Chapter Two - Asking... Again?

"Duncan. Here!"

Duncan turned around to see Geoff already sitting down at the table, waving his hand up in the air. Dose he always have to do that, Duncan thought ruefully. Duncan have a head nod and walked to the table and sat down.

"I'm glad you can you it, bro..." Geoff sure haven't changed.

"Yeah..." A waitress came over and asked for an order. "Club sandwich, single." After the order were taken, the waitress walked away.

"How are you doing, man?" Geoff asked, concerned for his friend. "From what I've saw from social media, it looks messy."

"It's fine," Duncan said, taking a sip of iced water.

Geoff smirked. "Tell me? Was it fine when you asked Courtney the other day?"

Duncan spit out his drink. "How did you know that?"

"I'm not stupid, Duncan. I had a feeling you would've gone to Courtney work place ojce I've spilled where she worked at. And, also, you're forgetting that I'm engaged to Bridgette, Courtney best first, Geoff said, laughing historical. "I also warned you not to go to her for help."

"Shut up," Duncan snapped. The waitress came by and handed the two boys' their order. After eating for a while, Geoff had to ask the question.

"Why did you ask her?"

Duncan thought for a second before answering, "I don't know."

Geoff knew the true answer. "Just admit that you still like Courtney," Geoff said, pointing his spoon towards Duncan.

"Even if I did, she would never take me back," Duncan answered. "Hell, if I was her, I'd smacked me a long time ago."

"Whatever you say," Geoff said. "If you want my two cent of advice, I'd say that you should just talk to her."

"I think she made it pretty clear that she dose not want to talk to me," Duncan answered. "And I don't blame her... I really did mess up.

"Duncan, even you know that if you convince Courtney enough, she will crack," Geoff added to the conversation. He placed his cutlery onto his empty plate. "Listen, Duncan. That is the only free advice I can give you, man.." Geoff got up. "I got this." And left to pay for their lunch.

After what Geoff said, Duncan knew what he needed to do. He got up from the table and walked out of the restaurant.


Courtney sat in her office, eating some take-out she'd order earlier today. She finally got around to eating due to all of these clients meeting. Slurping her noodles while flipping those pages... she almost chocked when she heard her door open.

"You can't be in here—" Courtney secretary started when Duncan barged in without knocking.

"Duncan!" Courtney right out of her desk, glaring at him. "What the hell—"

"We need to talk," Duncan budded in. "And I'm leaving until you agree."

"Would you like me to call the police, Courtney?"

"It's okay, Rinni. You may go back to your work." Courtney ultimately agreed. Once Courtney secretary left the room, Courtney said, "you have five minutes before I kick you out." And sat down at her chair.

Duncan notice take-out on Courtney desk. She truly have changed," he thought. Duncan pulled out the chair and sat down across from Courtney. "I don't need to give any introduction on why I'm here."

"Like I said the other day, I'm not helping you," Courtney said, giving Duncan an glare.

"Fine." Duncan got up from his chair. "I'll leave, but just this... I'll keep coming back, until you agree with helping me." Duncan knew that if Courtney personality was still the same back in the days, that she would eventually crack.

"You won't give up," Courtney whisper under her breath... "your five minutes is up; you can leave my office. Now."

Duncan comply. One of his hands turned the doorknob. "I'll see you tomorrow." And left before Courtney could say anything.

Courtney twiddle with her fingers... she immediately got up from her desk and walked out of her office and went to the parking lot. "Duncan," she shouted his name as he was getting into his car.

Duncan smiled, making sure Courtney wouldn't notice. "Yes," he turned around, hiding the smile.

Courtney locked eyes with his and walked towards him. "If I help you... you have to promise me one thing."

"And that would be?" Duncan ask.

Courtney didn't want to do this. But, in order for her life to go back, she has to do this. "If I help you... you have to promise me that you will leave me alone."

Even after all these years, Duncan could get to her. "Deal." He raised his hand out for a head shake, but Courtney pushed away.

"Whatever... Duncan. Just be at my office tomorrow. " Courtney then walked away, not looking back at the expression Duncan was making.