Chapter 20: Self care
Vincent stayed longer than Fil expected him to be. She thought he would bid her goodbye when she told him she had no air freshener available. But he stayed to chat even after she indirectly rejected the invitation to his grandfather's birthday.
It was strange. Fortunately, he told her he would leave before she could think of any excuse for him to leave.
"Think about it, alright?" Standing outside Fil's apartment, Vincent reminded her. "I understand that you didn't expect this invitation this year, but you must come."
Fil kept the door wide open, nodding and smiling. "I'll see what I can do."
"Fil." Vincent faced her squarely, holding her shoulders and squeezing them mildly. "You know how my grandpa likes you, right? If you come, it's like announcing our engagement."
Which was why she instinctively didn't want to go.
"This is what we've always wanted," he continued, sporting a solemn look. "So please, make time for me."
"I'll try to finish the project I'm working on as soon as I can," she nodded reassuringly. Fil slowly held the hand on her shoulder, removing it from her. She then held his hand with both her hands. "I can't promise, but I'll do my best. You know me, right?"
"I know." He smiled in satisfaction. "You never disappoint."
"Just like how I made some of your projects a success," she remarked, watching the smile on his face crack. "I'll figure it out."
Vincent tried his best to keep a smile, nodding. "I'll go now."