Chapter Five - Does He Know The Truth?
Everly
It bothered me that he insisted on us going to lunch. That is something he never does. I wanted to tell him to go to hell, but the only reason I didn’t is because I feel like he is up to something. I’m here to discover what it is. I’m concerned that he’s figured out my second job. If he has, I have no idea what he will do with the information.
He better keep his hands to himself for the rest of lunch, or I will punch him in the face. I choose not to engage in conversation with him as he leads us out of the building and takes us to his favourite steak house across the road. I know it is one of his favourites because I have got his lunch from there many times.
The moment he steps inside, the staff immediately rushes to greet him.
“Good afternoon, Mr Maddox, welcome back.”
The pretty blonde hostess greets with a charming smile. I will never understand why everyone sucks up to him. He is a horrible person who mistreats others. They treat him like he is a damn God. The situation makes me roll my eyes.
“I will take my usual table.” He replies, emotionless.
He is so rude, it’s unbelievable! She gives a nod and indicates for us to follow her. She leads us to a table up at the back of the restaurant. His decision to distance himself from others doesn’t come as a surprise to me. He doesn’t want to deal with the common people. His opinion, not mine.
We sit down at the table.
“Your water and menus will be brought to you immediately,” she says.
Orson completely ignores her and doesn’t even say thank you. I shake my head and thank her.
“You’re so rude, it’s unbelievable. You could have said thank you.” I snap.
He glares at me. “I do not need to thank anyone. They get paid for doing their job.” He snaps back.
“God, you really are an asshole.”
He shrugs, not caring. If I didn’t need to understand why I’m here, I would simply leave. The waiter approaches our table, placing the water and menu down while avoiding eye contact. Why does Orson instil fear in everyone? He is a complete moron. People need to grow a pair and stand up to him. It is what he needs. I’m confident that I’m the only one brave enough to do it.
“Don’t take forever to order. We don’t have all day.”
I grab the menu and roll my eyes discreetly. Although I’m not particularly fond of steak, I’ll choose a steak salad, anyway. I wish I liked it, as I would order the priciest item on the menu.
“The steak salad.”
“Really? Out of everything you want that?”
“Yes. Steak is not something I particularly enjoy.”
He doesn’t respond and summons the waiter to come back. He treats him like his own personal servant, placing our order and dismissing him. Was he not taught any manners? They aren’t difficult to have. He is just a stubborn asshole.
An awkward silence comes between us. I wish he’d talk to me about whatever it is. He will make me wait as long as possible to piss me off. I would like an alcoholic drink, but I can’t because of work.
Orson leans back and crosses his arms, expressing curiosity. “How did you end up meeting someone like Jonah Paxton, the billionaire?”
How the hell does he know his name?
“None of your business. How do you even know who he was? Are you spying on me or something?” I angrily hiss, my fists tightening beneath the table.
“No. I came across him while browsing an online magazine. I recognised him last night but couldn’t put my finger on it. Tell me how you know him. You sure don’t as hell don’t run in the same circles. What makes you choose a man like him? Is it because of the money? A woman of your beauty, confidence, and independence deserves better than him.”
I’m both shocked and offended. I'm offended because he thinks I am some gold digger, and I'm surprised because of the words he used to describe me.
“I am not a fucking gold digger, Orson. It’s none of your damn business how I met him or what our relationship is like, so stop acting like it is. Don’t interfere with my personal life.” I warn.
“Well, isn’t this a sensitive topic?” he smirks. “What are you hiding?”
I groan in annoyance. “I am hiding nothing. My personal life outside of work is none of your concern. You can let them know to cancel my order since I’m not hungry anymore.”
I jump to my feet and gather my things.
“Where are you going?” he hisses.
“Back to the office. Enjoy dining alone, jackass.”
I storm off without another word. I refuse to tolerate his nonsense. I discovered why he wanted me to have lunch with him. Without a second thought, I return to the office. He can be pissed all he wants; I don’t give a fuck!
When I arrive home, I’m completely drained. I’m able to squeeze in a nap before meeting with a client. We are meeting at ten at a hotel for drinks and then sex. He is a client who pays for both companionship and the sexual aspect. He’s not the best in bed, but I manage to make it work. I’ll be back home earlier tonight because he only needs me for a couple of hours.
I change into shorts and a tee, hop into bed, and set my alarm. I’ll eat dinner and take a shower once I wake up. As I get comfortable and ready to fall asleep, my cell rings. Who the hell is it?
Reluctantly, I grab it. My screen displays the name Jackass Boss. Why is Orson calling? I only left half an hour ago. He is constantly out to get me. Although I could decline the call, he would call again.
“What?” I snarl.
“Hello, sweetness,” he chuckles on the other end.
“What do you want? Don’t call me sweetness. Do not call me anything other than my name.”
“Make sure to come in an hour earlier tomorrow.”
“What’s the reason?”
“Because I need you to book some flight and hotel bookings for me for next weekend.” He replies.
“Can’t you handle that on your own, or wait until I begin my shift?”
There is no reason for him to make me come in an hour earlier. He is doing it to be an asshole.
“No, be in early tomorrow, Everly.” He demands and hangs up.
Asshole! I toss my cell away, cover my face with a pillow and scream into it. He shouldn’t have such an easy time irritating me. The scream makes me feel better, and I concentrate on trying to sleep.