Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. It involves romantic and/or sexual relationship between men. If you are offended of this subject matter, if you are a minor, or if you are in a place where it is illegal to read this type of literature, please stop reading now.
Copyright © 2013 by Fritz Diantan. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the law, no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Author.
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Love Assassin Chapter Three: New Hire
"So, what? You two are partners now?" asked Madeline while preparing our dinner.
"No offense to Ruel but he's not my type?" I said then looked at Ruel sadly.
"Asshole! I thought we shared a connection?" said Ruel indignantly.
We all laughed. Madeline had been my best friend for a very long time and probably one of the few people I know will never hurt or abandon me. Beautiful, intelligent, and one of the most successful person I know yet I never thought about dating her. Being a permanent fixture in my life since my youth, my parents see her and Ruel as my adopted siblings.
"You've been doing this home wrecking thing for a long time now. Haven't you had enough of this Agent13 shit?" asked Madeline. "I mean, don't feel guilty? You've hurt a lot of people now."
"You probably have a point... what I do is not right but I'm not the cause of couple's problems," I said defensively. "These people already have issue even before I got into the picture. If they really want to stay in their relationship because of love or some other excuse, then whatever I do as Agent13 won't matter." I started filling my plate with spaghetti.
"Is that what you tell yourself so you can sleep at night?"
There was no malice behind what she said. But Madeline still believed in the concept of true love and because of this that she will never understand my reasons why I started Love-Assassin.com.
"Whether you believe in what I'm trying to say or not, the fact still remains that there's no relationship that will last forever. I'm just helping people realize that faster."
Madeline frowned. "Relationships are not in trial here. My problem from the very start is the fact that you seemed to have given up on love. That you think love is just an illusion or a waste of time."
"It is. It's just temporary insanity. A distraction for people who believe that their lives are not complete if they don't find someone to love. I mean, the concept is totally idiotic... depending your life's worth and happiness on someone's feelings towards you? I mean, come on!"
"No man is an island," said Ruel so out of the blue that Madeline and I stared at him for a minute, speechless.
"Said someone who's the living definition of the word playboy," I said. "Don't tell me you believe in love? You?"
"I believe in love, bro. I don't have a problem with love," said Ruel as he grabbed a chicken leg.
"So, why have you slept with half the population of this town and you change girlfriends as though they have flavours of the month?" asked Madeline, obviously surprised at our playboy friend.
"I'm exploring... I go out with a lot of girls because I'm searching for the one."
Madeline and I gave each other a weird look, the kind where we were debating silently whether it was time to call in an exorcist. I always thought I knew Ruel very well but it seemed even after years of being friends, we can still surprise each other. The guy who never date just one girl at a time wanted to fall in love. I think I just lost my appetite.
"Or maybe you're looking for the one in the wrong place? Have you ever thought of sleeping with guys?" joked Madeline. We had to dodge as Ruel sprayed pieces of chicken out of his mouth all over the table.
I pushed my plate away as it caught most of the flying chicken.
"Well, at least we know you have a gag reflex," I said.
The neighbour's dogs howled through the open window as the three of us laughed out loud.
"But seriously. I just don't get you, Dante," said Madeline looking at me intently. "You're handsome, educated, successful, and rich. Okay, you're borderline crazy but still a good catch. Why not settle down? Instead of proving that love doesn't exist, why not find someone to be with despite your psychopathic tendencies?"
"Why? Do you know anyone like that?" I snapped. "People only get into a relationship because they want something out of the other person. Money, stability, a trophy spouse to brag to their friends... relationships are just quid pro quo transactions. Love has nothing to do with it and when the money or stability or eye candy gets out of the question, the transaction ends. Why would I want that? Being left behind once was enough to open my eyes, thanks."
Both of them got quiet. It had been a long time since I mentioned my epic fail of a relationship with Geneva and they knew how much that affected me. I got over it eventually, as there was no point being a pussy about a girl who left you behind and run away with your only child. Years of trying to find her and the baby broke me. And if it was not for Madeline and Ruel, I would have probably killed myself. That's why I would never let myself get to that point... giving everything you can offer to someone then get tossed like a piece of trash.
"I'm giving these people a way out from a situation which is doomed from the start. The longer a relationship drag on, the harder it is to see and accept the truth. They'll find it harder to end it because they don't want to accept the fact that all those years were wasted," I said.
