by Jessica Marx
I finish up and get out. Mason points to the bedroom, “clothes and essentials are on the bed.”
I towel off and walk back in to see a cute but sensible skirt and blouse on the bed. I pick them up to check the size and notice the brand name on the tag. This had to cost a fortune - I wonder where it came from and how it got here? The bag next to it is filled with cosmetics. It’s not my usual brands, but the colors are perfect.
I put the clothes on and look in the mirror. Wow. Nice choice. It’s probably one of the nicest work outfits I’ve worn - and definitely the most expensive. I take the make up into the bathroom. Mason is standing in a towel.
“Wow,” he says with a whistle.
“Thanks. You didn’t have to get something so extravagant,” I say.
“You deserve it.”
I remove the make up from the bag, “and this wasn’t necessary, but thank you.”
“No problem. You can just leave it here. That way you never have a reason not to stay over.
I smile. For a guy who is such a womanizer, he sure is moving quickly here. I don’t mind though. I feel the same connection he does.
Dan picks us up and drops us off at the office. The commute is so much better than my normal morning routine. I still hope no one sees us arriving at work together. I’m not ready to go public with this yet - not until we’re sure what’s going on - and not until he tells his father.
Mason doesn’t seem to care as much about what everyone else thinks. He walks next to me all the way to the elevator. He doesn’t kiss me before going our separate ways, but he squeezes my hand and doesn’t seem to want to let go.
“Have a great day, Samantha,” Mason winks.
“You too, Mr. Grant,” I wink back.
This should be interesting.
15
Mason
“Are you fucking crazy?”
“Maybe,” I reply sarcastically.
“You must be,” my father replies, taking a seat in front of my desk.
“I have a lot of work to do,” I say, not so subtlety hinting that he should leave.
“Oh, you’re actually going to work today? I figured you would just jerk off in your office since all you seem to think about is your hot piece of ass employee,” my father comments snidely.
I want to punch him so bad, but I don’t, “you don’t need to refer to Samantha like that. She has a name, you know.”
“What’s the difference? You’ll forget it soon enough when you move on to the next one,” he snaps, “I just don’t know why you decided to shit where you eat. You know there are rules against that - and it never ends well.”
“I didn’t decide to do anything,” I reply loudly. I slam my fist on the desk, “dammit, dad, I love her.”
“You’re an idiot.”
“Fuck you. Just because you don’t know what love is, doesn’t mean I can’t.”
“For the last couple of months you two have been having a very obvious love affair. Do you think no one knows? Do you actually believe this woman loves you for anything more than your money? Jesus, Mason, you haven’t made much of an effort to keep this a secret - showing up almost every day to work together. I hope you’re having fun playing house.”
I run my hand through my hair, “we’re not playing house. Don’t you have an island to run off to or something? I would like to go back to running this business - and my life - without your nose in everything.”
“Obviously my nose needs to be in everything. That girl is going to take you for everything you have - mark my words.”
“You’ll be eating those words one day,” I snarl, looking down at the papers on my desk. I’m too angry to read them, I just want to look busy so Garrison can get back to doing whatever it is he does here.
“Do as you please, just try not to do anything to upset her. If we need to hire lawyers to protect ourselves when you break her heart, it’s coming out of your pocket.”
“No problem,” I reply, “if you’re finished now, I have some actual work that needs to be done.”
“I’m just trying to protect you, son. Women can be crafty when they need to be. Young girl, living with her mother, no father in the picture? A handsome, wealthy, sugar daddy is exactly what she needs.”
“I wish you would just stop looking at our relationship like that and understand that we actually like each other - a lot.”
“If you say so,” he concedes, “I’ll back off. Seems like I’m going to be here for another few weeks. I don’t want to spend it arguing.”
“That’s the first thing you’ve said that I agree with.”
Garrison stands and walks toward the door, “you’ve been doing a decent job running this company in my absence. I just want to be sure you’re as diligent with your personal life. I made a mess of my own life in the past. I would hate to see you do the same.”
“Thanks, dad,” I respond, dismissively.
I understand that he’s trying to do what’s best for me. I shouldn’t get mad at my father. At this point in life, I should understand his demeanor and the way he handles things. Perhaps I should invite him to spend some time with Samantha and I. Maybe then he would understand - or at least see that we have something special. I don’t know if I’m ready to put her through that kind of torture yet though.
16
Samantha
“Nice to have you here for a visit,” my mother kids, “too bad you’re only here because you’re sick,” she adds, placing a bowl of home made soup in front of me.
“Thanks, mom. Your chicken soup always makes me feel better,” I smile.
“I’m just teasing, Sammy, I’m happy to have you here.”
I have been spending most of my time at Mason’s the last couple of months. I’ve spent a couple of weekends here with my mom, but Mason has joined us as well.
My mother couldn't be happier for me. I just feel bad that I was gone for so long and now that I’ve moved back, I’m not around much. She seems fine with it - as long as I spend some time with her when I can.
I’ve been feeling so awful the last few days. Mason wanted me to stay so he could take care of me, but I didn’t want him catching anything - or missing all that time at the office. I know him well enough by now to know that he wouldn’t want to leave my side.
