TEST DRIVE: A Night of Forbidden Desire

Vonda bit her lower lip and took a long breath. Strangely enough, Vonda did not feel any calmer, even though Max had given her the answer she wanted.

Something was not quite right. Like a screw that had been improperly fitted into its hole. And just like Max, Vonda forced a smile.

“W-we can think of it as helping each other…” Vonda swallowed. “… out.”

Ah, Vonda really did not know how to say it without leaving a feeling of embarrassment on her face. At least Max helped with a quick nod. Honestly, he didn’t want to hear the rest of Vonda’s words.

I feel like such an idiot.

“Yeah, Vonda. I get it,” Max said then. “Besides, there’s no harm done here. We are both single. So, we’re not hurting anyone.”

“Ah, absolutely.” Vonda nodded repeatedly. “You’re absolutely right.”

After that, they fell into a mutual silence. They took deep breaths, as if they needed time to regain their composure.

“Um… shall we go to the conference room, Max?”

Max exhaled slowly.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Maybe it’s the effect of not having had a proper meal since last night. On top of that, no breakfast, and a phone call from Mom. And on top of that, this conversation.

Max felt completely exhausted. He was drained.

“Okay. I’ll put my bag away first.”

Vonda was relieved when Max entered his office. But for some reason, the air she breathed felt different. It wasn’t as refreshing as it usually was. Instead of making her feel better, it made her feel constricted.

A moment later Max came out. Vonda smiled at him and they went to the conference room. They participated in an interdepartmental discussion that lasted about two hours. The break was a powerful respite for both Vonda and Max. Thanks to the meeting, the professionalism that had to be maintained improved their conditions somewhat.

“Are you still at your office? Do you want me to pick you up?”

A call from Sarah during the break made Vonda realize how empty her stomach was. Even though she had eaten breakfast, something seemed to be draining most of her energy.

“Yeah. There’s a letter I have to answer. Why don’t you come over here first?”

“Okay-okay. I’m down the hall. I’ll be there soon.”

The call ended, and moments later there was a knock at the door. Sarah entered with her usual cheerful smile. She sat and waited while Vonda finished her work.

“Alright! Let’s have lunch now, Sarah. I’m so hungry.”

Sarah stood up as Vonda approached her. She nodded, but her eyes went to another door.

“You didn’t say goodbye to your boss?”

Vonda shook her head briefly. “No need.”

“He’s not having lunch either?”

“Um.” Vonda rolled her eyes briefly, thinking. “He’ll probably eat later. He likes the Mexican restaurant near the intersection.”

Sarah nodded. “Oh.”

Vonda took Sarah’s hand and led her out of the room.

“Enough about him,” Vonda said as she opened the door. “I’m getting hungry. So-”

“Vonda?”

Both Vonda’s footsteps and words stopped. A sudden voice in her ears made her eyes widen. Vonda’s expression was as if she had seen a demon in broad daylight.

“Mom.”

Sarah’s brow furrowed. “Mom?”

“Oh, my goodness, Vonda. I never expected to see you here,” said the middle-aged woman who was none other than Riley. She approached Vonda. “This is such a coincidence to meet you.”

Vonda swallowed nervously. Unconsciously, she let go of Sarah’s hand and let Riley hold it.

“Are you on a break?” Riley asked enthusiastically. “Ready for lunch?”

Vonda nodded stiffly. “Y-yes, Mom.”

Riley smiled happily. “Perfect timing then. Mama’s here to invite Max for lunch. Well, also to have a little conversation.”

A confused expression appeared on Sarah’s forehead. “Max?”

“Um, wait a minute.”

Riley’s brow furrowed as well. Just like Sarah, but for a different reason. She had just realized something she had overlooked.

“How did you get here, Vonda?” Riley asked, looking at the nameplate above the door. “Isn’t this Max’s office?”

Vonda swallowed nervously. Unsure how to answer, the door suddenly swung open again. Max stepped out, almost yelping in surprise at who was standing there.

Max’s expression turned to horror. “Mom? Why are you here?”

“Max!” Riley half exclaimed. “I want to talk to you.”

Max’s answer left him completely defenseless. “Now?”

“Didn’t I mention it on the phone this morning?” Riley asked.

Max vividly remembered his conversation with Riley that morning.

~

“Oops! Yeah, you’re right. Sorry if I went too far. Maybe we can get together, Max. We can meet soon. So, we can talk a little. Maybe your mind will open up.”

“Talking to you won’t open my mind, Mom. In fact, it’s the opposite. My mind will probably become even more clogged.”

“You’re something else, really. All right then. Let’s continue this conversation later.”

~

Max’s eyes widened. His horrified expression intensified.

“You just mentioned this morning that we should meet soon, and now you show up outside my room this afternoon? Is that the ‘soon’ you are referring to?”

Riley rolled her eyes. It was clear from her expression that Riley did not think her actions could cause Max to suddenly get a stomachache. But in reality, the boy did not suffer from stomach aches at all.

“Besides, it looks like I’m really lucky. Meeting you and Vonda at the same time. Although I am actually quite surprised.” Riley looked at Vonda, who turned pale, and then at Max, who blushed in turn. “Why did you two come out of the same room?”

Oh no! Vonda and Max exchanged trembling glances as if they felt the same.

I’m doomed.

Meanwhile, where she stood, Sarah could only stare at the confusing scene before her.

Is it because I’m so hungry that my brain is slow, or are they all having a collective malfunction?

“Um, sorry.”

Sarah’s voice caught the attention of Vonda, Max, and Riley, who all turned to look at the elegant girl in the black knee-length skirt. All three could see the genuine confusion on Sarah’s petite face.

“Why do I feel so confused?”

Riley tilted her head slightly. “Confused?”

Sarah raised a hand, pointing alternately at Vonda and Max as she asked,

“Since when do you and Mr. Hernandez share the same mother, Vonda?”

Vonda fell silent. Max froze. Only Riley, brimming with confidence, lifted her chin and took charge of answering the question.

“Well, since they decided to get married soon.”

Three pairs of eyes instantly widened.

Three exclamations were uttered simultaneously.

“What?!”

*