The Business Trip

CHAPTER 9 - Nine to Five

Marshall: Hey, do you want to go out somewhere tonight? We could have dinner again. Would you like to? x 

I read that text Monday afternoon, lunch hour. I was rushed off my feet; waiting for phone-calls from prop providers, organising alternatives, making sure this advert was organised properly. I replied, guiltily. 

Me: Hey Marshall, I probably won't be able to. I am really busy at work. I would have liked to though. I'm sorry x 

I hit send, gulping. He texted back almost instantly. 

Him: don't worry. I'll call you tonight though. What time are you finishing? x

Me: Yeah, that sounds good. I'll finish around 9:00 and be back to the hotel at 10:00 maybe? x

Marshall: No worries x 

I continued with my busy work schedule throughout Monday. I had to present two meetings today; the morning brief for the entire team and the afternoon brief, addressing the advertising board on our choice of filming locations and convincing them that it will bring in more buyers.

I finished my shift around 9:00pm, completing the drafts for the advert and placing them into my handbag turned briefcase. Sighing, I smoothed my hair and tossed it quickly over my shoulders. Shrugging on my cream jacket, I gathered my things and checked out of the office. I got down to the lobby and out of the front revolving doors smiling at the administrating staff on my way out.

The parking lot was almost emptied, with a few vehicles dotted around, knotting my brows, I proceeded to take some change from my purse, for the bus, when I heard a car door slam from the other side. The dim street lights flickered and I couldn't make out who it was. The sky was dark and it was deserted apart from me and the unknown figure.  

"Athena Greystone?", a feminine voice spoke in the distance. 

Her heels clicked towards me in the middle of the vast tarmac and the light from the street lamps hit her face. She had sharp blue eyes surrounded my smoky eye-shadow, a blonde ponytail and dark coloured skinny trousers. She had long, thin legs, a small waist and high cheekbones covered by pink blusher. 

"Hello, sorry, I don't recognise you", I looked at her straight faced and her lips opened again. 

"Tanya Moore. I work with the filming team. I was in the office last week, do you not remember seeing me?", She enquired, sounding sad, 

"No, I don't. I'm sorry", I genuinely didn't remember seeing her, and what does she want me for anyways? 

"Oh. Well, I was just wondering what the plans were for the current advert, with Eminem?", She asked sweetly. 

"I don't know right now, there will be a morning brief and an afternoon brief tomorrow. Now, I must go before I miss my bus", I told her. I carried on walking. 

"Okay, would you like a ride home? I have my car?", She raised her voice as I walked ahead. 

"No thanks", I replied, smiling, looking back over my shoulder at her. 

Well, that was random. Tanya Moore? Her face was etched into my brain and I tried recalling who she was. Now I'm going to be late for my bus. 

I sped walked in my nude heels to the bus stop and hopped on swiftly, throwing the change into the slots and taking the seat that looked the least grubby. Panting, I rested my handbag on my lap and clasped my arms over it to hold it tightly.

************* 

I arrived at my hotel room at around 10:00 pm, took a refreshing shower, and wrapped the silky red robe around my naked body. I was lying in bed, curled up, occupied with a romance novel, envisioning Marshall and his light blue eyes boring into mine.

As if on cue, my phone buzzed and I pressed 'answer'. 

"Hey, how are you?", He sounded enthusiastic.  

"I'm good thanks, what about you?", I inquired. 

"I'm good. How was work today?", Marshall's pitch raised a little. 

"Hectic. I'm trying to get all the plans sorted and make sure everything is okay. Have you been writin' and recordin' today?", I did my best to imitate Jay-Z’s accent in that final sentence, feeling foolish afterwards. 

"Yeah, I work 9 til 5 like most people", He laughed. 

"That's good, you have a schedule", I complimented. 

The phone went silent for a brief moment.

"Well, I was thinking, do you want to go on a date, Saturday? It's the middle of May and the weather's going to be quite nice. Are you free? He whispered. 

"Yes. That sounds good, where were you thinking we should go?" I questioned. 

"It's a surprise. Be ready for 1:00 on Saturday afternoon, I’ll pick you up. Dress in whatever you like but wear comfy shoes". 

A surprise? Where was he going to take me? Comfy shoes? Thank God, no jeans!

"Okay. That sounds nice. Saturday? At one?” I confirmed, making a mental note to write it in my diary. 

"Yeah, I wish I could see you sooner though". His tone softened and my cheeks

tickled peach. 

"Same", I smiled, twirling my hair around a finger and looking childish.

"Oh shit Athena, it was dark when you finished. Did you get home okay? Detroit's a little rough at night. You were on a bus, on your own!" His voice raised again and he sounded alarmed. 

"Yeah, it's fine, don't worry. It wasn't that dark, it’s summer time and the days are getting longer, so I was okay", I reassured him. "Alright, what time you finishing tomorrow so I can call you?", He asked. 

"9:00pm again", I sighed. 

We continued speaking until it reached 11:00pm and we both grew tired and

yawned at the same time. 

"Let's go to bed", I suggested.

"Alright then, you have a long day tomorrow, good night Athena", He wished. 

"Good night Marshall", I wished back. 

I switched off my phone, stood from the bed and pulled at the knot of my dressing gown, it slipped to the ground and I changed into my nightwear. My head hit the pillow and I drifted into sleep. Attempting to throw work objectives out of my mind and think of something else to ponder on.