Never Liked A Man

It was afternoon that day when I went to each company that would supply the furniture. This is my first project so I don't have contacts with the supplier yet. It's fortunate that Architect Gaebol helped me with that.

I was drained of every energy when I got home. I can't even count how many companies I went to just to have the confirmation for the designs. I also asked for the catalogue that I can use for the additional fifty designs.

"Have you eaten, Miss Lucy?" Aries shyly asked when she saw me lying on the sofa.

"Not yet, Aries. Can I ask you to buy food? I can't cook right now. I'll bathe Beau, Sting's coming over..."

"S-sure thing, Miss! Do you have any requests?"

Even tired, I still want to be hands on when it comes to Beau. I went to get my son when Aries left to buy our food.

Beau smiled at me the entire time I'm bathing him. I didn't even change my clothes so it became wet but I don't care. I'm just too tired to change my clothes.

"Beau your father is giving me a hard time at work..." I gently talked to him.

"Mamm!" he exclaimed before laughing.

He pointed the rubber duck and acted as if he's shocked. I smiled. This project would be eventually done. Besides, I'll be making digits because of those designs. If I'll finish this, I can pay for our bills and expenses for five years without working. That's how huge the offer is so it's fine. I'll just endure it. Not that I won't work after this. I just really need money for the future of my son.

I carried the now freshly bathed Beau to my room for me to change my clothes. He's too naughty so I don't want to risk leaving him alone since anything can happen. It's better to bring him with me or have eyes on him on whatever he does. Aries and Sting are already here on my condo.

I turned to Beau who's on my bed while playing with the robot. After changing my clothes, we quickly left the room. His run towards Sting was fast that I was worried that he'll trip.

"Beau!" Sting greeted before carrying him.

"Pap!" Beau replied.

I pursed my lips. I saw the evident shock on Sting's eyes because of what Beau said. I don't know if I should be happy or sad.

"Soon, he'll be able to say it properly..." Sting said as we took our seats on the dining table.

"I think Loke was the one who taught him that. He wants Beau to call him and dad papa. Sorry, Sting," I said.

The food in front of us is already prepared by Aries. Beau is on his high chair, eating the ice cream that Sting brought for him.

"I'm sorry? Why? Lucy, it would be lovely if he calls me papa."

I shook my head "Come on, you're single and handsome. You will not find someone if they'll get the impression that you already have a son!" I just laughed even if I'm uncomfortable with the idea.

"You know I don't mind if it's Beau." He sighed with serious expression, "Lucy, I ran into Natsu earlier. I was in Memento and he asked why aren't you carrying my name."

I dropped the utensils.

"You're working for him? I thought you're avoiding him?" Sting scoffed.

"I didn't know he's a part of the project. I quickly signed the contract because Mr. Yajima's a good man and the offer is great. What did you say to him?"

"I told him to back off. That the two of us isn't his business. If not for my body guards he probably would have punched me."

I don't know if what Sting did is right. I don't care what Logan thinks but I also don't want to add more lies to this.

"I didn't know he's one of the board members, Sting. I'm sorry for this."

Sting held my hand and gave me an assuring smile. My heart almost melt at his sincerity. He really matured so much. He's not the Sting I loathed in the past anymore. We both grew up together. Literally.

"Lucy, you don't have to say sorry. If you would let me marry you, I would. I would take Beau as my own. I will be a good father to him. I will be a good husband to you. You know that. If only you'll agree."

"Sting-"

"But I know you would never. Even if you're still denying it, I know you still love Natsu."

I bit my lip and withdrew my hand from his, "The important thing to me now is Beau, Sting."

Sting sighed before turning to my son, "I will take care of you two, Lucy, I promised you that when we left Fiore."

True to his words, he started to visit every night with Loke or Virgo. I was very thankful for them since I became too busy with the sample boards I need to do. I need to produce fifty designs and Mr. Yajima called me to schedule another meeting.

I was given ten days to finish my designs. Almost all of those nights were spent sleepless as the designs are too many with such limited time. My time with Beau shorten and I couldn't even paint anymore. I swear I won't do this again. I won't do this kind of project for the next six months.

"You're losing weight, Miss Lucy," Aries commented as she handed me a cup of coffee. I glanced at her to give her a smile and murmur my thanks.

I became fast friends with the shy pinkette that Virgo hired as Beau's nanny. I already told her to drop the formalities and just call me Lucy but she refused to do so. Though she needs to drop the Miss fast since I know Virgo hired her for Loke. Well...

"I'm just finishing something."

"That project is so toxic, Miss."

I hummed, "You're right. I won't accept projects for a while after this. It's eating all my time with Beau."

My phone suddenly rang. I absentmindedly accepted the call and heard mommy's voice on the other line.

"Lucy, darling... How are you?"

"I'm fine, mom. You?" my eyes stayed on my laptop.

"I'm inviting you with Beau and Sting to our house tonight. It's your Uncle Apollo's birthday, just a simple dinner."

I stopped what I'm doing. I don't know what's with Ashley and Natsu but if it's an event, Natsu's probably invited.

"Who else is invited, mom?"

"Just us, dear. Why? Actually, your Uncle's birthday will be tomorrow. But we'll hold the family dinner tonight so I'm inviting you now. Please don't say no, I miss Beau..." mommy begged.

