CHAPTER 4
1189 Words
Raymond was restless. His hair was a little bit scattered, and beads of sweat formed on his face. He removed his tie and jacket, dropped them on his desk, and folded his sleeves.
James pressed a button on a remote. "I just increased the air circulation from the air conditioner," he explained.
Raymond banged his hands severally on the desk and pushed some files to the floor. James picked up the files and arranged them carefully on the desk. He rushed and made a drink.
"This is chamomile tea. Drink it. It reduces anxiety and improves mood. It will help calm your nerves."
Raymond collected the drink and finished it in one swift gulp. James made him another drink.
"You have to stop beating yourself about it. It has already happened and there's nothing you can do. Take it easy."
"I should take it easy? I just couldn't believe it. I'm trying to grasp the fact that I had a one-night stand with a stranger."
"You have said it a million times. I have heard you too. It's in the past, can't you keep it it there?"
"You don't understand. I cheated on my girlfriend. With who? A stranger? I'm so ashamed of myself right now. I promised myself that I would never be unfaithful to Rosie."
"She wouldn't know if you don't tell her or would you?" He asked, peering at his face.
"Aargh!" He screamed helplessly. "I don't even know how to face her. I have never been so drunk in my life. Why didn't you come with me? An assistant should stay by his boss's side at all times."
"I wanted to come with you but you refused. I didn't know you had some other plans." James said jokingly.
Raymond glared at him. "Are you making fun of me?"
"I'm sorry sir," he apologized immediately.
"That girl must have bewitched me. How did I sleep with her after having a few glasses of beer? She's not even beautiful. What attracted her to me is what still baffles me."
"She's not beautiful? I thought you said you didn't remember what she looked like?"
"Of course I don't. I was drunk."
"This is crazy. I have known you to be very coordinated. What changed?"
"I guessed the business deal we lost took a toll on me."
"To the extent of sleeping with a stranger?"
"Are you mocking me right now?"
"Of course not. It's just that I would love to meet this lady that made you let your guard down. She intrigues me."
"James!"
"I'm sorry sir." James laughed.
"I just explained to you that I lost my sense of reasoning and I promise you that it will never happen again."
"Are you sure that it will not happen again? You may run into her tomorrow and let your guard down, again. Who knows?" James shrugged.
"I acted under the influence of alcohol. I will never take alcohol in my life again." He vowed. "Besides, I don't even know what she looked like."
"She might never forget what you look like."
Raymond looked at the cup in his hand. "Are you sure this is chamomile tea? It looks like alcohol to me. I have been spewing nonsense since you gave me the drink."
They both laughed as Raymond sat down and finished his drink.
"How is she in bed?" James asked suddenly.
"She's amazing," Raymond answered without thinking. He then recollected himself. "Wait. Who?"
"You just confirmed that the girl from the other night is amazing in bed."
"What? That wasn't what I meant. I meant that the chamomile tea is…amazing."
"I have never heard of such an amazing drink," James remarked, acting surprised.
"I meant that the effects are amazing. My nerves are a bit calm."
Raymond stood up and dragged James by the ears and he screamed out of pain.
"Ray, I'm sorry. I take back my words."
Raymond released his ears and sat down. He swiveled his chair, turning his back to his friend.
"What are you going to do now? Will you tell her? You promised each other to tell the truth no matter the circumstances."
Raymond swiveled again to face him.
"Hell no. Please, keep it a secret from her. I don't want her to know."
The door opened and an elegant lady walked in. She's drop-dead gorgeous. Her wavy red chestnut hair cascaded down around her shoulders and her crystal clear blue eyes looked lovingly at Raymond.
She walked to his desk.
"What is this secret you have kept from me and you don't want me to know?" She asked.
The men froze.
"What secret are you talking about?" Raymond asked while he stood up and gave her a peck on both cheeks.
"Honey, you look and smell heavenly. Please, sit down. You didn't tell me you were coming?"
Roseline sat down and crossed her beautiful long legs.
"Do I need to announce my visit to my boyfriend?"
"Not at all. Let me get your usual." He turned to James and gave him a sign. James stood up but was stopped by Rosie's voice.
"Why are you sweating? The air conditioner is on."
"I'm not sweating. I just had a drink, to calm my nerves."
"Are you okay? I heard you both talk."
"You did?" Both men asked simultaneously, fear evident in their voices.
"Of course. The secret. The reason you didn't take my calls last night and slept outside."
Raymond subtly wiped the sweat on his forehead.
"Rosie, I thought I explained to you…" James was saying.
"You think I'll buy that?"
"Honey, we promised not to keep any secret from each other and I am sticking to that promise with my life." Raymond lied. He hated himself for lying to the woman he loved the most.
"Are you? James, please leave us."
Raymond pleaded with his eyes for James not to leave but he hurried out of the office and smirked at his friend as he closed the door.
Raymond held his breath while she stood up and walked to him.
"Where were you last night? You didn't pick up my calls and you got me worried." She stared at her boyfriend for a long time and he nearly had a heart attack.
"I'm sorry about the deal you lost." She said finally and Raymond heaved a great sigh of relief.
Rosie continued. "I was worried and concerned and I called you severally but you didn't answer. I sent texts too but there was no reply. I had to call James and he allayed my fears when he said you buried yourself in work to forget about the loss. How are you feeling now?"
Raymond put both hands on her waist and drew her closer, kissing her softly. Rosie smiled.
"I'm much better now that I have seen you. I'm sorry for making you worry."
Rosie drew back and pointed a finger at him. "Remember no secrets between us."
Raymond laughed heartily and crossed his hands on his chest. "I promise you with all that I've got. No secrets between us."
"Pinky promise?"
"Pinky promise," Raymond assured her, hating himself.
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