Madeline just shook her head but I knew she will never understand... I think because she had not experienced getting betrayed after loving someone so much.
"I know not all relationships are based on love and all relationships will eventually end, either through death or incompatibility," said Madeline looking at the table for any salvageable food that was not covered in Ruel's spit. "I think the value of a relationship is not how long it is but how much it helps you grow as a human being... how much it affected your life and how much it affected your partner's."
I stayed quiet, mulling over what she said. Madeline's point is to live in the present and be contented with what you experience now despite knowing that tomorrow, that source of bliss will be gone. I shook my head... it was an idiotic and idealistic notion plus a complete waste of time and resources.
'Enjoy a relationship as best you can then shrug it off when it doesn't work? Even after years of emotional and financial investment, in addition to lost opportunities, sacrifices, and limitations that is connected to being in a relationship?'
Crazy people...
"What are you doing?"
I looked up from the group of flat screen monitors displaying the current job applicant.
"Working," I said, nonchalantly. "How'd the meeting in Baguio go?"
Alex walked into my office without invitation, walked around my desk and stood over my shoulder.
"It was great. Got the client to sign a new contract. What's up with this set-up? Why didn't you just join the panel instead of going all Big Brother here?" he said.
I instructed Penny to record and stream the job interviews to my office. It was an odd request but being a workaholic and perfectionistic CEO, she accepted my reason for the monitor set-up.
"You know I don't want to waste time. This way, I can multi-task, monitor the interviews and write code for the new projects," I explained.
"I think you just can't resist micro-managing. Don't you trust the HR to hire the right people?"
"We still have to approve their recommendations and this way I won't have to read their reports," I said adjusting the ear bud on my left ear. "And I can make a better decision on the hiring as I've seen first hand how the applicants did instead of just relying on the HR's assessments."
"Fine," said Alex as he started to walk out of my office. "Your time, your choice. I'll just read the reports."
I turned to the monitors once again and saw that it was Vincent's turn. In truth, I just did not want Vincent to see me in the interview panel. I want him to get the impression he was hired based on his merits and not because of my manipulation. I was sure he will likely impress the HR but I need to see his interview just in case he fails, to see how I can veto the rejection.
"So, Mr. Vincent Salcedo, how about you tell us something about yourself?" said Laura Alba, one of the HR interviewers.
"I'm twenty-one years old. I major in Information Technology. I'm currently a barista in the university cafe and can whip up a wicked cup of cappuccino," said Vincent with a smile.
Laura and Ferdinand, the other interviewer, laughed. I smiled as I heard the confidence in Vincent's voice... he was in.
"Do you have any other work experience besides being a barista?" asked Ferdinand.
"I've taken jobs as a freelance web developer for the past year. Mostly, designing custom websites and content management software. Most of my clients were small and medium businesses," said Vincent. "It was challenging but fun because it's rare for two clients to have the exact needs. But I try to give them what they want and haven't got any complaints yet."
I raised the volume of my headset so I can hear the conversation better. Vincent seemed to be very intelligent and confident. It seems that he will be hard to manipulate head on and I would need to be more subtle. But his intelligence will not be an issue as I know for a fact that many intelligent people were very stupid when it came to love.
Laura and Ferdinand asked more questions which Vincent answered with ease. He was naturally social, never stuttered, and spoke softly but confidently. I noticed that Laura was looking at him very intently and I caught her glance down subtly on Vincent's body every once in a while.
"Thank you, Mr. Salcedo. I think it will be a great opportunity to work with you," said Laura. "Please wait in the lobby while we process your application."
"Thank you," said Vincent as he stood up and shook both the interviewers' hands.
I took off my headset as I no longer cared about the other applicants. I knew letting a target get too close to the other side of my life would be challenging, even dangerous. The risk of exposing my work as Agent13 of Love Assassin.com was greater now that I would have to seduce Vincent in my office.
But I could not help but smile. The thrill of the challenge plus the danger of exposure seemed to excite me even more. I could not wait to educate Vincent.
That night, I got a call from Vincent thanking me. Human Resources already forwarded me their recommendations for the new employees, Vincent being one of them.
