Jane woke up to the sound of chirping birds and the morning sun beaming at her. She stretched a little and rolled down the bed. She was amused to find her favorite slipper and robe neatly kept beside a tray containing her favorite tea with well-made pancakes.
"That's strange." Jane thought as she put on the robe and slippers.
She went down the stairs while sipping a cup of tea. She found Emilia in the living room all dressed up and going through her iPad.
"Good morning Miss Jane." Emilia stood up to greet immediately when she saw Jane.
"What is good about the goddamn morning?" Jane mumbled as she sat on the couch opposite where Emilie stood.
Emilia smiled. "Well then, I will need you to be ready for our first meeting in the next 1 hour. We have a long day ahead of us and I will suggest you use your time wisely." Emilia wasn't sure how she was able to sound so courageous and in control. She had never talked to Jane like that, she hoped that whatever reason Marcus had for making her do this does not include getting her fired.
Jane was dumbfounded. Emilia had never been so bold around her. "What on earth made you think you can speak to me like that?" She asked as she walked up to Emilia.
"I am sorry Miss Jane but it is my job to make sure you attend to all the tasks on your plate today," Emilia managed to say without breaking.
Jane blinked surprised. She took a step away from Emilia and nodded "I will be ready in the next one hour," She mumbled and began to walk back up the stairs. "I thought work doesn't start till Monday," she said, stopping halfway through the stairs.
"There is an emergency that needs your attention," Emilia replied. “Oh, and ma'am use your room, it has been cleaned and arranged to your liking," Emilia added.
Jane nodded and did as she was told.
“You are the boss!" Marcus said coming out from the kitchen where he stood listening to the conversation between Jane and Emilia. "Now all you need to do is keep up with this new phase of yours and in less than no time we will be the boss around here."
Emilia laughed. "I just hope we don't get fired before we execute our plan."
"Yeah, me too. Just make sure the driver is here before she is ready," Marcus said and left the room.
An hour and 30 minutes later, Jane sat in her SUV with Marcus beside her and Emilia in the front seat beside the driver. Emilia had her head buried in her iPad engrossed in whatever she was doing while Marcus had his ear pod tightly pinned to his ear.
Jane knew the location of the company and so far no turn they took led anywhere close to the Company.
Jane was about to ask for the 7th time where they were headed when the driver pulled over in front of a building. Marcus was out of the car and was opening her door in seconds.
"Why are we having a meeting at an Amish Resort?" Jane asked as she stepped out of the car.
"You are about to find out," Marcus said with a smile Jane found suspicious.
Jane was led to a hall. "Why is this place dark?" Jane asked as she reached for the light switch.
She was greeted with a roaring sound of "Happy Birthday!" making Jane scream in fear.
"Mom! Dad! Oh my God! I can't believe you did this," Jane said as she hugged her mom and her father respectively.
"First off, we will never forget your birthday, and second off, this was Marcus' idea," Mrs. Morrison said beaming with joy.
Jane could not believe her ear. "Why would Marcus want to do such a thing for her after all the mean things she had done to him?"
Jane was happy Sophia also made it to the party. She made Sophia accompany her around while she greeted colleagues, friends, and relatives who also made it to the party. She did not know how Marcus was able to convince these people to come, but she was glad he did. Not even Cletus Rodriguez, her ex, was that thoughtful.
"Are you thinking what I am thinking?" Sophia's excitement sent chills down Jane's spine. She knew her friend well enough to know that only damaging and irresponsible things get her excited.
"I am very convinced I am not interested," Jane answered, picking a glass of wine from a passing waiter.
Sophia ignored what Jane said and kept talking. "Since Marcus was the one who threw this party for you, why don't you give him a thank-you gift, yeah?"
"What do you have in mind?" Jane asked.
"So, after thinking hard, I came up with the best idea ever," Sophia said.
"Which is?"
"Well, you know you cannot get him clothes, shoes or other items like that. Besides, I think he will look better without any clothes. "
"Oh lord," Jane mumbled, rubbing her forehead.
"No, listen," Sophia urged Jane. "This is not one of my crazy ideas I promise."
"Okay, Sophy, go on," Jane replied.
"Okay, so I concluded that you should get him jewelry. Maybe a bracelet and a chain."
Jane nodded. "I think that is a good idea," She said.
"Yes," Sophia continued. "I also think you should make him wear them without any other clothes to show you how much he appreciates them."
"Okay, Sophy that's enough. No more appreciation gifts."
"Seriously Jane, let him wear the bracelet and the chain without clothes, then tell him to make love to you mercilessly."
Jane sighed frustrated. "Do you ever think of anything other than making love to boys?" Jane snapped at her friend.
“Geez!" Sophia said, sounding offended. "First of all, don't snap at me like that! And second of, yes, yes I do think of other things apart from having sex with boys. Have I told you about my latest fantasy about lesbianism?"
Jane stared at her friend in astonishment. "Please avoid me during the rest of the party," she said and walked away.
As Jane waved her parents, the last of her guests, goodbye after hours of laughter, food, and catching up with friends and relatives, she was glad the party was over so she could have a little time to herself. She turned to see Marcus grinning foolishly at her.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" she yelled at him.
Marcus grinned wider and took a step closer.
"I asked you a question, didn't I?" Jane yelled again.
"Yes, ma'am you did," Marcus replied in a seductive voice. He took a few more steps closer until he was barely an inch away from her.
Jane was sure she was going to faint. Her body couldn't stand the heat of staying this close to him. His masculine cologne filled her senses. She wanted so badly to take Sophia's advice but she knew she still wasn't ready for any kind of relationship, especially with her bodyguard.
"Can I take you out to dinner?" Marcus asked, still grinning from ear to ear.
Jane froze for a minute as different emotions flooded her. She wanted so badly to say yes or better still kiss him till she lost her breath but then memories of heartbreak and the pain she had gone through took control of her.
In seconds she snapped back to her arrogant self and glared at Marcus. "Are you out of your mind?!" She shouted at him.
She was going to spill more insults when Marcus kissed her. Without meaning to, she kissed him back. There is only so much he arrogant can take. She savored the feel of Marcus's lips on hers. There cannot possibly be anything sweeter than the taste of his tongue on hers. Jane was sure she was going to heaven when memories of all the heartache she had encountered came flooding her again. She pushed Marcus away and slapped him. "Are you crazy? What on earth do you think you are doing?!"
Marcus could not believe his ears and eyes. What do you mean?! Just two seconds ago you were enjoying the kiss. What happened?"
"Do you think you can kiss me whenever you want just because you threw me a birthday party?" Jane's voice was pitched in a way that was meant to hurt Marcus and a part of her felt sorry for him.
Marcus stared at Jane confused. He wasn't sure if he should be sorry or angry. Why will she get him all worked up just to stop halfway? He turned and walked away. He only hoped she didn't see the discomfort that the statement had caused him.
Her words reminded him of her request to be professional. He clenched his chin. If she wanted to see him be professional then so be it.
Meanwhile, Jane watched with a drumming heart as Marcus walked away.