore.
When Alice and I reached the garage, we hopped into Logan's car. I instinctively went for the shotgun seat, though I couldn't explain why. Alice was all smiles now that she was sitting in the back.
I froze in my seat when I realized Logan was approaching me. It seemed like he was about to kiss me, which made my eyes close as if someone had pulled the strings.
But instead of feeling his lips, all I heard was the sound of my seatbelt clicking.
Opening my eyes, I wished the ground would swallow me whole from embarrassment. Just imagine how ridiculous I must have looked!
"Safety first," Logan said with a playful smile on his lips.
He started driving, and I turned into stone, remaining silent. Even if I had the ability to speak at that moment, I would only sound defensive, so I chose not to utter a single word. I didn't dare look at him.
I simply waited for him to drop us off in front of the house so he could leave. Suddenly, Alice let out a scream.
"Wow! That was intense earlier!" she exclaimed, finding amusement in the situation.
"Shut up, Alice. There's nothing funny about what happened!" I snapped at her.
"Haha, relax. Who was the one who willingly sat next to Mr. Logan? And who suddenly closed their eyes and puckered their lips? Admit it! You wanted that experience," she teased. My head was throbbing from dealing with this girl.
"Get a life, Alice! It was nothing!" I didn't even know how to defend myself anymore.
"Oh well, I'm fine with it. I thought you'd end up with one of the twins! Jude even noticed your beauty, but it turns out you fell for the eldest." I seriously have a headache because of this girl!
"Keep dreaming, Alice."
"Nothing will change my mind! I'm telling you, you made your move on Mr. Logan!" She persisted with her point.
"Just keep dreaming." I made my way inside, suppressing the embarrassment I felt earlier.
All I wanted was to go home without being humiliated like an idiot. I mean, I don't even know how to interact with him. I hope he has amnesia!