How Do You Do It?

Sylvie

Last night's dinner was as chaotic as it was fun. After dealing with the coffee stains, I had anxiously gone to the kitchen to dish out the food I made, but ended up spilling the whole thing as I walked to the sitting room. Michael had laughed at my clumsiness, and had offered to help me clean. I refused, but he did anyways. After we had taken care of the mess I created, he offered to take me out for dinner. His words were: "It won't be a dinner date if there's no food."

"Date?" I had asked and he had replied with a simple nod. I didn't say anything further after that, I merely changed into the last dress Antonio had gotten me and we drove off to the closest restaurant around. It felt odd wearing a dress from Antonio to a date with Michael, but I didn't have any fancy dress that could match his energy. 

Although the dinner barely lasted an hour, it was definitely one of best forty seven minutes of my life. Michael had received an urgent call and had to leave, but he did well to drop me off at home before he left. I had gone to bed with a smile and had woken to pictures of Michael and I all over the blogs. While I knew that associating with Michael would definitely bring attention to me, I never expected it to happen this fast. 

"How do you do it?" A familiar voice asked as I walked back to Michael's office. 

"Amelie." I called out with a smile. With an inquisitive look I asked, "How do I do what?" 

I chuckled anxiously and Amelie shot me a curious look. I shrugged, a nervous smile playing on my lips. "Honestly, I have no idea. Right place, right time, maybe? Luck?" I chuckled, while throwing my eyes away from her stern ones. 

Amelie's eyes widened with genuine curiosity. "Luck? Seriously?" She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "The CEO shows up a day prior, and the next day you're his assistant? That's definitely more than luck, I'm not buying it. What's your secret?"

I chuckled again, this time even more nervously. Amelie seemed determined and I really couldn't blame her. When I became Antonio's secretary overnight a lot of questions were being asked as well. Rumors began flying around, and I could tell they'd began circulating once again. "No secret, I swear. He said it was to apologize for the incident at the party. Other than that, I have no idea." I glanced around, feeling the eyes of other colleagues on us. 

Amelie's curiosity turned into a tinge of jealousy. "Was the dinner part of the apology too?"

I knew she was going to say something about the dinner, everybody was already talking about it. After gulping anxiously, I gave Amelie my honest answer. "Probably, he wanted to know me better, so we suggested a dinner date."

"Now that you're gone, do you think Antonio would need a new secretary? Do you think he would choose me?" 

I offered her a reassuring smile. "You've got the skills, Amelie. I'm sure he'll definitely pick you." As I spoke, a notification popped up on my screen, a message from Michael Black.. "Hey, I've got something urgent to attend to. Let's catch up later, okay?"

She nodded, still processing the news. "Sure, Sylvie. Go handle your CEO business." She teased before flashing me a half-smile. I returned the gesture before making my escape. I had been surprised myself when I was offered the post, and I still didn't believe it was all out of sympathy. 

I managed to shove my skeptical thoughts aside before I reached Michael's office. Without needing to knock, I pushed the door in and entered. 

"You asked for me?" I inquired even though I had clearly gotten his text. 

"Sylvie," he began, leaning back in his leather chair, "we have an upcoming business trip that concerns the project. A new partnership with Zenith Corp. in three days. It's a crucial deal for the company."

I nodded attentively, my mind already trying to process the activities that we might encounter during the trip. If I got invited, it wouldn't be my first time. I'd gone on countless business trips as Antonio's secretary and they were always a whirlwind of meetings, negotiations, and restlessness

"I've been thinking," Michael continued, a thoughtful expression on his face, "it would be beneficial to have you there. Your assistance would be crucial, and having you by my side would undoubtedly make work a lot easier for me."

A flicker of surprise crossed my face. Me? Going on a business trip with Michael Black? I wasn't expecting that. I managed to stammer out, "I appreciate the consideration." I lowered my head in appreciation before raising it to meet his smile.

"Antonio will likely be joining us as well. I understand if it's not something you're comfortable with or if you have prior commitments. Your role here is crucial, and I don't want to pressure you into it."

The mention of Antonio had me reconsidering my earlier excitement, but I figured I might just ignore him throughout the entire trip. Our latest encounter further solidified the fact that he hated me, and somehow it hurt to hear him call me those words. I'd stayed dedicated to him for six whole months after our breakup, and somehow he believes that I was the kind of lady who jumps from man to another. 

I chose not to think about it. I had promised myself to never let Antonio get the better of me, and I fully intend to honour that promise. 

After a brief pause, I finally answered, "It's no problem, I'd be delighted to join on the trip."

A genuine smile spread across his face, and he seemed genuinely pleased with my response. "Thank you Sylvie. The trip is in three days, and don't worry about expenses; the company will cover everything. We'll have a pre-trip meeting tomorrow to go over the details." 

Things were moving fast, so fast that I was beginning to lose track of how it all came to this. But it didn't matter because I was enjoying it, and I planned to savour it as long as it lasts. 

 I turned to leave, but Michael pulled me back. I'd been so engrossed in my thoughts that I failed to realise that he had stood up from his chair and was merely inches away from me. 

"Where are you going? I haven't dismissed you yet, have I?" He asked as he leaned in closer. His warmth wrapped washed through my body, and I felt my body quiver in response. 

"No." I stammered as I struggled to control my breath. This was the closest we've ever been, and I couldn't help staring at his rosy lips as they inched closer to mine. 

"Do you want a taste?" He asked and I gulped, unsure of the answer to give. Just when he was millimetres away from my lips, Michael pulled away and flashed me a bright smile. "You may leave now." 

It took me five whole seconds to regain myself, and when I did, I immediately scurried out of the office. The tension had been so high that I got momentarily stunned. I had more than a thousand fantasies in that short moment, and they were all replaying in my head as I walked back to my office. Why didn't he just do it?! I asked myself in frustration. I might have not given him an oral answer, but it was clear that my whole body wanted his.