Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 23: Food Is Ready

I haven't been back to work since coming back from the business trip. I just don't want to face Michael for a little bit... I've hardly spoken to Marcus either. He can tell something is wrong, but what can I say or do?! Michael can easily show Marcus that video, so I just need to keep myself to myself. He seems really happy with how everything went too, so I don't want to ruin his mood... even though Michael has probably messed everything up. It's really like I have no say in anything now. I'm so used to having control and making decisions... and now I feel useless.

I make myself a coffee and sit at the kitchen table. I stare out at the garden, holding my mug.

"Feeling any better?"

Marcus snaps me out of my daze. I turn my head looking at him as he walks through the kitchen, fixing his tie.

"A bit, but I think I'm going to take today off too."

He gives me a look.

"You had Friday off work, and you've hardly spoken to me over the weekend, and now you're taking Monday off? Tell me what's wrong?" He walks over to me.

"I'm not feeling well Marcus."

"It's since you got back from France. I know it's something to do with Michael Layla. I'm not stupid."

I sigh and shake my head.

"It's not."

He raises his eyebrow.

"Michael told me what happened."

I stare at him, not saying a word. Fuck... what has he said? Marcus sits across from me.

"Told you what?"

"Michael had to take control of the meeting, and he went against what we wanted."

I let out a quiet sigh of relief. I drink my coffee and sit back.

"You're angry, and I understand why. But what Michael did was a really good move, it will help our business in the long run."

I grit my teeth, and look up at Marcus.

"Yeah." I force a smile. "But honestly, I'm just not feeling great."

He stares at me and then stands up.

"Ok. See how you feel a bit later?"

I nod looking at my mug.

He runs his hand through my hair and kisses my head, before picking up his suit jacket and walking out. I sigh deeply and rub my face. I finish my coffee and walk back up to the bedroom. I haven't slept properly these last few days. I crawl in to bed and close my eyes trying to relax. Before I know it I'm fast asleep.

I'm woken up by my mobile ringing. I squint my eyes and see it's Marcus calling me. Fuck what's the time?! It's 4 in the afternoon... have I really slept for all that time?!

"Hello?" I answer through a croak.

"Hey, you sound like you've just woken up?"

"Uh yeah, I have."

"Still not well?"

"I just needed a good sleep. I feel ok."

"Ok, good. I'm finishing work a little bit early."

I sit up and rub my face with my other hand.

"Uh ok. How come?"

"I'm bringing Michael over, I thought it would be a good chance to clear the air."

I open my mouth. He wants to bring him to our home?!

"But-"

"No buts Layla, we all work together so we need to be civil and act like adults. He's coming over and that's that."