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“While this is all wonderful,” Leo says from behind me, throwing himself on the bed closest to the balcony. “What exactly are we doing here?”
Leo’s shirt pulls up as he stretches his arms, revealing a very happy trail that I have to force myself to look away from. It’s a real effort.
“I mean, I like the place, but I feel like with us having an immigration agent on our back, there should be more critical things we need to do, yeah?” He speaks to me so casually. So much has changed in such a short time that a part of me is a little freaked out about it, but his calm and collected tone helps me reel myself back in.
I nod. He’s completely right, of course. I just had to get away. Memories of talking to my parents flood my brain and I have to physically shake them away.
“Yes. You’re right,” I say, walking back into the room. “We should keep prepping for the interview.”
Leo stays silent for a few long moments, looking at me curiously.
“I just needed to get away,” I say with a sigh.
Do I want him to ask more questions about it, or do I want him to let me have this to myself for a night or so? It’s stupid, I know. If I want him to know something, I should just tell him and not go through all these mind games, but I just —
“Okay, well, whenever you’re ready to tell me all about it, I’m here to listen, okay?” Leo’s smooth voice cuts through my train of thought, and much like I have been for the past week, I’m surprised. There have been a lot of surprising things lately, but without a doubt, seeing this soft, approachable side of Leo is one of the most shocking things.
I’m used to his no-nonsense directions and telling me exactly how he wants a job to be done. I’m used to his sharp but constructive comments, his vision as a film expert, and his business-oriented mindset. I’m used to being his assistant in his day-to-day life: booking hotels, restaurants, and meetings for him. That’s been my life for so long, and while I’ve always respected him, I fought off every heart flutter or twinge of attraction, not wanting to complicate anything.
But after last night…
I’m overwhelmed by feeling.
There was already so much weighing on my mind. I don’t regret what happened with Leo. At all. I just need some time to process.
But where do I start processing?
How does this change our work environment?
Can we even work together after all of this?
What does this mean for our marriage arrangement?
Part of me is grateful that Leo hasn’t brought it up, but another part of me needs him to answer these questions for me.
“You wanna go grab some dinner?” Leo’s words cut through my mental spiral. “I’d offer a suggestion on a place, but I really have no clue.”
He smirks at me teasingly and my heart threatens to stop.
“Yeah, sorry, of course.” Where did that breathy voice come from? “Let’s go get dinner.”
Leo follows me out of the hotel and into the night that’s buzzing with excitement all around us. We walk along the beach, the sand getting through my sandals and the familiar tickle and scratch of it on my feet helps me feel better. The pretty neon lights glow brightly and cast Leo in the most magnificent light that I can’t keep my eyes off of him.
Of course, there’s a surplus of people walking along the sandy street along with us. There’s people from all walks of life, from all facets of the world. You can take one quick glance around, and you’ll definitely see people from different countries and heritages all gathered around to enjoy a little trip on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. I can see in Leo’s eyes the wonder that slowly fills them. It doesn’t take too long for his phone to be out of his pocket and he’s starting to record the sights. It’s really nice — yet a little weird — seeing my boss actively engaged and happy. Leo’s worked with various high-end state-of-the-art cameras with countless movies throughout his years and it’s admittedly adorable to see him still with such enthusiasm.
It’s like those stories Jordan shares about the early years he had with Leo. Of course, I’ve only recently found out that they were basically joined at the hip from childhood to college. I knew they were good friends, but I didn’t think their friendship went that far back. I remember the hyperactive director talking about how Leo once dreamed of making his own film and how he has written so many scripts, it’s criminal that it never sees the light of day. I never really asked Leo about it, though. But right now, seeing him so giddy and full of passion, while using his smartphone to take some footage of the tourists in Boracay, I just can’t contain the curiosity any longer.
“So, are you gonna tell me about this film project of yours? Do I need to schedule a meeting with some editors after you have your footage?” I joke as we approach a fun-looking restaurant that’s not too full. It offers a variety of Filipino dishes, which I think is perfect for Leo’s first night on the island. I walk inside the alfresco restaurant and he follows behind me.
Leo shakes his head with a smirk, putting his phone away as we sit down on one of the four-chair tables. A waiter places two menus in front of us, but doesn’t really say anything and leaves us alone to scan through the options. My mouth starts watering at the smell and selection.
“I’ll tell you all about it, but only if you tell me all about what happened this morning,” he bargains, looking serious and less cheeky. I often forget how good of a businessman he is — always using the situation to his advantage when he wants something. It’s admirable, and a little hot at the same time.
“Smart guy,” I murmur, taking a deep breath as I remember the conversation I had with my parents this morning.
“No pressure, of course. I just feel like it’d help us get to know each other a little better, you know, for Dolores,” he points out and a sharp pain shoots through my veins at the reminder that this is fake.
“So, you’re saying your filmmaking secret is as good and juicy as my family issues?” It comes out worse than I meant, but everything between us right now feels completely imbalanced.
