Chapter Thirteen — The Business Trip

Irene’s POV:

After my presentation I felt really anxious and went to my office immediately. I kept hearing Congratulations from my colleagues. They said I was lucky and it was hard for idea’s to get past the executives. I guess I am, or maybe it’s not luck but just my talent speaking for me. I have always loved the whole idea of advertising and coming up with great ideas. All the companies I worked at as an intern knew this and wanted me to work at their place when I was done with college but I didn’t work with them because they paid very little and the work they assigned was too much and very stressful.

Just after I settled in my office and was relaxing I received a call from the head of my department asking me to come to her office urgently.

“Yes ma’am” I said as I stood by the door.

“Come in Irene. Sit."

“Thanks,” I said.

“Are you willing to work?” she asked.

“Yes. I mean, that’s why I am here,” I replied.

“Great then. You would be travelling in my place. I would be very busy tomorrow and so far you’ve shown that you have great skills and you’re definitely somebody I can rely on"

I could hear my heart beat “Umm, thank you. I wouldn’t disappoint you or the company"

“Yeah, I know that” she smiled. “So you would be travelling tomorrow with the team. The flight leaves at 7 am, so you’ll have to be at the office by 6 am. The airport is quite far from here. I would send the details of all what you’re expected to do to your mail. Make sure to go through it and get some rest” she smiled.

“Okay ma’am” I replied. Wow. Everything is moving so fast. This was only my third day here and I was already being trusted with such a big contract. I mean if the head of department was involved and had to travel the contract was definitely big.

*****

I got to the office really early as requested. I and some executives were driven to the airport. I kept looking out for Will so I could tell him I was travelling but I didn’t see him. I don’t even know why I was expecting to see him. Why would the CEO or even any of the staff be at work at 6 am?

“What’s your name?” one of the executives asked. He was sitting right next to me in the flight.

“Irene” I replied.

“I’m Davis. We work at the same” he paused “I mean, we obviously work at the same place that’s why we are travelling for a meeting together” he laughed.

“Yeah” I nodded and let out a small laugh. I never thought any one of the executives would be so nice or friendly and I never even noticed him until now. He has light brown eyes that lit up his face and his lips weren’t too small or too big but just perfect. He looked really young he should be about my age or a little older.

“So, nice to meet you. I hope we can be good friends?” he smiled and stretched out his hands.

“Yeah, hopefully” I returned the gesture with a smile. He seems like someone who is actually a really good person.

I slept for most part of the journey, I had a really short night working on the ideas for the presentation and I had to stay up till my boss replied with a mail saying she liked what I did after I sent to her.

After what seems like forever the flight finally landed and we already had someone waiting to drive us to one of the city’s most expensive suite.

“Room 101, this must be your room” Davis pointed his hands towards the plate on the door.

“Yeah, it is. Yours is…?” I asked.

“109” he smiled.

“Okay cool” I replied. I was about to walk in when I heard his voice again.

“Soo, I’m guessing I would see you around” he said. Making me pause at the entrance of my room.

“Yeah, sure. We still get to meet during the presentation” I replied. The hotel they reserved for us was very big and also very fancy. I’m glad the rooms they reserved for each of us was quite far from each other. After my room there were about 8 rooms before his. I think that space is fair enough but I still hate the fact that I can mistakenly bump into him if I’m stepping out.

I was walking in when I heard my name again, I let out a scoff and was expecting to see the same Davis guy but I looked back to see Will. He was standing in front of a room that was directly opposite mine, I really hope that isn’t his room.

“Will?” I exclaimed.

“Irene, what are you doing here?” he asked.

“Well, I had to step in for my boss she had some important things to take care of and she said she could trust me with this” I answered.

“Oh, wow. I had no idea you would be here or I would have travelled with you guys,” he said.

“Oh, okay,” I scoffed. “How did you get here then?"

“My private jet. I hated the fact that I was travelling for work on my birthday, and I didn’t want to be around any of the office people."

“It’s your birthday? Wow,” I said. “I guess this is the part where I buy you the lunch I owe you or we could make it a dinner or something or just a simple hangout at wherever you want because I’ve never been here and I don’t even know where to take us."

