The Golden Rule 2: The One That Got Away

Pedestrian

" As always, it's a pleasure meeting with you Marco, " Rupert Margallo grinned showing off his gleaming white teeth as he shook Marco's hand firmly. " Please extend your father my regards. "

Marco nodded his head at the fifty-eight year old president of Liberty Fabrics. " Thank you, Rupert. I will let my father know. "

" Is your driver waiting outside or is your car with valet? " Rupert wanted to know as they walked out of the his office suite. He signaled to his secretary and said, " Ms. Cooper here can call security downstairs to assist you. "

" Don't worry about it, " Marco said dismissively and shook his head at Rupert's secretary. " I didn't bring my car. "

" Oh, so your driver must be waiting. Ms. Cooper if you can please call- "

" He isn't here. He just dropped me off earlier. " Marco said as he slid his hands inside his trousers' pockets not offering any explanation.

" Oh, " the older man looked at him in surprise, not knowing how to make out of his admission.

" Well, if you can wait for ten minutes, I'll be leaving work and I can give you a ride home or wherever is your next destination. "

" Thank you for the offer, Rupert but I'm fine, " Marco shook his head again and smiled at the old man. " I'll make a move now and I will see you next week. "

He ignored the executive's bewildered look and nodded his head at him before heading towards the building's elevator.

When he was inside the lift, Marco quickly checked his watch and saw that his meeting ended just in time. He made his way out of the building and joined the throng of pedestrians hurrying to catch their choice of public transport.

It was the rush hour and it has been years since he travelled on foot. The last time that he actually walked home was probably that one night after college when Robby and he went out drinking lamenting over work and got drunk.

He was just rounding the corner when his mobile phone rang.

" You called? " A female voice said.

" Yeah. " Marco responded. " Wanted to check if you're at the agency? "

" No, " Melissa replied and he could hear that she was getting inside her car. " I'm heading to a dinner meeting with a client. Why? "

" Nothing important, " Marco said in a dismissive voice. " I'm actually near your office so I thought I'd pass by. "

" Oh, you are? " Melissa said in surprise. She paused for a moment and then snickered. " Well, I don't really think I'm the one you wanted to see considering that you haven't stepped foot in the agency since...when was the last time you came to visit again? "

Marco grunted in response unable to come up with a witty retort as he swerved to his right to avoid an old man who was walking his big dog down the street.

It was true, he hasn't stepped foot at The Works since it opened almost a year ago.

" Well, Craig is there, " Melissa said airily referring to her gay art designer. He could hear her revving up the engine. " But I don't think you're going there to see him. Alexandra and Naomi are there, too but you're not really fond of them because of their incessant flirting. But oh wait, there's Ari. You know, our new administrative assistant and coordinator. You might actually like her. "

" Haha, very funny, Iz, " Marco said dryly as his eyes caught sight of the agency's bright neon blue logo.

" What's funny is your blatant denial, big brother. " Melissa retorted in an amused voice. " Anyway, everyone should still be in the office. So good luck! "