"Don't mention it. All I did was tell you the company is hiring," I said as I laid down my bed and stroked my golden retriever's head, Berry.
"But if you hadn't told me about this opportunity, I'd still be serving coffee in the cafe," I heard him say earnestly. "Thank you so much."
"You're welcome. But I hope you have great stamina because Mobius will push your limits," I joked. "Just remember the safe word."
"Ha ha ha. Don't worry, I can handle hard work. But just in case, what's the safe word?" asked Vincent coyly.
"I think it's the same with other companies... just shout 'I quit' very loudly, preferably to your team leader's face."
We both laughed.
"Okay, sir. I won't keep you. Thank you again for the opportunity."
"Do your best," I said. "See you on Monday."
I hanged up and looked at my dog. He gave a little whine at me.
"This is human life, Berry. I'm just playing my part."
Two weeks after Vincent started working at me, he easily became a rising star. Despite not working full-time due to him still having classes, Vincent was able to keep up and deliver his work on schedule, sometimes even faster than our seasoned programmers. Penny dubbed him 'Dante Junior' because he usually do not go home unless all his tasks were done.
One night, I was about to grab some coffee at the office kitchen when I saw Vincent typing speedily on his station, headphones on and totally focused. It was well beyond office hours and very few people were still in our floor so I walked towards him and waved over his monitor. He looked up with a frown but when he saw who was interrupting him, Vincent took off his headset and smiled at me.
"Sir, do you need anything?"
I looked at him sternly. "What are you doing?"
Like a confused puppy, Vincent looked at me then to his monitor then back at my face.
"Um... I'm trying to finish debugging the payroll suite for the Ramses project," he said with an unsure voice.
I continued to look at him with a frown and let him squirm a few seconds more. I gave a chuckle then grinned as he gave out a sigh of relief.
"I got you, did I?" I said.
"I thought you were going to fire me," said Vincent, smiling weakly.
"Why would I do that? You're most probably going to be employee of the month," I said as I walked around the table to look over his shoulder. "But isn't anyone going to miss you at home if you stay here this late?"
Vincent started typing again. "Not really. I share an apartment with my girlfriend but she went to her parents' for the weekend."
"Well, take a break. Make some coffee for me and the overtimers," I said tapping him on the shoulder two times.
Vincent stood up and followed me. When we got to the kitchen, he immediately took the empty coffee pot from the machine and I laughed.
"I was joking. I can make the coffee," I said, extending my hand for the pot.
"No, sir, I insist. You're the CEO, I'm the newbie."
"Stop with the 'sirs.' You make me feel old. And if that pot sucks, you're fired."
"I'm an ex-barista," said Vincent looking at me over his shoulder. "A drip coffee maker's a piece of cake."
I sat on one of stools in the empty kitchen and watched him figure out the coffee machine.
"How's your experience in the company so far?" I asked.
"It's great. Learning a lot. My team leader's making me remember everything I learned since freshman year," said Vincent as we waited for the coffee.
"You're TL's Francis, right? Yeah, he's kind of old school. He doesn't like reusing code or anything not written in C. But you're staying late quite a lot the past few days... are you gunning for my job?"
Vincent gave a nervous laugh. "I wish. Everyone looks at you like your the chosen one or something..."
"So, why bury yourself at work? You're still in college, at least for a few more weeks. Aren't you supposed to be attending frat parties?" I prodded.
"It's nothing. Just petty things... don't want to bother you with my personal issues," said Vincent with a forced smile.
He stood up and poured two cups of coffee then handed me one. I took a sip and was surprised. It was either Vincent was really good in making coffee or Penny was just really bad at it.
"Hmm... I think you should teach Penny how to make a good pot of joe," I said then looked at Vincent seriously. "And it's not a bother to talk to me. You can tell me anything and if I can help, I want to know any personal issues my employees are having... more so if it can affect your performance at work."
"Sir, it's nothing. It won't distract me from doing my job," Vincent said hurriedly.
"I'm saying it will but our work can get really stressful. But just in case you want to talk, you can tell me anything," I said with my patented good guy smile.
Vincent thought for a second, probably debating whether it was unprofessional to vent to his boss about whatever petty things he had in his personal life. But I made sure that in the office, people can approach me. I do not really care about other people's lives but talking informally to employees let me understand how they think and sometimes, even help me discover their secrets.
