Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 11: Looks Expensive

"Yes?" I call out looking up from my laptop.

My office door opens and Marcus pops his head in.

"Hey."

I pause for a second looking at him. We haven't really spoken much after the argument.

"Hey." I say bluntly, looking back at my laptop screen.

"It's lunch time." He says walking in now.

"I know."

"Well, do you want to get something to eat?"

"I've got my own lunch today thanks."

"Ok. Come eat with me?"

"I've still got to send off emails, and I need to look over some bits for when I have that meeting in the South of France. I leave in 2 days. Haven't got much time left." I look at him, making a dig.

He sighs.

"You can do that after you've had some lunch. You need a break. Get away from that screen."

"Really, I'm fine."

He puts his hands on his hips and gives me a look, sighing again.

"Fine." He nods and turns around, leaving my office.

I squint my eyes at him as he walks off. I would feel a little bit better if Hayley was coming along, but she doesn't want to leave Jake on his own with that little brat Zack. I guess some times I forget she's a mum... and older than me. I guess it won't be as bad as I think. I mean, me and Michael won't really see each other. Michael walks past my office and sees my door is open. Speak of the devil. He looks in and raises an eyebrow.

"Do you ever get hungry? Or need the toilet?"

"What?" I ask, not feeling in the mood for his "humour."

"Just whenever I see you you've got your head down, working away."

He walks in and I look up from my laptop. He smiles.

"It's called being hard working, and dedicated." I look at him blankly.

"It's called being a workaholic."

I roll my eyes.

"I'm actually preparing for the big meeting, which I hope you've been doing too. While you're wasting an hour for lunch, I'll be an hour ahead."

He chuckles.

"You don't have to worry about me, I know how to prioritise. And you will never be ahead of me Layla."

"Mmm..." I raise an eyebrow. "I'm not entirely convinced."

"Ok." He chuckles and bites his lip. "I guess your have to wait until we're in the South of France to believe me."

"Yeah, I guess so." I sit back in my chair, crossing my leg over the other one.

Michael's eyes flicker down to my legs and back up to my eyes. Is he checking me out?

"You ever been before?" He asks.

"Sorry?"

"To the South of France."

"Oh, no. Have you?"

"No, but it looks amazing."

"Well just don't forget it's work related. It's not a holiday."

"I know." He smirks. "Can still have a bit of fun though, if you know what that is."