The Hate In His Eyes

CHAPTERFIVE:The Trip

AVALINE'S POV

I walked into the workstation that morning and Sasha's desk was empty. It was weird since she was never absent at work. I looked into Mr West’s office and he waved his hand at me to come into the office. I quickly ran to meet him to avoid any confrontation from him this morning.

He was seated at his desk as usual,typing into his computer. His dark hair was perfectly styled and shiny. He had taken off his jacket and was only on his white shirt,sleeves rolled to his elbow.

“Sasha called in sick. You will fill in for her” he informed me, without glancing up.

“Okay sir” I said and went to Sasha's desk to get settled in.

Her desk was neat and organized. Sasha wasn't very nice to me but she was hardworking,that I gave her. She knew what she was doing and was never late to work. Her calling in sick was rare so the sickness must have been bad.

I was flipping through paperwork when the intercom on the desk buzzed.

“Come in,Avaline” Mr West voice came on.

I quickly went to inside to meet him.

“I have a meeting in France in the next twenty minutes. You're coming with me. Check Sasha’s system,everything relating to Dubois,print it out. You're to bring it with you” He said not looking at me but there was something urgent in his voice.

What does he mean I'm coming with him to France?

“Did you say France?” I asked again to be sure.

“I pretty sure that's what I said. Do you use hearing aids,I said 20 minutes. You have that to do whatever I asked if you now keep it moving” he said,voice cold as ice.

I rushed outside to do what he asked me to and just like he said,twenty minutes after he came out of his office.

“Let's go” he muttered.

I quickly grabbed what I had printed and followed him.

The drive to the airport was filled with uncomfortable silence. Many things running through my mind. I had never been to France. I had never even been anywhere and yet this is me going to France in such short notice. Sasha was one lucky woman.

I could feel Logan's eyes looking at me occasionally but he didn't speak. It was so awkward. I wished he would just tell me why he hated me so much. I started pondering what Kate said. What if I had actually met him before and I couldn't remember? What if he was part of the blanks I wasn't able to fill? It was frustrating.

When we arrived at the airport, everything had been arranged. A private jet and workers lining up to welcome him. Of course,I hadn't expected less. He was Logan West.

We boarded in silence,the plane was luxurious. Plush seats,wood panelling and fresh air. I sat across from him,nervously clutching the armrest not sure what I would do with myself. His phone rang and he rushed to pick it up.

“Nathan……Yes….I forgot about it….No,it won't take long, it's just a two days trip….” He continued with his friend in the phone.

Two days trip. I didn't pack any clothing,he said it was a meeting,what meeting lasts two days. He finally hung up.

“Mr West” I called.

“What is it?” His voice harsh as usual.

“You said two days trip?” I asked.

“Yes”

“I'm sorry but you didn't tell me it was a two days trip. I didn't pack anything”

“By anything you mean?” He asked his time barely masking his annoyance.

“Clothings, toiletries and stuffs” I answered, slightly embarrassed.

“That sounds like a you problem. As long as you packed what I asked you,I don't care about what you didn't pack” he said closing his eyes,clearly uninterested.

I bit my lip, trying to hide my frustration. Of course, this wasn’t his problem. Why would it be? I was just an assistant to him. A replacement. I was supposed to be grateful that he even considered me for this trip. It’s just two days, I reminded myself. I could make do.

I stared out the window refusing to let him see how shaken I was. This is just a business trip to him but to me it was more than that. I was in a foreign country with no clothes and have no idea the language they speak.

When we landed,sleek black cars were already waiting for us on the runway. I didnt get a chance to stretch before he was striding ahead not sparing me a glance.

“Keep up,Avaline” He called.

We were whisked away into a very luxury hotel. Glasses,marbles and a very comfortable silence. He handed his ID card at the desk making the concierge smile with recognition.

“Your rooms are ready,Mr West” The concierge said smiling the biggest smile.

“You’ll be in the executive suite,” the concierge added, turning to me with a slightly confused look. “And Miss Monroe…?”

Logan glanced at me, then at the concierge. “Put her next to mine. Make sure she has everything she needs,clothes, toiletries, the works.”

I blinked. That... wasn’t what I expected.

“I’m sorry?” I asked, stepping forward. “You don't have to”

He turned slightly, eyes unreadable. “Yes I do,I can’t have you looking like a lost tourist at the meeting.”

That was what it was all about,not that he cared. Still,I nodded mutely and the concierge decided to take us up to our rooms.

I stepped out of the elevator, still marveling at how fancy everything was. Logan walked ahead without waiting, already pulling out his phone, probably texting someone important.

The concierge pointed me toward the room next to his, and just as I reached the door, a loud voice called out from across the marble hallway.

“C?! Is that really you?”

I froze.

A tall man in a very expensive navy suit strode towards me with a wide grin plastered in his face. I blinked,my heart beating rapidly.

“I knew it! Damn. That night was insane C,” he laughed then lowered his voice like we were in together on something. “That thing you did with your mouth? Fantastic!! I didn't think I would ever see you again after that night”

My throat dried. “I–” I started but my voice failed me.

“You never told me what your full name was,you just told me C. We could go to my room and you tell me what your name is,what do you think?” He winked and I stared at him not knowing the right word.

He tilted his head. “Wait…You do remember me,don't you?” He asked.

I just stood there completely frozen,until Logan stepped back into the hallway,his eyebrows raised.

“What the hell is going on? He asked.

And I had no idea how to answer the question.