I’ll be fine, I’m sure. I plan on going back to the office on Monday. I just want to ride this bug out here for the weekend. I’m sure it’s nothing my mom’s home cooking and attention can’t fix.
When the soup is cool enough to eat I eat a few spoonfuls. It’s the first thing I’ve been able to tolerate in days. I get halfway through the bowl and can’t stomach anymore though.
“I think I’m going to lay down, mom, I’m tired.”
“Okay, can I get you anything else?”
“I’m fine for now. Thanks.”
I trudge up the stairs to my bedroom. I’m exhausted. I pick up the pace when I near the top. I feel the chicken soup making it’s way back up. I run into the bathroom and throw up. After a few minutes, I feel confident that’s going to be it. I brush my teeth and crawl into bed.
I don’t know how long I slept for exactly, but my mother wakes me to let me know dinner is ready.
“I think I’m going to pass on food, sorry.”
“I made you a plate of crackers and jelly. You used to love that when you were little and didn’t feel good.”
I don’t want to let her down, so I get up and follow her downstairs. My mother eats a bowl of soup and I nibble on crackers.
“Hopefully you can rest up tomorrow and get this out of your system. I’m sure your boss is going to want you back at work on Monday,” she winks, alluding to Mason.
“I’ll be okay. I don’t have a fever, so I’m sure I’ll be back up and running in no time.”
We finish our meal and I climb the stairs to go back up to bed. Luckily, the crackers and jelly did the trick. I make it to my room without stopping to throw up. Hopefully, this means I’m on the mend.
I wake up Sunday morning and immediately get sick again. I spend most of the day lazing around. I manage to get some soup and crackers down in the afternoon and begin to feel a little better. Mason has checked up on my every couple of hours since I left work on Thursday. He really wants to come see me, but I told him not to. If I look half as disgusting as I feel, I’d rather not.
Just before dinner time, the doorbell rings. I hear my mother exchange words with someone and close the door. She calls me from the bottom of the stairs, “Sam, are you coming down for dinner?”
“Yes. I’ll be down in a minute. I’ll just have some crackers.”
I make my way down stairs to the kitchen. There’s an exquisite bouquet of flowers sitting in the center of the table.
“Wow, mom. Do you have a secret admirer?”
“Not me, dear.” She hands me the card.
I read it silently. They’re from Mason.
“Let me guess,” my mother puts the back of her hand on her forehead, “Mason?”
I giggle, “yes. Mason.”
“That’s the first time I’ve seen you smile since you got here. It’s nice to know he knows how to make you feel better. Especially when my chicken soup isn’t doing the trick.”
“He’s so good to me, mom,” I beam.
“He is, Sammy. I wouldn’t let this one go.”
I’m not feeling much better on Monday, but I don’t want to miss any more work. I drag myself out of bed and once again, feel the urge to throw up. Luckily, nothing comes up this morning, so I decide to suck it up and make the commute to the office. It feels so much longer now that I’ve been commuting from Mason’s apartment.
Kaitlyn catches me seconds after I step off the elevator, “Oh, Sam! So glad you’re back. I’ve been wanting to meet with you. Can you come to my office around ten?”
“Sure, Kait,” I agree. I feel like shit, but she is my boss.
I get settled in at my desk and begin to read through a bunch of missed emails and memos. I only missed a day and a half of work, but it sure piles up. My computer dings to alert me of an interoffice message. I click on it and see it’s from Mason:
‘Happy to have you back.’
‘Thanks. Still not feeling one hundred percent, but I didn’t want to risk losing my job. The boss is a real hard ass.’
‘Hard, yes, but only when you’re around.’
I giggle to myself.
‘Come to my office for lunch today, okay?’
‘Sure. Now get back to work.’
‘Talk about hard ass…’
I get back to work until ten o’clock rolls around. Grateful to have a break already, I get up and walk to Kaitlyn’s office.
“Hey, Sam,” she greets me happily, closing the door behind me.
“Hey, what’s up?” I ask.
I take a seat in front of her desk. She’s got a huge grin on her face. I wonder for a moment if I’m getting a raise or promotion - or something.
“Well, I want to let you know, you’re going to have a couple of extra responsibilities around here.” Well, well, perhaps I was right. “Even though you’re the low man on the totem pole, as they say, I trust you. I’m going to have you start working with Jared - he’s going to take over some of my responsibilities. You’re going to be his second in command. I know you will be great - and also be honest enough to keep me in the loop.”
“Thanks, Kait, but what’s going on? Are you leaving?”
“No - I mean - not yet and not permanently! I love my job.”
“Oh, good, so what is it?”
Kait looks down and smiles broadly, “we did it! We’re finally having a baby!” she does all but squeal.
“Oh my God! Congratulations, Kait!” I jump up with all the energy I have and hug her quickly. I think twice about it and take my seat again. I don’t want her to catch whatever this bug is that I have.
