RC.

Ch5 ........ H

Once downstairs, I see Jake typing something on his phone.

T:"Hi, Jake."

Jake:"Miss, is everything okay?"

T:"I have been commanded not to say anything unkind about our boss, so I guess, yes, everything's fine ..."

He smiles at me gently.

Jake:"Bad day ?"

T:"Nah ... I would say normal day."

He looks at me kindly. He's not going to get started too, looking at me as if I were some temperamental kid?

(I ask him what his problem is.)

T:"What?"

Jake:"Nothing."

I prefer not to raise it. Honestly, I've had my share of conflicts for one evening!

Jake:"Mr. Carter is gonna be a while still, I've nothing else to do. Would you be up for a drink?"

I'm surprised, he's never been this friendly  before.

(I tease him.)

T:"Jake ... Do you usually go for drinks with clients? Isn't it beyond the limits you set yourself ...?"

Jake:"I make exceptions for the nicer ones."

(Oh.)

I chuckle.

T:"Gald to be part of the nicer client's circle."

He locks the Limousine with the press of a button and invites me to follow him.

Jake:"I know a nice bar across the street."

T:"Well, why not, if your boss allows it..."

Jake:"My boss isn't a tyrant, I sometimes take breaks when I'm on duty."

Sometimes I think Jake's the only one to have such an easy relationship with Carter. It's as if there was something binding them.

We walk quietly across. The evening air helps me calm my anger.

I perceive some feminine eyes staring at my evening companion.

(I don't see why... )

I really don't see why. Jake has nice features but there's also something disturbing about him.

          

                             | | | | |

We enter the bar and Jake lets me in first in order to choose a table.

Gallantry never leaves him, it's like second nature.

Jake:"You have to order at the bar. What would you like to drink?"

T:"Beer."

I watch as he goes to get the drinks. I take a look around. Sure enough, it's pretty cool. There's a pub feel to it only a little more chic.

I cup my face in my hands and gently rub my eyes, sighing.

Another hectic day ...

Jake comes back with our drinks.

Jake:"Here you are."

T:"Thank you, Jake ..."

Jake:"You seem preoccupied ..."

T:"Oh sorry, don't mind me, I just need to assimilate my day!"

He smiles at me gently.

(He's kind.)