WILD ADDICTION

“What? Why did you forget something as very important as this?”

I was wandering off the streets of Manhattan when my phone rang and pulled me out of my usual routine. I found myself doing this a couple of years ago when my mind was filled with unsolved setbacks.

Next thing I know, I was doing this every single day. Walking. Meditating.

“You can just attend the meeting in my place, Kur. I’m so sorry if I totally forgot about it.” I can hear the worry and regret in Quinn’s voice. I raised a brow almost in disbelief at her outrageous suggestion.

I know I’m slowly gaining their trust back. But is it really alright that I have to take over her place in this very important meeting with a big time client? I’m even doubting myself.

“Don’t worry. I know Nile Veselov. He’s a family friend which I’m sure he’ll understand.” She added with sure confidence and delight. The chirp on her tone did not ease my circumstance.

Why did she not happen to mention that she’s going on a trip with her family and her fiancé? For two weeks at that… in Paris!

“I don’t think-“

“Come on, Kur. Please.” She interjected. A long pause silenced our conversation. “Perhaps this will be your chance…” She trailed but I know where this phrase will lead to.

I didn’t speak for quite a while and that made Quinn call my attention for numerous times. I always have a soft spot for this woman.

“Alright. Fine.” Quinn exhaled in relief and joy.

The phone call ended with her thanking me nonstop. I could hear the excitement in her voice for their vacation before she cut the line. She was so happy and it was contagious. But the feeling was cut short when I was faced again with the reality.

I take my time not moving in my spot. I look up as I ponder. The sunlight was bathing down on me, feeling the warmth the start of summer was bringing. A lot of people already passed by, brushing my shoulders along the way. Their chatters and laughter zoomed past me. It felt like I was this centerpiece of this clock while the long hand and short hand kept turning and I’m just here, standing still.

I sigh as I try to let go of my unneeded worry. I walked and walked until I reached Veselov Industries. I was thankful enough that there was no specific time for the meeting. The CEO was available for the whole day. I just have to walk in there and show myself. And then we talk.

I forgot to tell her that I might have zoned out when we had a board meeting so I didn’t quite hear the part where Runner Studios, our company, will have a big ass client. Veselov Industries at that. A huge company who’s famous with their futuristic and advanced technologies. I guess I only heard the part where they will have a promotional event coming up… or was it a launching event. Either way, Runner Studios was given a chance to organize the event and do the production.

You see why my worry was not misplaced?

This is probably the tallest skyscraper in New York. I thought as I felt dizzy looking way up the enormous building, the rays of light making me blind that scattered on the glass. The whole building was said to be owned by the Veselovs. The receptionist had a hard time believing me when I told her I was the representative of Quinn Anderson. Her eyes bulged when she saw the tattoos decorating my pale arms as I showed her my ID card.