ISLA
For the past seven days, after my outburst at him, Robert had done a perfect job in avoiding me. He never requested my presence in his office, never called the desk phone in my office to handle any tasks for him. He even hired a cook that was tasked with making my food and a driver that was assigned with taking me to wherever I wanted. It wasn't like I went anywhere other than work. I also had two cleaners that were always in their uniform. The house suddenly became crowded. Maybe he thought we needed company.
I wasn't sure he came home ever since the incident. I only saw him once at the company garage, he was talking to the head of marketing, and had acted as though he didn't see me.
Mia had excitedly informed me of Robert's instruction, which was for her to put me through all I needed to know. However, she sure took advantage of the situation. She bombarded me with series of tasks. I was expected to organize his schedule, draft countless emails, and prepare presentations for upcoming meetings. She even insisted that I sort through a mountain of paperwork, for an 'important' document, a task that obviously should have been delegated to a junior assistant. But she seemed determined to make my life as difficult as possible. She would hover over me, offering unsolicited advice and criticizing my every move.
By the end of the day, I would feel exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I always couldn't wait to go home and stay put in my room, cursing Robert in my head.
I was on my way home from work when I saw Hailey's text pop up.
HEY GIRL, FANCY A DRINK TONIGHT? THE VELVET LOUNGE SEE YA!
"Could you please take me to The Velvet Lounge instead?" I told the driver.
From the rear view mirror, I could see a look of surprise on his face.
"Of course, Ms. Turner."
I hoped that a night out with my best friend would clear my head and sober me up.
I scanned the crowded space, searching for Hailey's familiar face. Then, I spotted her, sitting at a table in the corner, deeply engrossed in a conversation with a man in a blue sweatshirt, laughing uncontrollably. As I approached their table, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She looked happy, truly happy. I wondered if she had ever felt the kind of pain and confusion that I was experiencing.
"Hailey!" I exclaimed, interrupting their conversation.
Her face lit up with excitement. "Isla! Oh my god, it's so good to see you in that suit!" She turned to the man beside her. "Ryann, this is my best friend, Isla, and babe, meet Ryann, a sound engineer, we are working on my album together ."
Ryann smiled at me, his eyes warm and enthusiastic. "Nice to meet you, Isla," he said.
I returned his smile, though my heart wasn't fully in it. I was still reeling from the events of the day, and the sight of Hailey's happiness only made me feel more desolated.
"Come, come sit," She said, patting the chair beside her.
As I settled into my seat, she noticed my subdued mood. "What's wrong, girl? You seem a bit off."
I sighed, feeling a lump form in my throat. "It's just work," I mumbled. "It's been a long day."
"Work?" Hailey raised an eyebrow. "Or is it something else? Something to do with Hardy?"
I bit the bottom of my lip frustratedly, hoping she'd really drop the topic. Ryann stood up abruptly.
"Well, ladies, it was lovely seeing you both. I'll let you catch up." He smiled at Hailey and gave me an awkward smile. "I'll see you later."
As he walked away, Hailey turned to me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, that was awkward."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, a little bit. Your bad though."
I picked up a glass from the table and poured myself a drink. I gulped it down all at once and poured another round.
Spill it, girl," She urged, nudging me with an elbow, causing the drink I held to spill on my dress. "What's going on?"
"You clumsy wimp!" I cursed at her. "You sure know the damned dress is expensive."
She had a mock pitiable look on her face.
"Well, it's complicated," I admitted, taking a sip of my drink.
"You're messed up Isla, what did he do for fuck's sake?"
I hesitated, unsure of where to begin. "Well, we kissed," I blurted out. "But he pulled away. He said it was my fault and that it was a mistake that should never repeat."
Hailey whispered an 'oh boy,' her eyes widened in surprise. "You kissed him? Wow, Isla, you're bolder than I thought." She paused, her expression turning serious "Did he perhaps kiss you back?"
I nodded a yes and she snapped a finger at my face.
"Damn it! He's really in for it."
I shook my head. "I don't know. Maybe he's just scared. Or maybe he's just not that into me."
Hailey reached from across the table and took my hand. "Don't be so hard on yourself, honie. You're amazing, and you deserve to be loved." She paused, her eyes filled with empathy. "Maybe you should give him some time. Sometimes, people need space to figure things out."
I stumbled into the mansion, completely drunk and feeling incredibly vulnerable. I was shocked to see him standing in the sitting room, he was wearing a grey suit and his jet black hair was styled to perfection. Before I could say anything, my knees gave out, and I almost fell, but he caught me just in time, his arms strong and steady. He carried me upstairs to my room and gently placed me on the bed.
As he turned to leave, I grabbed his wrist, pulling him towards me. "Don't go," I slurred, my voice barely a whisper. without another thought I pulled him roughly towards me and crashed my lips against his in a hot passionate, desperate kiss filled with such raw intensity. He returned it, band for band!