Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 9: Emails

Lunch time comes around and I'm still busy working. I go back to my emails and stare at the one email I haven't opened yet. I move my mouse slowly over towards it, about to open the email but I stop when there's knock on my door.

"Come in." I call out.

The door opens and Marcus walks in. I smile clicking off of my emails.

"Hey." He smiles. "Get off of that thing and take a break. We're going to get some lunch."

"Just me and you?"

"Yep." He smiles.

"Ok." I grin and stand up from my desk.

I pick up my handbag and walk over to him. He kisses me and we walk out. We head over to a restaurant and get seated, then order a light lunch.

"How is Michael doing?" Marcus asks me as he sips some water.

"Ok I think. He hasn't bothered me today... yet."

"That's good." He laughs. "I think he's been doing really well. I know this is his second week here but so far I've seen and heard good things."

I nod slowly. Our food comes out and we begin to eat.

"So, I've got something to ask you."

I give him a look and put down my fork.

"I wondered why you wanted to take me out for lunch. Go on, what is it?"

"Baby." He chuckles. "Don't be like that, of course I wanted to take you out."

"You're trying to sweeten me up for something. So tell me."

He sighs.

"There's a meeting I need you to go to for me. I'd go myself, but I have other meetings and things I need to get done, and I can't be in two places at once."

"Marcus..." I sigh feeling annoyed.

"I know you don't like going to my meetings, but I rarely ask you to go on my behalf. I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important."

I keep quiet and shake my head slightly, feeling mad.

"Layla you don't even have to speak in the meeting. The main thing would be to just take notes and audio record. I'll obviously let them know you will be doing it on my behalf, so you don't need to worry."

"Marcus-"

"It's just for a day baby. Plus you get a little holiday out of it for a few days."

"What? Where is this meeting begin held?"

"The South of France." He looks away and takes a bite of his sandwich.

I roll my eyes and sit back.

"You won't be going alone." He says trying to reassure me.

"Well who else is coming?!"

He hesitates and stops before answering me. I lower my eyebrows. He clears his throat and takes another bite of his sandwich.

"Marcus?"

He swallows and shakes his head.

"I haven't decided yet..."

I really can't be bothered to argue about this. I'm going to have to do it whether I like it or not. I guess at least I get to go to the South of France.

"Ok." I sigh. "When is this meeting?"

"You fly out Sunday night. The meeting is Monday, and then you come back Thursday morning."