Chapter 7: CHAPTER SEVEN

The rest of the trip was quite uneventful. The jet was top class but not better than my Luke’s. Mr. Jameson was the perfect gentleman and exhibited professionalism until we set foot in the hotel. The young lady behind the counter greeted us in Italian.

“Buorngino, a room or two?”

“We have a reservation.”

“Okay then, give me just a moment.”

She tapped away at her computer for some time before turning to fetch ONE key from behind her.

“Here is your key, sir. Enjoy your stay.”

As Jameson made to leave, I quickly jumped in.

“There’s a mistake somewhere, we’re meant to be in two rooms. Check.”

“I’m sorry Madam, there’s no mistake.”

I turned to Jameson and from the look on his face, I could tell he did this on purpose. I turned back to the cashier.

“I want another room.”

“We’re fully booked. There’s a festival in town this week.”

“Fine, then I want a double bed in that room. Now!!!”

"Mrs. Johnson, that won't be necessary. I’m sure we can manage.”

I was fuming now, I could almost swear I was as red as a tomato.

“No sir, we most definitely CANNOT manage.”

I don’t know what his game plan is but I know I don’t like it. Not one bit!

I sat in the lobby and waited for my order to be carried out. About ten minutes later, we were given the go and I snatched the key from Mr. Jameson and marched to our room. I opened the door and took a deep breath, the nerve of this bastard. I’m sure he told them to place both beds so close to each other.

I put down my bags and went to work on the bed, pushing it as far as the room would allow.

“I’m sorry, Marie...”

"Its Mrs. Johnson sir, only my husband, and a few close friends call me Marie."

“And I don’t count as a close friend?”

"No sir, you are my boss and I think it would be best to maintain a professional relationship everywhere. Besides, this is a business trip, we won't be needing our first names."

“What if I want to be your friend?”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible, sir.”

“Marie, I like you, and I want to be more than just your boss. I know from a reliable source that your husband isn’t treating you right, I can treat you better.”

I cocked my head to the side, Lucas was right after all. Jameson wanted me the whole time.

"Listen, Mr. Jameson. I'll try my best to be as clear as possible. I love Luke very much and my marriage is none of your business...by the way what good authority are you talking about?”

Jameson immediately became fascinated with everything in the room, looking everywhere but at me.

“Umm...word goes around”

I raised an eyebrow at this, I didn’t believe his story at all but I wasn’t going to push it either. I had initially planned on submitting my resignation letter by the end of the month but by the look of things, it's going to be much sooner than that, as soon as by the end of this trip. I already had it typed and in an envelope waiting for me to do justice to it.

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It was Friday, the last day of the trip, I had somehow successfully managed to avoid any personal discussions with Jameson and I was so happy that I was finally going home. I missed Luke.

We finished all things business-related yesterday, but Mr. Jameson insisted that we spend one more day here. I was already packing up my stuff, I wasn’t spending one more day with him if I could avoid it.

Just as I had zipped up my bag, Jameson came into the room. I ignored him and began texting on my phone.

“Mrs. Johnson, listen...Ummm...I know I was out of line with the room and all, also with the inappropriate statements I made. I'm sorry about that. I promise it won’t be happening again.”

“It won’t be happening because when we touchdown, I'll be submitting my resignation letter, sir."

He looked shocked for a second but soon recovered and shrugged.

“Okay then. So...are we good?”

He stretched out his hand for a handshake, I kept looking from the hand to the owner. Are we really good?

It won't hurt to resign on a good note with everybody now, would it?

I took his hand and shook it.

“Yes, we’re good.”

He rubbed his palm together and began telling me how we got the deal and that they probably loved me more than they loved the money they would be making by partnering with us.

“Hey, the hotel has this awesome night club. Let’s go there.”

“I don't think it's a good idea, I'm not one for clubbing either."

“C’mon, don’t be such a bore. Let’s go enjoy our last day in good ol’ Italia. Huh?”

I thought about it for a second, okay maybe more than a few seconds. What harm could come to me from going clubbing with Jameson?. Well, for starters, he's Jameson, and even though he apologized and all, a leopard can never change its spot. Secondly, I'm a light-weight. Not a good thing at all unless you’re clubbing with your husband and Luke isn’t here. Neither is Ashley to keep me from doing anything stupid. But its Italy and I haven't been anywhere interesting since I got here.

“Okay then, let me know when you’re ready.”

I don’t know why I have this sinking feeling in my gut telling me that shit is about to hit the fan.

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The club was jam-packed and was blaring music from all corners of the room. I had opted for a knee-length and strapless body-hugging dress, it's not like I planned to go clubbing on a business trip.

Jameson on the other hand was in his element. He had gotten us a table in the VIP section and started ordering drinks immediately. The champagne came first and then the beers started coming. He poured me a glass of champagne and handed it to me, I was about to refuse but then again who comes to a club and refuses to have at least one drink. I promised myself that I would allow myself only one glass and stop immediately. But it was like my hands had a mind of their own and soon I was throwing back glass after glass of alcohol.

“Come on, let’s dance!!!”

I pulled Jameson to the dance floor and began to grind on him, I guess that encouraged him more than I would have liked because the last thing I remember was been in a heated make-out session with my boss.