“I know! It’s so exciting. I haven’t told anyone here yet, but I couldn’t wait to share the news with you. I’ll make it public once I really start to show. You know how these sharks can be,” she nods toward the door, “they’ll be looking to take my job the second they find out. That’s why I’m having Jared trail me for now. He doesn’t know why - yet.”
“Well, I will do my best to make sure your job is secure.”
“Thanks. I know you have more of an ‘in’ than I do at this point. I wouldn’t ask for any special favors though.”
“Of course not, but I’ll do what I can. I’m sure if Jared and I can hold down the department in your absence, there will be no reason for a replacement,” I assure her, “so when did you find out?”
Kait leans forward on her desk, dying to tell the story, “just a couple of weeks ago. I felt so sick. I was throwing up every morning and unable to keep any food down. I was so ridiculously tired - I thought I was coming down with the flu or something. Then Jack suggested I take a pregnancy test. I didn’t think it could be - we hadn’t been really trying last month. We were trying to take all the pressure off. Apparently, it’s just what we needed. I saw the doctor last week and confirmed it,” she explains, “I can’t believe this is really happening!”
“That’s amazing,” I reply, lost in thought. It sounds like the same symptoms that I’ve been experiencing. They’re the same as any other flu or bug. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. It could be anything. I’ve missed plenty of periods over the years. It’s just the way my body works. Besides, Mason and I have been careful - most of the time anyway. I’m on the pill too. I only missed one dose, but I took it as soon as I remembered. I don’t think I have anything to worry about.
“You okay, Sam?”
“Yes. Totally. I’m so happy for you guys. It’s going to be so amazing. I will do whatever you need me to do here.”
“Thanks, Sam. I feel so much better that I got to tell someone. I felt like I was going to burst.”
I laugh, “of course, Kait, and your secret is safe with me.”
We chat for a few more minutes. I go back to my desk and tend to the ever growing pile of things to do. I put as much concentration as I can muster into what I’m doing, trying not to think about what Kait said. I’m sick. That’s all. Just because Kait is pregnant, doesn’t mean I am too.
At noon I make my way to Mason’s office. I’m still not feeling well and have no desire to deal with Kim right now. Now that Mason and I are openly dating, she just as openly hates me. She’s so jealous, it’s ridiculous. I’m very happy to see she’s not at the reception desk as I round the corner. I wave to the other girls and proceed to Mason’s office. The door is open so I walk right in.
Mason stands and walks over to greet me, shutting the door behind me. He wraps me in his arms and hugs me close, “mmm. Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you?” he asks.
“It’s only been a couple of days.”
“A couple of days too many. I hope the flowers made you feel a little better.”
“They did, thank you.”
Mason places his lips on mine. I kiss him gently and back away a bit.
“What?” he asks, looking concerned.
“Nothing. I just still don’t feel great. I don’t want to get you sick too.”
“Still that bad, huh?” he asks, “why did you come back to work?”
“I didn’t want to miss too many days. Plus, I’m fine to work, just not to have your tongue in my mouth.”
“Well, let’s get you better then. I want to put more than my tongue in your mouth. Can’t have you feeling this bad.”
I roll my eyes and laugh, “is that all you’re worried about?”
“Of course not. It’s just most important,” Mason jokes with a wink.
He walks over to the desk and picks up the phone. He only speaks for a minute, then announces, “go get your things. Dan is going to pick you up in ten minutes.”
“What? No. I have to work.” I can’t have everyone thinking I get special treatment just because I’m dating the boss.
&n
bsp; “No. You have to get better, then you can work. You’re not doing yourself or anyone else any favors by staying here.”
I sigh. He’s right. “Thanks.”
“No problem. He’ll drive you to the loft. I’ll come right after work and take good care of you,” he promises, kissing the top of my head. “Maybe a little rest will do you good, then you know, I can do you good.”
I giggle, “we’ll see. Thanks for taking such good care of me.”
“I always will. I told you that - and I meant it.”
Mason walks me out to the reception area and wishes me well. I walk back to my desk and get my things. I let Kait know I’m leaving and promise to be back in the morning.
Dan is waiting for me outside when I exit the building. He opens the door and holds it for me while I get in, then gets in the driver seat.
“Sorry to hear you’e not feeling well, Ms. Roberts.”
“Sam. You can call me Sam,” I remind him yet again, “and thanks,” I add trying not to sound so firm. “Would you mind stopping at one of the convenience stores on the way to the apartment? I want to grab some soup and crackers.”
“Of course.”
We drive for several minutes, then Dan pulls double parks in front of a small supermarket.
“Would you like me to run in for you?”
“Thanks, Dan, but I wouldn’t mind getting out of the car for a minute.”
I step out before he has a chance to get out and open the door for me. The store is small, but has everything I need. I grab a can of soup and box of crackers, then walk to other side of the store to get what I really came for.
I browse the health and beauty section. I don’t know what I’m afraid of - even if someone sees me - no one around here knows who I am. I choose one of the home pregnancy tests. Kait’s news got me thinking. I’m sure I just have a bug, but now I want to confirm it for myself just for peace of mind.
I get back in the car with my bag of goodies and Dan drops me off at the loft. The doorman lets me in and I proceed up to Mason’s floor.
