“Sandy?”

Sandy’s head whipped towards the direction of the kitchen. Jay’s voice cleared the cobwebs in her brain, giving her a sense of clarity as she let her fingers slip from Gio’s grasp. But can she really leave things in that note with him? Once the storm passed, their lives would go back to the way it is. Gio is far beyond her league. He belongs to the upper echelons of society, so out of her reach.

The sky would never stoop down to level with the earth.

“I-I should go,” she said in a voice a little louder than a whisper.

“Do you have to?”

“I promised him I’ll be back.”

“Alright. But promised me also one thing.”

“What?”

“We’ll talk about this.”

What for? She’d like to ask but she remained tight lipped. Instead, she nodded her head without meeting his eyes. She felt he would make a scene if she said otherwise and Sandy doesn’t need that to add to her worries. For an unknown reason, she couldn’t let Jay think there’s something going on with her and Gio.

A small voice came ringing in her head. Who would believe that there’s nothing going on with you and the guy you’re stuck with in the storm?

“Hey, where are you going?” Sandy bumped into Jay as he was about to emerge from the kitchen.

She secretly prayed he heard and seen nothing of what she did with Gio. He caught her just in time her balance messed up. His steadying hand was on her arm and the other on was firmly planted on her waist. He let his touch linger for a while until it was Sandy who peeled herself away from him.

Jay’s hands fell to his sides. “You’ve been gone too long so I thought I’d check on you.”

He slowly retreated back into the kitchen, his eyes surveying her whole form. His knowing eyes didn't miss her loose hair, flushed cheeks and slightly swollen lips. But Sandy is not his girlfriend anymore so he couldn’t say anything. In fact, he shouldn’t. He made his choice years ago, even if he regretted doing so. He should be thankful that Sandy doesn’t keep grudges.

"I had a l-little trouble w-with the m-modem."

“Everything’s good now?”

“Y-Yes. Internet’s working.”

“Good.” He gestured the food on the table. “Aren’t you going to finish that?”

“I think I already lost my appetite.”

Jay dipped his head. “I’ll clear the table if that’s the case.”

“But you’re not done yet.”

“Says who?”

Jay’s smile still warms her heart, just like the old days. If there’s anything unchanged about him is his easy demeanor which Sandy found soothing. He’s like a favorite chair, comfortable and uncomplicated. Being with Jay is easy. Unlike Gio who made her blood sing and rush to her ears. Gio freakin’ Kwon ignites something in her she never knew existed before. Just like she’d never known that kisses can be fiery. It felt like she has been living in a rock throughout her existence, making her question her existence itself.

“Hello, Earth to Sandy.” The snap of Jay’s fingers brought Sandy’s wandering mind back to the present.

“S-Sorry. What was that?”

“Never mind. You seem to have a lot in your mind. I’ll do the dishes and be on my way. But, would you really be okay with…that guy?”

“Don’t worry about me. Mr. Kwon will be gone the very moment this storm lets up. He’s a busy man.”

“B-But…”

“Jay, I’ll be alright. I can take care of myself,” Sandy assured him.

Jay let out a sigh of defeat. “Give me your phone,” he commanded and she gave him her phone without protest. After a few clicks, Jay gave her back the gadget. “Call me if he starts acting funny.”

“Yes, Sir.”

***

Gio felt impatience shot up his spine as he watched Jay say goodbye to Sandy. He’s been itching to pull her away and slam the door shut in the doctor’s face. But he held on to his patience, never mind if it is thread-like. The wind still howled around the house, bringing in draft which chilled the tips of his nose, ears and fingers. A loose window pane rattled somewhere as if threatening to blow up open to the elements.

Finally, Dr. Jung was out of sight. Sandy gingerly closed the door as if stalling time. Gio smirked. If she thought she’s getting away using delaying tactics, then she’s absolutely delusional. Nothing escapes him, not now and not ever. This woman-child who reeks of strawberries as if she’s made of the stuff itself is not going anywhere, not until they had that talk she promised him.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

Sandy stopped on her tracks. Wide-eyed, she kept twisting her fingers. Gio tried all his might to contain his mirth when her voice came out sounding more like a squeak than a grown-up woman’s. Embarrassment, fear, doubt and unmistakable innocence, all were fighting for dominance in her face. Paradox. Yes, she is absolutely a living paradox, caged in those delicate bones and supple skin.

“To my bedroom?” Her face voluntarily cringed as soon as the words left .

As if on cue, visions came unbidden to his mind. Oh, Damn.

“Oh, really?” Gio shifted on his seat. His eyes caught the light like chips of broken glass when he looked at Sandy again. “I’m afraid we won’t achieve any talking there.  You know, close doors, warm bed, cold night? I might get…ideas.”

Her face turned beet red. Gio couldn't hide his smile. Good, she's quick to pick up the meaning behind his words. She's not dumb afterall. He hates women who has brains located at the soles of their feet.

"Y-You..."

"Shall we?"

"Stay where you are!"

His left eyebrow lifted in question. "I thought you're in a rush to get to your bedroom? Let's continue where we left off. The bedroom is the most ideal place for that."

"You, Sir, are not stepping into my bedroom or go near it!"

Gio tapped the space beside him. "Then you sit here and we will talk, just like you promised