“Oh, yeah. That’s fine. This isn’t the first time I will be here so I guess I’d select one of the cool places I have been to. I’d have Ike drive us there” he said.

“That would be great. Is this your room?” I asked.

“Yes,” he nodded.

“Oh, wow. See you around then,” I scoffed.

*****

The presentation was fine and I hope it turns out to be a successful one. After presenting, I left the conference room, leaving Will and the executives with the Payton Mobile representatives. I had to use the rest room so I could breathe well and let out all of the anxiety I was feeling.

I paced around the hall as I waited for someone to step out and say something. I could feel my anxiety levels rise up as the door knob turned open.

“Davis!” I exclaimed.

“Hey, congratulations. We got the deal” he smiled.

I let out a big sigh of relief. “Thank God” I scoffed and placed my face in between my hands.

“uhm. I’ll catch up with you soon. Want to make use of the rest room” he said.

“Okay.” I replied.

I was expecting to see Will as the door knob turned open again but instead it was one of the Payton Mobile guys.

“Hi, erm, that was a good presentation back there.” He smiled. “I’m Jake Payton."

Did he just say Jake Payton? So I just did a presentation to the owner of one of the biggest mobile phone companies. I’m so glad I only thought they were all just representatives or I would have panicked in front of such prominent people.

“I…Uhm, thank you. I’m Irene"

“I love your name” he dressed me from my head to my feet and this made me feel really uncomfortable because he was all shades of attractive.

“Do you mind if I have your number, I’m kind of in a hurry and I just had to make an acquaintance with you or I wouldn’t have ever forgiven myself” he said. He didn’t take his gaze off me and every time I tried to look up at him our eyes locked.

“Uhm, yeah sure.” I laughed. He passed his phone to me and I entered my number.

“I guess we’ll stay in touch over the phone?” he asked.

“Sure” I replied. I watched as he made his way to the elevator. I shouldn’t be standing out here I should tell the driver to take me back to the hotel but I don’t want to leave Will. It’s his birthday and I promised him dinner, I have to make it up to him.

I turned over to see Davis walking towards me. “Looks like someone got herself an admirer” he teased.

“Come on. He just simply wanted to be friends” I shook my head.

“Yeah. You think any guy would want to be friends with a pretty girl like you?” he chuckled.

Now I’m confused with this statement he made. I mean, he told me he wanted to be friends with me, so it means he wants more than that.

“Are you talking about yoursel—” before I could complete the sentence Will’s voice interrupted.

“Sorry Davis. She’s with me. And you’re needed in there to round off the deal with the rest of the executives” Will said as he grabbed my hand making me walk after him.

I looked back to see Davis standing and staring at both of us but I kind of needed someone to interrupt the conversation we were having because I wasn’t ready to hear him tell me he likes me.

“So, what were you two talking about?” Will asked as we entered the elevator.

“Oh, well I really don’t know. It’s almost as if he was about to tell me he liked me” I replied.

He laughed “He likes you? He can’t possibly mean it. I know him and he’s a playboy"

“Oh, really? Do you know him asides work?"

“Yeah. His dad and my dad are good friends so we kind of went to the same school, we also go to the same pool club and all that. But we aren’t close"

“Oh. It’s not like I was considering him anyway,” I sighed.

“Did you notice how the blond-haired guy kept staring while you were presenting?"

“You mean Jake?” I asked as I made my way out of the elevator and he followed.

“Oh, wow. You already know his name. Don’t tell me he was hitting on you as well?"

“Well, not really. I don’t know. He got my number and said we’ll talk over the phone,” I answered.

“Don’t listen to any of those guys. They are all playboys and if any guy hits on you again you have to tell me,” he said.

“Why?” I raised a brow.

“Because I am your friend, more like an anchor. We have to talk about all these things so you don’t get hurt."

“Okay.” I smiled. “Anchorman,” I teased and we both laughed.

“Soo, where would you like me to take you to?” I asked.

“Well, I’ll have Ike take us there. He should be here in a few minutes,” he replied.

