Page 8 of Where We Fall

The door opens quickly, and Marcus struts in wearing his expensive blue suit with his crisp white shirt and brown leather shoes. He is incredibly handsome.

This is the first time we've had to be one-on-one since the meeting. I have no idea how to act. I can feel the blood pumping in over time through my body, making me feel clammy and hot.

He smiles like he doesn't have a care in the world, then takes a seat in front of my desk.

"Hey there, Lexi," he says casually. "I've been meaning to get with you ever since our meeting. I guess our schedules haven't synced up."

"Oh, yeah, I've been pretty busy. Trying to get as much of this project done before we leave."

Liar! You're just too chicken shit to face him.

"I hear you. There's always work to be done. We appreciate you coming to the event on Saturday. I realize it's not paid time, but you're a large part of our success, and why we're able to manage such a large quantity of orders. It will be nice for you to share in the fun of these events and indulge in the food and drinks."

His words make me blush. All he did was compliment my work within the company, and I'm blushing like he told me I was the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on.

"It's really no problem. I'm honored that you value me enough to want me there. Plus, I get to see my mom."

"Oh, yeah. She's sick, isn't she? Alzheimer's?"

I nod my head. "Something like that."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure it must be tough. My Ma is like my best friend; I'd be lost without her. So I can only imagine. If you ever need anything, extra time off, or anything, please don't hesitate to let us know."

"That's very generous. Thank you. Mia has been great with understanding when I need to go back and forth during the week."

He cringes at my words. "Mia is like the Momma Bear of our group. I'm sorry if I ever came off as inconsiderate. I assure you, Mia asks us first before she approves your requests. It's always a unanimous yes. If there's anything we Giannelli's understand, it's the need to put family first."

"It's made working far from home incredibly easy. I appreciate it."

Silence falls upon the room, and an elephant creeps in. Which one of us is going to address that in five days, we have to pretend like we are in love?

"So, uh," he starts as he pulls at the back of his neck, "I've been thinking about this arrangement we have coming up." My stomach feels like it's on a rollercoaster ride, waiting for the next loop. "First, I wanna thank you for agreeing to this. I hate that my actions have caused trouble for the company. I hope we didn't put you in a weird spot. It's not like my siblings to ask such a thing of anyone. That must show how desperately we need to hang on to this account."

"I'm happy to help. And just for the record, I think it's ridiculous that this man thinks he knows you based on one night."

He seems surprised by my words and then shrugs his shoulders. "I'm used to being the bad guy. It's a role I've come to accept."

It feels like there's more to the story. I wonder why he feels that way about himself. I wouldn't have ever called him the bad guy. He certainly has more personality than his siblings. He's always smiling and joking around.

Now is definitely not the time to ask him to elaborate on that, if ever. It's not like we're friends or anything.

"Well, whether you're used to it or not doesn't make it right."

He smiles. "I knew I liked you, Lexi."

An easy laugh escapes. He's starting to make me feel at ease about this whole thing. Maybe it won't be so bad.

"Anyway," he continues. "I…was thinking…maybe we do lunch this week and get our story straight. Just in case we get asked any questions about our…relationship."

He clearly struggled to get that word out, even knowing that it's not real. An odd sense of disappointment washes over me.

"Yeah, that sounds smart. We don't want to be caught red-handed. That would be humiliating, and almost guarantee you to lose your client." I look down at my calendar for the week. "I can do lunch tomorrow or Thursday."

"I think tomorrow is good. And while we're out…maybe…we can…" he's stuttering over his words. "Fuck, okay. I'm just gonna say it. I really want to make this thing between us look believable. Maybe we can go dress shopping together. There's also a salon nearby if you want to check it out with me."

Oh my god! He's trying like hell to say it as nicely as he can. I can feel my face begin to heat up.

"Oh, umm, yeah. Sure. We can do that," I try to say as casually as I can.

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