"Sure. Come In. What's up?"
"We have a last-minute meeting scheduled with the Internal Audit team; will you be comfortable taking the lead on it?"
"Oh, sure. What time is it?"
"Four pm."
"Ok. Yes. I will take it up." I nodded, looking at my calendar, which was free for meetings until the end of the day.
"Thank You. You are the best. I will forward you the details." He smiled warmly.
"No worries at all."
"It's almost one pm, do you want to break for lunch? My treat today." Mark asked; his eyes were shining in excitement.
"Alright. Can't say no to a treat, right? What's the occasion?"
"No occasion, I am just trying to get my beautiful colleague, to spare some time, and have lunch with me." He smiled warmly.
I felt a bit awkward at his sudden tone and complement, but giving the situation the benefit of doubt, I let it pass.
We both headed to the Italian restaurant two blocks away from our office. We gave our respective orders, and Mark was as always joking about random things, making me laugh at his silly comments.
Our food was served, and I saw Mark giving me a strange look from time to time.
"What's up, Mark? Are you feeling ok?"
"Yes, I am fine."
"Okay, great." I gave him a reluctant nod, really unsure of his strange behavior today.
"Emma, so I was thinking, what are you doing this weekend? We can probably catch up. I would very much like to spend time with...".
Before he could complete, I had an immediate hunch on where this was heading, and to avoid making things awkward between us, I quickly replied, almost cutting him out, "This weekend? Well, Friday is date night, and then over the weekend, I have plans with my friends."
"Oh, I see. Ok, no problem." He was a bit taken aback by my sudden response.
"I am sorry; it looks like a busy weekend". I said in a friendly tone, trying to diffuse the situation.
"It's fine, I understand. So, umm… you are seeing someone?" He asked in a reluctant tone.
"Yes. Been a while. It's going very well.
But we can definitely hang out next weekend. I will like us to spend time as well; after all, you are my only friend here at Richmond's." I gave him a soft smile.
"Yes. Of course. Next weekend it is then." He said nervously, trying hard to cover up.
We both finished our food in silence after that. Mark was put off post our awkward conversation. He got unusually silent.
I gave him his space too. I did not want to make him more uncomfortable. I felt terrible for him, but I could not mislead him at all. Even if he meant to know me better as a friend, I wanted to come clean with him.
Mark was a good guy, in fact amongst the most genuine person I had come across in my life. I admired him a lot, and just hoped we could get past this and continue to remain cordial as friends.
Chapter 26
Craving a hug
Jake
Los Angeles
"Mom, I am concerned about your safety. You should consider moving back. It's getting dangerous."
"I told you I am not ready yet. Relax, I can take care of myself. I am so glad you took out time to visit me." She gave me a warm hug.
I felt so relaxed meeting her. I missed the family bond; ever since dad left, nothing felt the same anymore.
"So, how's Erica doing?"
"She has been better. I am worried about her."
"Of course, darling. You have a good heart. But I think you should keep your distance from her; this girl is bad news." Her expressions were blank, but her words had weight. She meant what she said.
"I know what I am doing, mom. I have a bad feeling about the Murials too. But I feel what happened with Erica was wrong and unfair."
"Murials? Are you talking about Ben?"
"Yes. I don't trust him."
"Hmm, I see. Well, in my opinion, I don't see him as a threat. We go way back; we were together in college. All three of us were batchmates: Ben, your father and I. He was competitive for sure, but I think it has always been harmless." She tried to explain. It was odd to see her defend the situation so much, I just shared my opinion, but nothing had been normal in this family since months now.
"I don't know mom. Time will tell I guess." I shrugged.
"His daughter, though, has serious issues. Ben lost his wife when Erica was just three. It must have been difficult for her, she was a lonely child, and she now lashes out at everyone trying to put a brave face." She re-iterated and warned me again about Erica.
"I get it, mom. And there is nothing between us that should worry you. Erica is not the one for me."
"Really? Then who is?" She asked in a curious tone trying to read my expressions.
I smiled warmly at her.
"Her name is Emma." I had never introduced a girl to my mother before.
"Emma? Who is she, never heard of her before?"
"Yes, I met her only recently, but she is amazing. Very beautiful, inside out."
"Oh God! I am so happy for you, Jake. I really am looking forward to meeting her. This is the best news I have heard ever since your dad left us." She hugged me tightly, I could hear her meek sobs, dad's passing away did create a void in her soul, she had never been the same. How I wished, I could make it better for her.
"I know mom. I will get her to
