Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 5: Lunch

"Come in." I call out.

Marcus opens the door and smiles.

"Hey, ready to go for some lunch?" He asks.

"Yeah, I just need to quickly sign off these papers." I smile at him.

He stands waiting for me. I finish what I'm doing and stand up, walking over to him. He gives me a kiss, and I pull back noticing Michael standing behind him looking at us.

"Michael what ever it is you need to ask can you wait until after lunch?" I ask him, walking out of my office with Marcus.

"Or... we can discuss things over lunch, and how you've found today so far." Marcus says looking at him.

"What?" I ask.

"Michael is coming to lunch with us. Is that ok?"

I stop and give him a look. And there I was thinking we were going to have a nice hour together.

"Yeah." I say showing a fake smile. "Of course, that's fine."

Michael smiles at me and I sigh under my breath looking away. As we walk to get some lunch Marcus and Michael continue to talk about work. Im so fed up with talking about work. Maybe I should have just stayed in my office and worked over my lunch.

"Good afternoon Mr Jackson." Bethany calls out before we exit the building.

Michael turns his head smiling looking back at her.

"Good afternoon Bethany." He nods.

"Oh, and you Mr and Mrs Daniels."

I show a quick smile and Marcus laughs.

"Afternoon." Marcus says quickly before we leave.

"I think Bethany is keen on you Michael."

"She's very nice." Michael smirks.

"Also very young." I say looking at them both.

"She's not that young Layla." Marcus chuckles. "And Michael might be in to younger girls anyway."

Michael looks away laughing. He almost looks embarrassed? I roll my eyes.

"How old is she?" Michael asks with a chuckle.

"Uh 20?" Marcus says sounding unsure.

"19." I say correcting him.

Michael raises his eyebrows.

"Only an 8 year gap."

"A 19 year old girl, and a 27 year old man. Really?" I say shaking my head.

"What's wrong with that?" Marcus grins nudging Michael. They both chuckle.

I scoff.

"Maybe I should have just stayed in the office and let you both have some guy time."

"Don't be silly." Marcus says wrapping his arm around my waist as we walk. "I'm just joking around with Michael. I want him to feel comfortable working with us."

"Mmm..." I raise an eyebrow.

We walk in to the coffee shop around the corner and grab some food, sitting down at table. I zone out while they are talking and begin eating my salad.

"What do you think Layla?"

I stare out of the window watching people walk past.

"Layla." Marcus nudges me and I zone back.

"Sorry, what?"

Marcus smiles.

"I was just saying, it would be good if Michael sat in on my meeting this afternoon. What do you think?"

"Uh yeah sure. Why not." I say looking at Michael, as he looks at me.

"You ok?" He asks.

"Yeah." I smile. "I'm just a bit tired."

"You should take a rest from the gym. I've heard you go to the same one as Layla?"

"Uh yeah, I've seen her now and again in there. You do push yourself." Michael says.

"You been watching my wife?" Marcus asks smirking at Michael.

"No..." Michael quickly responds. "I mean, there's a lot of people that go there so I kind of just look at anyone... you know.."

"It's ok Michael." Marcus laughs. "I'm sure a lot of guys look at Layla in the gym."

I shake my head and Michael clears his throat.

"Stop it Marcus... It's not the gym... it's just been a long morning."

"So in other words Michael has been bothering you all morning?" Marcus lets out a chuckle.

"Uh no... just a few things." I think back to when he brushed himself against me and touched my hand.

"Not all morning." Michael laughs. "She's been great helping me."

I clear my throat and look away.

"That's good. I hope you've not been too moody."

I give Marcus a look and smirk, shaking my head.

"I'm going to use the toilet quickly, and then we better get back."

"Ok." I nod.

Marcus stands up from the table and walks off. Me and Michael sit in silence for a few seconds. I take out my mobile and check any notifications I have.

"You ok?" Michael asks.

"I'm fine." I reply, not looking up from my phone.

"You don't sound fine."

"Well I am."

"I don't think you are."

"You don't even know me." I say looking up at him.

He smiles and sits back in his chair.

"Well, i would like to get to know you... and Marcus."

"We work together and that's all. We don't need to get to know each other."

"So you don't want to be friends? Or even try to be nice to me?"

"Friends? We aren't in school."

Michael stands up.

"Ok." He sighs. "I really think you should be more friendly to new employees."

"What?" I scoff.

"Tell Marcus I'll meet him back at reception. I'm going to go chat to Bethany. Someone who will actually hold a conversation."

I open my mouth raising my eyebrows. Michael turns around walking out of the coffee shop. What the fuck?!

"Hey where's Michael?" Marcus asks walking over to me.

I give him a look and shake my head standing up. I sigh and walk outside.

"Layla?" He calls after me, following me out.