"I'm not sure with Sting, mom. He's busy today-"

"Oh! It's Sting, he won't bail on you! Just ask him right now and you three should be here, seven sharp!"

I took a deep breath and massaged my temple. Does this really have to happen today when I'm so busy? "Okay..."

I turned to Aries to change my clothes and leave.

"Your mom, Miss?"

I nodded. I rubbed my hands in my face in frustration. My head is hurting and my vision is dizzy. I feel like I'm sick.

Fortunately, Sting is free that night so he can come with us for that family dinner at mommy and Uncle Apollo's house. We drove to Flavus as soon as Sting arrived at my condo.

Sting is quiet and looks so tired from work so the car was filled with my sorry's and apologetic words. I should've just told mommy that Sting cannot come because of work!

"Lucy! Sting! You came, and with Beau!" Mommy exclaimed and opened her arms for Sting and me.

I hugged and kissed her cheek. I turned to Uncle Apollo and greeted him. Sting did the same.

Mommy opened her arms again for Beau, "Have a seat..."

There are six seats in the dining table. For mommy, Uncle Apollo, Ashley, Sting, and me. The remaining seat made me nervous about it's occupant. I have a slight idea but I hope not.

"We need a high chair for your son. And oh God! He's so heavy, Lucy!" Mommy chuckled.

Uncle Apollo called a maid to ask for Beau's chair. It's fortunate that they have a high chair for babies. I think mommy prepared for this.

The dinner would take place in the garden so it's spacious and the night air is refreshing. I shivered. I drank water to hopefully lessen whatever I feel inside.

"Dear, still no luck?" Ashley is standing beside the swimming pool. Her phone is on her ear like she's making a call.

Mommy smiled at me like saying sorry for her sudden shouts.

"She's trying to contact Natsu, Lucy... He said he cannot come but maybe she can force him," mommy laughed.

Sting and I looked at each other at that. He shook his head while looking at Ashley.

"What a clever name. Who's idea is it to give the kid a name like that? I bet it's Sting's idea?" Uncle Apollo asked.

"It's Lucy's idea, Uncle."

I couldn't give my full attention to Uncle Apollo because I cannot tear my eyes away from Ashley who's back is on us while still talking to someone on her phone.

"Beaumont Adams... You named him after a gun, Lucy? Well, given the nature of your father's business..."

I turned to mommy, "I want a unique name for my son."

Beau kept on saying gibberish words while we're on the table. Sting turned to him to entertain my son while mommy waited for Ashley.

"Dear, that's enough! If he doesn't really want to then don't force him anymore, besides if he wants to, he won't need you to pursue him that way..." mommy said before laughing again.

I felt like drenched in cold water. Mommy turned to me to say sorry for shouting again.

"Ashley likes Natsu. Are you still in contact with him?" Mommy asked before sipping on her wineglass.

I almost chocked on the water I'm drinking, "I... I'm doing a project under his... uhm, company?"

"Oh? Really? What kind of project?" Mommy's full attention is on me now.

"It's a condo with three towers, in Malyi."

"Oh! Ashley's starting to learn spatial designing. You know that it was just painting that she really liked but she's starting to like that too."

I nodded. Ashley likes Natsu. I wouldn't be surprised. But are they together? How did they know each other? How did they get close? Is she... Natsu's fuck buddy too? Does Natsu bring her to the hotels and establish the rules like what we did?

Ashley's on her way back so we stopped our conversation. Her shoulders are slacking as she told us that Natsu really couldn't make it.

"He's in a business meeting..." my sister said while taking a seat in front of me.

"Ash, don't try too hard. That might turn him off. He's busy and you're bugging him," mommy's worried sentiment.

"The man is busy, Ashley. Layla, don't encourage your daughter to bug the hell out of him," Uncle Apollo said.

"Lucy's lucky, they see each other at work."

Ashley's eyes widened at me. I wanted to shake my head but I cannot move.

"Really, Lucy? You work with him?" Ashley's voice slightly rose.

"I don't work with him. He's just one of the board to that condo that I'm producing the designs for..." I said.

"Good for you! I want to invite him to this annual exhibit at the Caelum Convention Center, the event of ConFAP? I will be attending this year... Can you please tell him to go with me?"

I swallowed hard at what she's asking. Mommy and Uncle Apollo are both smiling at me like everything that's going to happen will depend on me.

"Ash, I don't think I have the right to..."

"Lucy, please? I've never liked a man this much. Ever. I've never had a boyfriend before and you know that!"

I turned to Beau. I feel like something is clenching my heart.

Sting laughed to lessen the tension around, "I think Natsu Dragneel would agree if you ask him, Ashley."

"I know but we won't see each other the next few days because of work. Lucy will see him at work. So it's better if she'll ask him for me personally, right?" Ashley reasoned.

"But it would be better if you would ask him, Ash. You two are the one who'll come anyway. It won't matter if you ask him in person or just through the phone..."

"Lucy... will you please just help your sister? It's a simple thing..." mommy said like she's getting irritated with my hesitation to agree.

I'm sure as hell that my "Okay..." is against what my guts wanted me to do. I took deep breaths to calm myself.

Ashley clapped her hands before taking some foods on the table, "I will text him too after you told him..."

I didn't look at her the whole course of that dinner.

I will tell him. I will ask him. It's just it. Simple. Fuck.