"It's nothing serious," he started. "It's just my girlfriend. Ever since I got this job, she got... I don't know, a bit colder, I guess. Jenna's always been competitive and she usually get what she wants, her family being rich and all."
"So? What's the problem?" I asked.
"I love her and I usually let her have her way, decide where we go or what we do, give her what she wants. But I think she feels insecure now because I got a job here in Mobius," said Vincent, stirring his coffee lazily. "Every time I try to tell her things about my job, she'll change the conversation or act disinterested. It just sucks a bit because I'm doing this for the two of us, not just me."
I was nodding sympathetically as Vincent poured his heart out but inwardly, I was laughing. I did not think hiring Vincent to the company would be my silver bullet to break up his relationship with Jenna.
"Maybe she just needs a bit of time," I said gently. "She might just be afraid you'll get too busy working and no longer have time for her."
"I've been busy working at the cafe before but she had no issues with that. I don't know, I expected her to be happy for me but... well... I don't know."
"Well, I don't know Jenna but I have an idea about you. You have talent and if you play your cards right, a great future. Sometimes, we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. Success can bring out the best in people around us but it can also bring out the worst. As long as your intentions are good, you shouldn't feel bad for whatever success you earn," I said sipping my coffee.
Vincent looked at me with a confused expression. I can almost see the gears turn in his head. The seed of doubt was starting to take root and if Jenna continues to act like some elitist brat, this assignment will be over in no time.
"Just do your job, you earned it. Then, talk to Jenna. Find out what's really bothering her," I said with a smile. "Maybe something else is making her feel insecure."
Nodding, Vincent smiled at me. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
I stood up and put my empty cup on the sink.
"I'll let you get back to your work," I said. "Just step into my office if you need someone to talk to... most people just go in and out of there."
"Maybe you should start charging for advice," said Vincent, going back to his normal self.
"Check your payslip. It's under salary deductions next to withholding tax."
I heard Vincent chuckle as I walked out of the kitchen. I smiled myself as the next phase of the plan on how to get him formed inside my head.
Three days after my kitchen conversation with Vincent, I called him to my office.
"Sir, you asked for me?" he said.
"Again with the sir?" I said with raised eyebrows.
"Sorry. It's a habit from working at the cafe," said Vincent.
I gestured him to take a seat and handed him a folder. Vincent took it and opened the file.
"That's your new assignment. Francis told me you did well with the Ramses project, so I'm borrowing you for a bit. You'll be a part of a team that will help me with the stress test software I'm developing," I explained. "I'm seeing a great potential with this project but it can get a bit hectic because we already have three potential buyers. The code's already written but we still need to do more field tests and debugging, if needed."
"Okay. Who's going to be my team leader?" asked Vincent after reviewing the project specs.
"I am."
"Oh."
I gave him an amused smile. "No need to look so scared. I need you and Marisol to design a simpler touch user interface. You up for it?"
"Yes, I'm up for it," said Vincent, grinning widely.
"Good. Rally the troops in the conference room 2 for a project briefing. I'll be there in ten minutes."
I watch Vincent stood up. I was sure I saw him jump a little in excitement, like a kid given his first candy. A vision flashed through my head as I imagined Vincent licking a different kind of lollipop...
Turning back to my computer, I typed an update for Miguel, my Love-Assassin client.
M,
V might get preoccupied with work the next few days. Maybe you can use the opportunity to get cozy with J. I heard she's getting restless. You're welcome.
Agent13
I sent the email and closed my account. Vincent's innocence and eagerness to please plus him being a good looking jock was also making me restless. If things go as planned, I will get a taste before this project was over.
To be continued...
From the Author:
Another chapter done! First, I want to apologize for the lateness of this one. Got busy with self-publishing and got a bit sick due to the crazy weather. But I hope you guys are liking the story so far.
My crowd funding campaign to locally publish my novel didn't pan out but I'm proud to announce that "ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe" is now available in Amazon.com (Kindle edition). So, thankful for the internet!
ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F1JUK7S
Please check it out and grab a copy to help out a bro :) Paperback edition will be available soon.
For comments, suggestions, and updates, please email me: theadlaotribe@gmail.com Or visit my blog: http://theadlaotribe.wordpress.com
Peace, Fritz Diantan