Page 8 of War Within
“I insist.” He bowed his head ever so slightly, smirking. “So, tell me about this day you had.” Lifting a hand, he gestured to the room. “I find this to be a relaxing atmosphere to shed the daily work stress. Consider me your happy hour therapist.”
I took a small sip of my drink, then placed it back down. “Well, I have a few tight deadlines at work. I wanted to get a drink before I started an all-night project.”
“Why do I feel there’s more to that?”
Snickering, I shrugged. “It’s just work BS.” There was absolutely no way I was going to tell a stranger about either one of my bosses, especially Mr. Rovati. I did not even talk to people I knew about him.
“I'm Marco.” He extended his hand.
“Jane. Exhausted Jane. I need a vacation so bad.” I buried my face in my palm playfully after shaking his hand.
“Don't we all?”
And then it happened. Something came over me and I could not stop myself before I blurted, “My boss is such an ass!”
He threw his head back, laughing loudly. “Tell me more, please.” Propping his forearm on the bar, he grinned sarcastically.
“Honestly, some days I wonder why I even put up with him.”
“My boss is no better, I assure you. I think most adults have that challenge these days.”
“I'm not shocked he's single with no kids.” Now I was just being mean but did not think twice. When my other boss and I were done with him, he would never know what hit him. “I don't know how any woman could ever put up with him.”
“What exactly do you do?” He flashed his palms. “Without giving away too much personal information I mean. I know we just met.”
“Long story short, I work for a very wealthy and powerful tyrant who expects me to do three projects at once. He finds one. Then, the next one is more important. Then the next, and so on. What about you?”
Exhaling, he placed his hand on the bar next to his empty glass. “Your life seems much more interesting than mine. I have a job and go to college. I'm starting my third year in March.”
“You're in college?” I gasped. “You look older than that!”
“Now hold up!” He chuckled, snapping his finger. “I'm old enough for you, lovely.”
For once in some time, I forgot about Mr. Rovati, my work, my other job, my complicated life. Marco and I spent the next two hours talking about our lives. I found out he was in his twenties. I was thirty. We exchanged phone numbers as well.
He was a business and finance student while working for his family’s business, but that was all I found out. He did ask for my number and I obliged. It was easy talking with him. I was far more talkative outside work. It was a perfect ending to my evening before heading home to another sleepless night.
“Is that coming from your bag?” He nodded his head toward my handbag.
“Yes.” I groaned, digging my phone out, seeing two texts from Mr. Rovati.
Where are you?
I sighed, glancing around.Home. Working.
Ok, well there is car waiting for you outside Silver.
My blood ran cold. A sense of anxiety came over me and I swallowed the lump in my throat. How the hell did he know where I was?
Get in it and the rest will be explained to you.
“Is everything okay?” Marco reached over. Tapping the edge of the bar lightly, trying to summon my attention.
Nodding, I finished chugging my beverage. “It’s my boss. He needs me. Thank you so much for the drink.” I placed a hand on his arm.
“You have my number so text me.” A charming grin painted his expression.
“I'll text you when I get home if it's not too late.”
