Sophia's POV.
With Mr Hayes gone for the week, I thought I'd be the happiest but I was surprised at how strangely lonely I felt.
The office just wasn't the same without him.
Just then, Trent came around asking if I was ready to take him up on his lunch offer.
I was too lost in thoughts and had completely missed that it was lunchtime.
“Sure,” I obliged, gathering up my belongings and tidying my table. “Just give me a minute.”
He stood there, looking almost nervous with the way he constantly scratched the back of his head. And after I was done, we both headed out.
During lunch, I ended up comparing everything he did to Mr Hayes. From the restaurant to the food and even to the conversation.
I couldn't believe that I was missing my rude boss!
***
Alex's POV.
The realization as to why they called me here hit me like a punch to the gut. Hold on, what was Emily doing in Athens?!
I knew I'd brought her here a couple of times while we were dating but she had no right being here without my permission, trying to cajole my parents into a reconciliation between us.
She was blatantly taking advantage of the fact that I didn't explain in detail to them what caused the breakup.
“Mom! You know my plane is still at the airport? I could go back right now, is that what you want?” I said finally.
“Of course not, Alex. But just one dinner, please? I believe whatever happened between you two, she's changed now. So... yes?”
“Mom, no! It's over between me and Emily and that's final.” I yelled.
“Just one more chance son,” my dad quipped.
“Dad, not you too, please. Why don't you guys understand?” I pleaded. Already becoming irritated with the constant persuasion.
“Dear, I'm getting old and I need grandchildren. Please do it for me, just this once.” My mum said in a tone she knew I couldn't refuse.
Gosh! Not again. I thought. There she was giving me a pity look. Mothers!
“Fine, fine! I'll do it. But I can assure you, nothing's going to come out of it.”
“I doubt that. It would please me a lot if you went out with her this once.” my mum added with a smile.
“So where am I meeting her?” I asked
If I had known that this was what they called me here for, I'd have remained in New York.
“At the casino hotel.” My mum spilled.
****
I had just finished getting ready for my reluctant dinner with Emily. I decided to call Steve.
“Hey, dude, how are things at the office?”
“I've told you that I got everything under control over here. You have nothing to worry about.” Steve assured me.
“What about Ms O'Brien?” Just saying her name alone made me breathless.
“Hmmm.....You're curious to know about your secretary.” Steve jested. I could hear the teasing in his voice.
“Oh please, shut up,” I said in between laughter.
“I'll see you when I get back. For now, my mum is trying to set me back up with Emily. I have to go to dinner with her right now.”
“I'm sorry, what!?” Steve yelled from the other end.
I let out a chuckle.
“What? Why? How? You can't do that!?” Steve rambled on.
“Relax man, one question at a time. Of course, I'm not getting back with her, I'm just meeting her for formality and to please my mum.”
“I still don't understand why you've refused to let them know the reason for the breakup. It would've saved you this stress.”
“It would break my Mum's heart,” I remarked. I would rather not say. I added.
“Hmm, if you say so. Let me leave you to your ‘date’ then.” Steve said mockingly.” “Alright.” I chuckled and hung up the call.
Sophia's POV
It's another day without my boss., the day after Mr Hayes left.
I was still overwhelmed with everything that happened over the weekend. I still haven't told anyone about the kiss. Not even Stephanie.
I was currently typing a report which I needed to email to Mr. Hayes before lunch.
“Good morning Ms O'brien” A voice stopped me from typing.
I looked up to find Mr Harrison at my desk. A smile formed on my face. I remembered how nice he was to me when we first met.
“Good morning Mr Harrison. How may I help you?” I said, standing up.
“A perfect secretarial tone. I can see you're getting the hang of everything.” He admitted.
“I'm a natural,” I said chuckling.
“Good. How's everything going? Any trouble?”
“Not at all. I was just typing some sales report to email Mr Hayes.”
And before I could convince myself not to, I asked nervously “Have you heard from him?”
“Oh yes. He's doing good.” He replied. not giving any impression or hint that he knew about the kiss.
I guess Mr Hayes and I unanimously decided to keep it a secret.
“Okay,” I said sheepishly.
“Just in case you experience difficulty in anything, let me know.” He said with a smile as he walked away.
***
Alex's POV.
I couldn't believe she was keeping me waiting!
I was waiting for Emily at the casino hotel. My mum made reservations for dinner and even I admitted that the ambience was amazing.
The best part was the live music. In my subconscious, I thought about bringing Sophia to this place, certain she'd love it, especially the live music part.
It'd been thirty minutes waiting for Emily and I had already made up my mind — five more minutes and I was out of there.
At least I'd have a perfect explanation for my mum.
I guess luck was not on my side because she entered the restaurant just then. She was wearing a red mini-dress with no straps.
I knew I couldn't put it past her to wear such a revealing outfit. I still don't understand why my mum thinks she's a nice girl.
I was beginning to contemplate telling my mum the truth about her and save myself the unnecessary stress of having to go out with her again.
When she reached the table, I stood up out of sheer courtesy. I was still a gentleman after all.
“Baby” she began in a voice I'd come to find very irritating. “I'm so excited to see you again. I've been getting ready since this morning!” She squealed.
“What do you want, Emily?” I asked abruptly.
“Oh please, baby, don't start. Even your mum believes that I'm the right one for you.” She drawled.
I held her hand with such force that she yelped
“I don't know what kind of twisted game you're playing but don't you dare bring my mum into it” I yelled.
Just then, the waiter came around with the menu and I was forced to release her and sat back down.
“I want to be in your life once more babe. I miss the passionate sex.” She said blinking seductively.
I was just too angry to sit still. I thought I'd be able to control my emotions around her but turns out I can't.
Looking at her alone disgusted me. I abruptly stood up again, this time, more forcefully. “I gotta go. I just can't do this.”
“But, Alex, we just got here!” She said almost panicky.
“You just got here, I've been here for the past thirty minutes, no thanks to you,” I said walking out on her but not before noticing the negative expression on her face.
I was out of earshot and didn't hear the scorned voice saying, “I will get back at you for this Alexander! You'll surely pay for this humiliation you caused me!"