“Wait, how’s it that you have a personal ride here when we only just travelled here?"

“I bought it so you could take me to dinner” he said. My jaw dropped. He couldn’t possibly be serious.

“You’re kidding right?” I asked.

“Of course I am.” He smirked. “I bought a house here few years ago. It’s more like my vacation home and of course it had to have a car in it for whenever I was around,” he answered.

“Oh, that’s great,” I said.

“Yeah. We could go there after you take me to wherever you want for dinner,” he smiled.

“Oh, won’t they be worried?” I said.

“Who? You mean Davis. Because you and I know the rest of the executives don’t care.” He paused and stared at me. “But I’ll message Davis and let him know you’re with me."

“Okay. That’s fair enough I guess. Is that Ike?” I asked as the car pulled over.

“Yeah. Let’s go."

*****

After much contemplation on all the options Will gave me, I settled for a fine restaurant. He said since it was my treat I had to be the one to choose. We were having a great time till one of the waiters spilled a drink on me while I was heading to the rest room.

“I’m so sorry, What do we do now?” Will said when he noticed the stain didn’t leave even after I had gone to the rest room to clean it.

“We could just go to your house, watch something on Netflix,” I replied. I actually had other plans. While he was busy on a call I went out to talk to Ike and asked him to help get me something for Will’s Birthday gift. There’s no way I was going to let such a special day pass without getting him a gift.

“Oh, I guess that would great. I’ll call Ike right now” he said.

“You do that and I will sort the bills” I replied and gestured for the waiter to come over.

“Ike’s here” he said.

“Oh, so fast?” I asked.

“Yeah, he was hanging around I guess” he replied.

I really hope he was able to get all I asked for. It’s the least I could do for Will. I can’t imagine how he must feel being alone on his birthday.

“So here’s my home. My place of Solace. Asides the holidays I come here whenever I need to think and just be away from everyone” He said as we walked in.

The house was quite big and like one of those you’d see on TV. And it was fine, and cozy, and felt so much like home.

“Do you stay here alone whenever you come by or you have friends or girlfriends?” I asked as I walked away from him to admire one of the paintings on the wall.

“I come here whenever I need to get away from everyone remember?” he said.

“Yeah, yeah. True. It’s just” I looked around.

“What, you feel it’s too big for only one person to live in?” he asked.

“Yeah. You might feel quite lonely and all that” I replied.

He smirked “Whenever I feel like I need to be alone trust me I don’t feel lonely"

He showed me to a room upstairs and asked that I have my bath and change my stained clothes. I undressed and opened the shower. The warm water on my skin felt so refreshing, I let out a soft gasp as I used the soap to wash my body. I turned off the shower and tried reaching for a towel but then I figured there was none. I mean what was I thinking, he only came here for vacations and that’s once in a while and this was one of the 6 rooms which I doubt he’s ever stayed in, so that explains it. I couldn’t possible put my stained clothes back on or the bra or skirt.

“Will” I called out his name but I didn’t get a reply. He was probably downstairs or in his room having his bath.

I stepped out of the bathroom and checked to see if I could find a towel in the wardrobe, but there wasn't one, only three pairs of plain white t-shirts. I grabbed one and swiped it over my neck. It was large so it wasn’t too short and could pass for a really short gown. I grabbed my panties and wore it. I had no choice and I couldn’t possibly walk around without my panties in a friend’s house.

“Will,” I said as I got downstairs. He didn’t respond. I guess he was in his room having his bath. While he was at it, I should get everything ready and get the gift. I had asked Ike to put the gift and takeout in the Cabinet in the kitchen since he wasn’t going to be here to give it to me.

I hurried to the kitchen immediately and checked each cabinet so I could grab the gift and set up the takeout before Will came downstairs.

I let out a sigh as I stared at the take outs on the glass table in the middle of the living room. I didn’t bring the gift out yet, I wanted it to be unexpected. The movie I selected on Netflix is one I have watched before, there’s a scene where the lady brings out a gift for her friend on his birthday so while that scene is playing out, I plan on bringing out the gift and giving Will as well. I know it’s pretty crazy but that’s all I could think of.

