RC.

Ch4 ................. R

I'm sat down, gazing out at the night sky through the window.

We boarded the jet about twenty minutes ago. The rest of the day was filled with a business lunch and negotiations.

Carter mastered everything perfectly. He has this incredible ability to charm whoever he's speaking to, man or woman.

I'm fiddling with my fingers whilst he's gone to take an important call.

(I feel nervous.)

For some reason, I've been feeling nervous ever since we got back on the plane.

As Carter returns, my eyes meet his. The dim light gives them almost a violent tint.

He sits down in front of me in silence. I see him frown. Before his laptop.

(I don't say anything.)

I prefer not to pry. I watch him in silence.

His grey eyes, usually so captivating, have darkened.

Mr. Carter:"Discover Ryan Carter's ridiculous nickname."

Mr. Carter:"Can you explain ?"

T:"Listen ... I'm sorry but ... The journalist tricked me ..."

T:"I was expecting more interesting questions about our work ..."

Carter is shaking his head and sighing, closing his eyes.

Mr. Carter:"I thought I could give you a simple interview ..."

(I could choose between defending myself or, don't say anything. I choose to defend myself.)

T:"You didn't tell me it was for a people magazine!"

Mr. Carter:"Thank God ! I daren't imagine the damage you could have done if it had been for an economic magazine ..."

My throat tightens.

T:"The journalist directed all her questions looking for gossip!"

Mr. Carter:"And you gave it to her on a silver platter! Congratulations!"

He sighs and stands, one hand on his waist and the other in his hair.

Mr. Carter:"I can't afford this kind of press article, Miss White."

(In my mind I get to choose between staying silent or, defending myself. And I defend myself.)

T:"I'm aware of that ... I didn't mean to be detrimental ..."

He turns to look at me. His eyes are wide open and he's staring at me as if I were the biggest idiot ever.

Mr. Carter:"Allow me to doubt that!"

Great ! Besides being an idiot, I'm also some kind of bitch!

T:"I don't allow you to ..."

He lets out a little nervous laugh.

Mr. Carter:"You're..."

He doesn't finish his sentence. Holding himself back out of politeness. But I can easily complete it in my head and my heart sinks.

Seeing the disappointment in his eyes hurts me and I have no idea how to sort things out.