FORBIDDEN KRUSH

CHAPTER 11

I had been avoiding Marcus all week and he knew it.  His hello's were followed by quiet hi's from me in return.  I was pissed and excited all in one that he had requested I go to Miami with him.  Thursday he left a note at my desk while I was out for lunch stating meet him at the airport 6am friday at the Delta door.  

He was waiting for me when I arrived by uber.  He took my bags like a gentleman would and said "good morning Zo".  "Good morning Marcus" I said as I led the way to the ticket counter.  After we were seated, him by the window and me next to him, he asked if I was ok.  I took that as my opportunity to ask why he had requested I go on this trip with him.  

"How have you been" I said.  "It's been a rough week for me, what about you"?  "I'm ok, just been wondering why you wanted me to come with you".  "We friends and this my first run.  I thought you'd be the perfect person to show me the ropes".  "Funny I thought we were on bad turns or something"?  "Or something" he laughed.  "You still mad" he asked staring at me.  The look he was giving me made me smile.  "No but I think I really should just stay away from you".  "I've asked you many of nights that we've worked together what you want from me.  What are your intentions and yet it's still not clear to me.  I've told you that I'm no good for you and I'd probably just end up making you hate me".  "But yet here we are flying to Miami together" I said confusing the two.  "So are you saying I'm blurring the lines of work and us"?   "Yes, maybe".  "It can't be both and I'm positive there aren't any lines for you" he said laughing.  "No I'm very much capable of staying professional when it comes to you, were good".  I said laying my head back attempting to take a nap. 

We arrived at the hotel a little after 4pm.  Marcus checked us in, our rooms was across the hall from each other.    The first meet and greet started at 7 so we had just enough time to shower and get dressed.  Around 6:30 Marcus called my room to see if I was ready.  When I opened my room door he was standing in the hall.  His blue jeans and button up shirt made him look like a GQ model.  His cologne made me want to skipped the event and pull him in my room.  He looked me over once but then decided he needed to again.  Then he smiled as if he was thinking things he shouldn't.  I knew that look but it didn't matter I had friend zoned him and decided I wouldn't be sucked in his web of confusion when it came to me. 

I introduced Marcus to the celebrities I knew and together we introduced ourselves to the ones we didn't know.  I showed him how to work the room, the conversation to have and gave him a few questions to ask. 

Marcus was definitely in his element.  Sports was his thing so every conversation came easy to him and he had a vibe about him self that drew the women in.  His excitement for the game of basketball lured in the ballers.  His knowledge of the game and players made his football swag with the players unstoppable. He was a natural at this and I took pleasure in watching him use his charm on someone other than me.

We arrived back to the hotel around 11pm.  Marcus walked me to my door.  He looked at me and I at him.  "Great job, make sure you make lots of notes tonight so you won't forget anything you're planning on writing  in your articles" I said to ease the awkwardness that I was feeling.  "Thanks for coming with me".  "You know you really didn't need me you're a natural at this".  "Thanks" he said as he hugged me.  "Goodnight Zo" he said as he released me from his arms and turned to unlock his door.   I didn't say a word and he didn't wait for my goodnite as I watched him open his door and go in.

I closed my door and leaned my head up against it.   My stress level was at a all new high.   I took my fist and hit the door but not hard enough for anyone to hear.  I tossed and turned all night, my brain was in overdrive.

Morning came just as I was drifting off.  9 am Marcus was buzzing my room.  I answered half dead "hello".  "Good morning Zoya, let's go to breakfast and check out the sites?  I expected you to be up already.  We're not going for the all work and no play on this trip".  I could hear the excitement in his voice but I was tired from my sleepless night.  Anger had found me early this morning.  "Oh really" I said.   "You wanna hang with me?  You not afraid I'm going to blur the lines, didn't you tell me to stay away, you probably gonna break my heart or something!  I'll be ready at 8 tonight for the Gala, bye"!  I was pissed and even more pissed that he didn't understand why I was pissed.  I put the covers over my head and went back to sleep.