“Birthday boy!” I said as I stood up and walked towards Will. “Come here, come sit."

I gestured for him to sit and handed him one of the take outs.

“Okay” he giggled “I see you’ve already made yourself at home. I was going to set up the movie. Wait, how did you get this and how did you set up the TV…?"

“Ike got the takeout I asked him to. And about the TV, I had to set up mine when I moved in. there really isn’t a big deal and your TV was connected already so"

“It was?” he scoffed “I’ve never used it. Whenever I come here I’m in a not so good mood so I just wallow in the pain and emptiness… it’s nice having you here” he smiled.

“You’re welcome. So our movie will be starting in few minutes. I promise you’re definitely going to laugh so try not to choke on your food while eating” I said, as I reached for my takeout and sat down on one of the single sofa’s beside him.

We spent the next hours laughing really hard at the movie. I almost choked on my food and took a gulp of water immediately. The scene I was waiting for was almost here and I felt low-key ashamed of the idea but I just wanted to make it fun for him and that’s all my brain could come up with.

“You know everyone would say they are your friends when things are going well for you and that’s okay. But look out for those who come through for you when you’re breaking and it feels like your world’s falling apart, They are your real friends” the character in movie said. I’m glad the volume was loud enough to make this moment really hit our hearts. I grabbed the gift and hid it behind my back and walked over to sit beside him.

“Thanks for being a real friend Will. Thanks for coming through when literally everything was falling apart. Happy Birthday” I said with a smile and pointed the gift box at him. I tried to read the expression on his face, didn’t know if it was shock or happiness or perhaps thankfulness but I know it definitely wasn’t a bad one.

“I’m sorry, I wish I could do more but I had no idea it was your birthday and this is all I could come up with. I know it’s kind of, uhm, lame.” I laughed.

“No, it’s not. I love it. I really do. Thank you Irene” he said as his eyes stayed glued with mine.

“You’re welcome Will.” I smiled “You’ve got a friend in me and I got you anytime” I assured him. As I stood up and walked over to my seat.

“So I’d go sleep now. I’m exhausted. I know you must be too. I hope your day wasn’t so bad, I tried my best in making it fun” I said. As I switched the TV off and packed the remnants of take outs to the trash.

“I guess that’s a goodnight then. Today was everything fun. It’s been a while since I laughed out loud like this. And all this is really great. I love it” he replied as he followed after me. I had no idea he was close and as I turned over I bumped into him. I paused and looked up at him and our eyes locked I quickly removed my gaze but I was now staring at his lips. His beautiful perfectly shaped and soft lips.

“Uhm Sorry.” I said as I put my hand on his chest and stepped back.

“Come on, it’s my fault I was walking right behind you like a puppy” he scoffed.

“I’ll be upstairs. I loved the feel of the warm water on my body so I’d just go shower one last time, while you unbox your gift” I smiled.

“Okay” he said.

I hit the shower again. I loved how the warm water comforted my skin it just made me feel so free and alive again. And it’s weird because I have a shower at home but It doesn’t make me feel this way. Maybe I was still a bit tipsy from the wine I had. I stepped out and put on my white tees when I heard a knock at the door.

“Uhm. It’s me, can I come in?” I heard Will’s voice.

“Yeah, sure” I replied.

He turned over the door knob and came in.

“Do you want to sit?” I asked and gestured my hand towards the bed.

“No, it’s fine. I just wanted to let you know that” he paused and stepped closer to me “I appreciate all of this, it means a lot to me” he said. His voice was soft and sounded very vulnerable.

“I’m right by your side. And as far as I am concerned I will always be here” I smiled.

He took a step further, now leaving barely any space between us. I could feel my heart beating fast and loud. I looked up at his face and his eyes were already focused on me making our eyes lock. He held my face between his hands and looked down at my lips and before I could place my head around what we were doing I felt his lips on mine. It was soft and warm and different. Very different from what any kiss I ever had felt like. For every second his tongue explored my mouth, my heart made a beat, one that could start a love song.