Chapter 5 Fried Bananas, I'm Doomed
After the hospital visit, Lucas had one of his men drive Tharnnam back to his condominium. The BMW slid smoothly to a stop at the front entrance. Lucas lowered the window just enough to speak.
"You're here," he said, clipped and cool.
Then he sped off.
Tharnnam stood there blinking like a confused puppy.
What's with him…? Why the rush?
He turned toward the parking area and froze the moment he spotted his Vespa. His beloved yellow scooter, affectionately named Pumpkin, stood in its exact spot, looking freshly polished and innocent.
Wait… how the hell did he know where I parked?
The question lasted all of two seconds before exhaustion grabbed him by the throat. He had no energy left to be shocked.
Whatever. Bed first, mysteries later.
He limped into the building, rode the elevator up to the twentieth floor, and slipped into his room like a wounded cat seeking refuge.
He went straight to the shower. Today had beaten him senseless late to work, crashing into a luxury car, getting hurt, being dragged to a hospital, and arguing with a man whose face was entirely too handsome for his personality.
Should I call Mom?
No shower first!
He spent nearly an hour bathing, not because of any necessity but because he had flair. A boy with standards and confidence needed his rituals. Once he wrapped a towel around his waist, he snatched his phone and dialed the one person who adored him unconditionally.
"Hello, my beloved queen mother!" he chimed sweetly.
"What is it, my mischievous little piglet?"
His mother's voice overflowed with affection.
"Ma! Stop calling me that."
She chuckled. "Alright, alright. What's up, dear?"
"I started work today first day."
"How was it? Everything okay?"
"It was okay… but… there was a tiny incident."
"What!? What happened? Are you hurt? Tell me!"
Tharnnam winced at the rising panic.
"No, no! I just… accidentally bumped into someone's car. Lightly. Very lightly."
"You reckless child! Your arms? Legs? Did you break anything? Why don't you ever watch where you're going!"
"Mom, really, I'm fine. He actually took me to the hospital. Everything's okay."
"Stop working there. Come home and help me with the bakery instead."
"No!"
He refused instantly.
"I want this job, Mom. I want to prove myself."
She sighed, long and dramatic.
"What am I going to do with you?"
"Please, gorgeous queen of my heart, let me keep this job. I'll be extra careful."
Another sigh.
"Fine… but you must be more careful."
"Deal. Love you, Mom. Bye!"
He hung up before she changed her mind.
He sighed, collapsing backward onto his soft bed.
That was close. If she'd insisted, I'd be dragged back to the bakery in a heartbeat. And getting a job at a giant corporation like this wasn't easy.
He burrowed into the sheets, groaning.
Sleep. I need sleep. My ankle hurts. My soul hurts. Everything hurts.
Sleep took him instantly.
•••
Morning arrived too soon.He woke with a groan, body aching everywhere but determination burning bright. Today I'm getting to work early. No more shame.
He showered, dressed himself with care, and headed downstairs. In the parking lot, Pumpkin gleamed like new. Yesterday's accident had vanished as if it never happened.
That grumpy giant actually got it fixed… he even polished it!?
His chest fluttered for half a second then he shut it down violently.
Helmet on. Key in. Off to work.
He arrived early. Very early. But not early enough to beat P'Chompoo, who sat at her desk with her usual calm, sipping iced coffee like a queen who owned the morning.
"Good morning, gorgeous P'Chompoo!"
She smiled warmly. "Morning, little one. Wow, early today. Scared P'Phen's gonna scold you again for being late?"
"Absolutely! I'm never getting scolded like that again."
"Come here, sit. I've got news."
The phrase I've got news made his ears perk like a radar dish.
He slid into the chair opposite her, eyes shining.
"What news!?"
"Swear you won't tell anyone," she whispered.
"I swear!"
"It's insider info. The new head of the entire company the one who's going to run everything arrived yesterday. And he's transferring from Italy to work here permanently."
"Good lord fried bananas! You're kidding!"
"Calm down. That's not even the interesting part. Nobody has seen his face yet. Not a single person."
"What!? Really!?"
"Really."
"But why hasn't anyone seen him?"
"He keeps to himself. Like, intensely. And he's the son of Mr. Matteo, the owner of our whole empire."
"I see…"
Tharnnam slumped forward, face in his arms.
Why is life kicking me nonstop? What did I do? Who cursed me? Can I get a refund for this week?
He groaned dram
atically into the table.
No matter how much he wanted to give up, he still had to work because despite everything, he truly loved it.