The Life I Want To Live With You

Discipline Chapter 25

***Same day*** California

The office was modern and spacious, with large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The interior was tastefully decorated, exuding an air of professionalism and sophistication.

Priscilla set a meeting with John Walker, the company president. They sat in a well-appointed conference room, where the walls were adorned with framed success stories and photos of their work. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss future and the potential changes they needed to implement to the company. 

"Lisa can finally take some burden off of your shoulders." John says sipping on glass of water.

"Indeed, but I'm not sure if she will manage because of her private issues" she says crossing her legs under the desk

John looks at her, giving her a surprised look "Yes, John, I'm talking about last meeting, we can't take Luke. That's why I wanted to have a meeting, alone. Now, we will take things to some more private place where no ears will hear us." 

John sighs, "Okay then, I hope we will figure it out rather quickly. We need some good accountant."

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As the evening descended, Lisa found herself on the balcony, her eyes tracing the shimmering city lights below. She was immersed in thoughts, attempting to navigate the maze of troubling memories and unresolved issues. Her mind flitted between the painful images of Jennifer and Michael kissing, the baby she had lost, and, most prominently, Luke. He loomed large in her thoughts.

Janet, Michael's sister, leaned against the door frame and watched Lisa. Michael, meanwhile, sat at the table, engrossed in paperwork. Janet couldn't help but voice her concern. "What is wrong with her?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. "Mike, I don't think letting her be alone for so long will make things better."

Michael, without looking up from his work, shook his head. "You think I don't know that? She needs time to process things. She isn't very talkative when her mind is overloaded."

Janet rolled her eyes, grabbed a bottle of water from the kitchen, and took a long sip. "She isn't too talkative, or do you miss the significance of what she's saying?"

Michael pushed his chair back, his eyes finally meeting Janet's. "I know it's tough. I tried to be there for her, to support her with the idea of the interview, but at first, she wanted nothing to do with it. Then, when I thought it might be a good idea, she cut me off."

Janet regarded her brother with a raised eyebrow. "It seems like you're getting a taste of your own medicine."

Michael took a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions within him. "I guess so," he admitted. "Especially after the Jennifer incident, I think she's still bothered by those photos."

Janet, with a disapproving look, raised an eyebrow. "Jennifer incident? What do you mean? Last time I heard this name was after your ex cheated on you, and you would curse her name like crazy. It made you not want to be in relationships for a long time." She paused for a moment, a flicker of realization crossing her face. "Wait, you don't mean this Jennifer? Jennifer Owens?"

Michael's face darkened as he recalled the painful memory. "Yes, Janet, the same Jennifer. Jennifer Owens," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But you see, there's more to that story. Jennifer kissed me, and I was caught off guard. I left the building in a hurry before Lisa came back from her meeting with her mother. Then the pictures came out and kinda didn't know how to explain it to her."

Janet's patience wore thin, and her voice escalated into a furious tone. "Michael, are you kidding me?" she snapped, her frustration boiling over. "You're telling me you let another woman kiss you, and then you just bolted out of there? What did you expect Lisa to think? You couldn't explain it? Really? You've got to be kidding me!" She shook her head in disbelief, unable to contain her anger.

Michael couldn't contain his frustration any longer. "What did you want me to say, though? Honey, my ex kissed me, but don't worry, those pictures are fake?" He started waving his hands in the air, clearly upset.

Janet, growing increasingly agitated, chimed in, "Yes, not only explain, but let her punch that blonde chick in the face!"

Before Michael could respond, Lisa entered the room, looking puzzled. "Are you guys alright?"

Michael looked at Lisa, biting his lower lip, while Janet crossed her arms over her chest.

Lisa let out a sigh and walked to the counter, grabbing a mug to make herself a cup of tea. She leaned against the tabletop, crossing her arms similarly to Janet. "You know, instead of discussing me when I'm not in the same room, you could at least ask how I'm feeling." She appeared visibly disappointed.

Michael met Lisa's gaze but then looked down, unsure of what to say.

Janet, feeling the tension in the room, sighed and turned to Lisa. "You're right, not going to lie. Now, excuse me, I'll go to my room because I'd prefer not to get too involved. Goodnight."

The room fell into an awkward silence as Janet left, leaving Michael and Lisa to deal with the unresolved tension between them.

In the tense silence that followed, Lisa reached for a mug and took a long sip of her coffee. She couldn't believe what she had just heard from Michael, and her emotions were a turbulent mix of anger, confusion, and hurt. She stared into her tea, lost in thought, trying to process everything.

Michael, feeling the weight of Janet's anger and Lisa's disappointment, decided to leave the kitchen and escape to his desk. He needed some space to focus on his work and to figure out how to mend the damage he had done to his relationship with Lisa. As he settled into his chair, he couldn't help but replay the events of the past in his mind, searching for a way to make things right.

Lisa left the kitchen after ending her drink and passed Michael's desk, "Goodnight." she said shortly, her voice was filled with a sense of finality, heading to the bedroom.

Michael glanced up as Lisa passed by his desk. "Goodnight," he replied softly, He watched her walk away, knowing that mending the damage he had caused would not be easy. With a heavy sigh, he turned his attention back to work.

In the bedroom, Lisa lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Lisa's mind continued to race, and her restless thoughts made it impossible for her to find peace. Insomnia had its grip on her. She tossed and turned in bed, unable to escape the cycle of worry and doubt that had taken hold of her. She was conflicted, torn between her feelings for Michael and the hurt she felt. 

She decides to give a phone call to their old friend.