Good or bad, have you ever lied to protect someone? Do you think Mia will report Nathan's abuse if Lola won't? Comments and theories are always welcome. I would love to know what you guys are thinking. So me some love with thumps up and gems.
Lola-On the morning of Monday, the 26th I woke up feeling recharged and ready for my anniversary date later. I’m even giddy, expecting today will be a good day. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself to make it happen. However, my positive affirmations are cut short by a shooting pain in my ear. My hair is tangled in the bandage, making it difficult to remove quickly. I see blood drops on my hand. I figure it’s best to do this in the bathroom and hop in the shower. The adhesive pulls away easier using soap. I’m able to wash up without any more complications. After getting dressed, I cleaned the wound properly and replaced the bandage. With that minor debacle over, I look over the contents of my fridge. I’m about to prepare something to eat when my phone rings at around nine. I make my way to the bedroom to see who’s calling. I drop my phone on accident, and it rings twice before I can pick it up. It’s Tobias, and I answer quickly, knowing he needs help at work. “Hey, Lola. Can y
Lola “Lola, you are so attentive,” she says as I pour her more water. “It’s what I do. I only hope I don’t cook for myself later,” internally scolding myself again. “Can I get you anything else, Miss Justine?” I ask, trying to recover more gracefully. “No, Lola. Thank you, but may I ask a question,” she asked softly. “Sure,” I’m happy she’s driving the conversation. “The other day, why did you hang up so quickly when you called?” Her look and tone are so sincere that it breaks me. “I’m sorry I was in shock. Plus, I was bothering you at work,” Justine looking so sad, has me stammering. “Then there was the guy who called back. I was so surprised,” I can’t stop my mouth from talking. “I’m sorry. I hope Damien didn’t scare you. I had the switchboard reverse dial you for him, and I hope you call again if you need a ride in the future,” she pauses for me to respond, but I can’t. That came out of nowhere. She’s so lovely, yet she barely knows me. “Lola, I don’t like the idea of you t
Justine-On the afternoon of Monday, the 26th Ever since lunch, it’s been one dull meeting after another. The tedium of the day is taking its toll on my nerves as I bite my lower lip. I want to rip my hair out when the current numbers session ends. I sigh in relief that my follicles are intact and exit the conference room for a quick breather. “When is your next meeting?” Damien asks, joining my side. “You probably know that better than I do,” I snark, walking the hall. I’m not upset with Damien; just on a mission. Hell, if I’m lucky, he will help. He would demand it if he knew my intentions. The thought has my lower lips moistening as I grin. “You’re welcome to join me for this next meeting. The discussion should be brief but satisfying,” I close with a wink. “As tempting as that is,” he rubs the small of my back lovingly, “I need to get on an international call myself.” “Then why are you teasing me?” I grit through a fake smile as people pass. Damien’s devilish grin is siniste
“What do you say, Lola? Cafe Du Coin is coming up,” Damien adds, pointing to the sign. Lola perks up with a smile, making eye contact with him in the mirror. Damien’s eyes spark deep gray, catching her glance. She looks scarlet from all the blushing and turns away to speak. “Sure, I don’t have anywhere to be,” Lola says, making me happy our time isn’t ending. Damien pulls into the small parking lot attached to the cafe. We get out of the car, and all I can do is stare at Lola. Even after working eight hours on her feet, she’s graceful and poised, adjusting her work uniform. Lola pulls at the protective sleeves and fixes the wrinkles of her dress. I think she looks sexy, but I can tell she’s self-conscious. Lola takes off her name badge, stashing it away in her purse. When she pulls up her hair in a bun, I spy a fresh surgical bandage on her ear. This new development confirms my earlier suspicions of physical abuse. I mask my discomfort with a smile when she turns to me. “I’m not
Lola-On the evening of Monday, the 26th Today has been quite a thrill, even though I had to work. Damien was a gentleman kissing me on my hand and opening my door to a waiting Justine. I can't believe she came herself. For a successful businesswoman, she’s genuinely kind, which makes it worth accepting a ride from her. After a small talk, we stopped at my favorite café instead of immediately taking me home. Another delight to my day. It's bizarre to be sitting here with two perfect strangers, but also comforting for some reason. They aren't judging me for still being dressed for work. Taking our seats, Justine is quick with what she likes and wants strawberries. This is the second time she’s ordered them, and her tart looks scrumptious. I got my usual shortbread and cocoa, and Damien got the same cookie with black coffee. I'm inspired by how carefree Justine is with everything she does and how she interacts with Damien. They’re natural in how they move and talk to each other. I wan
I take a deep breath to settle myself before returning for the plates. Nathan isn’t finished trying to entice me. He pinches my ass, pulling me back to him. Smelling horrid, he kisses me aggressively, making me gag. “It’s time to go, Nathan,” I say again with conviction. “Babe, I need it,” he says gruffly, pawing at my clothes. “Please, Nathan, I’m tired and not in the mood,” I don’t want to fight going slack in his arms. “But see, I can always help with that and get you there,” he moves his hands to unbutton my jeans. Daniel’s eyes shoot open, intently watching as my zipper comes down. He’s intrigued, becoming more alert in his crotch with each movement. Nathan’s hand finally pushes into my underwear, and I react quickly. “Stop it, not in front of Daniel. I don’t like it,” I stutter, shoving his hands away. “You’re being unreasonable,” Nathan says, running a hand through his hair, frustrated. I button myself back up and take another step away from him, fearing his anger. I can
Justine-On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 27th Working from home today could be more relaxing. But I’m up at one in the morning for international calls. Sitting in my office, I stare at the half-green and orange trees. The line rings while tapping my nails on my chestnut and iron desk. My international finance officer Hattori answers on the third ring. His voice is strained as he starts in on the proposal for a merger he has tomorrow. I roll my eyes, knowing he’s worrying for nothing. “Make sure you counter any offer they put forth,” I prattle off in Japanese, “I trust you and what you have presented.” “We can’t lose this deal. What is our funding cap for negotiations,” Hittori asks, making me smile. “Fifty million, but they should fold long before that,” as I’m confident in his abilities. After three hours of business, I crawl back into bed with Damien, who hasn’t woken yet. Cuddled into him, my dreams are filled with the luscious curves of Lola’s body, making me ravenous for her
After several hours of boring investment business, my mind returns to Lola. Those eyes of hers held such sorrow, not like the times before. She seemed less than hopeful about her date later with her shithead of a boyfriend. What a self-righteous asshole. He fans my anger, something fierce. How could he make her cook on their anniversary? And then invite that wretched friend to boot. I know Lola didn’t tell me everything. I can only imagine the reasons why, and I'm heartbroken for her. I’ll never press; I’m sure she gets enough of that from others. But I do want her to open up to me at some point. With a loud ring, my thoughts about her become a reality. I stare at my cell phone, seeing Lola’s name bold and bright. The anxiety I feel has my hands shaking to answer. “Hello, Sweet Lola,” I say, trying not to have my voice crack. “Hi, Miss Justine, Could I bother you for a ride home? I'm getting stood up again." Lola sounds incredibly disheartened, mentioning her inconsiderate boyfri