Little lie

Chapter 2

He’s gone by the time I get up in the morning. The smell of his perfume and aftershave is still hanging in the air like what I need to survive. I inhale until I get tired and head to the shower. I’m able to find an old flowery dress in my wardrobe. Don’t blame me, I don’t have anybody to see unless at the office. And trust me, my office clothes are top-notch. That’s the only thing I have to spend my money on after my bills and junk food.

Somehow, the food hasn’t been working. I’m still as thin as a broom. Junk doesn’t work in my system as it does for other people.

I wandered down to the dining hall of the hotel, hoping to get some coffee to calm my nerves and my aching back. I might sleep in a tiny bed when I’m at home, but sleeping on the floor is way worse.

I found him sitting at one of the tables. He’s on the phone. It's like he can sense me because he looks up immediately. I find him. He beckons me to his table after his eyes scan my dress.

Sorry sir, I have no pleasant dresses in my bag.

I simply nodded at him and walked over to his table. I don’t bother to ask if I can sit down. We aren’t in the office. He arches an eyebrow when I do so.

“Good morning,” I say as he puts his phone down. He simply nods and takes a sip of his cup of coffee. I can bet my life on the fact that whatever is in that cup is black and bitter as hell.

“Coffee?” he asks, and I pour a bit for myself, adding as much sugar and milk that is on the table. Hope they don’t charge for the amount of milk used here.

He watches me and resumes scrolling through his phone. There is obviously nothing to talk about. We barely talk at the office. So why would we talk now?

“Do you have anywhere to go?” he asks, and I choke on my coffee. Why can’t this man let the coffee warm my insides in peace?

“Yes. I’ll go see my aunt. I’m supposed to go to her place now.

He smirks. “Better. Hope you’ll be staying with her. I can’t tolerate any more of your snoring.

My mouth is hanging open at the sight of his smirking and the sound of him joking. “I don’t snore,” I manage to stutter. He rests his back in satisfaction. He has won.

I’ll drop you off. You might as well take some time off.

“So you’ll do all the work yourself and carry all the surrounding files?”

“I have my laptop,” he mocks. I want to ask him why he makes me carry heavy files behind him like an i***t all the time. I think better about it and bite my tongue, taking another sip of my now lukewarm coffee.

“Go get your things, so I can drop you off,” he says, heading outside already to wait for me in the car.

I started wringing my hands, unable to finish my cup of coffee, heading upstairs to dump the clothes I wore yesterday in my bag.

I started thinking of another lie to tell him. I could tell him that I got sick, but I don’t even have another night to spend here, and I don’t want to ask him how long he’s going to spend here. I wish I had made more friends. I’m sure there are a few of my college friends staying around. What if he wants to come in and see my parents? What if the police printed a wanted poster with my face on it? What if my boss turns me in? Does he know already?

My heart thumps harder as I head downstairs with my luggage. I push my luggage into the boot of the car. This was supposed to be a vacation. Well, look at what it's turning into.

I get into the car and fold my hands across my chest, trying to appear classy and angry. He doesn’t seem to notice. Even if he does, he doesn’t show it.

“Where does your aunt live?” he asks and I swallow hard.

“Just down the road,” I told him.

If he was smart, he would know that I'd been lying. I started biting my lip and bouncing my feet on the base of the car.

He starts driving and we both keep quiet in the silence.

“Am I supposed to turn somewhere?” he asks again, not looking at me. The weather is changing, and the sky is dark gray.

When I don’t answer, he clicks his tongue. I have meetings to attend. I can't be playing chauffeur for the indecisive Madame.”

I feel distressed, but I’m able to laugh. “Alright, stop at any hotel you see around,” I tell him, and he looks over at me.

Are you sure? Aren’t you going to your aunt’s house anymore?

Mmm…well, she just called. She’s out of town.

He scoffs and finds a small motel. He parks on the side of the road. I step out, and he helps me get my luggage out. He gets back in his car and I stand waiting for his car to go out of sight. By the time I’m sure he’s gone, I start scrolling through my contact list, looking for someone to call.

“Are you tired of lying?” a voice asks and I look up. It's Arion Gray. Again. He’s back in his car.

“Aren’t you supposed to have gone two miles already?” I asked.

You’re my staff. Where are you actually headed to?” he asks.

“The Vibrance,” I blurt.

“Isn’t that the photo studio?” he asks and I nod meekly.

“What are you doing there?”

“I work two jobs.”

I waited for him to tell me that I was fired.

“Get in the car,” he says. I smile.